• Baao is the Birthplace of the First Filipino Bishop, Jorge I. Barlin
• The Municipality was once tagged as the “Egg Basket of the Bicol Region”
• Hometown of Poet Luis Dato
• •Densest Barangay (San Nicolas, Del Rosario, San Roque) as of 2022
• •Least Densely Populated Barangays (San Rafael, Sta. Isabel., Tapol) as of 2022

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.

The town’s spiritual strength and resilience, embodied by figures like Msgr. Barlin, has shaped its unique place in Philippine history. Baao’s unwavering devotion to its faith has been a cornerstone of its identity and continues to define the character of its people.

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.

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.

MISSION

To create sustainable local community with favorable atmosphere for economic opportunities, people empowerment, and good governance.

VISION

Baao: The Premier Eco-Tourism Destination and Agri-Industrial Center of Bicol

Baao is a municipality of protected and empowered people living in a balanced and sustainable environment supported by progressive and vibrant economy with resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure which propelled it to be a premier Eco-Tourism destination and Agri-Industrial center of Bicol governed by accountable and gender sensitive leaders.

• Agdangan
• Antipolo
• Bagumbayan
• Caranday
• Cristo Rey
• Del Pilar
• Del Rosario
• Iyagan
• La Medalla
• Lourdes
• Nababarera
• Sagrada
• Salvacion
• Buluang
• San Francisco
• San Isidro
• San Jose
• San Juan
• San Nicolas
• San Rafael
• Pugay
• San Ramon
• San Roque
• San Vicente
• Sta. Cruz
• Sta. Eulalia
• Sta. Isabel
• Sta. Teresa
• Sta. Teresita
• Tapol

OVERVIEW

The Municipality of Baao’s effective land area of 11,131.66 hectares is spread into thirty (30) barangays. As of 2020, the Municipality of Baao is the 12th most populous municipality out of the 38 component cities/ municipalities of Camarines Sur. The extent of household size and the magnitude of the population entail greater implications in terms of access to basic social services and economic opportunities.

The population distribution across Baao’s 30 barangays shows significant variation between 2020 and 2022. Buluang, with 8,158 residents in 2022, remains the most populous barangay, accounting for 13% of the total population in the 2020 census. Sagrada follows with a stable population of 4,440 residents, showing little change over the two years, while Salvacion experienced notable growth, increasing from 3,225 residents in 2020 to 4,300 in 2022.

In contrast, several barangays saw smaller or declining populations. Cristo Rey had the least number of residents, with just 254 in 2022. Sta. Teresa faced a population decrease, dropping from 308 residents in 2020 to 203 in 2022. San Rafael maintained a small and stable population of 282 residents in 2022.

The gross population density of the Municipality of Baao in 2015 was about 552 persons per square kilometer. With a total land area of approximately 111.32 square kilometers, the population density of Baao in 2020 was at 558 persons per square kilometer. This represents an increase of 6 persons per square kilometer from the population density of 516 persons per square kilometer in 2010. However, there is a slight decrease of 66 persons per square kilometers in the urban areas from the previous record of 915 persons per square kilometer. Now, Baao has with 849 persons per square kilometer and an increase of 36 persons per square kilometer in the rural areas recorded at 248 persons per square kilometers. 

The population density across Baao’s barangays has changed between 2020 and 2022, with notable shifts in both densely populated and sparsely populated areas. The densest barangay is San Nicolas (Pob.), with 23,475 people per square kilometer in 2022, covering only 0.0823 square kilometers. Other densely populated areas include Del Rosario (Pob.) with 12,859 people per square kilometer and San Roque (Pob.) with 15,287 people per square kilometer in 2022.

The least densely populated barangays are those with larger land areas and smaller populations. San Rafael recorded a density of 73 people per square kilometer in 2022, followed by Sta. Isabel with 100 people per square kilometer and Tapol with 103 people per square kilometer.

In the more densely populated barangays, San Nicolas (Pob.) saw a decrease in population density, from 24,702 people per square kilometer in 2020 to 23,475 people per square kilometer in 2022, reflecting a decline of 1,227 people per square kilometer or a 4.97% decrease. This change aligns with the overall population decline in the area. Del Rosario (Pob.) also experienced a decrease in density, dropping from 13,470 people per square kilometer in 2020 to 12,859 people per square kilometer in 2022, a reduction of 611 people per square kilometer or 4.54%. In contrast, Salvacion, a barangay that saw significant population growth, experienced a notable increase in density. Its population density rose from 997 people per square kilometer in 2020 to 1,329 people per square kilometer in 2022, a rise of 332 people per square kilometer or 33.3%.

