Guinobatan

Guinobatan
Municipality
Municipality of Guinobatan
Guinobatan Municipal Hall
Flag
Nickname:  The Sparkling Gem of Bicol
Map of Albay with Guinobatan highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Guinobatan Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 13°11′N123°36′E / 13.18°N 123.6°E / 13.18; 123.6
Country	Philippines
Region	Bicol Region
Province	Albay
District	3rd district
Founded	1688
Founded by	Don Francisco Bagamasbad
Barangays	44 (see Barangays)
Government   [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
•  Mayor	Paul "Chino" N. Garcia (PDP)
•  Vice Mayor	Ann Y. Ongjoco (NUP)
•  Representative	Fernando T. Cabredo
•  Municipal Council	Members Kathleen Mae O. Padua Julio S. Tingzon IV Primo M. Pintor Mary Ann G. Amano Marelen G. Flores Robert M. Bañaga Ricky S. Matza Rolando P. Palabrica
•  Electorate	58,205 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	244.43 km2 (94.37 sq mi)
Elevation	169 m (554 ft)
Highest elevation	474 m (1,555 ft)
Lowest elevation	59 m (194 ft)
Population  (2020 census) [3]
• Total	85,786
• Density	350/km2 (910/sq mi)
•  Households	20,327
Demonym	Guinobateño Guinobatanon
Economy
•  Income class	1st municipal income class
•  Poverty incidence	21.90 % (2021) [4]
•  Revenue	₱ 273.4 million (2020), 124.4 million (2012), 138.3 million (2013), 155.6 million (2014), 176 million (2015), 190.7 million (2016), 223.8 million (2017), 265.5 million (2018), 256.9 million (2019), 292.5 million (2021), 388.7 million (2022)
•  Assets	₱ 814.1 million (2020), 263 million (2012), 286.5 million (2013), 334.2 million (2014), 368.4 million (2015), 435.2 million (2016), 505.7 million (2017), 615 million (2018), 723.3 million (2019), 903.9 million (2021), 1,072 million (2022)
•  Expenditure	₱ 263.6 million (2020), 90.57 million (2012), 104 million (2013), 132.9 million (2014), 139.2 million (2015), 149.7 million (2016), 170.2 million (2017), 208.7 million (2018), 205.3 million (2019), 241.1 million (2021), 261.3 million (2022)
•  Liabilities	₱ 249.1 million (2020), 85.25 million (2012), 88.42 million (2013), 123.3 million (2014), 136 million (2015), 167.6 million (2016), 153.2 million (2017), 183.5 million (2018), 171.9 million (2019), 272.4 million (2021), 265 million (2022)
Service provider
• Electricity	Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO)
• Water	Guinobatan Water District
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4503
PSGC	050504000
IDD  :  area code	+63 (0)52
Native languages	Tagalog, East Miraya, Bikol
Feast date	August 15
Catholic diocese	Diocese of Legazpi
Patron saint	Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion
Website	www.guinobatan.gov.ph

Guinobatan, officially the Municipality of Guinobatan (Central Bikol : Banwaan kan Guinobatan; East Miraya Bikol: Banwa ning Guinobatan; Tagalog : Bayan ng Guinobatan), is a municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 85,786 people. ^[3]

The town is the birthplace of General Simeón Ola, the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans after the Philippine–American War.

History

Legend

In the research work "Guinobatan Through the Times," the following version of the legend is stated:

• In a region on Mayon's slopes lay a village. It was dotted with huts whose roofs were made of nipa, as well as with a number of stone houses. In the village was a church, and inside the belfry was a Golden Bell. So great was the bell that when rung, the sound could be heard from miles away. The sound could even reach the land of the Moros. The Moros, made curious by the sound of the bell, sent spies so that they would know what kind of bell was producing so loud and peculiar a sound. The spies were amazed and surprised to find out that the townspeople rang was made of pure gold. They went back to the land of the Moros eager to report their findings to their superiors. Motivated by greed, the Moros assembled a squad to plunder the bell. When they arrived at the village, they pillaged the community and torched houses. They attempted to force the people to tell them where the Golden Bell was. Their attempts failed. Many were still able to flee. The fleeing townsfolk knew where the bell was, and they hid the bell underneath the roots of trees. However, an old man was left in the village. As he was the only person left in the town; Moros tortured him so that he would tell the raiders where the Golden Bell was. The old man, however, did not know. Finding no use for the old man, the Moros killed him. They tried to pursue the townspeople, but they were too far away to be captured. Instead, they went to the woods in search of the Golden Bell. They uprooted every tree underneath which they believed the Golden Bell was hidden. Their efforts proved futile. Hence, with empty hands the Moros went back to their land, while the townspeople went back to the village to rebuild their lives, which had always been under threat from Moro pillagers and natural calamities; from bad harvests and oppressive encomienderos. The townspeople also kept the valued Golden Bell safe from anyone who tried to steal it. Seeing the uprooted trees, the townsfolk named their area “Guinobatan” meaning “a place where trees were uprooted.” So ends the legend. ^[5]

Some versions also state that the town's name is derived from Ginabutan, meaning "a place where trees or plants were uprooted." ^[6]

History under foreign rule

Luis Née, a botanist, reached Bicol in January 1792, accompanying the expedition of Capt. Alejandro Malaspina. Née explored towns near Mayon and including the area now known as Guinobatan. He noted that "trees grew in exuberance making the foothills impenetrable in many parts." ^[7]

