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.

Arteche, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Arteche, Eastern Samar, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Eastern Samar Philippines, within Region VIII – Eastern Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Eastern Samar. Arteche, Eastern Samar, Philippines Area in Hectares: 16,976 (approx. total land area)Population (2020 Census): Not AvailablePopulation (2015 Census): 16,026Annual […]

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Balangiga, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Balangiga, Eastern Samar, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Eastern Samar Philippines, within Region VIII – Eastern Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Eastern Samar. Balangiga, Eastern Samar, Philippines Area in Hectares: 19,005Population (2020 Census): 14,341Population (2015 Census): 14,085Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.38% Balangiga

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Tubajon, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Tubajon, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Tubajon, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 9,000Population (2020 Census): 9,046Population (2015 Census): 8,278Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 1.83% Tubajon 2022

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San Jose, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

San Jose, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. San Jose, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 27,800Population (2020 Census): 26,375Population (2015 Census): 26,042Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.26%

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Loreto, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Loreto, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Loreto, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 25,054Population (2020 Census): 17,931Population (2015 Census): 21,572Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): -3.75% Loreto 2022

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Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 17,495Population (2020 Census): 17,392Population (2015 Census): 17,751Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): -0.41% Libjo 2022

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Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 13,109Population (2020 Census): 27,88Population (2015 Census): 26,634Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.96% Dinagat 2022

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Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 11,416Population (2020 Census): 18,653Population (2015 Census): 17,931Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.83% Cagdianao 2022

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Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands Philippines, within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Dinagat Islands. Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, Philippines Area in Hectares: 9,252Population (2020 Census): 36,883Population (2015 Census): 36,976Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): -0.05% Basilisa 2022

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Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Philippines : is a municipality in the province of Davao Oriental Philippines, within Region XI – Davao, in the Republic of the Philippines.  >>> Click to view Other Municipalities in Davao Oriental. Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Philippines Area in Hectares: 36,467Population (2020 Census): 26,97Population (2015 Census): 26,224Annual Growth Rate (2015-2020): 0.58% Tarragona 2022

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