Bicol Region

Region V

The Bicol Region was named after the Bicol Peninsula, the southeastern end of Luzon island. It also has two island provinces, one on each side of the peninsula. The Catanduanes islands with Panay Island, Leyte Island, and the Palumbanes group of islands form the Province of Catanduanes. The province features several caves which include the Luyang Cave. The Province of Masbate is another island province with three major islands: Masbate, Ticao and Burias. The latter is more or less the center of the Philippine archipelago.

Most of the Bicol region is of volcanic origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, also known as the Bicol Volcanic Arc or Chain. It is formed by the Philippine Sea Plate subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt, along the Philippine Trench. Beneath numerous volcanoes there are a great number of hot springs and crater lakes. Mayon Volcano is the most prominent volcano and a popular tourist destination, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being the most active volcano in the Philippines.