Cabusao, officially the Municipality of Cabusao, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 19,257 people. There is no formal evidence of the town's establishment, but according to some locals, it was established in May 20, 1911, same day with the feast of San Bernardino de Siena (town's patron saint) and church establishment in honor of Him.

Churches and History

** Churches in Cabusao ** San Bernardino de Siena Parish (est.1911) San Pascual Baylón Parish (est.1935) ** History ** Fishing still remains as the major industry in the Cabusao town in the first district of the province. There are attempts, however, to improve the rice production which can only be done if the farmlands can be improved despite the salty soil. In Barangay San Pedro in this municipality, the Bicol sanitarium can be found where leprous patients are treated and taken care of.

Geography

Barangays

Cabusao is politically subdivided into 9 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios. Santa Lutgarda was formerly the Barrio Poblacion; the seat of the municipal government and the town's Catholic church. Through the effort of Mayor Teofilo Santiago, those two major symbol of local power was transferred to the neighboring Barrio Buenavista, presently Barangay New Poblacion. However, the name "Poblacion" is still an integral part of Santa Lutgarda and can be found side by side with the official name (Santa Lutgarda de Bravante).

Climate

Cabusao has varying dry and wet seasons. The dry season begins late March through May and the wet season starts early June through October. The climate and soil are suited for almost all kinds of agricultural crops. Northwest monsoon winds prevail during the months of late October to March. Southwest monsoon starts from June and ends in October.

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Cabusao was 19,257 people, with a density of undefined PD/km2.

Religion

The municipality is composed of two Catholic parishes, the San Bernardino de Siena Parish and the San Pascual Baylon Parish. Every barangay hold its own barangay fiesta to honor their village patron saint. During that event, the village is lavishly decorated, especially the route of the processions. The Roman Catholic Church and the local authorities work side by side for a glorious and memorable fiestas. Although there is a separation of church and state, as stated in the country's constitution, the Catholic Church as an institution occupies a very high position in the society. The present pastoral program is geared toward organizing and strengthening the SKK (saradit na kristiyanong komunidad) which means BEC, basic ecclesial community. Rev. Fr. Apolinar "Yonyon" Rull Napoles Jr.organized the housing projects for the victims of typhoon "Reming" ( International name Durian). There are two new villages in the place called Dusayan Village (Caritas International) and the San Rafael GK (Gawad Kalinga) Village, both located in the north-east of barangay Castillo. Among the non-Catholic religions are the Iglesia ni Cristo, Ang Dating Daan, Jesus Miracle Crusade and very small number of mainline Protestants. The parish of St. Bernardine of Siena was founded in 1914. The Feastday is every 20th day of May. The following is the list of parish priests: • # Fr. Santiago Bufete 1914-1915 • # Fr. Fermin Borja 1915-1917 • # Fr. Juan Villareal 1917-1940 • # Fr. Brigido Villar 1941-1944 • # Fr. Mariano Surtida1944 • # Fr. Catalino Reyes 1944-1946 • # Fr. Jorge Prepotente 1946-1947 • # Fr. Vicente R. Ojeda 1947 • # Fr. Basilio Quimpo 1947-1949 • # Fr. Thomas Bernales 1949-1955 • # Fr. Vicente Ramin 1955-1959 • # Fr. Roque Maravillas 1959-1969 • # Fr. Bonifacio De Vera 1969-1974 • # Fr. Manuel C. Ricafort 1974-1979 • # Fr. Edgar S. Pan 1979-1982 • # Fr. John E. Tria 1982-1985 • # Fr. Oscar P. Paraiso 1985-1991 • # Fr. Luis Chito S. Valenciano 1991-1992 • # Fr. Solh B. Saez 1992-1996 • # Fr. Antonio A. Aureus 1996-1999 • # Fr. Michael Alnor R. Dela Rosa 1999-2005 • # Fr. Apolinar R. Napoles Jr. 2005 January – 2008 October • # Fr. Arvin G. Olivan 2008 October–June 2014 • # Fr. Cristito M. Testa June 2014−2018 • # Fr. Ruel A. Verdan 2018−2023 • # Fr. Ian Trillanes 2023−present

Economy

Cabusao is basically an agricultural town where most of its constituents are engaged in farming and fishing. In 1997, agricultural workers reached to about 37.53% while 62.47% were non-agricultural workers.

Education

The municipality has 2 Secondary Public Schools and 8 Public Elementary Schools. Sta Lutgarda High School is located at Barangay New Poblacion and the Barcelonita Fisheries School at Barangay Barcelonita.