Ragay is located in the northwestern part of the province of Camarines Sur, specifically along the Ragay coast. Its geographical setting is located at 122 degrees 52.1 minutes east longitude and between 13 degrees 44.56 minutes to 13 degrees 56.8 minutes north latitude.

Ragay is 367 kms. south of Manila and 67 kms. North of Naga City. It is bounded in the north-east by the province of Camarines Norte, on the south and southwest by Ragay Gulf; on the northwest by the Municipality of Del Gallego; and on the northeast by the Municipality of Lupi. The town proper is situated at 1349.32 east longitude covering a land area of 27,240 hectares with 31,085 hectares municipal water and coastal land area, of which 23,036 hectares are devoted to agriculture.

It is composed of 38 barangays; 9 of which are along the coast of Ragay Gulf; 2 are in the Poblacion area; 11 are traversed by the Quirino Highway, while the rest are in the upland or lowland portions of the municipality.  All 38 barangays of the municipality are accessible through the improved farm-to-market roads.  It has a total Alienable and Disposable (A & D) land area of 27,240 hectares, 23,453.80 hectares (or about 86.1% ) of which are devoted to e Ragay Gulf, the continuous coastline covers an expanse of 27 kilometers. Based on records of the Land Classification Office of the Bureau of Forest Development, the municipality has vast area remaining as timberland (TLA). However, as a result of indiscriminate cutting of trees and the proliferation of ―kaingin‖ farming, the natural vegetative cover of the said area is now virtually denuded.  Consequently, the latest report indicates that the municipality has an aggregate forest area of 1,500+ hectares.

In the 2008 record of the office of the municipal agriculturist on land classification based on declared Strategic Agricultural and Fishery Development Zone (SAFDZ), the agricultural areas of Ragay are categorized as: strategic crop sub-development zone covering 1,960.7 hectares at 8.4%; strategic fishery sub-development zone with 1,081.45 hectares at 4.5%; strategic integrated crop/fishery development zone of 882.29 hectares at 3.7 %; strategic integrated crop/livestock development zone of 18,451 hectares at 78.7%; strategic integrated crop/livestock/fishery development zone of 882.29 hectares at 3.7%, and; strategic integrated fishery/livestock development zone of 196.07 hectares at 1%.  Watershed/Forestry zone which is a non-SAFDZ area has a total of 2,801.55 hectares.

Based on topographic maps, slope classification of Ragay varies in the following manner: for Category A, 50% of total land area fall under 0-2.9% slope which is interpreted as level or nearly level; 20% under category B with 3-5% slope; and 30% under C, D, E and F with slope higher than 5%.

Ragay has a recorded population of 58,214 as of 2015 compared to the population of 47,743 in the year 2000. As of 2015 Ragay has a total household of 12,840 of which 8% are located in the Poblacion area while 92% are in the rural areas. The average growth rate is over 1% . The recorded growth rate from 1960 up to 2015 1% is to 1.05%. Its population density is 1.75 person per hectare.

The projected population by 2015 is 55,000 more or less. The population are predominantly Roman Catholics with a sprinkling of Protestants and Iglesia ni Cristo.

Ragay, in general has temperate weather condition for the whole year. There are two distinct weather conditions, the wet and dry seasons. Generally, wet season is observed from June to December with torrential rains ranging from 30mm-400mm during the months of September to December. Dry season, on the other hand, takes place during the months of February to May with searing heat of summer ranging from 220-230 centigrade occurring periodically during the months of March, April and up to the first half of May. The coldest period of the year usually happens between the months of November to January.

Wind direction in the municipality varies depending on external influences and other weather disturbances on the north, south or eastern part of the country. Winds usually follow a northeastern course (Habagat) during the months of June to December then gradually shift to the southeastern section (Amihan) in the months of December to May.

