Provinces of the Philippines

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The provinces of the Philippines (Filipino: Mga Lalawigan ng Pilipinas) are the primary political and administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 81 provinces at present, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region, as well as independent cities, are independent of any provincial government. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor.

The provinces are grouped into 18 regions based on geographical, cultural, and ethnological characteristics. Fifteen of these regions are designated with numbers corresponding to their geographic location in order from north to south with the exception of the Negros Island Region. The National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao do not have numerical designations.

Each province is a member of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, an organization which aims to address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations.[1]

Government

A provincial government is autonomous of other provinces within the Republic. Each province is governed by two main elected branches of the government: executive and legislative. Judicial affairs are separated from provincial governance and are administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Executive

The provincial governor is chief executive and head of each province. Elected to a term of three years and limited to three consecutive terms, he or she appoints the directors of each provincial department which include the office of administration, engineering office, information office, legal office, and treasury office.

Legislative

The vice-governor acts as the president for each Sangguniáng Panlalawigan (SP; "Provincial Board"), the province's legislative body. Every SP is composed of regularly elected members from provincial districts, as well as ex officio members. The number of regularly elected SP members allotted to each province is determined by its income class. First- and second-class provinces are provided ten regular SP members; third- and fourth-class provinces have eight, while fifth- and sixth-class provinces have six. Exceptions are provinces with more than five congressional districts, such as Cavite with 14 regularly elected SP members, and Cebu, Negros Occidental and Pangasinan which have twelve each.

Every SP has designated seats for ex officio members, given to the respective local presidents of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), and Sangguniáng Kabataan (SK; "Youth Council").

The vice-governor and regular members of an SP are elected by the voters within the province. Ex officio members are elected by members of their respective organisations.

Relation to other levels of government

National government

National intrusion into the affairs of each provincial government is limited by the Philippine Constitution. The President of the Philippines however coordinates with provincial administrators through the Department of the Interior and Local Government. For purposes of national representation, each province is guaranteed its own congressional district. One congressional representative represents each district in the House of Representatives. Senatorial representation is elected at an at-large basis and not apportioned through territory-based districts.

Cities and municipalities

Those classified as either "highly urbanized" or "independent component" cities are independent from the province, as provided for in Section 29 of the Local Government Code of 1991.[2] Although such a city is a self-governing first-level entity, in many cases it is often presented as part of the province in which it is geographically located, or in the case of Zamboanga City, the province it last formed part the congressional representation of.

Local government units classified as "component" cities and municipalities are under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. In order to make sure that all component city or municipal governments act within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions, the Local Government Code mandates the provincial governor to review executive orders issued by mayors, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to review legislation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) or Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), of all component cities and municipalities under the province's jurisdiction.[2]

Barangays

The provincial government does not have direct relations with individual barangays. Supervision over a barangay government is the mandate of the mayor and the Sanggunian of the component city or municipality of which the barangay in question is a part.[2]

Classification

Provinces are classified according to average annual income based on the previous 4 calendar years. Effective July 29, 2008, the thresholds for the income classes for cities are:[3]

Class Average annual income
First 450 million or more
Second ₱360 million or more but less than ₱450 million
Third ₱270 million or more but less than ₱360 million
Fourth ₱180 million or more but less than ₱270 million
Fifth ₱90 million or more but less than ₱180 million
Sixth below ₱90 million

A province's income class determines the size of the membership of its Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and also how much it can spend on certain items, or procure through certain means.[2]


