- Founded in 1590, Baao is one of the oldest municipalities in the Province of Camarines Sur
- Baao is the birthplace of the First Filipino Bishop, Msgr. Jorge Barlin
| FACTS | DATA / DESCRIPTION | SOURCE |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Region V – Bicol Region | NSO/PSA / CBMS |
| Province | Camarines Sur | DILG / PSA |
| Municipal Classification | 1st Class Component Municipality | BLGF |
| Number of Barangays | 30 barangays (13 Rural, 17 Urban) | PSA/CBMS |
| Total Land Area | 11,142.546 ha/ 111.425 sq km (GIS Spatial Data) | CLUP, LGU Data |
| Total Population | 61,357 persons (Official PSA Count) | PSA |
| Total Households | 14,093 households | CBMS 2024 |
| Average Household Size | 4.26 members per household | CBMS 2024 |
| Population Growth Rate | –0.80% per annum (2022–2024) | CBMS |
| Population Density | 538.8 persons per sq. km. (5.39 persons/ ha.) | CBMS |
| Dependency Ratio | 57.9% (~58 dependents per 100 working-age) | CBMS 2024 |
| Sex Ratio | 30,357 Male / 29,679 Female | CBMS 2024 |
| Annual Income (2025) | Php 290,290,843.33 | MTO, BLGF, MBO |
| Major Economic Activities | Agriculture, Retail and Trade, Manufacturing, Service Delivery | LGU Data |
| Road Network Length | 182.637 km | GIS Analysis |
| Electrification Rate | 93.7% of households served | CBMS 2024 |
| Internet Access | 78.2% of households (11,023 of 14,093) | CBMS 2024 |
| Potable Water Access | 8,492 HH/ 51.91% (Level III) | CBMS 2024 |
| Hazard Exposure Profile | Typhoon: High, Flooding: Low to Very High, Rain-Induced Landslide: Low to Very High (Upland Areas), Earthquake: Moderate, Liquefaction: Prone | GIS / MDRRMO / MGB |
ORIGINS
Baao, known for its rich rice and coconut fields, vibrant arts, and remarkable people, holds a significant place in the history of Catholicism in Camarines Sur. While much of its early history, including its pre-Spanish roots, has been lost to legend, what remains has been shaped by colonial narratives. Early records, written in ancient Malay scripts, were destroyed by missionaries who sees them as pagan. Consequently, the documented history of Baao, preserved by Spanish friars, officials, travelers, and local writers, forms the foundation of the municipality’s past origins.
According to tradition, Baao derives its name from its original settlement site, described as turtle-shaped, covering the areas of Binabaloy, Binanuaanan, and Layoan. The abundance of turtles during seasonal floods led Spanish settlers to name the area “Baao,” derived from the word “bao,” meaning turtle. At that time, Baao was part of the larger municipality of Bula. Baao became politically independent in the 17th century and ecclesiastically independent in the early 18th century being recognized as a separate pueblo.
Frequent flooding prompted residents to relocate to higher ground, where the Bay and Langday streams converge before flowing into Baao Lake. In this new location, remnants of the past were occasionally unearthed, including human remains and fragments of ancient Chinese porcelain from the Yuan or Ming dynasties, reflecting long-standing trade and cultural connections with the locals.
Records from the late 18th century suggest Baao was a small settlement, with baptismal records from 1787 to 1800 showing an average of 110 births annually, and 55 deaths per year. Marriages were few, averaging no more than eight per year. Father José Castaño, a Spanish friar and parish priest in the late 19th century, was known for his progressive and inclusive approach, earning the admiration of the residents during a period of colonial oppression. Baao’s resilient community, shaped by its geography and history, remains a testament to the strength and resourcefulness of its people.
