island, east-central Philippines, in the Philippine Sea, separated from southeastern Luzon (Rungus Point) by the shallow Maqueda Channel. Farming is diversified (rice, corn 【maize】, copra, abaca) on the hilly, rolling land. Virac, the chief port, is on the southern coast in a lowland area. The island is known for its stone churches. Area 550 square miles (1,425 square km). Pop. (2000) Catanduanes and small adjacent islands, 215,356.