The Port of Pasacao in Camarines Sur faces Ragay Gulf with the Bondoc Peninsula of Quezon province to the north and the Burias Island of Masbate to the south. It has a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era. During the late 16th century, Pasacao served as a vital port for the Bicol Region, facilitating trade and exploration. It became a strategic defense port against Moro pirate raids from 1585 to the 19th century. The origin of the town’s name is said to have been derived from the Spanish-Bikol phrase “Pasa ikaw,” shouted by dock guards to passengers during the early colonial days.
A Shipyard during the Galleon Times
The village of Dalupaon in Pasacao was once a shipyard for the 17th-century Spanish galleons, the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Angel de la Guardia. The place is situated on the rugged coast of the vast Ragay Gulf between Jamuraon Bay and Caima Bay. It is somewhere between Wagas and Bagulayo Points of Pasacao town.
Historian Raffi Banzuela writes in his book Bikol in the Galleon Times,
“In the 17th century, Pasacao itself, between what are now called Tanawan and Pasacao Points, was observed to be a difficult port for sailors, ‘It was not safe for ships. The anchorage was rather deep but small and dangerous. Its ebb tides were irregular, and sunken shoals lay close to the shores,’ Between Pasacao Point and Sibano Point now lies the Port of Pasacao. Pasacao was not spared by the Moro pirates such as those devastating attacks of 1757 and October 4, 1779.”
According to Banzuela, documents confirm that in Dalupaes, per Spanish reports, the present-day, Dalupaon, existed an astillero. It was set up during the governorship of Juan de Silva. In this astillero were constructed the galleons Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Angel de la Guardia which plied the Galleon Trade.
This historical fact has found its way into history lessons in the public elementary school of this fishing community, according to Joselito B. Villaflor, the village chair. He cited the remnants of a sawmill found near the shore as proof that a Spanish shipyard did exist in Dalupaon; an assertion backed by historical accounts kept in several repositories in Spain.
In his book, El Puerto y Astillero Real de Pasacao, Bicol historian Danilo Gerona confirmed the accounts from the Archive Franciscano Iberio-Oriental, Archivo General de Indias and The Museo Naval that both the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Angel de la Guardia were built in Dalupaon. The galleons were 100-120 feet in length of keel and had an overall length of about 140 ft.
Moreover, he wrote that the establishment of shipyards in Dalupaon and in other parts of Bicol, including Masbate, Sorsogon and Albay, was ordered by Spanish Governor Juan de Silva to cater to maritime commerce from 1610-1614. He noted,
“Dalupaon is easily accessible by boat where hardwood called hamurawon or molave grew in abundance. Surrounded by a chain of low-lying mountains, the shipyard was well-protected from the buffeting of powerful winds.”
Dalupaon was located in a strategic area where ships could easily be launched in any direction as it fronted the Bondoc peninsula of Quezon province and Burias Island of Masbate, Gerona said. He added the period of shipbuilding occurred when the Spaniards were establishing a foothold in the archipelago and the galleon trade was competitive as the Dutch were trying to wrestle conquered territories and control of the trade.
Another Bicol historian, Jose Calleja Reyes, said the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Angel de la Guardia shuttled between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico, and doubled as defense vessels against Dutch incursions in the sea lanes that culminated in the Naval Battle of Playa Honda, in Botolan, Zambales (1616-17). Sporadic battles at sea between the Spaniards and the Dutch for control of the galleon trade lasted for 80 years.
The Momentous Arrival of the Daughters of Charity
In Recuerdos De Mi Colegio, the commemorative book which historian Danilo M. Gerona wrote for Universidad de Sta. Isabel, he recounted the momentous arrival of the pioneering Daughters of Charity in Bicol via Pasacao,
“The contingent led by Bishop Gainza and the six Sisters arrived in Manila on April 2, 1868 after three months of sailing. Eager to participate in the Holy Week activities, Gainza and the Sisters hurriedly embarked for the Bikol region. Having received the report of their arrival in Manila and their immediate departure for Nueva Caceres, the anxious residents of the city and of nearby localities prepared a hearty welcome.