THE NAME “BAAO”
There are three prominent theories about the origin of Baao’s name, each reflecting the town’s unique character and history. The most lighthearted of these stems from playful local banter, suggesting that the name “Baao” evolved from “bahaw,” a term for leftover rice. It humorously references the locals’ supposed fondness for eating reheated rice from previous meals. A second, more legendary account tells of a Spaniard arriving in a lakeside fishing village during the colonial era. Curious about the local fauna, he asked a resident what the turtles, abundant in the area, were called. The local responded, “Ba-o-o,” the word for turtle. From then on, the Spaniards referred to the village as “Bao,” which later evolved into “Baao.” The most credible explanation is tied to the town’s geography. The early settlement in Sitio Binanuaanan, on the southern bank of Lake Baao, was shaped like the concave shell of a turtle. These early settlements may have been generically known in the local dialect as ka-baoo-wan which means, “The Turtles’ Haven” in English language. This natural feature, combined with the local abundance of turtles, likely gave rise to the name “Baao.” Historical references to “Bao” or “Baao” can be found in key documents from the Spanish colonial period. Notably, Fray Gaspar de San Agustin’s 1698 account identifies Baao as one of the three villages that resisted the Spanish colonizers’ entry into the Bicol region in 1576. Additionally, Baao is mentioned in *The Philippine Islands: 1493-1803*, a 52-volume historical series compiled by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUNICIPALITY
Baao’s history as a township is closely tied to its religious heritage. It began as a barrio of Bula, but in 1590, Baao was established as an independent parish under the patronage of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. This event marked the official beginning of Baao’s journey as a separate ,and independent town. The town’s early settlements shifted several times due to the challenges of flooding and unstable land. Initially, the people of Baao settled along the banks of the Bicol River in Sitio Layuan. However, as the area proved unsuitable for long-term habitation, they moved further south to Sitio Langday and Sitio Binabaloy. Despite these relocations, it wasn’t until later that the town settled in its present-day location, where it found more stable ground and established its permanent población. Baao is one of the few places in the Philippines that has remained deeply committed to its faith over the centuries. This enduring devotion made it a nurturing ground for notable religious figures, including Msgr. Jorge I. Barlin, who became as the first Filipino bishop in the Catholic Church. Born on April 23, 1850, in Baao, Msgr. Barlin rose to prominence as a symbol of Filipino leadership within the Church, especially when Spanish clergy dominated such roles. His legacy continues to inspire many, alongside the numerous priests and religious leaders that Baao has produced throughout its history.
EARLY PEOPLE
The pre-Hispanic people of Baao consisted of two ethno-linguistic groups: the Agtas and the Indo-Malays. The Agtas, also known as Itom or Tabangnon, were of Negroid descent and the first inhabitants of Baao’s hinterlands. Semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, they relied on the rich natural resources of the western hills. The second group, the Indo-Malays, were more sedentary, with a riverine and agrarian culture. These sea-faring people likely traveled inland via the Bicol River, establishing settlements along its banks, attracted by fertile land for agriculture. Most modern-day Baaoeños trace their lineage to these Indo-Malay settlers. Archaeological evidence and oral history suggest that Baao’s early inhabitants were part of a local and foreign trade network. The Agtas bartered forest products like honey and rattan with the lowlanders for rice, salt, and goods. Shards of Chinese porcelain from the 14th to 18th centuries found in Sitio Binanuaanan indicate contact with foreign traders before the Spanish arrival. This blend of native Agtas and Indo-Malay settlers, engaged in local and international trade, paints Baao as a thriving, resource-rich community long before the colonial era.
EARLY INDUSTRIES
Baao’s traditional industries have long been rooted in agriculture and craftsmanship, with hemp, rice, fishing, lumbering, and weaving as the mainstays of the local economy. Historically, weaving was especially significant—Baao’s cloth which is renowned throughout the province. However, over time, the prominence of Baao’s weaving industry has declined due to competition from larger towns and the influx of foreign textiles like cotton, wool, and silk. The decline was gradual but became more apparent in the face of these imports. Interestingly, during the Japanese occupation, the weaving industry experienced a brief revival, benefiting from the temporary disruption of international trade. In contrast, the production of copra (dried coconut meat) and hemp grew in importance, evolving from minor activities to Baao’s leading industries. This shift was largely driven by the demand in the American free market, which gave these industries a significant boost. Abaca and Copra were Baao’s primary cash crops, representing the town’s economic shift from its traditional industries. Despite these changes, Baao’s historical connection to agriculture and craftsmanship continues to shape its economic identity.
TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
The Municipality of Baao is strategically situated in the central part of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Geographically, it lies between 123° 17’ 30” to 123° 26’ 30” east longitude and 13° 25’ 30” to 13° 33’ 00” north latitude on the island of Luzon. This location places Baao at the heart of the Bicol Region, contributing to its accessibility and relevance in provincial and regional dynamics. The municipality shares its boundaries with Pili, the provincial capital, and Ocampo to the north; Iriga City to the east; Bula to the west; and Nabua to the south. Baao is one of the 35 component municipalities of Camarines Sur Province along with Balatan, Bato, Bombon, Buhi, Bula, Cabusao, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Del Gallego, Gainza, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Nabua, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, Presentacion, Ragay, Sagñay, San Fernando, San Jose, Sipocot, Siruma, Tigaon, and Tinambac.The nearest towns include Nabua, which is 5.15 kilometers (3.20 miles) to the south-southeast, and Bula, located 9.47 kilometers (5.89 miles) to the west-northwest. Bato lies 10.85 kilometers (6.74 miles) to the south, while Ocampo is 11.75 kilometers (7.30 miles) to the north-northeast. Pili can be found 14.89 kilometers (9.26 miles) to the northwest, and Buhi is located 16.45 kilometers (10.22 miles) to the east-southeast. In terms of nearby cities, Iriga is the closest, situated 6.16 kilometers (3.83 miles) southeast of Baao. Naga is 27.12 kilometers (16.85 miles) to the northwest, while Ligao is 29.95 kilometers (18.61 miles) southeast. Tabaco, located 40.77 kilometers (25.33 miles) to the east-southeast, and Legazpi, 52.97 kilometers (32.91 miles) southeast, are also in proximity. The farthest city from Baao in this group is Sorsogon City, situated 87.49 kilometers (54.36 miles) to the southeast.Additionally, Baao is approximately 286.80 kilometers (178.21 miles) away from Manila, the national capital.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Baao is composed of 30 barangays, which serve as the smallest political units within its jurisdiction. These barangays are categorized into urban and rural areas based on their classification and population density. Of the 30 barangays, 17 are classified as urban, reflecting their higher population concentrations and relatively advanced infrastructure. These urban barangays include Agdangan, Bagumbayan, Buluang, Del Rosario, La Medalla, Sagrada, Salvacion, San Francisco, San Isidro, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, San Ramon, San Roque, San Vicente, Sta. Cruz, and Sta. Teresita. The remaining 13 barangays are designated as rural, characterized by more dispersed populations and primarily agricultural land use. These rural barangays are Antipolo, Caranday, Cristo Rey, Del Pilar, Iyagan, Lourdes, Nababarera, Pugay, San Rafael, Sta. Eulalia, Sta. Isabel, Sta. Teresa, and Tapol. This division between urban and rural barangays highlights the diverse landscape of Baao, encompassing a mix of densely populated areas and expansive agricultural lands.
TOPOGRAPHY
Baao, located in the province of Camarines Sur, is a municipality characterized by a diverse and dynamic topography that plays a crucial role in shaping its environmental, economic, and developmental landscape. From the rugged, mountainous regions in the north to the gentle, flat plains in the south, Baao’s varied relief offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants. The northern elevations provide fertile grounds for specific agricultural practices, while the southern lowlands are more suited to urbanization and large-scale farming.
The topographic relief of Baao is characterized by a gradual change in elevation from the northern mountainous areas to the flatlands in the In the northern part of Baao, the land rises steeply, with moderate to steep slopes found throughout the area. The highest elevation in the municipality reaches approximately 474.224 meters above sea level. This mountainous terrain, which is part of the broader range of elevated hills in the region, is primarily composed of hilly and rugged landscapes. These areas are typically forested and used for agricultural activities that require more challenging terrains, such as coconut plantations or other crops suited for sloping areas. Due to the steepness of the land, the northern part of Baao faces challenges like soil erosion and landslides, especially during rainy seasons. As one moves towards the central and southern portions of Baao, the land gradually becomes flatter and less elevated, providing gentler slopes that range from 0% to 3%. These lowland areas are primarily composed of agricultural lands where crops like rice, coconut, and other agricultural products thrive. The relatively smooth terrain in the south of Baao facilitates easier construction for urban development, including residential areas, roads, and other infrastructure.
DRAINAGE PATTERNS AND SURFACE DRAINAGE
The river channels in Baao follow a combination of dendritic and trellis drainage patterns, which reflect the area’s geological structure. These streams converge into Lake Baao, a shallow freshwater lake located in the western part of the municipality. Lake Baao is primarily replenished by local runoff and several small rivers, including the Tabao River, which flows from Lake Buhi. During the summer months, the lake’s surface area decreases significantly, shrinking to about 60 hectares, or roughly one-third of its original size. Water from Lake Baao eventually drains westward into the Bicol River, continuing the flow of water through the region.
