Most older Bicolanos have completed elementary school only.

     They tend to have agricultural jobs.

     They farm, fish, or sell food products.

     Some are involved in mining, handicrafts, or one of a variety of industries.

     Because the region is far from the country�s commercial centers, it cannot compete in many areas of business, and thus has a higher poverty rate than the national average.

     Natural disasters also hinder the area�s economic growth.

     Two active volcanoes erupt on occasion, and many typhoons blow in off the Pacific Ocean every year.

     The younger generation is pursuing higher education.

     There are many colleges in the area, including a very good medical school.

     But due to the slow rate of development in this area, underemployment is high (40 percent). Many professionals move elsewhere to find work.

     Sorsogon is rich in natural resources, but many of them remained undeveloped.

     The major crops are abaca and copra.

     The province boast of producing the best hemp in the Bicol Region.

     Fishing industry ranks next. Freshwater and offshore fishing resources are not yet fully developed.

     There are plenty of raw materials for cottage industries. The province has untouched deposits of sulfur, kaolin, limestone and coal.