Map
Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Ecija Northern Samar Northern Samar Northern Samar Negros Oriental Negros Occidental Mountain Province Misamis Oriental Misamis Occidental Metro Manila Masbate Masbate Masbate Marinduque Maguindanao Leyte La Union Lanao del Sur Lanao del Norte Laguna Kalinga Isabela City Isabela Iloilo Iloilo Iloilo Ilocos Sur Ilocos Norte Ifugao Guimaras Eastern Samar Eastern Samar Dinagat Islands Davao Oriental Davao Oriental Davao Occidental Davao Occidental Davao Occidental Davao del Sur Davao del Norte Davao del Norte Davao del Norte Cotabato City Cotabato Compostela Valley Cebu Cebu Cebu Cebu Cebu Cebu Cebu Cavite Catanduanes Capiz Camarines Sur Camarines Sur Camarines Sur Camarines Norte Camiguin Cagayan Cagayan Cagayan Cagayan Cagayan Cagayan Cagayan Bulacan Bukidnon Bohol Bohol Bohol Biliran Biliran Benguet Batangas Batangas Batangas Batangas Batanes Batanes Batanes Bataan Basilan Aurora Apayao Antique Antique Antique Antique Albay Albay Albay Albay Aklan Agusan del Sur Agusan del Norte Abra Zamboanga Sibugay Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga City Zamboanga City Zambales Samar Samar Samar Samar Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi Tarlac Surigao del Sur Surigao del Sur Surigao del Norte Surigao del Norte Surigao del Norte Surigao del Norte Surigao del Norte Sulu Sulu Sulu Sulu Sulu Sulu Sulu Sulu Sultan Kudarat Southern Leyte Southern Leyte South Cotabato Sorsogon Siquijor Sarangani Sarangani Romblon Romblon Romblon Romblon Romblon Romblon Rizal Rizal Quirino Quezon Quezon Quezon Quezon Quezon Quezon Quezon Pangasinan Pangasinan Pampanga Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Palawan Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Cordillera Administrative Region Ilocos Region Cagayan Valley Central Luzon Metro Manila Calabarzon Mimaropa Bicol Region Eastern Visayas Central Visayas Western Visayas Negros Island Region Zamboanga Peninsula Northern Mindanao Caraga Davao Region SOCCSKSARGEN Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Philippine Sea Sulu Sea South China Sea Celebes Sea Lake Buluan Pujada Bay Panguil Bay Dumanquilas Bay Lake Mainit San Juanico Strait Ormoc Bay Lake Buhi Lake Bato Lake Naujan Subic Bay Dasol Bay Luzon Strait (Batanes Islands) Luzon Strait (Babuyan Islands) Baler Bay San Pedro Bay Batangas Bay San Bernardino Strait Sibutu Passage Lanao Lake Taal Lake Sarangani Bay Balintang Channel Babuyan Channel Dinagat Sound Surigao Strait Sogod Bay Canigao Channel Cebu Strait Macajalar Bay Butuan Bay Iligan Bay Sorsogon Bay Albay Gulf Lagonoy Gulf Lamon Bay Tayabas Bay Tablas Strait Laguna de Bay Mindoro Strait Guimaras Strait Iloilo Strait Panay Gulf Samar Sea Ragay Gulf San Miguel Bay Lingayen Gulf Leyte Gulf Bohol Sea Bohol Sea Bohol Sea Basilan Strait Sibuguey Bay Illana Bay Davao Gulf Moro Gulf Sulu Sea Camotes Sea Camotes Sea Camotes Sea Camotes Sea Visayan Sea Visayan Sea Visayan Sea Visayan Sea Visayan Sea Visayan Sea Verde Island Passage Jintotolo Channel Manila Bay Manila Bay Manila Bay Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea Sibuyan Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea Tañon Strait Tañon Strait Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Celebes Sea Celebes Sea Celebes Sea Celebes Sea Celebes Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea Tañon Strait South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Sulu Sea Celebes Sea Celebes Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea Philippine Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea South China Sea Honda Bay Balabac StraitLabelled map of the Philippines - Provinces and Regions.png

