Located on the eastern coast of Albay Province, it is bounded on the north by the town of Malinao, on the east by Lagonoy Gulf, on the south by Malilipot town, and on the west by Ligao City. San Miguel Island is under the jurisdiction of Tabaco City. It is accesible by land and sea transportation. The eastern national road traverses the city giving it direct connection to Legaspi City in the south. Another road going westward connects the city to Ligao City thereby connecting it with the Manila South Road. The Tabaco Port is open to ocean-going vessels, providing the city an international gateway.

According to legends, the city's name is derived from the word "Tabak" meaning bolo.

The city was founded by Franciscan friars in 1616 but it started to have its own president only in 1731 in the person of Martin Aguirre.

Tabaco City is famous for its cutlery products. Bolos, knives, scissors, samurai, and grass cutters are produced in many of its shops and are marketed as far as as Metro Manila. Other industries include shipbuilding and repair, ceramics and hollow-block making, woodcraft, rattancraft, and hat and mat weaving. Farming and fishing, however, are the main economic activity in the city. Agriproducts are rice and corn, coconuts and abaca, vegetables, and hog and poultry.

Further development of the cutlery industry is needed to make it competitive not only in the country but in the world market as well. Mass production to bring down cost is much desired. Shipbuilding and repair can also be further developed and expanded. Processing of agriproducts as well as improvement of the ceramic industry hold good potential for investment.

1. San Juan Bautista Church - declared as a National Cultural Treasure
2. Manalang Ancestral House
3. Dhio Endheka Spring Resort
4. Mayon Planetarium and Science Park

Back to top