Catanduanes

Catanduanes, officially known as the Province of Catanduanes (Filipino: Lalawigan ng Catanduanes), is an island province situated in the Bicol Region of Luzon, Philippines. It is the 12th-largest island in the country and is located to the east of Camarines Sur, separated by the Maqueda Channel. The capital city of Catanduanes is Virac. As of the 2020 census, the province had a population of 271,879 people.

The province comprises Catanduanes (mainland or main island), Panay Island, Lete Island, the Palumbanes group of islands (Porongpong, Tignob, and Calabagio), along with several other small surrounding islets and rocks. Catanduanes is known for its various mollusk fossil sites, including the second-oldest ammonite site in the Philippines. Some of these sites have ammonite species that are not found anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Due to the province’s geological significance and rich history, several scholars have proposed that if Catanduanes were to submit its nomination, it might be declared a UNESCO Geopark Reserve.

Demographics

According to the 2015 Census data for Catanduanes, here’s a summary of the demographic information you provided:

1. Age Groups and Populations:
   • The age group with the highest population in Catanduanes was individuals aged 10 to 14, with a total of 31,721 individuals.
   • The age group with the lowest population was those aged 80 and over, which included 3,240 individuals.
2. Age Group Aggregates:
   • When grouping age categories:
     • Those aged 14 and below, including infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, constituted approximately 35.65% of the total population, amounting to 93,021 individuals.
     • The age group of 15 to 64, representing the economically active population and potential workforce, made up a significant 58.07% of the population, totaling 151,543 individuals.
     • The old dependent population, consisting of senior citizens aged 65 and over, accounted for 6.28% of the total population, equivalent to 16,400 individuals.
3. Age Dependency Ratios:
   • The calculated Age Dependency Ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups:
     • For every 100 individuals in the working age population, there were 61 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) and 11 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over).
     • In total, there were 72 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population.
4. Median Age:
   • The median age of Catanduanes in 2015 was 22 years. This statistic indicates that half of the population was younger than 22, while the other half was older than 22. It provides an essential measure of the age distribution within the province.

These statistics offer a comprehensive overview of the age distribution and dependency ratios in Catanduanes as of 2015. Please note that demographic data can change over time due to various factors, such as birth rates, migration, and aging populations, so more recent data may reveal different patterns.

Economy

Tourism
Catanduanes is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. The province’s pristine landscapes include unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and captivating waterfalls.

Puraran Beach, known as “The Majestic,” is famous among surfers for its powerful waves. Adventurous souls can explore the province’s rugged terrains, embark on cave explorations, or take in the panoramic views from Bato Church Ruins.

Catanduanes also boasts a rich history, with historical sites like the Catanduanes Capitol Building and the Binurong Point Lighthouse providing insights into the province’s past. Visitors can also savor local delicacies that showcase the region’s culinary traditions.