List of provinces

For a list of provinces with independent cities presented separately, see List of primary local government units of the Philippines.
ISO[4] Province Capital Population[5] Area[6] Density Founded[A] Division Region Total LGUs
% (2010) Town City Bgy.
PH-ABR Abra Bangued 0.3% 234,733 4,165.25 km2
(1,608.21 sq mi)
56/km2
(150/sq mi)
9 Mar 1917
[7]
Luzon CAR 27 303
PH-AGN Agusan
del Norte
[lower-roman 1]
Cabadbaran[lower-roman 2][8] 0.7% 642,196 3,546.86 km2
(1,369.45 sq mi)
180/km2
(470/sq mi)
1 Jan 1970
[9]
Mindanao XIII 10 2 252
PH-AGS Agusan
del Sur
Prosperidad 0.7% 656,418 9,989.52 km2
(3,856.98 sq mi)
66/km2
(170/sq mi)
1 Jan 1970
[10]
Mindanao XIII 13 1 314
PH-AKL Aklan Kalibo 0.6% 535,725 1,821.42 km2
(703.25 sq mi)
290/km2
(750/sq mi)
8 Nov 1956
[11]
Visayas VI 17 327
PH-ALB Albay Legazpi 1.3% 1,233,432 2,575.77 km2
(994.51 sq mi)
480/km2
(1,200/sq mi)
3 Apr 1574
[12]
Luzon V 15 3 720
PH-ANT Antique San Jose 0.6% 546,031 2,729.17 km2
(1,053.74 sq mi)
200/km2
(520/sq mi)
10 Mar 1917 Visayas VI 18 590
PH-APA Apayao Kabugao[lower-roman 3] 0.1% 112,636 4,413.35 km2
(1,704.00 sq mi)
26/km2
(67/sq mi)
14 Feb 1995 Luzon CAR 7 133
PH-AUR Aurora Baler 0.2% 201,233 3,147.32 km2
(1,215.19 sq mi)
64/km2
(170/sq mi)
13 Aug 1979 Luzon III 8 151
PH-BAS Basilan[lower-roman 4] Isabela 0.4% 391,179 1,379.02 km2
(532.44 sq mi)[14]
280/km2
(730/sq mi)
27 Dec 1973 Mindanao ARMM[lower-roman 5] 11 2 255
PH-BAN Bataan Balanga 0.7% 687,482 1,372.98 km2
(530.11 sq mi)
500/km2
(1,300/sq mi)
1754 Luzon III 11 1 237
PH-BTN Batanes Basco 0.0% 16,604 219.01 km2
(84.56 sq mi)
76/km2
(200/sq mi)
26 Jun 1783
[15]
Luzon II 6 29
PH-BTG Batangas Batangas City 2.6% 2,377,395 3,119.72 km2
(1,204.53 sq mi)
760/km2
(2,000/sq mi)
8 Dec 1581 Luzon IV-A 31 3 1,078
PH-BEN Benguet[lower-roman 6] La Trinidad 0.8% 722,620 2,826.59 km2
(1,091.35 sq mi)
260/km2
(670/sq mi)
16 Jun 1966 Luzon CAR 13 1 269
PH-BIL Biliran Naval 0.2% 161,760 536.01 km2
(206.95 sq mi)
300/km2
(780/sq mi)
11 May 1992 Visayas VIII 8 132
PH-BOH Bohol Tagbilaran 1.4% 1,255,128 4,820.95 km2
(1,861.38 sq mi)
260/km2
(670/sq mi)
22 Jul 1854
[16]
Visayas VII 47 1 1,109
PH-BUK Bukidnon Malaybalay 1.4% 1,299,192 10,498.59 km2
(4,053.53 sq mi)
120/km2
(310/sq mi)
1 Sep 1914
[17]
Mindanao X 20 2 464
PH-BUL Bulacan Malolos 3.4% 3,124,433 2,796.10 km2
(1,079.58 sq mi)
1,000/km2
(2,600/sq mi)
15 Aug 1578 Luzon III 21 3 569
PH-CAG Cagayan Tuguegarao 1.2% 1,124,773 9,295.75 km2
(3,589.11 sq mi)
120/km2
(310/sq mi)
29 Jun 1583
[18]
Luzon II 28 1 820
PH-CAN Camarines
Norte
Daet 0.6% 542,915 2,320.07 km2
