Municipal Profile- Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Historical Background

Caramoan is an old town founded by a zealous missionary, the venerable Spanish friar Francisco de la Cruz y Oropesa. This 60-year old priest penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and found a settlement called Balwarte. History tells us that this place was later turned over to the jurisdiction of Sagrada Mitra in the year 1696. It was during this period when a parish was built dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel whose feast day is celebrated every May 8.

There are different versions of how Caramoan obtained its name although it was gathered that it has been officially using its present name since 1619. The town's original name, however, was Gota de Leche, as called by the Dutch merchants, derived from milk-like droplets from the stalagmite found among the rocks in a place called Gota Port. It was later changed into "Caramoan", this time labeled by the Spaniards. They acquired this word from "carahan", a kind of sea turtle which at that time abounds the shores of the area. Some other tales were attached to the name of this peninsula.

Vigorous research in history revealed that this town is also the place where Francisco Alvarez, the "most senior and experienced" among Bicolano assemblymen came from. At present, there are plans directed to improve this municipality made by the provincial government through the efforts of Governor Luis Villafuerte. One of this is the proposed establishment of a ferry system between Catanduanes and Camarines Sur through Caramoan and likewise the cementing and asphalting of the Caramoan Peninsula Road.

Source: www.en.wikipedia.org
            www.camarinessur.gov.ph
            Photo credits: www.eyeoncaramoan.com

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