Daraga

The original settlement of Daraga dates back to the 12th century, but has changed location repeatedly due to the constant threats posed by the Mayon Volcano.Daraga is located at 13°09′43″N 123°41′38″E / 13.1619°N 123.6939°E / 13.1619; 123.6939, in the south-west portion of Albay province, along the Maharlika Highway, making it accessible from Manila, the Visayas, and the other municipalities of eastern Bicol Peninsula.It is bounded on the north and east by Legazpi City, south by Sorsogon (particularly the municipality of Pilar), and west by Camalig, and Jovellar.These minerals are abundant in Barangays Budiao, Busay, Bañadero and Matnog brought down from the slopes of Mayon Volcano during occurrences of volcanic eruptions and rains.The surface drainage pattern of Daraga is largely affected by the water runoff coming from Mayon Volcano coupled with those from other directions.Major river systems which convey and act as natural drainage channels as well as water sources include: Daraga has a generally wet climate characterized by a lack of the dry season.In terms of employment and livelihood, farming ranks high at 33.53%, crafts and related workers as well as elementary occupations follow second with 17.71% and 21.89% respectively.Its prominent attraction is the belfry of the Cagsawa Church which submerged in mudflow during the February 2, 1814, Mayon Volcano Eruption which killed 1,200 people.The Our Lady of the Gate Parish was constructed in 1773 atop Santa Maria Hill in Barangay San Roque and is uniquely known for its rich Baroque architecture.
The tower is what remains of the Cagsawa Church, which was buried by the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano .
Our Lady of the Gate Parish or Daraga Church
USS DaragaMunicipalityDaraga ChurchMayon VolcanoPhilippinesCountryRegionBicol RegionProvince 2nd districtFoundedBarangaysSangguniang BayanVice MayorJose Ma. Clemente "Joey" S. SalcedaMunicipal CouncilHouseholdsDemonymEconomyPoverty incidenceRevenueAssetsExpenditureLiabilitiesTime zoneZIP codearea codeNative languagesCentral BikolTagalogCagsawa RuinsBikol languagesbaroqueCatholicFranciscanvisitaCamaligGovernor-GeneralSimón de AndaBarangayLegazpi CityPhilippine AssemblyTyphoon RemingNational MuseumOur Lady of the Gate Parish ChurchBicol International Airport17th congressMaharlika HighwayManilaVisayasBicol PeninsulaSorsogonJovellarLegazpiPhilippine Statistics Authoritywater runoffprecipitationdry seasonPrevailing windsclimate changepurokssitiosMaroroyMasbateCagsawa Ruins and ResortOur Lady of the Gate ParishBaroque architectureDaraga stationBicol University – DaragaBarbie ImperialGwen ApuliPinoy pop (DILG)Local Water Utilities AdministrationMayon VolcanoDonsol, SorsogonPilar, SorsogonMunicipalitiesBacacayGuinobatanMalilipotMalinaoManitoPio DuranPolanguiRapu-RapuSanto DomingoTabaco