(895.78 sq mi)
230/km2
(600/sq mi)
15 Apr 1920
[19]
Luzon V 12 282
PH-CAS Camarines
Sur
[lower-roman 7]
Pili 2.0% 1,822,371 5,497.03 km2
(2,122.42 sq mi)
330/km2
(850/sq mi)
27 May 1579
[20]
Luzon V 35 2 1,063
PH-CAM Camiguin Mambajao 0.1% 83,807 237.95 km2
(91.87 sq mi)
350/km2
(910/sq mi)
18 Jun 1966 Mindanao X 5 58
PH-CAP Capiz Roxas 0.8% 719,685 2,594.64 km2
(1,001.80 sq mi)
280/km2
(730/sq mi)
10 Mar 1917 Visayas VI 16 1 473
PH-CAT Catanduanes Virac 0.3% 246,300 1,492.16 km2
(576.13 sq mi)
170/km2
(440/sq mi)
26 Sep 1945 Luzon V 11 315
PH-CAV Cavite Trece Martires[21] 3.3% 3,090,691 1,574.17 km2
(607.79 sq mi)
2,000/km2
(5,200/sq mi)
1614 Luzon IV-A 17 6 829
PH-CEB Cebu[lower-roman 8] Cebu City[22] 4.5% 4,167,320 5,342.00 km2
(2,062.56 sq mi)
780/km2
(2,000/sq mi)
27 Apr 1565 Visayas VII 44 9 1,203
PH-COM Compostela Valley Nabunturan 0.7% 687,195 4,479.77 km2
(1,729.65 sq mi)
150/km2
(390/sq mi)
31 Jan 1998 Mindanao XI 11 237
PH-NCO Cotabato Kidapawan 1.3% 1,226,508 9,008.90 km2
(3,478.36 sq mi)
140/km2
(360/sq mi)
1 Sep 1914
[23]
Mindanao XII 17 1 543
PH-DAV Davao
del Norte
Tagum 1.0% 945,764 3,426.97 km2
(1,323.16 sq mi)
280/km2
(730/sq mi)
8 May 1967 Mindanao XI 8 3 223
PH-DAS Davao
del Sur
[lower-roman 9]
Digos 2.2% 2,024,206 4,607.59 km2
(1,779.00 sq mi)
440/km2
(1,100/sq mi)
8 May 1967 Mindanao XI 9 2 414
Davao
Occidental
Malita 0.3% 293,780 2,163.45 km2
(835.31 sq mi)
140/km2
(360/sq mi)
28 Oct 2013 Mindanao XI 5 105
PH-DAO Davao
Oriental
Mati 0.6% 517,618 5,679.64 km2
(2,192.92 sq mi)
91/km2
(240/sq mi)
8 May 1967 Mindanao XI 10 1 183
PH-DIN Dinagat Islands San Jose 0.1% 126,803 1,036.34 km2
(400.13 sq mi)
120/km2
(310/sq mi)
2 Dec 2006 Mindanao XIII 7 100
PH-EAS Eastern Samar Borongan 0.5% 428,877 4,660.47 km2
(1,799.42 sq mi)
92/km2
(240/sq mi)
19 Jun 1965 Visayas VIII 22 1 597
PH-GUI Guimaras Jordan 0.2% 162,943 604.57 km2
(233.43 sq mi)
270/km2
(700/sq mi)
22 May 1992 Visayas VI 5 98
PH-IFU Ifugao Lagawe 0.2% 191,078 2,628.21 km2
(1,014.76 sq mi)
73/km2
(190/sq mi)
18 Jun 1966 Luzon CAR 11 175
PH-ILN Ilocos
Norte
Laoag 0.6% 568,017 3,467.89 km2
(1,338.96 sq mi)
160/km2
(410/sq mi)
2 Feb 1818 Luzon I 21 2 557
PH-ILS Ilocos
Sur
Vigan 0.7% 658,587 2,596.00 km2
(1,002.32 sq mi)
250/km2
(650/sq mi)
1572 Luzon I 32 2 768
PH-ILI Iloilo[lower-roman 10] Iloilo City[22] 2.4% 2,230,195 5,079.17 km2
(1,961.08 sq mi)
440/km2
(1,100/sq mi)
1566 Visayas VI 42 2 1,901
PH-ISA Isabela[lower-roman 11] Ilagan 1.6% 1,489,645 12,414.93 km2
(4,793.43 sq mi)
120/km2
(310/sq mi)
1 May 1856 Luzon II 34 3 1,055
PH-KAL Kalinga Tabuk 0.2% 201,613 3,231.25 km2
