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.

Monreal, Masbate, Philippines

Monreal, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Monreal, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 13330.00Population (2020 Census): 25,576Population (2015 Census): 26,626Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): -0.78% Monreal, Masbate 2022 […]

Monreal, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Esperanza, Masbate, Philippines

Esperanza, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Esperanza, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 5th ClassArea in Hectares: 6792.00Population (2020 Census): 18,552Population (2015 Census): 17,738Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.95% Esperanza, Masbate 2022

Esperanza, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Mandaon, Masbate, Philippines

Mandaon, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Mandaon, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd ClassArea in Hectares: 33929.00Population (2020 Census): 44,125Population (2015 Census): 41,225Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.47% Mandaon, Masbate 2022

Mandaon, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines

Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 18220.00Population (2020 Census): 26,944Population (2015 Census): 25,245Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.38% Dimasalang, Masbate 2022

Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Claveria, Masbate, Philippines

Claveria, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Claveria, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd ClassArea in Hectares: 18272.00Population (2020 Census): 44,976Population (2015 Census): 41,472Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.74% Claveria, Masbate 2022

Claveria, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines

Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 2nd ClassArea in Hectares: 27248.00Population (2020 Census): 67,446Population (2015 Census): 63,265Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.34% Cawayan, Masbate 2022

Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines

Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd ClassArea in Hectares: 19107.00Population (2020 Census): 50,336Population (2015 Census): 50,326Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.00% Cataingan, Masbate 2022

Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Batuan, Masbate, Philippines

Batuan, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Batuan, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 5th ClassArea in Hectares: 5674.00Population (2020 Census): 13,855Population (2015 Census): 14,035Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): -0.26% Batuan, Masbate 2022

Batuan, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Balud, Masbate, Philippines

Balud, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Balud, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 30457.00Population (2020 Census): 40,434Population (2015 Census): 37,038Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.89% Balud, Masbate 2022

Balud, Masbate, Philippines Read More »

Baleno, Masbate, Philippines

Baleno, Masbate, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Masbate Philippines, within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Masbate. Baleno, Masbate, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 20437.00Population (2020 Census): 28,855Population (2015 Census): 26,166Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 2.05% Baleno, Masbate 2022

Baleno, Masbate, Philippines Read More »