During the months of May to October, typhoons normally sweep the northern part of the country bringing rains to the municipality. In the months of November to January, strong typhoons usually hit the town considering that the typhoons during this time originate from extreme southeastern regions particularly from Marianas Islands and Hawaii.

Similar to most of the municipalities in Camarines Sur, Ragay is located within the frontiers of the typhoon zone. The howling tempest of tropical storms traversing Samar and Catanduanes in the months of May and December often hit the town with tremendous force. The heavy rains brought by these typhoons cause the flooding of the low lying barangays. It should be noted, however, that changes in the aforementioned wind direction, temperature and seasons have been observed and were attributed to climate change.

TOTAL POPULATION

As of 2015, the municipality of Ragay has a total population of 58,214 and it is estimated to reach 61,000+ in the next five years. The corresponding annual population growth rate as of 2015 was 1.11% based on the records of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Population per Barangay Based on POPCEN 2015           

From the foregoing table, we can see that Liboro registered the highest population. It is followed by barangays Godofredo Reyes Sr., F. Simeon and Apad.  On the other hand, Inandawa has the least population of all the 38 barangays of Ragay.  This trend was almost consistent for the last 20 years (1995 to 2015).

POPULATION DENSITY

Based on PSA Data, Population Density by Barangay is shown in the table below.

POPULATION DENSITY RAGAY, CAMARINES SUR

Along Health and Sanitation, 1,748 or 36% of households have no access to potable water based on 2016 Barangay profile.  One of the main reasons for this problem is lack of water system facilities to deliver safe drinking water to households. This condition maybe the cause the spread of water-borne diseases.  The SALINTUBIG projects are already for implementation this 2017, the project cost Php 7,000,000.00, which will be for the construction of a Level II Water Facility to be awarded to Binahan Proper, Binahan Upper, Cabinitan, Baya and Salvacion.        

Meanwhile, 3,230 or 23.88% of households in 38 barangays of Ragay have no access to sanitary toilets (water-sealed) which may also cause/spread diseases.  Provision of individual toilet for households with no toilet facilities for 19 barangays are already on process. The DOH BUB 2016 Toilet project cost is Php 1,225,000.00, and are to be implemented this 2017.

Included in the Health Sub-sector are the rate of malnourished children in the Municipality ages  0 – 5, child mortality rate and maternal mortality. Recent survey reveals that 6.25% of 0 – 5 year old children were malnourish as of 2016, and the main reasons were poverty and lack of awareness. Child Mortality was rated 0.20% which may be considered low but remains as a concern of the Local Government Unit of Ragay. To implement programs and projects such as construction of additional health stations to improve the delivery of medical services and reduce maternal death.

Consequently, construction of additional health centers was considered as one of the Community Identified Priorities. As of 2016, 30% of barangays still have no Barangay Health Centers. As a result, the LGU is currently working on the construction of additional health facilities such as the one at Zone 6, Barangay Catabangan Proper this 2017. The project cost is over Php 800,000.00 and funded by KC-NCDDP.

Almost all barangays in the municipality have Barangay Health Center, however, not in conformity with Department of Health standards.  Thirty percent of the health stations require expansion and rehabilitation to be able to provide higher quality services.  The Rural Health Unit and birthing facilities were not fully equipped and lacked health personnel.  The construction of additional health centers, therefore, is one of the projects that the LGU is planning to undertake.

The maternal mortality in Ragay was down to 0% as of latest available data.  The local government, particularly the Rural Health Unit is consistently monitoring and delivering quality health services for  Ragayanos despite of incomplete facilities.  Malnutrition, Neo-natal death, and infant mortality rates on the other hand, are less than 5% according to recent surveys but the LGU is continuously putting all available resources to use in Information Education Campaign to further reduce incidence rates.  The percentage of 0 – 12 months immunization is relatively low at 64% because of non-availability of vaccine or lack of knowledge parents.  IEC and other ordinances like mandating every guardian or parent to have their 0 – 12 month babies be immunized are also suggested.

