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.

Sudipen, La Union, Philippines

Sudipen, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Sudipen, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd ClassArea in Hectares: 10,750Population (2020 Census): 17,298Population (2015 Census): 17,083Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.26% Sudipen, […]

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Santo Tomas, La Union, Philippines

Santo Tomas, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Santo Tomas, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 2nd ClassArea in Hectares: 14,037Population (2020 Census): 41,523Population (2015 Census): 39,788Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020):

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Santol, La Union, Philippines

Santol, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Santol, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 24,142Population (2020 Census): 14,166Population (2015 Census): 12,137Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 3.23% Santol,

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San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 12,133Population (2020 Census): 18,943Population (2015 Census): 18,175Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020):

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Rosario, La Union, Philippines

Rosario, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Rosario, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 1st ClassArea in Hectares: 8,399Population (2020 Census): 60,215Population (2015 Census): 55,483Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.74% Rosario,

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San Juan, La Union, Philippines

San Juan, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. San Juan, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 1st ClassArea in Hectares: 5,718Population (2020 Census): 40,526Population (2015 Census): 37,106Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020):

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Pugo, La Union, Philippines

Pugo, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Pugo, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 6,243Population (2020 Census): 19,392Population (2015 Census): 18,393Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.12% Pugo,

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Naguilian, La Union, Philippines

Naguilian, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Naguilian, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 2nd ClassArea in Hectares: 10,463Population (2020 Census): 52,189Population (2015 Census): 49,270Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.22% Naguilian,

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Caba, La Union, Philippines

Caba, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Caba, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 4th ClassArea in Hectares: 4,631Population (2020 Census): 23,119Population (2015 Census): 22,039Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.01% Caba,

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Luna, La Union, Philippines

Luna, La Union, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of La Union Philippines, within Region 1-Ilocos, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in La Union. Luna, La Union, Philippines Municipality Class: 3rd ClassArea in Hectares: 4,710Population (2020 Census): 37,318Population (2015 Census): 35,802Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.88% Luna,

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