(1,247.59 sq mi)
62/km2
(160/sq mi)
14 Feb 1995 Luzon CAR 7 1 152
PH-LUN La Union San Fernando 0.8% 741,906 1,497.70 km2
(578.27 sq mi)
500/km2
(1,300/sq mi)
2 Mar 1850 Luzon I 19 1 576
PH-LAG Laguna Santa Cruz 2.9% 2,669,847 1,917.85 km2
(740.49 sq mi)
1,400/km2
(3,600/sq mi)
28 Jul 1571 Luzon IV-A 24 6 674
PH-LAN Lanao
del Norte
[lower-roman 12]
Tubod 1.0% 930,738 4,159.94 km2
(1,606.16 sq mi)
220/km2
(570/sq mi)
4 Jul 1959 Mindanao X 22 1 506
PH-LAS Lanao
del Sur
Marawi 1.0% 933,260 3,872.89 km2
(1,495.33 sq mi)[24]
240/km2
(620/sq mi)
4 Jul 1959 Mindanao ARMM 39 1 1,159
PH-LEY Leyte[lower-roman 13] Tacloban[22] 1.9% 1,789,158 6,515.05 km2
(2,515.47 sq mi)
270/km2
(700/sq mi)
10 Mar 1917 Visayas VIII 40 3 1,641
PH-MAG Maguindanao[lower-roman 14] Shariff Aguak 1.3% 1,216,504 6,146.53 km2
(2,373.19 sq mi)[25]
200/km2
(520/sq mi)
22 Nov 1973 Mindanao ARMM 36 1 545
PH-MAD Marinduque Boac 0.2% 227,828 952.58 km2
(367.79 sq mi)
240/km2
(620/sq mi)
21 Feb 1920 Luzon IV-B 6 218
PH-MAS Masbate Masbate City 0.9% 834,650 4,151.78 km2
(1,603.01 sq mi)
200/km2
(520/sq mi)
18 Mar 1901
[26]
Luzon V 20 1 550
PH-MSC Misamis
Occidental
Oroquieta 0.6% 567,642 2,055.22 km2
(793.52 sq mi)
280/km2
(730/sq mi)
8 Nov 1929 Mindanao X 14 3 490
PH-MSR Misamis
Oriental
[lower-roman 15]
Cagayan de Oro[22] 1.5% 1,415,944 3,544.32 km2
(1,368.47 sq mi)
400/km2
(1,000/sq mi)
8 Nov 1929 Mindanao X 23 3 504
PH-MOU Mountain
Province
Bontoc 0.2% 154,187 2,157.38 km2
(832.97 sq mi)
71/km2
(180/sq mi)
7 Apr 1967
[27][28]
Luzon CAR 10 144
PH-NEC Negros
Occidental
[lower-roman 16]
Bacolod[22] 3.1% 2,907,859 7,965.21 km2
(3,075.38 sq mi)
370/km2
(960/sq mi)
1 Jan 1890 Visayas NIR 19 13 662
PH-NER Negros
Oriental
Dumaguete 1.4% 1,286,666 5,385.53 km2
(2,079.36 sq mi)
240/km2
(620/sq mi)
1 Jan 1890
[29]
Visayas NIR 20 6 557
PH-NSA Northern Samar Catarman 0.6% 589,013 3,692.93 km2
(1,425.85 sq mi)
160/km2
(410/sq mi)
19 Jun 1965 Visayas VIII 24 569
PH-NUE Nueva Ecija Palayan[lower-roman 17] 2.1% 1,955,373 5,751.33 km2
(2,220.60 sq mi)
340/km2
(880/sq mi)
1705 Luzon III 27 5 849
PH-NUV Nueva Vizcaya Bayombong 0.5% 421,355 3,975.67 km2
(1,535.01 sq mi)
110/km2
(280/sq mi)
24 May 1839
[30]
Luzon II 15 275
PH-MDC Occidental
Mindoro
Mamburao 0.5% 452,971 5,865.71 km2
(2,264.76 sq mi)
77/km2
(200/sq mi)
15 Nov 1950
[31]
Luzon IV-B 11 162
PH-MDR Oriental
Mindoro
Calapan 0.9% 785,602 4,238.38 km2
(1,636.45 sq mi)
190/km2
(490/sq mi)
15 Nov 1950
[32]
Luzon IV-B 14 1 426
PH-PLW Palawan[lower-roman 18] Puerto Princesa[22] 1.1% 994,340 17,030.75 km2
(6,575.61 sq mi)