The literacy rate in 2015 is at 97% and a very low illiteracy rate at 3%. Large number of population has completed elementary and high school education and about 5% are college degree holders.

The 2016 census indicates that the literacy rate in Ragay is high at 77%. The report also shows that there are relatively low illiterates in the rural areas with the proliferation of the 4Ps Program of the government.

A large number (77%) of the population have completed primary and intermediate grade school. This explains the relatively high literacy rate in the municipality. On the other hand, the academic degree holders of the population, is still not covered by the census. There are almost an equal number of males and females in the various categories of educational attainment.

Education sector in the LGU of Ragay, Camarines Sur is characterized by inclusive and equitable educational service covering school aged children. It was rated 5.0 (excellent) in the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) developed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). However, that there were still 15.88% elementary school aged children who are not attending elementary school and 14.19% secondary school aged children who were not attending high school that need to be addressed.

It should be stressed that the quality and importance of education are increasing day by day. Every child, therefore must attend school in his/her appropriate age as everyone has equal rights for education. Achieving hundred percent attendance and completion rate in elementary school and secondary school appear to have a direct impact on the proper development of the people at present as well as in the future. Thus, the remaining 1, 391 school-aged Ragayanos who are not attending elementary and secondary schools must be encouraged to attend school to enable them to enhance their own lives. Proper education will empower them to interact with others and teach them to live in a society with changing environment and eventually lead them to social development to be empowered Ragayanos. Thru education economic and social prosperity in Ragay is within reach.

The foregoing figures were said to be due to financial constraints, thus, requires adequate funding for intervention. Despite our excellent LGPMS Rating in the Education Sector, the following reality gaps should be recognized. In addition, strengthening assistance to each family to be able to send their children to school will be necessary. The LGU should provide assistance to families in the form of livelihood programs by capacitating them to be able to provide for the needs of their children in terms of education. 

Ragay continued its growth under different administrations, despite the fact that it was accessible only by train for quite some time. With the opening of the Quirino Highway in 1994, its economy started to move upwards, providing the people with numerous opportunities.

Two communication networks are available in the municipality, viz: Smart Telecommunication and Globe Telecommunication. The strength of their networks however, varies on distance and location of the Barangays.

Financial facility is also essential in case of emergency and money needs. Situated in the town proper are the following financing corporations, viz:

1. Producers Bank – it caters the financial and banking transactions of the localities;
2. Camalig Bank – it provides credit and financial services to the countryside; and 
3. Palawan Express – offers fast and simple domestic remittance service with the cheapest rate.

Land use involves the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures, and managed woods. It also has been defined as “the total of arrangements, activities, and inputs that people undertake in a certain land cover type.

In the case of Ragay, the municipality is on its process of updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Thus, land use planning of the municipality is also ongoing.

The Municipality of Ragay is served by the Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (CASURECO) based in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. However, not all households in 38 only barangays are energized. Largely energized households are in the urbanized barangays.

Other energy users include the commercial establishments, public buildings and street lights. However, there still exist non-users of power in far-flung barangays thereby other types of fuel were used for lighting needs of the households.

Presently, Ragay already has its own operational sub-station granted by CASURECO 1. With this, the municipality no longer depends its supply of electricity from other power sources.

Water quality in the municipality is relatively good considering that simple filtration and chlorination can render the water potable. The type of water services in the barangays are as follows:

Ragay is predominantly engaged in agriculture. The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) report that the total agricultural area is about 23,036 hectares or 84.6% of the total land area. However, the active agricultural area is only 16,962 hectares. Almost 55.17% of the agricultural areas are shrubs and grasslands.

The major agricultural crops are coconut, rice and a variety of fruit trees which include citrus and rambutan among others. Grassland is devolved to pasture accounts for 55.17%. Rainfed areas are planted to corn (1.44%), upland rice (5.71%) and paddy rice (2.2%). Irrigated rice areas comprise to about 1.54% of the total agricultural area.

