Baao

Municipality of Camarines Sur

Baao is a historic Rinconada community known for its agricultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, religious history, and notable people. Its culture has been shaped by farming, fishing, weaving, faith, and long-standing community traditions.

Baao Balatan Bato Buhi Bula Iriga Nabua

Explore Baao

Discover the story of this municipality

Baao is one of the oldest municipalities in Camarines Sur, with the municipal government tracing its establishment to 1590. Baao is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly rice and coconut farming, as well as its history of craftsmanship, weaving, fishing, and religious traditions. The municipality currently has 30 barangays. Baao is also historically significant as the birthplace of Msgr. Jorge I. Barlin, recognized as the first Filipino Catholic bishop.

Pre-Spanish Period

Baao was inhabited by Agtas and Indo-Malay communities. Archaeological evidence, including Chinese porcelain fragments, suggests early trade connections.

1576

Historical accounts identify Baao among communities that resisted Spanish entry into the Bicol region.

1590

Baao was established as an independent parish under St. Bartholomew the Apostle, marking an important stage in its development as a separate town.

17th century

Baao became politically independent from Bula.

18th century

Baao became ecclesiastically independent and developed as a separate pueblo

1787-1800

Parish baptismal records provide evidence of Baao's established population and community life during the late Spanish period.

1850

Jorge I. Barlin was born in Baao. He later became the first Filipino Catholic bishop.

Late 19th century

Traditional industries included weaving, rice production, hemp, fishing, and lumbering.

Japan occupation

Baao's weaving industry experienced a temporary revival because imported textiles became less available.

Modern period

Agriculture, retail/trade, manufacturing, and services continue to form major parts of Baao's economy.

Msgr. Jorge I. Barlin

First Filipino Catholic bishop

Jorge Barlin represents Baao's contribution to Philippine religious history and Filipino leadership in the Catholic Church.

Fr. José Castaño

A historical religious figure associated with Baao's late Spanish-period community

Fr. José Castaño was a Spanish friar and parish priest in Baao during the late 19th century. The municipal history describes him as having a progressive and inclusive approach that earned the respect of Baao residents.

Birthplace of the First Filipino Catholic Bishop Baao is recognized by the municipality as the birthplace of Msgr. Jorge I. Barlin, the first Filipino Catholic bishop.

Historic Weaving Tradition Baao historically had a notable weaving industry, with Baao cloth becoming known throughout the province. The industry eventually declined because of competition from imported textiles, although weaving temporarily revived during the Japanese occupation.

Agricultural Heritage Rice, coconut, abaca/hemp and copra have historically been important to Baao's economy. Copra and abaca eventually became major cash crops.

Early Trade & Cultural Exchange Chinese porcelain fragments dating from approximately the 14th–18th centuries have been found in the area, providing evidence of historical trade connections.

Continued Cultural & Tourism Development The current municipal government maintains an Explore Baao platform focused on culture, heritage, attractions, festivals, and community experiences.

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Bernadette “Bidibidi” Delos Santos

Baao

Soledad Dato Hidalgo

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Baao

Gallery in Baao

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Events in Baao

Baao Parade

Sep 19, 2026

Baao

Kamoy-an

Festivals in Baao

KAMUYAWAN FESTIVAL

Aug 13, 2026

Baao

This year’s celebration centers on the deeply meaningful theme, "Mamuyang Pag-iriba: Finding our Light, Comforting Hearts, Coming home to Joy." Far from just a series of grand showcases, the festival aims to be a humble reminder that the true happiness (Kamuy-an) of Baaoeños is simple, organic, and rooted in an unyielding spirit of communal solidarity.