{{Short description|Municipality in Camarines Sur, Philippines}} {{Infobox settlement | name = {{PH wikidata|name}} | image_skyline = Gainza munisipyo.jpg | image_caption = Municipal Hall | image_flag = Flag_of_Gainza,_Camarines_Sur.png | flag_size = 120x80px | image_seal = Gainza Camarines Sur.png | seal_size = 100x80px | image_map = {{PH wikidata|image_map}} | map_caption = {{PH wikidata|map_caption}} | mapframe = yes | pushpin_map = Philippines | pushpin_label_position = right | pushpin_map_caption = Location within the {{PH wikidata|country}} | coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}} | settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Philippines | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}} | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = {{PH wikidata|province}} | official_name = {{PH wikidata|official_name}} | native_name = | other_name = | nickname = | motto = | anthem = Himno ng Bayan | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = {{PH legislative district}} | established_title = Founded | established_date = 1578 (As a visita of Nueva Caceres), 1866 (As an independent town), 1902 (Annexed again to Nueva Caceres), 1918 (As a municipality) | parts_type = Barangays | parts_style = para | p1 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} (see Barangays) | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Glenn Romeo M. Gontang | leader_title1 = Vice Mayor | leader_name1 = Jose A. Teodoro Jr | leader_title2 = Representative <!--congressman or congresswoman --> | leader_name2 = Vincenzo Renato Luis Reyes Villafuerte | leader_title3 = Municipal Council | leader_name3 = {{PH Town Council | 1 = <div style="border-style:solid none;border-width:thin;border-color:Gainsboro;background-color:#e6e6e6;text-align:center;width:95%;font-variant:small-caps;"></div> | 2=Moises S. San Buenaventura | 3=Jose A. Teodoro Jr. | 4=Reynelson A. Tranquilino | 5=Noel C. Surbano | 6=Romeo S. Saludes | 7=Jojit C. Valenzuela | 8=Emerson B. Paraiso | 9=Cipriano D. Francisco Jr. }} | leader_title4 = Electorate | leader_name4 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}) | government_type = {{PH wikidata|government_type}} | government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref> | elevation_m = {{PH wikidata|elevation_m}} | elevation_max_m = 27 | elevation_min_m = -4 | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_rank = | elevation_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|elevation_footnotes}} | elevation_max_footnotes= | elevation_min_footnotes= | area_footnotes = {{PH area}} | area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}} | population_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|population_reference}} | population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}} | population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}} | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title= Households | population_blank1 = {{PH wikidata|household}} | population_blank2_title= | population_blank2 = | population_demonym = | population_rank = | population_note = | timezone = PST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = ZIP code | postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}} | postal2_code_type = {{PSGCstyle}} | postal2_code = {{PSGC detail}} | area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}} | area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}} | website = [https://gainza.gov.ph/ gainza.gov.ph] | demographics_type1 = Economy | demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}} | demographics1_info1 = 4th municipal income class | demographics1_title2 = Poverty incidence | demographics1_info2 = {{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence}}% ({{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_point_in_time}}){{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_footnotes}} | demographics1_title3 = Revenue | demographics1_info3 = {{PH wikidata|revenue}} {{PH wikidata|revenue_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 = {{PH wikidata|assets}} {{PH wikidata|assets_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 = {{PH wikidata|expenditure}} {{PH wikidata|expenditure_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}} | demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} | demographics2_title2 = Water | demographics2_info2 = | demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications | demographics2_info3 = | demographics2_title4 = Cable TV | demographics2_info4 = | demographics2_title5 = | demographics2_info5 = | demographics2_title6 = | demographics2_info6 = | demographics2_title7 = | demographics2_info7 = | demographics2_title8 = | demographics2_info8 = | demographics2_title9 = | demographics2_info9 = | demographics2_title10 = | demographics2_info10 = | blank_name_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_title}} | blank_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_type}} | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|language}} | blank2_name_sec1 = Crime index | blank2_info_sec1 = | blank3_name_sec1 = | blank3_info_sec1 = | blank4_name_sec1 = | blank4_info_sec1 = | blank5_name_sec1 = | blank5_info_sec1 = | blank6_name_sec1 = | blank6_info_sec1 = | blank7_name_sec1 = | blank7_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date | blank2_info_sec2 = | blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese | blank3_info_sec2 = | blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint | blank4_info_sec2 = | blank5_name_sec2 = | blank5_info_sec2 = | blank6_name_sec2 = | blank6_info_sec2 = | blank7_name_sec2 = | blank7_info_sec2 = | short_description = | footnotes = }}
'''Gainza''', officially the '''Municipality of Gainza''' ({{langx|bcl|Banwaan kan Gainza}}; {{langx|tl|Bayan ng Gainza}}), is a municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. According to the {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}, it has a population of {{PH wikidata|population_total}} people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}
It is one of the oldest municipalities in the province. The town is known for its strong cultural traditions, classic buildings, and well-loved local food.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gainza |url=https://www.citities.com/City/PH/Gainza |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=citities.com}}</ref>
==Etymology== The town was first known as Sto. Domingo, named after St. Dominic of Guzman. It received its ecclesiastical charter on December 10, 1863 from Bishop Francisco Gainza of Nueva Caceres. The town was later renamed Gainza in his honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://gainza.gov.ph/history/ |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=gainza.gov.ph}}</ref>
== History == {{Unreferenced section|date=July 2022}}
The town is not a young municipality neither it can be counted among the ancient towns and cities in the Bicol Region. However, its origin is as old as “Ciudad de Caceres” – Naga City today. The municipality was formerly a barrio of Ciudad de Caceres founded by Captain Pedro de Chavez.
The barrio of Ciudad de Caceres was called Sto. Domingo, after its patron saint, Sto. Domingo de Guzman. Because the natives of this farming and fishing village had progressively clung to the fertile lowland soil and fish- rich meandering rivers and creeks in the central part of the province, its people earned the benevolence and recognition of Bishop Francisco Gainza, O.P. of Nueva Caceres. On December 10, 1863, the Bishop gave the village of Sto. Domingo its Ecclesiastical Charter as a municipality. The feast of the parish patron saint, St. Dominic of Guzman is celebrated annually on 8 August.
It was named after the late bishop of Nueva Caceres, Francisco Gainza of the Dominican Order. He selected the barrio Sto. Domingo for the construction of a canal or passageway originally planned by two Franciscan Friars and by Governor Norzagaray as early as the first half of the 17th Century.
The canal was to serve two purposes: one to connect the river of Naga to the sea of Pasacao which would shorten the route from Naga City to Manila avoiding the treacherous San Bernardino Strait, and the other is to serve as another outlet for the flood waters of the lower plains of the province.
If the Bicol River Basin Development Program had pushed through the building of the canal, the flooding of towns along the Bicol River could have been avoided. The death of the bishop overcame the ambitious project shortly after the work begun. This canal was called “Via Gainza” in honor of the courageous builder in whose name the town of Gainza was named. This canal is still discernible at present, and it is called in the place “''napuhong salog''” (abandoned canal). Napuhong salog starts in barangay Loob in Gainza and ends in barangay Taban,Minalabac. The canal is a perfect straight line.
His death also meant the end of its development. For political reasons (there were few voters) the town had been neglected in the matter of road building. After three centuries, a good road connecting this town to Naga City was never developed.