Coconut production is always affected by typhoons where production is considered low. Same thing with citrus which could not attain the full production due to unpredictable weather conditions

Major animals raised are swine and poultry wherein the area has an estimated animal population of about 26, 694 heads.

With regard to waste management, one (1) garbage compactor and a small truck are still being used to collect garbage from Poblacion Ilaod, Poblacion Iraya, and 15 other barangays on a daily basis. Collected garbage are then dumped in the landfill located at Barangay Panaytayan. The said dumpsite and the existing Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), however, should be rehabilitated to comply with the requirements of R.A. 9003.

Other barangays, outside the service area of garbage collection, use other methods of disposal. As indicated in CBMS 2012 survey, the most common method of which is by burning accounting for the practice of 55% of the total number of households, followed by dumping on individual pits 10%, composting 3%, recycling 1%, and 1% for other methods.

Disposal Scheme of Barangays outside the coverage area of Municipal Garbage Trucks.

Schedule of Collection

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP): SAMBAYAN-SANTINIG ACTIVITY

SANTINIG

CRIME PREVENTION

Police-Community Relation (PCR)

1. Police Institution Information
   • Police Information and Continuing Education

2. Community Information
   • Community Awareness
   • Dialogue/Pulong-Pulong
   • Awareness Lecture (Crime Prevention, Public Safety, Illegal Drugs, Information gathering, etc.)

3. Gender Awareness and Development
   • Advocacy/Awareness activities on Violence Against Women and their Children  (VAWC) related laws, Children in Conflict with the Law, Gender and Climate Change and Family Dynamics
   • Dialogues, Pulong-Pulong/Symposiums/Visitations
   • Seminar-Workshop

SAMBAYAN

1.    Community Organizations and Mobilization

• Barangay Peacekeeping Operations/ Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPO/BPAT) Seminar
• Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPATs) Mobilization

2. Community Assistance and Development

• Environmental Protection/Preservation Activities (tree planting, coastal clean-up, etc)

• Feedback mechanism (PNP Text 2920, Subukan Nyo Po Kami, i-Report Mo Kay Tsip (09127686332)

For the period of January to October 2015 and 2016. There were 53 Crimes Against Person recorded in 2015 which declined to 20 in 2016 or a decrease of 62.26%, Crime Against Property has an equal crime volume this year, while 95 Vehicular Accidents in 2015 declined to 83 or 12.63% decrease. There were 31 cases of Violation of Special Laws recorded in 2015 which declined to 19 in 2016 or a decrease of 38.70%. 234 Crime Volume was recorded in 2015 which declined to 191 or 18.37% in 2016.

156 Crime Cleared in 2015 is now down to 125 or 19.87% in 2016, while the Crime Solved were also down to 111 to 2016 or 17.16% decrease from 134 in 2015.   The Monthly Crime Rate for year 2015 was 31.91% which declined to 31.6% or 0.31% in year 2016, overall 2016 has a lower Criminality Rate by 0.93% and crimes solved were also down to 111 or 17.16% in 2016 from 134 last year.

The Criminality Rate of the municipality declined by 0.93% this year because of the   laudable effort of the PNP Ragay. This decline was brought by regular conduct of Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel, strengthening and Intensifying the law enforcement and visibility, with the regular conduct of Information and Education Campaign (IEC).  It should be stressed that we can attain the identified success indicators by continuing our present efforts, the support of the Local Government Unit, and with a very cooperative constituents will make Ragay a better place to live.

BUREAU OF FIRE (BFP): YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES

• Conduct fire drills at barangays which are participated in by Barangay Council and Barangay Tanods.
• Formation of the Barangay Fire Brigade Volunteers (BFBV) who will be trained to respond to fire incidences.