58/km2
(150/sq mi)
23 Jan 1902 Luzon IV-B 23 1 433
PH-PAM Pampanga[lower-roman 19] San Fernando 2.5% 2,340,355 2,062.47 km2
(796.32 sq mi)
1,100/km2
(2,800/sq mi)
11 Dec 1571 Luzon III 19 3 538
PH-PAN Pangasinan[lower-roman 20] Lingayen 3.0% 2,779,862 5,451.01 km2
(2,104.65 sq mi)
510/km2
(1,300/sq mi)
5 Apr 1580
[33]
Luzon I 44 4 1,364
PH-QUE Quezon[lower-roman 21] Lucena[22] 2.2% 1,987,030 9,069.60 km2
(3,501.79 sq mi)
220/km2
(570/sq mi)
2 Mar 1901 Luzon IV-A 39 2 1,242
PH-QUI Quirino Cabarroguis 0.2% 176,786 2,323.47 km2
(897.10 sq mi)
76/km2
(200/sq mi)
18 Jun 1966 Luzon II 6 132
PH-RIZ Rizal Antipolo[lower-roman 22] 2.7% 2,484,840 1,191.94 km2
(460.21 sq mi)
2,100/km2
(5,400/sq mi)
11 Jun 1901 Luzon IV-A 13 1 188
PH-ROM Romblon Romblon 0.3% 283,930 1,533.45 km2
(592.07 sq mi)
190/km2
(490/sq mi)
16 Mar 1901
[34]
Luzon IV-B 17 219
PH-WSA Samar Catbalogan 0.8% 733,377 6,048.03 km2
(2,335.16 sq mi)
120/km2
(310/sq mi)
19 Jun 1965 Visayas VIII 24 2 951
PH-SAR Sarangani Alabel 0.5% 498,904 3,601.25 km2
(1,390.45 sq mi)
140/km2
(360/sq mi)
16 Mar 1992 Mindanao XII 7 141
PH-SIG Siquijor Siquijor 0.1% 91,066 337.49 km2
(130.31 sq mi)
270/km2
(700/sq mi)
17 Sep 1971 Visayas VII 6 134
PH-SOR Sorsogon Sorsogon City 0.8% 740,743 2,119.01 km2
(818.15 sq mi)
350/km2
(910/sq mi)
17 Oct 1894 Luzon V 14 1 541
PH-SCO South Cotabato[lower-roman 23] Koronadal 1.5% 1,365,286 4,428.81 km2
(1,709.97 sq mi)
310/km2
(800/sq mi)
18 Jun 1966 Mindanao XII 10 2 225
PH-SLE Southern Leyte Maasin 0.4% 399,137 1,798.61 km2
(694.45 sq mi)
220/km2
(570/sq mi)
22 May 1959 Visayas VIII 18 1 500
PH-SUK Sultan Kudarat Isulan 0.8% 747,087 5,298.34 km2
(2,045.70 sq mi)
140/km2
(360/sq mi)
22 Nov 1973 Mindanao XII 11 1 249
PH-SLU Sulu Jolo 0.8% 718,290 1,600.40 km2
(617.92 sq mi)[35]
450/km2
(1,200/sq mi)
10 Mar 1917 Mindanao ARMM 19 410
PH-SUN Surigao
del Norte
Surigao City 0.5% 442,588 1,972.93 km2
(761.75 sq mi)
220/km2
(570/sq mi)
16 Jun 1960 Mindanao XIII 20 1 335
PH-SUR Surigao
del Sur
Tandag 0.6% 561,219 4,932.70 km2
(1,904.53 sq mi)
110/km2
(280/sq mi)
16 Jun 1960 Mindanao XIII 17 2 309
PH-TAR Tarlac Tarlac City 1.4% 1,273,240 3,053.60 km2
(1,179.00 sq mi)
420/km2
(1,100/sq mi)
28 Mar 1873
[36][37]
Luzon III 17 1 511
PH-TAW Tawi-Tawi Bongao[38] 0.4% 366,550 1,087.40 km2
(419.85 sq mi)[39]
340/km2
(880/sq mi)
11 Sep 1973 Mindanao ARMM 11 203
PH-ZMB Zambales[lower-roman 24] Iba 0.8% 755,621 3,830.83 km2
(1,479.09 sq mi)
200/km2
(520/sq mi)
1578 Luzon III 13 1 247
PH-ZAN Zamboanga
del Norte
Dipolog 1.0% 957,997 7,301.00 km2
(2,818.93 sq mi)
130/km2
(340/sq mi)
