The AKO BICOL seal

The seal of AKO BICOL is a pair of clasped hands forming a “V-shape” and intertwined by a pepper. On top of such figure is a sun surrounded by six objects.

The clasped hands symbolize UNITY while the “V-shape” it formed is Bicol’s most famous natural landmark, Mayon Volcano, which represents our God-given resources. On the other hand, the ubiquitous pepper represents the man-made attributes that bind Bicol and its people – its unique and distinct culture, history, language, heritage, arts, norms, traditions and cuisine. This figure of clasped hands forming the symbol of Mayon Volcano joined by the representative symbol of a pepper transform into STRENGTH.

The sun symbolizes HOPE with its light radiating to the six objects representing the six provinces of the Bicol Region namely--, the Albay (pili), Catanduanes (abaca,) pineapple (Camarines Norte) , whale shark (Sorsogon) , cattle (Masbate), and the icon of our Lady of Penafrancia (Camarines Sur). The image of Our Lady of Penafrancia is positioned at the center and on top of the sun to symbolize the inherent spirituality and religiosity of Bicolanos which form a central part of their lives.

The AKO BICOL seal, therefore, is about UNITY, STRENGTH and HOPE. The will to be united as one is a result of a common bond forged by nature and man-made attributes which is the essence of what Bicol is. With such will and common bond, there is STRENGTH. And if there is UNITY AND STRENGTH, there is HOPE that the desired development and improved quality of life for the six provinces can be achieved, of course, under the central guidance of God and/or Supreme Being, as represented by the Virgin of Penafrancia.