The following are the regular monthly activities:

• Encourage the availability of the service provider of One-Stop Shop processing centers for business permits renewal and assessment of fire code fees in coordination with the LGU.
• Conduct of fire code fees summit.
• Conduct of intensified fire safety inspection of establishments.
•  

• Conduct of intensified fire prevention activities in government institutions such as safety inspection, fire drill, organization of in-house fire brigade and lectures/dialogues.

• Distribution and posting of fire safety tips.
• Visibility campaign thru Barangay Ugnayan, lectures and open-house visit of fire station to the public.
• Facilitate Himig Bumbero Singing Contest, fire safety painting, poster and logo design contest and essay writing contest.
• Civic action program.
• Enhanced fire prevention activities such as safety inspections, fire drills, training of volunteer fire brigades people’s day on fire protection.
•  

• Establishment of fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/rescue action centers in major throughfare and vacation sites.
• Enhanced fire safety inspection and in-house retraining fire brigades in resorts, vacation and camp sites, parks and other similar facilities.
•  

• Organization and training of barangay fire brigades with emphasis on evacuation procedures, crowd and traffic control, bucket relay and identification of fire.
• Inclusion of fire safety awareness campaigns as a major activity in the proposed “Barangay Tanod Professionalization Program” of the DILG.
• Barangay Fire Olympics.
•  

• Enhanced fire safety inspection of school facilities, dormitories and boarding houses.
• Organization of in-house fire brigades in schools, lectures, dialogues with students and faculty members.
• Observance of student fireman of the day/week.
•  

• Organization and training of Barangay Rescue Team and first aiders in coordination with Red Cross and other DOH-affiliated organizations.
• EMS and rescue drills in public assembly places and conveyances such as the jeepneys and the likes.
• Evacuation drills.
•  

• Fire evacuation drill in hospital, home for the aged, orphanage and similar facilities.
• Fire safety inspection of the aforesaid occupancies to ensure adequate provision for fire escapes for disabled persons.
• Lectures and video presentation regarding fire safety tips.
•  

• Enhanced fire safety inspection in public assembly places such as movie house, mall, restaurants/disco houses, commercial centers to ensure adequate provision for emergency/fire exits, emergency lighting system and signage.

• Organization and training of in-house fire brigades and conduct of evaluation and fire drills in industrial installations.
• Inspection of gasoline and highly flammable materials storage plant and depot.
• Industrial fire brigade Olympics.
•  

• Conduct of fire safety product exhibits and exposition on fire protection product demonstration for firemen and the general public.
• Video presentation of latest technology in fire equipage.
•  

• Fire safety inspection in pyrotechnics manufacturing plants and trading centers.
• Posting and distribution of safety tips and proper handling of pyrotechnics.
• Heightened alert level for EMS and fire operating units during New Year’s celebration.

In 2015 the total labor force is 19,372 out of 58,214 persons belonging to 15 years old and over category, which means that 33% of the potential labor are not economically active. Of these, 38,842 people are gainfully employed and 14,403 are unemployed which gives 42% unemployment rate. Majority (80%) of those gainfully employed works in agriculture sector as farm tillers and caretakers while registered workforce in the fishing sector is at 5.85%, however the unregistered fisher folks still form part of the workforce of the industry. This indicates that farming and fishing are the main source of employment of the people. Construction at 5% comes third being hired in government infrastructure projects and private buildings. Transport at 3% also serves as employment. The rest are civil workers at 2% in government entities.

The municipality has several tourist attractions which, if fully developed, could supplement the municipal income as well as provide employment opportunities. These attractions include the natural caves in barangay Banga, Nabaruto Cave in Agrupacion and the different beaches located in the coastal areas of the municipality including Nabarco, Punta, San Rafael Beach, Talisay Beach, Lower Omon Beach, Sirena Beach, Crocodile Beach, Ogtoc Island, Bagotayoc Beach, the Port of Ragay, Tagbac Port, Pangaloan Falls, Waterfalls in Baya, Binaliw Falls, Pinamalatikan Falls, and the Maglagingling Falls.

