Iraya and Ilawod

 Iraya and Ilawod are terms deeply rooted in the cultural and geographical landscape of the Bicol region in the Philippines. They represent not just physical locations but also embody social, cultural, and historical nuances that have shaped the lives of the people living in these areas.

"Iraya" refers to the uplands, encompassing regions like Libon, Polangui, Oas, Ligao, Guinobatan, and Camalig. These upland communities were characterized by their isolation from each other due to the lack of road networks and the rugged terrain of forests and mountains. People in these areas relied on waterways for travel, either downstream (pailawod) or upstream (pairaya), utilizing boats, rafts, and other watercraft.

Due to the limited interaction with other communities, Iraya settlements developed as closely-knit clans, with intermarriages being common even among blood relatives. This led to a strong sense of kinship and a clannish nature among the upland people. The isolation also contributed to the evolution of various dialects within these communities, with words often having different meanings even within short distances.

On the other hand, "Ilawod" refers to places downstream of rivers, where communities like Daraga, Albay Viejo, Albay Nuevo, Legazpi (Sawangan), and Santo Domingo (Libog) thrived. These riverbank communities enjoyed more frequent interaction with neighboring villages due to the ease of travel along waterways. Marriages with other tribes were common, leading to linguistic and cultural exchanges that resulted in similarities in language and dialects among these communities.

The saying "waters unite us while mountains divide us" encapsulates the contrasting experiences of Iraya and Ilawod communities. While those along the riverbanks and seashores of Albay and neighboring areas shared common languages and cultures, those in the uplands were more isolated, leading to the development of distinct dialects and traditions.

Over time, however, advancements in transportation and infrastructure have blurred the boundaries between these regions. Migration and intermarriage have further intertwined the communities, diminishing the linguistic and cultural gaps that once existed. Today, despite the historical divisions between Iraya and Ilawod, the Bicol region stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people in the face of geographical challenges and cultural diversity.

places and names

The original names of places often carry rich cultural, historical, and natural significance, reflecting the identity of the people, the environment, and the events that shaped the region. In Albay, the place names are deeply rooted in the region's history, language, and landscape, offering insights into the lives of its inhabitants, their interactions with nature, and their encounters with colonizers.

1. Albay - Deriving from the word “baybay,” meaning sand along the shorelines, Albay's name connects directly to its coastal origins. The area's designation as an encomienda to Juan Guerra in 1574 under Spanish rule highlights the region's early importance in colonial administration.

2. Bacacay - Named after “bagacay,” a type of bamboo used by locals for fishing, Bacacay's name emphasizes the community's reliance on natural resources for livelihood and their close relationship with the region's rivers and seas.

3. Camalig - The term "Camalig," referring to simple native huts, was adopted by the Spaniards and even influenced the naming of the Camarines provinces. This name reflects the humble living conditions of the early inhabitants and their resourcefulness in utilizing local materials for shelter.

4. Daraga - Meaning "maiden," Daraga's name reveals a social aspect of the native population, possibly hinting at the role of women or the significance of young women in the community at the time.

5. Guinobatan - The name, from the word “gubat,” meaning forest or jungle, refers to a deforested area, indicating the region's transformation from a wild landscape to a settled area cleared of large trees and dense vegetation.

6. Jovellar - Named after Spanish Captain Joaquin Jovellar y Soler, this town reflects a colonial legacy, particularly in its association with the introduction of the “Cedula Personal,” a tax that marked the population's subjection to Spanish economic policies.

7. Legazpi City - Though named after the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, it more likely honors his grandson, Captain Juan de Salcedo, who established the first Spanish garrison in the region. The original name "Sawangan," meaning "to anchor," reflects the area's maritime significance, particularly at the mouth of the Tibu River.

8. Libon - The name "Libon" is rooted in the native word “libong,” meaning disoriented, and tells stories of native strategies against pirate raids and possibly the confusion of Spanish explorers who mistook the local geography.

9. Ligao - With possible origins in the word “Tigao,” a poisonous plant, or “likaw,” meaning detour, Ligao's name hints at the region's challenging terrain and the misunderstandings between native languages and Spanish pronunciations.

10. Malilipot - Meaning “cool waters,” Malilipot’s name underscores the town’s natural geography, particularly its proximity to cool mountain streams that shield it from Mayon Volcano’s eruptions.

11. Malinao - Deriving from “clear and crystalline waters,” the name Malinao celebrates the purity of water flowing from Mount Malinao. Alternatively, it may refer to the abundant "alinao" trees, reflecting the region's rich natural flora.

12. Manito - Named after the "nito" vine, Manito emphasizes the importance of local plant life, particularly in traditional crafts where this hardy vine was used for weaving baskets and other items.

13. Oas - Possibly originating from “waswas” (breaches in river dams) or “maiwas” (wide plains), Oas’s name reflects the region’s agricultural landscape and its challenges with water management.

14. Pio Duran - Originally called "Malakbalak," after a prominent tree near the shore, the town was renamed in 1962 to honor Congressman Pio Duran. The name change marks a shift from natural to political significance in the town’s identity.

15. Polangui - Allegedly named after the red “guijo” tree or a maiden named Angi, Polangui’s name blends nature and folklore, illustrating the intertwining of the environment and human stories in the community's history.

16. Rapu-Rapu - Possibly named after "rapo-rapo" trees or the act of shelling corn (“ropo-ropo”), Rapu-Rapu’s name is linked to both natural vegetation and agricultural practices, perhaps influenced by the introduction of crops like corn by Spanish colonizers.

17. Santo Domingo - Formerly called “Libog,” meaning murky water, due to lahar and flood flows from Mayon Volcano, the town’s name change to Santo Domingo reflects a shift towards religious influence, with the town now named after the patron saint of astronomers.

18. Tabaco City - Despite its name, Tabaco City’s origin is uncertain, with one legend linking it to the local "tabak" (bolo) or “tagbak” (a term from the Bicol vocabulary). This ambiguity reflects the blending of local lore and colonial language influences.

19. Tiwi - Originally “Tigbi,” which refers to either a taro plant or a bead-bearing plant, the name Tiwi shows the town’s connection to its agricultural roots and the eventual transformation of language over time.