Masbate City, Masbate, Philippines

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

People of Masbate City

• As of the 2020 Census, Masbate City had a population of 104,522.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 95,389, reflecting a steady growth rate over five years.
• Masbate City is home to the Masbateño people, part of the Visayan ethnolinguistic group. Historically, the island also hosted indigenous Negrito communities, particularly in its forested interiors and coastal fringes.
• The major dialect spoken is Masbateño (also called Minasbate), a member of the Central Bisayan language family. While Masbateño is dominant in daily life, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness for students across the city.

Location of Masbate City

• Masbate City is located in the province of Masbate, within the Bicol Region (Region V). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 12.3739°N latitude and 123.6247°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 188.00 square kilometers, with a coastal topography and an average elevation of 15.4 meters above sea level. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, and the climate is tropical, with a pronounced wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The Masbate City Hall is located in Barangay Kalipay, along Hospital Road, which also houses other government offices and civic buildings.
• Most people reach Masbate City via sea and air. The Masbate Airport offers flights to and from Manila, while the Port of Masbate connects the city to Luzon and Visayas. Travelers from Manila typically take a bus to Pio Duran or Pilar in Sorsogon, followed by a ferry to Masbate City.

Tourist Attractions of Masbate City

• Catandayagan Falls: A stunning waterfall that plunges directly into the sea, accessible by boat from Masbate City.
• Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary: A protected area with a sandbar and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and eco-tours.
• Bat-ongan Cave: A limestone cave with chambers and underground pools, located in nearby Mandaon.
• Masbate Cathedral: A historic church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, located in the city center.
• Rodeo Masbateño Festival: Held every April, this nationally recognized event celebrates Masbate’s cattle industry with rodeo competitions, parades, and cultural showcases. Masbate City is officially the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.

Economy of Masbate City

• Masbate City serves as the commercial and transportation hub of the province. It is the center of trading activities, distributing commodities such as copra, dried fish, livestock, and marine products to other municipalities and cities including Manila, Cebu, and Legazpi.
• Key industries include:
  • Agriculture: Rice, corn, coconut, and root crops.
  • Fishing: Coastal communities rely on rich marine resources for commercial and subsistence fishing.
  • Livestock: Cattle raising is a major economic activity, with Masbate City playing a central role in the province’s beef industry.
  • Tourism: Eco-tourism and cultural festivals are emerging economic drivers.
• In 2023, Masbate Province posted a GDP of approximately ₱82.99 billion, with Masbate City contributing significantly as its capital and commercial center.

Educational Institutions of Masbate City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT): A state college offering programs in agriculture, engineering, education, and business. Included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • Masbate College: A private institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, law, and health sciences.
  • Southern Bicol Colleges: Known for its programs in nursing, engineering, and psychology.
  • Osmeña Colleges: Offers business, IT, and vocational courses.
  • Liceo de Masbate: Offers programs in education, accountancy, and commerce.

History of Masbate City

• Masbate City traces its origins to the early Spanish colonial period. The name “Masbat” first appeared in a letter by Fray Martin de Rada in 1569, describing the area’s rich gold deposits and active trade.
• The islands of Masbate, Ticao, and Burias were explored by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman and later by Captain Andres de Ibarra. Masbate was initially under the jurisdiction of the Province of Ibalon (now Albay), and its seat of government moved several times for strategic reasons—from Mobo to Guiom, then to Palanog, and finally to Cagay.
• Masbate was formally organized as a town in the 1850s under Spanish rule, with a Gobernadorcillo overseeing local governance. The town grew as a center for shipbuilding, cattle trading, and gold mining.
• Masbate City was officially converted into a component city on September 30, 2000, through Republic Act No. 9600. Today, it serves as the capital of Masbate Province and is known as the “Rodeo Capital of Southeast Asia,” blending cultural heritage with economic vitality.

Elected Officials of Masbate City

• As of the 2025 elections, Masbate City is led by:
  • Mayor: Olga Tingcungco Kho
  • Vice Mayor: Alex D. San Pablo
  • Representative (2nd District of Masbate): Elisa T. Kho
  • City Councilors: Rodolfo C. Abella, Jarvey Jasper D. Bala, Rosemarie V. Salvacion, Alberto R. Abayon, Alex D. San Pablo Jr., and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Masbate City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines