Ligao City, Albay, Philippines

Ligao City, Albay is within Region V – Bicol, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Ligao City

• As of the 2020 Census, Ligao City had a population of 118,096 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 111,399, reflecting steady growth driven by agricultural expansion and urban development.
• Ligao is part of the Bicolano ethnolinguistic region. While no distinct indigenous group dominates the city today, historical records and folklore point to the presence of native communities practicing traditional healing and forest-based rituals.
• The major dialect spoken is Bikol, specifically the inland variant. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are equipped for both national and global engagement.

Location of Ligao City

• Ligao City is located in the province of Albay, within the Bicol Region (Region V). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 13.2411°N latitude and 123.5373°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 246.75 square kilometers, featuring a mix of coastal plains, river valleys, and volcanic slopes. It lies southwest of the majestic Mayon Volcano and has an elevation of about 51 meters above sea level.
• Ligao City Hall is located in Barangay Guilid, which serves as the administrative center of the city.
• Most people reach Ligao via land transport. It is approximately 30 kilometers from Legazpi City and 525 kilometers from Manila. Buses and vans connect Ligao to major cities, while the nearest airport is the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, about 45 minutes away by road. The nearest seaport is in Legazpi City, accessible within an hour by bus or private vehicle.

Tourist Attractions of Ligao City

• Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park: Known for its sunken crater and Stations of the Cross, this park offers panoramic views and spiritual reflection.
• Mt. Masaraga: An extinct stratovolcano ideal for hiking and nature photography.
• St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish Church: A historic church with Spanish-era architecture and deep religious significance.
• Bambusetum Park: A serene bamboo forest park perfect for eco-tourism and family outings.
• Ligao Cityhood Anniversary: Celebrated every March 24, this festival commemorates the city’s conversion from municipality to component city in 2001. It is marked by parades, cultural shows, and civic events.

Economy of Ligao City

• Ligao’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with rice, corn, coconut, and root crops as major products.
• In recent years, the city has seen growth in eco-tourism and small-scale manufacturing, supported by infrastructure investments and regional development programs.
• Ligao contributes to Albay’s overall GDP, which was estimated at ₱162.17 billion in 2024, growing by 5.5% from the previous year.

Educational Institutions of Ligao City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Ligao Community College (LICOMCO): A public institution offering free tuition under RA 10931. Located in Barangay Guilid, it provides programs in education, business, and information technology.
  • Bicol Regional Science High School: A premier secondary school specializing in science and math education.
  • Various senior high schools and technical-vocational institutions: Spread across the city’s 55 barangays, offering TESDA-accredited programs and K-12 tracks.

History of Ligao City

• Ligao traces its origins to the early 1600s, when it was known as Cavasi. It was annexed to Polangui in 1606 and later to Oas in 1665. By 1666, it was established as an independent town.
• The name “Ligao” is believed to have come from either “tigaw,” a tree used for fishing, or “ligaw,” the Tagalog word for courtship. Spanish soldiers reportedly misheard the locals and recorded the name as “Ligao”.
• Ligao remained a municipality for centuries, with its development accelerated by the Bicol River Basin Development Project in the 1970s. This brought irrigation, infrastructure, and livelihood programs to the area.
• Ligao was officially converted into a component city on March 24, 2001, through Republic Act No. 9008. The date is now celebrated annually as a special non-working holiday under RA 11113, signed in 2018.

Elected Officials of Ligao City

• As of the 2025 elections, Ligao City is led by:
  • Mayor: Fernando Vallejo Gonzalez
  • Vice Mayor: Jaypee David
  • Representative (3rd District of Albay): Adrian Salceda
  • City Councilors: Albert Francis S. Bichara, Amado V. Manlangit Jr., Ana P. Manlangit, Sherwin P. Quising, Teodorico A. Residilla Jr., Felipe O. Alday, Jurlan N. Buello, Emmanuel C. Ribaya, Esteban M. Gonzales, Sophia G. Monasterial
• For full election results and updates, visit: Ligao City Election Results.

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