WATERSHED AND WATERWAYS
Baao has a well-defined watershed with significant rivers and creeks. The main rivers in the area include the Pawili, Waras, and Bicol Rivers. Pawili River runs east to west along the municipal boundary, with its headwaters and tributaries originating from the uplands of Baao and Mt. Isarog. Waras River separates Baao from Iriga City to the east and flows southward, carrying water from Mt. Asog into low-lying areas. The Bicol River drains the southern part of Baao, flowing northward into San Miguel Bay.These rivers feed into the larger watershed system, shaping the region’s hydrological and ecological characteristics.
The Agdangan Sub-watershed spans 1,059.24 hectares and includes the barangays of Agdangan, Lourdes, and Caranday. The Pawili Sub-watershed covers 1,946.13 hectares and consists of the barangays San Rafael, Sta. Isabel, Iyagan, and Cristo Rey. The Tapol Sub-watershed is 721.80 hectares in size. The Pugay Sub-watershed, which spans 2,008.23 hectares, includes barangays Del Pilar, Pugay, Antipolo, Salvacion, Bagumbayan, San Juan, and Sagrada. The Binanuanan Sub-watershed, covering 2,301.31 hectares, comprises the barangays Sta. Teresita, Agdangan, San Isidro, Buluang, La Medalla, Salvacion, Antipolo, San Vicente, Del Rosario, Sta. Cruz, San Ramon, San Jose, and San Nicolas. Lastly, the San Francisco Sub-watershed, which is the largest at 2,610.39 hectares, includes the barangays Sta. Eulalia and San Francisco, where Lake Baao is situated. These sub-watersheds are fed by tributaries from upland barangays, such as Igamut, Waras, and Pawili. During the rainy season, the water flow from these tributaries increases significantly, especially as water from nearby municipalities in the Rinconada area feeds into the streams and rivers, contributing to high volumes of water flow in the region. Overall, Baao’s drainage system and watershed network are crucial to managing water resources, particularly during rainy seasons, when substantial runoff and tributary flows contribute to the water dynamics in the municipality.
VEGETATIVE COVER
Baao is characterized by a mix of natural forests and agricultural land. As of 2010, the municipality had 2.87 kha of natural forest, which covered 47% of its land area. Over time, however, agricultural expansion has led to a significant change in vegetative cover. By 2023, Baao lost less than 1 hectare of natural forest, which contributed to 789 tons of CO₂ emissions. The conversion of forest areas into agricultural land is primarily due to the growing needs of local communities. Upland farmers have cultivated crops like corn, rice, and coconut in these areas, as these crops have shorter harvesting times and provide for the community’s daily needs. In 2010, the annual crop area in Baao was 2,427.22 hectares, highlighting the extent of agricultural land use in the municipality.
SOIL
The Municipality of Baao features a diverse landscape of soils influenced by its geological formations and land use practices. The area is underlain by three major geological formations: the Bicol Volcanic Arc Complex, the Pawili Formation, and Quaternary Alluvium, which shape the soil characteristics in the region. There are four primary soil series identified in Baao: Libon Series, Tagulod Series, Mauraro Series, and Tigaon Series.
The Libon Series is found in decantation basins and overflow areas of the broad alluvial plain, characterized by deep to very deep, poorly drained clayey soils. These soils are highly fertile and support agricultural activities like paddy rice, corn, and vegetable farming. The Tagulod Series, which occurs in inland valleys, consists of deep, poorly drained clayey soils and is used for agricultural purposes like rice farming. The Mauraro Series is found in undulating to steep footslopes and mountains, with deep, well-drained sandy clay loam to light clay soils. It has moderate to high fertility and is used for crops like corn, rice, and coconut. The Tigaon Series is found on rolling to steep hills, with moderately deep, well-drained clayey soils, supporting crops like corn, upland rice, sugarcane, and coconut. Baao’s soils are also categorized into Land Management Units (LMUs), which are defined by their physical, ecological, and socio-economic factors. These include the Broad Alluvial Plain (LMU 09), primarily used for agricultural activities like rice and corn farming; the Inland/Stream Valley (LMU 17), which also supports rice cultivation; and the Volcanic Plain (LMU 25), with fertile soil used for agriculture. The municipality also has Low Pyroclastic Hills (LMU 78-N, 78-O2) and Low Andesitic Hills (LMU 82-O2), both of which are agricultural zones with varying levels of erosion. In the higher elevations, the High Pyroclastic Hills (LMU 114-P3, 114-Q3) and High Andesitic Hills (LMU 116 P3) are used for coconut farming, despite having steeper slopes and erosion. Baao’s soils are distributed across three pedo-ecological zones: the warm-lowland zone, which covers 41.64% of the municipality; the warm-upland zone, which occupies 21.41%; and the warm-cool hilly lands zone, which makes up 32.87%. Additionally, miscellaneous land types, such as built-up areas, rivers, and inland lakes, cover 4.09% of the total area.
