The territory of the Philippines is divided into regions, and within each region are the provinces.
Provinces – These are subdivided into cities, municipalities, and barangays.
Some cities within the provinces are independent of the province in which they are geographically located; these are called independent and highly urbanized cities.
Voters registered in a highly urbanized city, as defined above, shall not participate in the election of provincial officials of the province where the city is located (Section 3, Batas Pambansa Blg. 51).
Some communities are not large enough to be classified as cities, so they remain municipalities. Every province, city, and municipality in the Philippines is classified by income.
Within municipalities, cities, and chartered cities are the barangays. Without barangays, there would be no municipality, city, chartered city, or province.
Each province is administered by:
The Governor – Chief Executive Officer; elected to a term of three years and limited to three consecutive terms. The governor appoints the directors of each provincial department.
The Vice‑Governor – Presides over the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), the province’s legislative body.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Exercises general supervision over the provinces and cities in 17 of the 18 regions. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is exempt from this supervision, operating under its own organic law. The BARMM replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on February 26, 2019, following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Zambales Province: The Coastal Jewel of Central Luzon Zambales Province is a geographically distinctive province located on the western coast of the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Known for its stunning coastline along the West Philippine Sea, Zambales is defined by a unique landscape that features rugged mountain ranges, including the Zambales Mountains, and […]
Tawi-Tawi Province: The Southern Gateway of the Philippines Located at the southwestern tip of the Philippine archipelago, the island province of Tawi-Tawi is a vibrant frontier rich in unique culture, ancient history, and untouched marine biodiversity. Situated within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the province acts as the country’s maritime border with
Tarlac Province: The Melting Pot of Central Luzon Tarlac Province is a strategically important and culturally diverse province located in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Known as the “Melting Pot of Central Luzon,” it is the only province in the region where the four major linguistic groups (Kapampangan, Ilocano, Tagalog, and Pangasinense) are
Surigao del Sur Province: The Enchanting Coast of Caraga Positioned along the northeastern coast of Mindanao, the province of Surigao del Sur stands as a vibrant jewel in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region XIII). Often dubbed the “Land of the Majestic Waterfalls and Mystical Rivers,” it is bordered by Surigao del Norte to the north,
Sultan Kudarat Province: The Agricultural Heartland of Region XII Sultan Kudarat is a vibrant, first-class province situated in the southwestern section of central Mindanao, forming a crucial part of the Soccsksargen Region (Region XII). Named in honor of the revered Muslim ruler, Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, the province embodies a rich tapestry of cultures, dominated
People of South Cotabato As of the 2020 Census, South Cotabato had a population of 975,476. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 915,289, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 6.6% over five years. South Cotabato is home to several indigenous groups including the Tboli, Blaan, Manobo, and Tagakaulo. These communities have rich traditions
People of Sorsogon As of the 2020 Census, Sorsogon Province had a population of 828,655. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 770,733, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.43% annually over five years. Sorsogon is home to the indigenous Agta Tabangnon and Agta Simaron communities, part of the Negrito ethnolinguistic group. These groups
People of Siquijor As of the 2020 Census, Siquijor Province had a population of 103,395. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 95,984, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 7.7% over five years. Siquijor is historically home to the Ati and other Negrito groups, though most of the current population are Visayan settlers. The
Pampanga Province: The Culinary Capital of the Philippines Pampanga Province is a vibrant and culturally significant province located in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. Historically, it was the first province established by the Spanish in the island of Luzon in 1571. Today, Pampanga is globally renowned as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,”