The school-going population totals 28,605 individuals, with males representing 52% (14,738) and females 48% (13,867). This slight male predominance is consistent across all educational levels, with a sex ratio of 1.06. In pre-school (ages 3-6), males account for 52% (2,588) and females for 48% (2,433), maintaining the same sex ratio. The elementary (ages 7-12) and secondary (ages 13-18) age groups also show a male majority, with 52% males and 48% females, resulting in sex ratios of 1.08 for both groups. However, in tertiary education (ages 19-22), the sex ratio slightly balances, with 51% males (3,568) and 49% females (3,495), yielding a sex ratio of 1.02.

For the working-age population (ages 15-64), males comprise 51% (19,295) and females 49% (18,644), reflecting a sex ratio of 1.03, indicating a slightly higher male population in the workforce. The labor force, covering those aged 15 and over, totals 41,690 individuals, with males and females almost equally distributed, each making up about 50% of the labor force, resulting in a balanced sex ratio of 1.00. Similarly, the dependent population, which includes dependents under 15 and over 65, is also split evenly between males (50%) and females (50%), with a sex ratio of 1.00.

• Population Composition by School Age, Working Age,, Dependent-Age #Group and Sex, 2022

The younger population (ages 0-14) follows the trend of more males, with 52% male (10,002) and 48% female (9,316), leading to a sex ratio of 1.07. However, in the older population (ages 65 and over), the data shows a significant shift, with females comprising 59% (2,226) and males 41% (1,525), yielding a sex ratio of 0.69. This reflects the higher life expectancy of females compared to males, which is a common trend across populations. Overall, while males slightly outnumber females in most age groups, the female population surpasses the male population in older age groups, indicating the typical gender distribution trends found in aging populations.

OVERVIEW

Crop production is one of the fundamental economic activities and primary source of sustenance in the Municipality of Baao, characterizing its agricultural landscape and rural economy. The municipality’s farming sector engages in diverse cultivation practices, producing essential food crops through traditional and modern farming methods.

The Municipality of Baao boasts a diverse economic landscape, with various sectors contributing to its growth and development. Among the major economic activities in Baao, agriculture takes center stage. The fertile lands and favorable climate make it an ideal location for agricultural initiatives. Farmers engage in crop cultivation, livestock raising, and fishing, which form the backbone of the local economy. The municipality has witnessed the cultivation of crops such as rice, corn, coconut, banana, and various vegetables. These agricultural endeavors not only provide sustenance for the community but also contribute to the overall agricultural production of the region.

Agricultural Crop Production

Agricultural production serves as the economic backbone of the Municipality of Baao, with 6,303.925 has.  or about 56.63% of its land dedicated to farming activities. This agricultural dominance not only shapes the local economy but also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the municipality and surrounding towns. The farming sector provides essential livelihood opportunities for local farmers, supporting their families and contributing to rural development. Baao maintains its significance as a key food producer through crop production, helping stabilize local food supplies while generating income through agricultural trade.

Livestock and Poultry

With poultry raisers ranking among its highest taxpayers, livestock and poultry production stands as a vital economic pillar in the Municipality of Baao. This industry not only generates substantial revenue for local government but also ensures a steady supply of affordable protein sources for residents. The poultry sector creates diverse employment opportunities, from direct farm operations to related businesses in feed supply, processing, and distribution often extending to different municipalities in the region. This is the primary reason why Baao was once tagged as the “Egg Basket in the Bicol Region”.  This agricultural enterprise significantly contributes to food security while providing sustainable livelihoods for many households.  San Isidro hosts the largest layer operation with 325,500 birds, producing over 83 million in production value and generating approximately 415 million in market value. This single operation exceeds the combined production of all native chicken farms. Similarly, Bagumbayan’s broiler farm with 70,000 birds generates over 43 million in market value. Native chicken farming is widely distributed across nearly all barangays, with operations typically ranging from 100-1,800 birds per barangay. These smaller operations collectively involve over 1,700 tenant farmers, indicating their importance for local livelihoods despite their relatively modest economic impact compared to commercial operations. Production is balanced between meat and egg output in most barangays, with approximately 10% of native birds dedicated to egg production. Barangays Caranday, Buluang, and San Isidro lead in native chicken production with over 1,700 birds each, while San Ramon has the smallest operation with just 33 birds.

Rice cultivation spans 25 barangays, with San Francisco being the most productive area (52,783.60 mT valued at ₱68,621,800) despite utilizing only 138.3% of its 814.15 hectares, suggesting highly efficient farming practices. Buluang is another significant rice producer with 26,336.45 mT from 492.2 hectares.

Corn production is distributed across 15 barangays, with Lourdes having the highest cultivation area (225.5 hectares) and production (930.22 mT valued at ₱25,115,825). Notably, many corn-growing areas exceed 100% utilization rates, indicating intensive farming practices