6 Jun 1952 Mindanao IX 25 2 691
PH-ZAS Zamboanga
del Sur
[lower-roman 25]
Pagadian 1.9% 1,766,814 5,914.16 km2
(2,283.47 sq mi)
300/km2
(780/sq mi)
6 Jun 1952 Mindanao IX 26 2 779
PH-ZSI Zamboanga
Sibugay
Ipil 0.6% 584,685 3,607.75 km2
(1,392.96 sq mi)
160/km2
(410/sq mi)
22 Feb 2001 Mindanao IX 16 389
PH-00 Metro Manila Manila  12.8% 11,855,975 638.55 km2
(246.55 sq mi)
19,000/km2
(49,000/sq mi)
Luzon NCR[B] 1 16 1,706
  1. ^ Dates could refer to provincehood as established during the Spanish period, American period, or through Republic Acts.
  2. ^ Metro Manila is included for comparison although it is not a province but an administrative region.
Table notes
  1. Figures include the independent city of Butuan.
  2. Cabadbaran has been made the official capital of the province, as per Republic Act No. 8811. However, the seat of the provincial government is still in the process of being transferred from Butuan, where the provincial government still holds office.
  3. The province maintains another government center in Luna, where many national and provincial agencies now hold office.[13]
  4. Figures include the independent city of Isabela.
  5. The city of Isabela is served by the offices of Region IX.
  6. Figures include the independent city of Baguio.
  7. Figures include the independent city of Naga.
  8. Figures include the independent cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.
  9. Figures include the independent city of Davao.
  10. Figures include the independent city of Iloilo.
  11. Figures include the independent city of Santiago.
  12. Figures include the independent city of Iligan.
  13. Figures include the independent cities of Ormoc and Tacloban.
  14. Figures include the independent city of Cotabato.
  15. Figures include the independent city of Cagayan de Oro.
  16. Figures include the independent city of Bacolod.
  17. The provincial government still uses and maintains facilities in the former capital, Cabanatuan.
  18. Figures include the independent city of Puerto Princesa.
  19. Figures include the independent city of Angeles.
  20. Figures include the independent city of Dagupan.
  21. Figures include the independent city of Lucena.
  22. The provincial government has already transferred its operations to Antipolo from Pasig, although no legislation on the national level has been enacted yet recognizing the new capital.
  23. Figures include the independent city of General Santos.
  24. Figures include the independent city of Olongapo.
  25. Figures include the independent city of Zamboanga.