HYDROGEOLOGICAL FEATURES
The hydrogeological features of Baao, Camarines Sur, as outlined in the Baao Preliminary Report of the MGB Groundwater Resource Assessment, include two distinct groundwater systems: a shallow unconfined aquifer and a deeper confined aquifer. The shallow aquifer is hosted by Quaternary Alluvium, primarily composed of sand and gravel. This aquifer is accessed through 15 depression-type springs and 34 wells, ranging in depth from 1.6 to 100 meters, with water levels between 0.5 and 42.1 meters below the surface. Springs in this aquifer have discharge rates varying from 0.04 liters per second in Brgy. Antipolo to 2 liters per second in Brgy. La Medalla. Most wells in this system are hand pumps, except for the drilled wells operated by the Baao Water District. The deeper confined aquifer is located within fractured andesite, agglomerates, and pyroclastic deposits from the Bicol Volcanic Arc Complex. It is tapped by 15 artesian and deep wells, ranging in depth from 24.4 to 219.5 meters, with water levels varying between 1 meter above ground and 32.3 meters below the surface. Groundwater typically flows from areas of higher to lower hydraulic heads, moving locally south to southwest toward Lake Baao and northeast in Brgy. Iyagan, and regionally in a northwest direction along the Bicol River Basin. Stratigraphically, Baao is underlain by three geological formations: the Bicol Volcanic Arc Complex, the Pawili Formation, and Quaternary Alluvium. These include volcanic materials from Mt. Asog and Mt. Isarog, Late Pleistocene-aged domal structures, and deposits of clay, silt, sand, and gravel-sized andesitic-basaltic rocks. The municipality’s river channels, including the Pawili, Waras, and Bicol Rivers, exhibit dendritic to trellis drainage patterns and feed Lake Baao. This shallow lake, supplied by streams and runoff, serves as a vital water source for agriculture and provides livelihood opportunities for the local community
CLIMATE
Baao is classified under the Type IV Modified Coronas Classification, characterized by evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. During the dry season, temperatures can rise to 38°C, causing creeks and rivers to dry up. Conversely, during the rainy season, creeks, rivers, and lakes swell, often flooding rice fields in lowland areas, including the town proper. Winds in the region generally flow east to west from December to February, south to west from March to August, and northwest from September to November. However, over the years, significant changes have been observed, with stakeholders noting the absence of a distinct dry or wet season. Extreme weather conditions have also become more frequent in recent years. The nearest PAGASA synoptic station, located in Legazpi City, Albay, approximately 60 km southeast of Baao, provides climatological data. Based on rainfall data from 1991 to 2020, Baao experiences a mean annual rainfall of about 3,593.1 mm. The lowest rainfall occurs in April, averaging 152 mm, while rainfall increases significantly from August through December, with December being the wettest month, recording 642 mm. Temperature ranges from a low of 23.3°C in January and February to a high of 32.5°C in May, with a mean monthly temperature varying between 26.1°C and 29.0°C. Relative humidity fluctuates between 82% in April and May to 87% in December, with an annual mean relative humidity of 84%.
POPULATION LEVELS AND DISTRIBUTION
The 2024 CBMS enumerated a total household population of 60,036 across Baao’s 30 barangays — covering 97.8% of the PSA’s officially declared population of 61,357, with 11 of 30 barangays achieving 100% coverage. This figure represents a continuing decline from the municipality’s recorded peak of 61,493 in the 2020 Census and the 61,008 counted in 2022, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of –0.80% over the 2022–2024 period. Over the long run, however, the municipality has grown substantially — from 39,022 in 1990, an increase of 53.8% over 34 years. Growth was fastest between 1995 and 2000 (CAGR of 2.46%) and has progressively moderated, turning negative beginning in 2022 — a pattern likely linked to post-pandemic out-migration reversing the temporary population spike caused by COVID-19 returnees.
