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.
Population of Ilocos Norte As of the 2020 Census, Ilocos Norte recorded a population of 609,588 people. In 2015, the province had a population of 602,895, reflecting a modest growth rate of 0.58%. Location of Ilocos Norte Ilocos Norte is located in the northwestern tip of Luzon, bordered by the South China Sea to the […]
People of Ifugao As of the 2020 Census, Ifugao Province had a population of 210,669. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 202,802, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 3.9% over five years. Ifugao is home to the Ifugao people, one of the most culturally distinct indigenous groups in the Philippines. Known for their
People of Guimaras As of the 2020 Census, Guimaras Province had a population of 187,842. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 174,613, reflecting a steady growth rate over five years. Guimaras is historically home to the Ati people, one of the earliest inhabitants of the Visayas. Though now a minority, their cultural legacy
People of Eastern Samar As of the 2020 Census, Eastern Samar had a population of 477,168. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 467,160, reflecting steady growth over five years. Eastern Samar is historically home to the Waray-Waray people, with deep cultural roots in oral traditions, music, and community rituals. The Manobo and other
People of Dinagat Islands As of the 2020 Census, Dinagat Islands had a population of 128,117. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 127,152, showing a modest growth over five years. The Dinagat Islands are historically home to the Mamanwa people, one of the oldest indigenous groups in the Philippines. Known for their nomadic
People of Davao Oriental As of the 2020 Census, Davao Oriental had a population of 576,343. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 558,958, reflecting a growth of 17,385 people over five years. Davao Oriental is the traditional homeland of the Mandaya and Kagan peoples. The Mandaya are known for their intricate weaving, oral
People of Davao Occidental As of the 2020 Census, Davao Occidental had a population of 317,159. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 293,780, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 8% over five years. Davao Occidental is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Tagakaulo, Blaan, Bagobo, and Manobo peoples. These tribes have
People of Davao del Sur As of the 2020 Census, Davao del Sur had a population of 680,481. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 632,588, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 7.6% over five years. Davao del Sur is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Bagobo-Tagabawa, Obo-Manobo, and Kalagan peoples. These
People of Davao del Norte As of the 2020 Census, Davao del Norte had a population of 1,143,931. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 1,016,332, reflecting a growth rate of over 12.5% in five years. Davao del Norte is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Mandaya, Ata-Manobo, and Kalagan peoples. These
People of Davao de Oro As of the 2020 Census, Davao de Oro had a population of 767,547. In 2015, the province recorded a population of 736,403, showing steady growth across its municipalities. Davao de Oro is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Mandaya, Manobo, and Kalagan peoples. These tribes have deep ancestral