==Geography==
===Barangays=== Gainza, a municipality in the Philippines, is politically composed of eight (8) barangays. Each barangay comprises smaller administrative units known as puroks, and some include sitios. The barangays are: *Cagbunga *Dahilig *Loob *Malbong *Namuat *Sampaloc *District I (Poblacion), also known as San Juan *District II (Poblacion), also known as Sto. Niño
===Climate=== {{Weather box | location = Gainza, Camarines Sur | width = auto | collapsed = Yes | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes | Jan high C = 33 | Jan low C = 27 | Feb high C = 31 | Feb low C = 27 | Mar high C = 35 | Mar low C = 29 | Apr high C = 37 | Apr low C = 31 | May high C = 38 | May low C = 32 | Jun high C = 37 | Jun low C = 32 | Jul high C = 36 | Jul low C = 30 | Aug high C = 34 | Aug low C = 29 | Sep high C = 35 | Sep low C = 30 | Oct high C = 34 | Oct low C = 29 | Nov high C = 33 | Nov low C = 28 | Dec high C = 32 | Dec low C = 28 | Jan precipitation mm = 44.2 | Jan rain days = 21 | Feb precipitation mm = 52.17 | Feb rain days = 22 | Mar precipitation mm = 45.43 | Mar rain days = 19 | Apr precipitation mm = 54.15 | Apr rain days = 19 | May precipitation mm = 92.29 | May rain days = 24 | Jun precipitation mm = 182.23 | Jun rain days = 26 | Jul precipitation mm = 289.11 | Jul rain days = 30 | Aug precipitation mm = 260.60 | Aug rain days = 29 | Sep precipitation mm = 180.07 | Sep rain days = 27 | Oct precipitation mm = 340.22 | Oct rain days = 29 | Nov precipitation mm = 98.7 | Nov rain days = 24 | Dec precipitation mm = 337.4 | Dec rain days = 29 | source 1 = World Weather Online<ref name="met_norms"> {{cite web | url = https://www.worldweatheronline.com/gainza-weather-averages/camarines-sur/ph.aspx | title = Gainza, Camarines Sur: Average Temperatures and Rainfall | publisher = World Weather Online | access-date = 29 October 2017}}</ref> | date = 29 October 2017 }} Gainza borders Milaor to the south, Pamplona to the west, Canaman to the north, Camaligan and Naga City to the east. Gainza generally is in a plain land. {{clear left}}
==Demographics== {{Philippine Census | align= left | title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}} | 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}} | 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}} | 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}} | 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}} | 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}} | 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}} | 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}} | 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}} | 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}} | 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}} | 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}} | 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}} | 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}} | 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}} | 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}} | 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}} | 2030 = | footnote= Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} }}
In the 2024 census, the population of Gainza was 11,652 people, with a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|11,652/14.75|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or}}.{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}
{{clear left}}
== Economy == {{PH poverty incidence}} Majority of the land is devoted to rice, vegetables and other root crops.
'''Agricultural Sector:'''
▪ Rice (44%)
▪ Carrots (3%)
▪ Cabbages (25%)
▪ Root crops (28%)
Urban areas have small businesses and also fishing like rural areas do.
Gainza was formerly included in the Metro Naga area before the designation was discontinued in 2017.
== Infrastructure == Construction is currently underway for a new road and bridge connecting Gainza to its nearby municipality. At an earlier stage, access to more remote barangays was limited to either boats or a suspension bridge. However, significant progress has been made with the completion of three bridges: (1) the Brgy Loob-Malbong Bridge, (2) the Sampaloc Bridge, and (3) the Gainza-Patong Bridge, Pamplona. These bridges, along with a connecting road linking to its nearby municipality will improve transportation options, making it easier for residents and travelers to move between these areas. This development is expected to greatly enhance local connectivity and support regional growth.
== Healthcare ==
* Rural Health Center 1 (Cagbunga) * Rural Health Center 2 (Sampaloc) * Rural Health Center 3 (Malbong) {{clear left}}
==Education== The Milaor-Gainza Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2021 |title=Masterlist of Schools |url=https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SY-2020-2021-Masterlist-of-Schools-Address-only-1-1.pdf |access-date=November 4, 2025 |website=Department of Education}}</ref>
===Primary and elementary schools=== {{Div col|colwidth=20em}} * Cagbunga Elementary School * Dahilig Elementary School * Gainza Central School * Loob Elementary School * Malbong Elementary School * Sampaloc Elementary School {{Div col end}} ===Secondary school=== * Gainza National High School
== Gallery == <gallery> File:Gainza Monument, Camarines Sur, June 2021.jpg|Bishop Francisco Gainza Monument File:Gainza Church, Camarines Sur, June 2021.jpg|St. Dominic of Guzman Parish Church </gallery>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [{{NSCB detail}} Philippine Standard Geographic Code] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20170304075132/http://www.camarinessur.gov.ph/ Official Site of the Province of Camarines Sur]
{{Geographic location |Centre = Gainza |North = Canaman / Camaligan |East = Milaor |South = San Fernando |West = Pamplona }} {{Naga City}} {{Camarines Sur}} {{Authority control}} {{Bicol Region}}
Category:Municipalities of Camarines Sur Category:Metro Naga