At the barangay level, population is highly concentrated: Buluang (7,185), San Vicente (5,322), San Isidro (4,991), Sagrada (4,668), and Agdangan (4,021) together account for 43% of the total, while the five least populous barangays — Cristo Rey (232), Sta. Teresa (250), Nababarera (274), San Rafael (341), and Lourdes (345) — collectively hold just 2%. Several barangays continue to grow post-pandemic, notably San Vicente and San Isidro, while barangays such as Lourdes (–44.0%) and Cristo Rey (–42.3%) have experienced long-run population decline, likely reflecting sustained out-migration and limited economic opportunity.
Of Baao’s 30 barangays, 17 are classified urban and 13 rural. Urban barangays account for 85.9% of the total population (51,548 persons) and 85.2% of all households (12,002 of 14,093). The overall average household size is 4.26 persons, slightly higher in urban areas (4.29) than rural (4.06). Del Pilar records the highest average household size at 4.68 persons, while Nababarera (3.51), Sta. Isabel (3.65), and Sta. Teresa (3.68) have the smallest.
Based on the 2024 CBMS, Baao’s population follows a broadly youthful but maturing structure. The youth cohort (0–14 years) stands at 17,964 persons, or 29.9% of the total. The working-age population (15–64 years) is the largest group at 38,020 persons (63.3%), while senior citizens (65 years and above) number 4,052 (6.7%). The dependency ratio of 57.9% means approximately 58 dependents for every 100 working-age residents. Notably, the CBMS counted 6,010 senior citizens and 1,342 solo parents municipally — groups requiring targeted social protection programs.
Baao is predominantly Non-IP (Indigenous Peoples), with 57,762 persons (96.21%) classified as non-indigenous. The IP population numbers 2,185 persons (3.64%), predominantly from the Agta-Tabangnon/Tabangnon group. This IP population is highly localized in rural and upland barangays — with the largest concentrations in Sta. Isabel (341), Antipolo (350), Caranday (281), Iyagan (197), and San Rafael (207). A small foreign national presence of 21 persons (0.03%) was also recorded, with 68 respondents indicating they did not know their ethnicity.
Rinconada Bikol is the dominant local language, spoken across the municipality’s barangays. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, with 56,354 persons (93.87%) recorded as Roman Catholic out of 65 recognized religious groups — consistent with Baao’s historical identity as a “cradle of faith” in Camarines Sur. The remaining population affiliates with other Christian denominations, Islam, and indigenous spiritual practices, particularly among IP communities.
Of the 48,065 residents who responded to the education module (80% of total), the most common highest educational attainment is Primary Education. The CBMS records significant gender variation at higher levels: Junior High School is the most commonly completed level overall (9,433 males vs. 7,228 females partially completed), while College Level education shows a notable female advantage (7,204 females vs. 5,281 males). Masteral and Doctoral completions are low across both sexes, reflecting limited access to graduate-level education. A total of 16,538 individuals were enrolled at the time of the survey (80% of the school-age population), with the 10–14 age group recording the peak attendance and a near-equal split between male (10,932) and female (10,703) attendees.
The CBMS 2024 data identifies 2,043 Persons with Disability (PWD) across the municipality (3.4% of the total population), concentrated in urban barangays. Food insecurity remains a pressing concern: 5,020 households reported the highest-concern food security experiences, with 962 households reporting having gone without food in the past 12 months and a total of 17,993 food insecurity experiences recorded across all categories. These figures point to overlapping vulnerabilities among low-income households that cut across health, nutrition, and economic dimensions.
- Founded in 1590, Baao is one of the oldest municipalities in the Province of Camarines Sur
- Baao is the birthplace of the First Filipino Bishop, Msgr. Jorge Barlin
ORIGINS
Baao, known for its rich rice and coconut fields, vibrant arts, and remarkable people, holds a significant place in the history of Catholicism in Camarines Sur. While much of its early history, including its pre-Spanish roots, has been lost to legend, what remains has been shaped by colonial narratives. Early records, written in ancient Malay scripts, were destroyed by missionaries who sees them as pagan. Consequently, the documented history of Baao, preserved by Spanish friars, officials, travelers, and local writers, forms the foundation of the municipality’s past origins.
