Cawayan, Masbate
| Cawayan | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | |
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 Map of Masbate with Cawayan highlighted |
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.svg)
 Cawayan
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| Coordinates: 12°02′N 123°41′E / 12.033°N 123.683°ECoordinates: 12°02′N 123°41′E / 12.033°N 123.683°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Bicol (Region V) |
| Province | Masbate |
| District | 3rd district |
| Barangays | 37 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Edgar S. Condor |
| Area | |
| • Total | 260.19 km2 (100.46 sq mi) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 63,115 |
| • Density | 240/km2 (630/sq mi) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) |
| Zip Code | 5409 |
| IDD : area code | 56 |
Cawayan is a second class municipality in the province of Masbate, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 63,115 people. Cawayan has an approximate income of Php 90,785,714.09 in 2012.
Cawayan is politically subdivided into 37 barangays.
The locals of Cawayan still largely depend on subsistence farming despite its topographic advantage to adapt commercial farming. The lack of funding for agriculture and infrastructure and its political insecurity due to the presence and activities of armed groups kept by political families and other subversive elements hinder the town's progress in spite of its geographical benefits.
Being primarily plain and flat, Cawayan is conducive to cattle farming. Grasslands are abundant in the plains and in the gentle slopes of the valleys and hills. However, land grabbing issues still prevail as evidenced by hectares of private enclosures locally known as "ranchos" that run miles after miles. Herds of cattle inside the fence barrier are visible from the national road as one travels into the interior making Cawayan a major player in the cattle industry of the province.
Cawayan has several outlying islands crucial to its local fishing industries. These islands provide most of the marine resources to cater to the needs in the mainland. Barter trade is still practiced on Sundays, the town's busiest day.
Copra farming is also popular in Cawayan.
The P42.95-million Cawayan Port Improvement Project in Barangay Mahayahay included the construction of rock causeway, back-up area, RC platform, RoRo ramp and breasting dolphin, as well as port lighting system, and mooring and fendering system. The project was completed on January 26, 2009.
The construction of this facility has drawn various forms of criticism. Nothing since the road construction project years way back that paved the national highway for a smooth access to other places had the townsfolk witnessed the unveiling of this multi-million project with such warm welcome. However, it was also evident that the materials used were substandard due to its massive damage when a typhoon struck the area months after its completion. Nevertheless, there was no denying of its economic contribution that further flourished open trade in the Visayan nautical radius.
Other than the local outrigger boat operators, a shipping company provides services to cater to the town's need of reliable vessel to transfer commodities to and from Cawayan for trade. It departs daily from Cawayan usually at 12:00 noon for a six-hour trip and docks at Pulambato Port in Bogo City, Cebu. And at around 12:00 midnight it sails back to Cawayan Port.
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Wikipedia