Municipalities of the Philippines

In the Philippines, a municipality is a local government unit (LGU), also known as a town. It is distinct from a city and is organized under the province it belongs to. Municipalities are further divided into barangays, the smallest political units.

How a Municipality is Formed:

  • A municipality is created by an act of Congress or through the Local Government Code.

  • It must meet certain criteria, such as population size, income, and land area, as mandated by law.

  • Once established, it has its own local government with elected officials (mayor, vice mayor, and municipal councilors).

Structure and Governance:

  • The executive branch is headed by a mayor.

  • The legislative branch is called the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council).

  • There are appointed municipal officials such as treasurer, assessor, health officer, and others fulfilling various administrative roles.

Classification of Municipalities:

Municipalities in the Philippines are classified based on their average annual income over the last four fiscal years. The classes are:

  • 1st Class: Municipalities with the highest income bracket.

  • 2nd Class

  • 3rd Class

  • 4th Class

  • 5th Class

  • 6th Class: Municipalities with the lowest income bracket.

These classifications help determine the municipality’s budget, administrative responsibilities, and development priorities.

Responsibilities:

  • Municipalities enjoy a degree of local autonomy but remain under provincial supervision.

  • They are responsible for local services such as health, sanitation, infrastructure, and ordinances.

  • They have the power to create and collect local taxes and fees.

This structure is defined by the Local Government Code of 1991 and supported by the 1987 Philippine Constitution, ensuring local governments can manage affairs effectively within their jurisdiction.

Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd Class Area in Hectares: 31005.00Population (2020 Census): 19,000Population (2015 […]

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San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th Class Area in Hectares: 27250.00Population (2020 Census):

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San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 2nd Class Area in Hectares: 46517.00Population (2020 Census):

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Madrid, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Madrid, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Madrid, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th Class Area in Hectares: 10897.00Population (2020 Census): 15,769Population (2015

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Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 1st Class Area in Hectares: 38156.00Population (2020 Census): 50,240Population (2015

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Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 2nd Class Area in Hectares: 32150.00Population (2020 Census): 34,798Population (2015

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Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th Class Area in Hectares: 29553.00Population (2020 Census): 13,642Population (2015

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Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 1st Class Area in Hectares: 27770.00Population (2020 Census): 43,892Population (2015

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Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th Class Area in Hectares: 8800.00Population (2020 Census): 16,864Population (2015

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Carmen, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Carmen, Surigao del Sur, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Surigao del Sur. Carmen, Surigao del Sur, Philippines Municipality Class: 5th Class Area in Hectares: 16077.00Population (2020 Census): 11,721Population (2015

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