Along the
national highway between Naga and Legazpi at the foot of Mount
Iriga (formerly Mt. Asog) lies the rural city of Iriga. Iriga
is a corruption of the original I-Raga which meant where there
is land as it was higher than the marshes near Nabua on the Bicol
river from which the inhabitants came. In 1578 I-raga was established
as a "vista" of Nabua under the Franciscans. In 1683, with a population
of 8,909 I-raga was made a separate town. September 3, 1968 Iriga
became a city.
The major
event of the year in Iriga is a festival called Tinagba, also
known as the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, celebrated on February
11. The word 'Tinagba' is derived from the Bicol word 'Tagba'
meaning to gather the first harvest and offer it to God. During
this festival a colorful caravan of decorated carabao carts, loaded
with harvest goods comes in a procession from different barangays
to the city in an act of thanksgiving.
Accommodation
Ibalon
Hotel (13) - San Francisco St, Tel 352 rm 278-500; for a rural
city an unusual luxurious and elegant place, but very quiet with
few visitors; rest, disco, swpl
Parkview
Hotel (5) - San Roque, Tel 405
rm 85-275; rest, disco; nice, modern, clean
Bayanihan
Hotel (10) - Nat'l Hwy, Tel 556
rm 45-165; located in busy area near train tracks
Lemars
Hotel (3) - Nat'l Hwy, San Roque
rm 50-70, 110 (ac); simple, basic
Sightseeing
Emerald
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (18)
The grotto is situated on Calvario Hill ad-jacent to the Ibalon
Hotel grounds. In early times the hill was considered the habitat
of an Asuang (witch), which is why the hill was at times referred
to as 'orno' (oven). As a result of the Chris-tianization of the
region, the hill became the site for staging 'Pagtanggal' (Passion
of Christ), hence, the name Calvario Hill. The first 'ermita'
or mission chapel of Iriga was erected here by the Spanish. Opposite
the 'ermita', the Casino Espanol was erected, a favorite gathering
place for the Spanish elite rulers. When the US came at the turn
of the century, the place was converted into a base for cavalry
forces. During the Japanese oc-cupation, a Japanese garrison was
estab-lished on the hill top and was utilized as a watch tower
against guerrillas. Many Filipinos met martyrdom on the hill.
Central
City Park & St Anthony Church (14)
Miscellaneous
Post Office (15)
Phil. Nat'l Bank (8) - Nat'l Hwy
Lourdes Hospital (2) - Nat'l Hwy
City Hall (4) - Nat'l Hwy; Annex (16)
Police Station (17) - behind the city park
Public Market (12) - Nat'l Hwy
University of North Eastern Philippines (6)
University of St. Antonio (7)
Transportation
Philtranco Bus Terminal (1) - Nat'l Hwy
Almost all buses running between Manila and Legazpi make a stop
in front of the city hall (4) and at the market (11,12)
Sarkies Bus Terminal (3) - Nat'l Hwy
Jeepneys to Buhi (9) - at Alfelor St
Train Station (19) - daily train to Manila
