Camarines Norte – Bicolandia's Goldmine

Camarines Norte serves as the gateway to the Bicol region. The province is gifted with various natural treasures, one of which is gold. The town of Paracale is considered as the 'gold country' of the province. With this, Paracale became the center of jewelry-making industry and is still regarded as a good place to purchase fine gold jewelry. One of the ancient jewels made in Paracale is the 'agrimon', a flat necklace chain of the 19th century.

But Camarines Norte has other ‘golden treasures’. The First Rizal monument was erected in its capital, Daet, only two years after Dr. Jose Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan. Bagasbas Beach, Mercedes and Calaguas Group of Islands are famed white sand beaches and great waves, ideal for surfing enthusiasts.

Demographics

1. Population – 513, 785 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 2,320.1 sq. km
3. Capital – Daet
4. Language/Dialect – Bikol, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (0)

Municipalities (12)

• Basud
• Capalonga
• Daet
• Jose Panganiban
• Labo
• Mercedes
• Paracale
• San Lorenzo Ruiz
• San Vicente
• Santa Elena
• Vinzons

First Rizal Monument
Built in 1898, the First Monument of Rizal in the Philippines is located across the Old Daet Municipal Hall. Its foundation, it is believed, is made of mortars and boulders from the demolished Old Spanish Jail in Daet

Bagasbas Beach
The most popular beach resort in the province is in Barangay Bagasbas, Daet. During clear but windy days, the big waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean make it a paradise for surfing beginners and afficionados

Delectable Food
The Bicolano's expertise in the kitchen manifests in some of Camarines Norte's mouthwatering delicacies and recipes

1. Camarines Norte Queen – a special variety of pineapple that is unique and largely produced in the province.
2. Dilissinuwaan – dilis (anchovy) wrapped in taro leaves and boiled in coconut milk, vinegar, and spices
3. Iraid – grated cassava with sweet potato, pure coconut milk and brown sugar

Historical

First Rizal Monument
Location: Magallanes cor. Justo Lukban St., Daet Municipal Hall, Daet, Camarines Norte
The first monument dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal is a three-tiered stone pylon with its square base supporting a triangle in two stages, the last one tapering off to a point. It was built in 1898, two years after his death.

Jose Ma. Panganiban Shrine
Location: Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte
This 9 ft. tall bronze statue was erected in honor of Jose Maria Panganiban, a Filipino Propagandist in Spain and hero, dubbed as the “Avenger of Filipino Honor”. It contains the remains of the martyr which have been laid below it and inside the center of the monument's base.

Vinzons Shrine
Location: Vinzons, Camarines Norte
A two-storey house, the former residence of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Sr., a hero during the Japanese War was converted into a shrine complete with public library and museum which stores the memorabilia of the hero.

Laniton Landmark
Location: Brgy. Laniton, Basud, Camarines Norte
This was the site of the first guerrilla encounter against the Japanese Imperial Army.

Natural

Bagasbas Beach
Location: Brgy. Daet, Camarines Norte
The beach is endowed with fine gray sand. During favorable days, the waves that roll through its shores are ideal for novice and experienced surfers.