San Miguel Island is located off the eastern coast of Albay in the Lagonoy Gulf. It is part of Albay’s chain of islands that include Cagraray, Batan and Rapu-rapu. San Miguel Island is home to an island marine reserve established by Coastal Resource Management Project in San Miguel Island (COREMAP-SMI).

DARAGA, Albay—The government is speeding up the acquisition of 200 hectares of land in Barangay Alobo, to build the P3.4-billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town, Mayor Cicero Tiumfante said Friday. He said officials had consulted 216 landowners to be affected by the airport’s construction in Alobo village, and he was optimistic they would agree to sell.

When in Bicol, one should never miss shopping for abaca products – the region’s signature product. And when it comes to abaca-based products, Gallerias de Legaspi is one of the best sources. Gallerias De Legaspi specializes in handmade Abaca Handicrafts, mostly stylish bags. It is a factory outlet of a well-known exporter to such names as Esprit and Nine West. Each bag takes up to 48 hours to make by hand.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced on Monday (April 20) that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is expected to resume train travel between Manila and Bicol region before the end of the year. The President said she was informed by PNR General Manager Manuel Andal that the rehabilitation of the Manila-Bicol-PNR line would be completed before the end of 2009 paving the resumption of the train service between the two points.

The War of Our Fathers Exhibit is a meaningful tribute dedicated to World War II veterans. Located at the Albay Capitol Lobby, the exhibit features a rich collection of images, documents, artifacts and memorabilia from the horrific period in our country’s history.

The province of Albay offers a wide range of terrain perfect for extreme mountain biking. Whether you are looking for rough, steep and rocky terrain or tracks winding through rain forests, streams and fields – the intrepid mountain biker can find it in Albay

Albay Governor Joey Salceda announced Wednesday that the province is adopting the Australian model on Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) starting school year 2009-2010 with an initial fund of P16 million. Under this program, those who enroll in Bicol University main campus and Albay-based private colleges can apply with the Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL) for a loan of P5,000 per semester for every semester for the entire course.

Sorsogon’s Butanding exhibit, which won the grand prix for best booth at the 2008 19th Philippine TravelMart is one of the major displays at the Magayon Festival of Albay. In a letter to Governor Sally A. Lee, Governor Joey Salceda of Albay invited the province of Sorsogon to take part in the festival “by way of showcasing the very impressive exhibit of Sorsogon which won during the Philippine TravelMart presented at the Gayon Bikol Fiesta.” It will be displayed at the Albay Provincial Lobby.

The Bicol Region, particularly the Province of Albay, is rich in spectacular vistas and wondrous panoramas that are a delight for every photographer. From the postcard-perfect beauty of Mayon to the yet to be discovered destinations within the province, Albay offers an abundance of lovely photographic subjects. This April 17-20, 2009, amateur and professional photographers will get the chance to hone their photography skills while capturing some of Albay’s best views in the Bicol Destination Photography Workshop with Wig Tysmans – one of the country’s most sought-after corporate, fashion and advertising photographers.

Every Good Friday, the Catholic citizens of Legazpi gather to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ by witnessing and joining the annual procession. Beautiful ‘carrozas’ carrying various Saints as well as scenes from Christ’s passion and death are decorated with hundreds of flowers and lights and solemnly paraded through the streets of the city. The faithful, with candles and rosaries in hand, follow the ‘carrozas’ as it meanders through the city.