Etymologies

For a more comprehensive list, see List of Philippine provincial name etymologies.

History

When the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898, the islands were divided into four gobiernos (governments), which were further subdivided into provinces and districts. The American administration initially inherited the Spanish divisions and placed them under military government. As insurgencies were pacified, civil government was gradually organized.

Formally proposed provinces

Note: This section lists only those proposals that reached the stage where legislation was enacted for the purpose of establishing a province or sub-province, but never achieved corporate existence.

Former provinces

See also

References

  1. "About the League of Provinces". League of Provinces of the Philippines. Retrieved 2008-01-12
  2. 1 2 3 4 Republic Act No. 7160 - Local Government Code of 1991
  3. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/articles/DepOrderReclass.pdf
  4. "ISO 3166-2 Newsletter: Changes in the list of subdivision names and code elements" (PDF). ISO (International Organization for Standardization). 30 June 2010. pp. 56–58. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  5. "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities" (PDF). 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  6. "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
  7. Beñas, Maritess B. "Abra marks 89th founding anniversary". Philippine Information Agency. Archived from the original on March 2, 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  8. Republic Act No. 8811 of August 16, 2000
  9. "The Philippine province of Agusan del Norte". Henry's Note. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  10. "Agusan del Sur...". OoCities.org. OoCities.org. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  11. "Proclamation No. 290, s. 1956". GOVPH. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  12. "Albay celebrates 439th Foundation Day". balita-dot-ph. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  13. "Apayao gov't center established in Luna". Philippine Information Agency.
  14. Province of Basilan: Land Area
  15. "The Batanes Islands". National Commission on Culture and the Arts. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  16. "No work on Monday, July 23, in observance of Bohol Day". The Bohol Standard. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  17. "Bukidnon Celebrates 100th Year in 2014". Provincial Government of Bukidnon. 2014-03-19. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
  18. "Festivals". Official Website of the Provincial Government of Cagayan. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  19. "Camarines Norte holds Bantayog fest". Philippine Daily Inquirer (in Filipino). Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  20. Abad, Danilo. "Kaogma 2015 isasagawa sa Camarines Sur". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  21. The provincial government of Cavite makes it clear that Imus City is the provincial capital, while the seat of the provincial government is Trece Martires City. Official Website of the Province of Cavite - Quick Facts Imus is capital of Cavite — Maliksi
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Because the provincial government holds office within an independent city, in effect the province maintains the seat of its government outside its jurisdiction.
  23. Unson, John. "North Cotabato set for Kalivungan fest, 101st anniversary". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  24. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Department of Agriculture: Lanao del Sur (The value given at NSCB is unreasonable and must be assumed as erroneous, see Talk:Lanao del Sur#Area.)
  25. Provincial Government of Maguindanao: Brief Profile (There seems to be major discrepancies among authoritative sources: 972,904 ha (NSCB); 6,565 km² (Historical Dictionary of the Philippines); 5,176.1 km² (NAMRIA))
  26. "President Aquino declares March 18 as special non-working day in Masbate in commemoration of 112th Foundation Day". Presidential Communications Operations Office. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  27. "Mt. Province". DILG-CAR. 2013-03-07. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  28. Saley, Juliet B. (2015-03-27). "Mountain Province celebrates 48th Foundation Anniversary". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  29. "Negros Oriental History". Negros Oriental Investment Promotion Center. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
  30. Babiera, Lester G. (2014-07-14). "Nueva Vizcaya mounts Ammungan fest, celebrates diversity". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  31. "Speech of President Aquino during his visit to Occidental Mindoro, November 15, 2012". GOVPH. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  32. "Palace declares Nov. 15 non-working day in Oriental Mindoro". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  33. Ramirez, Cesar (2011-03-27). "April 5 a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 2015-10-07.
  34. "History of Romblon". United Romblon Ministerial Fellowship. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  35. Province of Sulu: Brief Profile (There seems to be major discrepancies among authoritative sources: 343,699 ha (NSCB 2007), 175,460 ha (NSCB 2000), 167,377 ha (NAMRIA))
  36. "History of Tarlac". Province of Tarlac. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  37. "Proclamation No. 109, s. 1998". Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  38. The National Statistical Coordination Board recognizes both Bongao and Panglima Sugala as capitals of the province. However, the provincial capitol is located in Bongao, the de facto seat of government.
  39. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Department of Agriculture: Tawi-Tawi (There seems to be major discrepancies among authoritative sources: 362,655 ha (NSCB 2007), 120,876 ha (NAMRIA), 1,197 km² (Department of Tourism), 999 km² (Mapcentral))
  40. "Philippines-Archipelago, Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)". Specific information on the division of Leyte provided by David A. Short, webmaster of Philippines-Archipelago, which was updated accordingly after indirectly obtaining a copy of the text of Act No. 3117 from the Legislative Library, House of Representatives. Retrieved 2008-05-17
  41. Republic Act No. 5999, Chan-Robles Law Library.
  42. Republic Act No. 6406. Chan-Robles Law Library.
  43. Republic Act No. 7891
  44. Republic Act No. 9495
  45. Republic Act No. 8811, Republic Act No. 8811.
  46. Batas Pambansa Blg. 885
  47. G.R. No. 73155 - Tan v. COMELEC and the Provincial Treasurer of Negros Occidental
  48. Republic Act No. 9054, Chan-Robles Law Library.
  49. G.R. No. 177597 - Sema v. COMELEC, Supreme Court of the Philippines.

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