At present, these areas have limited accessibility because of the underdeveloped road networks, going to and from these places. From the Poblacion, the nearest spot is Nabarco which is 1.5 kilometers away, followed by Ogtoc Point and Pangaloan falls which are both 3 and 4 kilometers ride from the Poblacion, respectively. Banga Caves has a distance of 9 kilometers from the Poblacion and the farthest is the Bagotayoc Beach and Port of Ragay with a distance of 15 kilometers from the Poblacion. All of these spots are difficult to reach but through the effort of the present administrators, these places are now accessible to the townfolks.

The total land area of the municipality is 27,240 hectares of which 23,453.80 hectares are devoted to agriculture.

The municipality has 7,170.00 hectares remaining timberland area. However, as a result of the indiscriminate cutting of trees and the proliferation of kaingin farming, the natural vegetative cover of the forested area is now virtually denuded resulting to the occurrence of flash floods, severe soil erosion and decreasing water supply from the watershed area.

The reported forest area in the municipality has an aggregate area of 2,877 hectares, of which has been declared as forest reservations. Several reforestation and agro-forestation projects had been implemented specifically in barangays Caditaan, Upper Binahan, Panaytayan Nuevo and Amomokpok covering an area of 346 hectares.

There are areas in the Municipality of Ragay wherein mineral deposits can be found which include guano, phosphate, bintunite, clay, chromium, iron, red clay and manganese.

Other non-metallic reserves include sand, gravel, boulders, filling materials, pyrite aggregates, fertilizer materials and coal.

FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEM

Freshwater ecosystems occur in in-land bodies of water and may either be flowing, standing, or man-made. Rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, and artificial fishponds are examples that fall into the three respective categories. All of these are distinguished by low-salinity water that flow from the natural rainwater catch basins created by forests.

Freshwater ecosystems serve many practical benefits to people, including being a cheap and convenient source of water for domestic and industrial use, a natural waste disposal system, and a reservoir for the natural water cycle. Freshwater bodies also can serve as transport routes.

Ragay has 29,085 hectares of municipal waters with at least 30.11 kilometers of coastline as estimated. The municipality of Ragay has abundant water resources. The freshwater wetland ecosystem of the town is often connected with forests. As pointed out, creeks and streams from natural mountain springs of the town converge in the Ragay and Pacolago rivers. The Ragay and Pacolago River acts as source of fish, laundry and bath water for barangays along its banks, and an offshoot to Ragay Gulf streaming Albay Gulf then Ticao, Burias Pass Masbate, Asid Gulf, Visayan Sea and off to West Philippine Sea (China Sea). Other rivers in the municipality are in barangays Panaytayan, Binahan and Catabangan. Aside from these rivers, there are also creeks in barangays Liboro and Amomokpok, springs, and waterfalls found in the town.

RIVERS/CREEKS/STREAMS

SPRING

The existence of springs in barangays Cabadisan, Panaytayan and the newly discovered one in Laguio, was beneficial to the community, specifically the spring in Barangay Panaytayan whose massive impact in the water system of Ragay was tremendous. For years, since the Ragay Water District was established, the municipality has been using these springs for the supply of potable water not only in the Poblacion area but also in other barangays where connections for water supply had already been installed. Thereby, easier access to potable water of every consuming household and/or public.

BEACH FOREST/VEGETATION

The existence of the beautiful and pristine beaches in the coasts of the municipality made an influx in the number of vacationing Ragayanos who had long been residing either in Manila or in other provinces in the Philippines and even Balikbayans, who during their prime these beaches are not as accessible as today. Not only former residents of Ragay flocked in our beaches but also friends and friends of friends were amazed by its natural beauty, specifically Ogtoc Beach in Saboon Island.

While still riding in a motorized banca on the way to Ogtoc Beach, you cannot help but admire the clear underwater resources, corals, etc. that can be seen while passing through the municipal waters.