“On April 3, having read the news item from the Diario de Manila which heralded the departure of the ship Pasig bound for Bikol, the former provisor of the diocese, the secular priest Fr Vicente Garcia, together with some parish priests hastily proceeded to Pasacao to act as the advance party for the welcoming party. Seeing that those they were to welcome had not arrived yet, the group retired to their respective towns in the afternoon of Saturday to attend to their Sunday parish work. But Fr. Garcia decided to remain in Pasacao and at midnight of April 4, Saturday, the group finally arrived. Despite this late hour of arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the jubilant crowd, including a large number of children carrying banners, who had been at vigil on the seashore awaiting their arrival.”
In a somewhat related event, the pioneering Jesuits who established the Ateneo de Naga in the 1940’s were said to have made their way by ship from Manila to Camarines Sur through the Port of Pasacao.
Present-Day Trade and Commerce Hub
Today, the Port of Pasacao continues to play a crucial role in trade, commerce, and transportation in the Bicol Region. It serves as a municipal port managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), handling cargo, passengers, and fishing activities. The port is well-connected to the rest of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region, facilitating the movement of goods such as cement, rice, sugar, and fish.
The port serves most of the seaborne cargoes bound for or from the province of Camarines Sur. Just 27 kilometers southwest of Naga City, it ordinarily caters to such goods as cement, rice, sugar, and other prime commodities. The LGU has a Port Management Office that will cater port services at the Municipal port.
Interisland Ships and Shipping Companies
Pasacao is a key port of call for interisland ships, providing passenger and cargo services to nearby islands like Burias and Masbate. Shipping companies such as Starhorse Shipping Lines, a marine transportation company based in Lucena City, Quezon, operate passenger and cargo routes connecting Pasacao with Marinduque, Romblon, Batangas, Calapan, Abra de Ilog, Masbate, Real, Polillo, San Andres, and San Pascual. These services are essential for the economic development of the region, supporting both local and regional trade.
Social and Cultural Events
Pasacao is not just a hub for trade and transportation; it is also a vibrant community with rich social and cultural traditions. The town celebrates its annual fiesta on August 30 in honor of its patron saint, Saint Rose of Lima. This event is marked by various festivities, including parades, religious processions, and community gatherings. The fiesta is a time for residents to come together, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen community bonds.
In Dalupaon, site of the astillero of the galleon times, a Galleones Festival is celebrated annually by the barangay as part of its weeklong fiesta on April 18-24. Residents celebrate with street dancing by children at the plaza.
Pasacao touts itself as the summer capital of Camarines Sur. With its resort facilities that dot its pristine beaches facing the waters of Ragay Gulf, it ranks among the 10 most visited tourist destinations in Bicol. The islet of Daruanak is popular among tourists looking for snorkeling and diving adventures along the coast. Pasacao is a gateway for trade and transportation to the Masbate islands and the ports of Batangas, Calapan, Marinduque and Romblon.
Pasacao’s history, economic significance, and cultural vibrancy make it a unique and important part of the Bicol Region. Whether you’re interested in its historical roots or its modern-day role, Pasacao offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of the Bicol Region.
The header features a view of the mural depicting the shipbuilders of Dalupaon by Nick and Nikka Valenzuela, 2nd Runner Up, Daruanak Summer Festival 2024 Mural Painting Competition in Pasacao. This post was written by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on references listed below.
References:
- Raffi Banzuela: Bikol in the Galleon Times
- Danilo Gerona: El Puerto y Astillero Real de Pasacao
- Phi. Daily Inquirer: Camarines Sur village relives days of galleons (Juan Escandor Jr.)
- Pasacao.gov.ph: History of Pasacao
- Wikipedia: Pasacao
- World Ports Directory: Pasacao Port Overview
- Logistics Cluster: Philippines Luzon – Port of Pasacao
- Discover the Philippines: Pasacao Seaport
- Starhorse Shipping Lines: Interisland Routes