About

Baras is a fifth class municipality in the province of Catanduanes, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 12,243 people.

The name is derived from the “badas” plant, once abundant in this location. Yet, as to what kind of vegetation “badas” is, is a subject of conjecture. Some believed that it was a kind of bamboo, now called “bagacay”. Others believed it to be some sturdy tree, but the majority believed that it is a wild rattan plant abounding in the surrounding mountains. Nevertheless, one common belief is the fact that this “badas” was a source of materials for making spears, a weapon used by the native to repel the raiders and pirates.

It is also believed that “badas” was a much in-demand material for building the native huts. Because of its abundance in the area, villagers called the place “Cabadasan”, meaning a place where “Badas” thrive. The Spanish colonizers however changed it to “Baras”.