Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, Philippines

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

People of Sorsogon City

• As of the 2020 Census, Sorsogon City had a population of 182,237.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 168,110, reflecting a steady growth rate over five years.
• Sorsogon City is home to the Agta Tabangnon and Agta Simaron indigenous communities, part of the Negrito ethnolinguistic group. These groups traditionally lived in forested and coastal areas, practicing subsistence fishing, herbal medicine, and oral storytelling.
• The major dialect spoken is Southern Sorsogon, a Bisayan language heavily influenced by Bikol. While this dialect dominates daily life, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Sorsogon City

• Sorsogon City is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon in the Bicol Region (Region V). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 12.9742°N latitude and 124.0058°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 276.11 square kilometers, with irregular topography including mountain ranges, sloping uplands, plains, and marshlands. It is bounded by Sorsogon Bay to the west, Albay Gulf to the northeast, and the Philippine Sea to the east.
• The Sorsogon City Hall is located in Barangay Almendras-Cogon, near Magsaysay Street and adjacent to major schools and government offices.
• Most people reach Sorsogon City via land transport. It is approximately 600 kilometers from Metro Manila and accessible by bus through the Maharlika Highway. The nearest airport is Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, about 1.5 hours away. The Port of Matnog, a major sea gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, is roughly 45 minutes south by road.

Tourist Attractions of Sorsogon City

• Paguriran Island Lagoon: A hidden gem in Bacon District with turquoise waters and coral formations.
• Sorsogon Baywalk: A scenic promenade ideal for sunset viewing and leisure walks.
• Barcelona Church: A Spanish-era stone church built in 1874, showcasing colonial architecture.
• Bulusan Volcano Natural Park: A protected area with a crater lake, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity.
• Kasanggayahan Festival: Held every October, this city-wide celebration commemorates the founding of Sorsogon. It features street dancing, agro-industrial fairs, and cultural performances.

Economy of Sorsogon City

• Sorsogon City serves as the commercial and administrative center of the province. In 2023, Sorsogon Province posted a GDP of ₱79.18 billion, up from ₱74.54 billion in 2022, reflecting a growth rate of 6.2%.
• Major contributors to the economy include:
  • Agriculture: Rice, coconut, pili nuts, and abaca.
  • Fishing: Coastal communities engage in commercial and artisanal fishing.
  • Construction: Grew by 11% in 2023, driven by infrastructure projects.
  • Transportation and storage: Increased by 15.5%, supporting inter-island trade.
  • Financial and insurance activities: Expanded by 13.2%, reflecting rising consumer activity.

Educational Institutions of Sorsogon City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Sorsogon State University (SorSU): A premier state university offering programs in engineering, education, agriculture, and business.
  • The Lewis College: A private institution offering programs in business, IT, and hospitality management.
  • Aemilianum College: A Catholic college offering liberal arts and teacher education programs.
  • Annunciation College of Bacon Sorsogon Unit: Offers programs in business, education, and accountancy.
  • Bicol Merchant Marine College: Specializes in marine engineering and tourism management.

History of Sorsogon City

• Sorsogon City was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 8806, signed into law on August 16, 2000 and ratified during a plebiscite on December 16, 2000. The law merged the municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon into a single component city.
• Both Bacon and Sorsogon trace their roots to Spanish missionary efforts in the 1600s. Bacon was organized into a visita of Casiguran, while Sorsogon began as a visita of Bacon. These settlements evolved into parishes and eventually into civilian political units.
• Artifacts found in Bacon suggest human habitation dating back over 3,000 years, including burial jars and stone tools. These findings affirm the city’s deep pre-colonial heritage.
• Today, Sorsogon City is known as the “Gateway to Southern Philippines,” blending historical depth with modern governance. It serves as the capital of Sorsogon Province and a hub for commerce, education, and cultural pride.

Elected Officials of Sorsogon City

• As of the 2025 elections, Sorsogon City is led by:
  • Mayor: Ma. Ester E. Hamor
  • Vice Mayor: Mark Eric C. Dioneda
  • Representative (1st District of Sorsogon): Marie Bernadette G. Escudero
  • City Councilors: Jo Abegail C. Dioneda, Melchor P. Atutubo, Hilario D. Dioneda, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Sorsogon City Election Results.

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