MANGROVES: 855 hectares

Mangroves are woody, seed-bearing plants that flourished well on mud flats and brackish water. The mangrove ecosystem is tremendously productive and supplies resources such as wood, fish, and crustaceans that could serve as food or source of income for nearby communities. It also protects the shorelines from strong winds, waves, and floods. Some species of mangroves in the municipality even have medicinal value. In the Philippines, there are 47 true mangroves and associated species found.

I. Barangay Catabangan Proper             

Measures about 15 meters wide and stretches to almost 200 meter long, having an area of about 3,000 square meter and situated at the mouth of Catabangan River.

Species identified are the ff.:

1. Lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
2. Bakhaw Babae (Rhizophora mucronata)
3. Bakhaw Bato (Rhizophora stylosa)
4. (Kandelia candel)
5. Miyaping Puti (Avicennia marina)
6. Miyapi (Avicennia alba)

The residents have tried planting but did not succeed.

Recommendation:

Further study and look for areas possible for mangrove planting. Attend to some environmental seminars because of the problem in developing mangrove areas into fishponds as what the local officials are encountering now.

II. Barangay Lohong

Situated at the mouth of Basyuhan River is termed as a salad bowl of mangrove. Several ages old, different species of mangroves has thrived in this area. One has to take a narrow boat or canoe to get inside the thicket and overgrown branches.

Species identified are the ff.:

1. Miyapi
   1. Avicennia marina
   2. Avicennia rumphiana
2. Saging-saging (Aegiceras floridum)
3. Langarai (Bruguiera parviflora)
4. Gapas-gapas (Camptostemon philippinensis)
5. Tangal (Ceriops tagal)
6. Dungon (Heritiera littoralis)
7. Tabigi (Xylocarpus granatum)
8. Bakhaw Lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
9. Bakhaw babae (Rhizophora mucronata)
10. Bakhaw bato (Rhizophora stylosa)
11. Pagtapat (Sonneratia alba)

The sandy shores are landscape with Pemphis acidula (bantigi) and some mangrove associates like lipata and marukbarok together with tall red malobago.

III. Barangay San Rafael

1. Bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
2. Bakhaw babae (rhizophora mucronata)
3. Pagtpat (Sonneratia caseolaris)
4. Miyapi (Avicennia Alba)

1. 1. Bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
   2. Bakhaw babae (rhizophora mucronata)
   3. Pagtpat (Sonneratia caseolaris)
   4. Miyapi (Avicennia Alba)

1. Bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
2. Bakhaw babae (rhizophora mucronata)
3. Pagtpat (Sonneratia caseolaris)
4. Miyapi (Avicennia Alba)

1. Bakhaw bato (Rhizophora stylosa)
2. Bakhaw lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata)
3. Bakhaw babae (rhizophora mucronata)
4. Miyaping puti (Avicennia marina)

SEAGRASS: 12 hectares

The name seagrass stems from the many species whose leaves are long and narrow, who grow by rhizome extension and often spread across large meadows, which resemble grassland: many species superficially resemble terrestrial grasses of the family Poaceae .

Like all autotrophic plants, seagrasses photosynthesize while submerged in the sunlit area and most occur in shallow and sheltered coastal waters anchored in sand or mud bottoms. Most species undergo submarine pollination  and complete their life cycle underwater.

Seagrasses beds/meadows can be either monospecific (made up of a single species) or in mixed beds. In temperate areas, usually one or a few species dominate (like the eelgrass  in the North Atlantic), whereas tropical beds usually are more diverse, with up to thirteen species recorded in the Philippines.

The Philippines has extensive seagrass and algal beds and soft-bottom communities that often occur in close proximity to mangroves and coral reefs. Soft-bottom communities made up of sand or muddy substrates occur in many shallow sub-tidal areas. Some are dominated by seagrass and algal beds while others are not vegetated. Organisms that inhabit soft-bottom areas are influenced by particle size and stability of the sediment, light, and temperature. Although not obvious, the unvegetated soft-bottom areas have a variety of organisms that are in-fauna, benthic animals that burrow or dig in the sediment. Some animals live on the surface such as clumps of seaweeds, mollusks, flat fishes, and rays. Typical in-fauna include various worms, bivalves, heart urchins, sand dollars, some sea cucumber, and shrimps. All depend to some degree on detritus for food and are easily disturbed if the sediment is moved or churned up. Seagrasses that usually inhabit sandy and soft-bottom areas are the only submerged flowering plants in the marine environment. Thriving in the shallow waters lining the shore, they have adapted to life in saline waters with a root system that can withstand wave action and a reproductive system that distributes pollen by water. They possess erect leafy shoots and creeping stems or rhizomes that aid in propagation. Unlike other marine plants like seaweeds or algae, they flower, develop fruit, and produce seeds. They are normally found in areas where light can easily penetrate (shallow, clear, calm waters) enabling photosynthesis to occur. Vast seagrass meadows are often found between coral reefs and the coastal mangroves, colonizing the soft, shallow, sandy-muddy bottom. They can be several hundred meters wide and cover large expanses of the reef flat.

CORAL REEFS: more or less 100 hectares

A coral reef is a large underwater structure made of dead and living corals. In most healthy reefs, stony corals are predominant. The reefs are formed in tropical marine areas (30 degrees north and south of the equator). The reef acts as the home of many tropical fish and other animals. Coral reefs systems are a major tourism attraction because of their beauty and color of the corals and their many associated animals.

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems. Because corals need warm, sunlit water to live, they often grow close to the top of the water. Being so close to land makes them often be damaged by poisons and dirt that can come from boats and the land nearby. Dirt makes the water more cloudy, which makes the sunlight less. Poisons can bleach and kill corals. Also, they are hard for ships to see, but easy to hit, which makes ships often run into the coral, damaging both the boats and coral. Because of this, many countries are trying to lessen the kinds of buildings that usually happen near beaches that have coral reefs nearby, and be more careful about the boats that go around reefs.

ESTUARIES: 12

An estuary is where a river  meets the sea where saltwater mixes with freshwater . The river becomes wider and wider and flows slowly to the sea .

Bays, marshes, swamps and inlets can all have estuaries. A view of an estuary from the air is usually an interesting sight: many estuaries curve and bend to find their way to the sea. Estuaries come in all sizes and shapes, each according to its location and climate. Where rivers meet the sea and fresh water mixes with salt water, the mixture is called Brackish Water.

Estuaries are usually filled with shallow waters, and sunlight reaches all levels of the water.  Marsh  grasses, Algae, and other kinds of plants live in estuaries and provide food for a variety of fish, crab, oysters, and shrimp. Estuaries are especially important since they act as nurseries for many different types of young fish and other animals before they head out toward the open seas.

In Ragay, estuaries are located in Barangays Cale (a service area), Catabangan Proper, Binahan Proper, San Rafael, Tagbac and Lohong with an approximate area of twelve (12) hectares.

TIDAL FLATS: more or less 150

Tidal flats are level muddy surface bordering an estuary, alternately submerged and exposed to the air by changing tidal levels. The tidal waters enter and leave a tidal flat through fairly straight major channels, with minor channels serving as tributaries as well as distributaries.                   

Mudflats or mud flats, also known as tidal flats, are coastal wetlands that form when mud is deposited bytides or rivers. They are found in sheltered areas such as bays, lagoons, and estuaries.     

The tidal flat of Ragay is located near the coastline of Barangays Binahan Proper, Ogtoc (Saboon Island) in Buenasuerte, Catabangan Proper, Lohong, Lower Omon, Cale (a service area) and San Rafael, with approximate area of 150 hectares. Most species sighted are heron, sniper, kagang, cattle egret and kingfisher. During low tide, mud area are exposed where most of the species considered as feeding ground.

Source: Municipal Agriculture Office