Dr. Leonilo R. Palacio of Guinobatan's Republic Colleges mentioned in an essay entitled "Guinobatan and its Church" that "in 1672, the Parish of Guinobatan was already mentioned in books as a visita of the Municipality of Camalig." ^[8]

In 1890, the title of the gobernadorcillo was changed to Capitan Municipal. The Municipal Law of 1894 guaranteed that the term of the local executive would be extended from two years to four years. Also among the salient provisions of the law was the election of 12 vocales, equivalent to today's councilors. In 1895, the Colegio de San Buenaventura was also built, making Guinobatan the centre for higher education in Albay. ^[5]

Cabezas and principales elected the gobernadorcillo until 1863. Until 1847, Guinobatan belonged to Camarines. During the said year, the towns of Quipia, Camalig and Donsol (now in Sorsogon) were ceded to Albay, in exchange for the towns of the Partido de Lagonoy. From 1730 to 1818, the town transferred from one place to another. In 1730, it was on a site now called Binanuahan. From there, it was the relocated to Bubulusan. During the eruption of 1814, citizens opted to evacuate to higher ground, in Mauraro.

American colonization

During the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine–American War (1898-1911), most of the schoolhouses built by the Spaniards were destroyed by constant artillery fire, most of which came from the Americans. As part of the "pacification" campaign of the Americans, engineers and architects were sent to the Philippines to oversee the construction of public works. Engr. Edward K. Bourne and famed urban planner Daniel Burnham, among other American architects and engineers, were instructed to go to Manila. In response, the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 268 which created the Bureau of Architecture and Construction of Public Buildings. Mr. Bourne was appointed as its head. In 1907, the Philippine Assembly was formed. Angel Roco of Mauraro, Guinobatan represented Albay in the Assembly. The same year, Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija authored an act which appropriated ₱ 1 million between 1907 and 1915 for "construction of schoolhouses of strong materials in barrios with guaranteed daily attendance of not less than sixty pupils…" Passing into law as Act No. 1801, the act became known as the "Gabaldon Act". Among the salient provisions was that no school could receive more than ₱ 4,000 unless the municipality to which the school belonged contributed at least 50% of the total amount granted to the school by the Gabaldon Act. The Gabaldon Act stipulated that only on land owned by the municipality could schools be constructed. Fifty-one "Gabaldons" were completed by 1911, and by 1916, four hundred five more were constructed. Among those completed between 1911 and 1916 was Guinobatan Central School blg. 1 or the Guinobatan East Central School's Gabaldon Building.

Potenciano Gregorio's Bikol language musical composition "Sarung Banggi" premiered at the town fiesta in Guinobatan in August 1910. ^[9]

Education

Presently, there are almost 45 Day Care Centers, 3 private pre-schools, 33 public elementary schools, 5 private elementary schools, 6 public high schools, 4 private high schools and 4 tertiary schools in the municipality.

Tertiary / Vocational / Technical Education

The municipality has four tertiary schools:

• The Colegio de San Buenaventura (1895-1900) it is located at the present site of St. Benedict's Academy, it is considered as the first tertiary institution in the Province of Albay. It first opened on January 7, 1895 with a population of 297 students and 14 instructors. During the Philippine-American war, Col. Ignacio Paua, set the instutition to ablaze due to the advancement of the American forces.
• The Bicol University Guinobatan Campus (BU Guinobatan) is located in Barangay Ilawod, Morera and Mauraro, it was first established as the Guinobatan Rural High School by Dr. Felipe Cevallos as its founder and held its first classes on June 3, 1912 . It was renamed as Guinobatan Agricultural School in 1927; Roxas Memorial Agricultural School in 1950; Bicol University College of Agriculture (BUCA) in 1969 through RA 5521 and now known as Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) because of the offering of Bachelor of Science in Forestry which started in 1991, and in 2022 it was renamed as the Bicol University Guinobatan Campus.
• The Republic Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc. (RCGI) is a Non-sectarian institutions and is located at G. Alban st., Iraya, it was first established as the Republic Academy in 1947. It offers the following programs: MA in Education G.R. No. 74 s. 1979 – DCO, MA in Public Administration G.R. No. NA s. NA – NA, Bachelor in Elementary Education G.R. No. 165 s. 1970 – DCO, Bachelor in Secondary Education G.R. No. 194 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Business Administration G.R. No. 195 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Computer Science G.R. No. H-0008 s. 1996 - CRO
• The PLT Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc. (PLTC), which offers technical and vocational, and criminology courses. It is located at Barangay San Francisco, Guinobatan, Albay.
• The Guinobatan Community College (GComC), which will open in 2024, it will cater tertiary education to the underpriveledged and rural areas of the Municipalities of Guinobatan, Jovellar and Camalig, Albay.
• The TESDA - Provincial Training Center (TESDA-PTC-Guinobatan) is a vocational institution located at San Francisco, Guinobatan, Albay.

Secondary Education

Public High Schools

• Albay High School (1902) is a defunct institution, the American first opened the AHS at Guinobatan with a population of 52 students and 3 American Teachers, due to the cholera outbreak the institution shut down and was transferred to another municipality.
• The Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (MORMS) is located at Maharlika Highway, San Francsco, Guinobatan, and started as Albay High School Guinobatan (AHSG) in September, 1945 through the initiatives of Hon. Marcial O. Rañola, and Mayor Carlos Pardo. Mr. Jose Ramirez was the inaugural holder of school principal with 12 teachers for the 400 pioneer students. In 1948, the P.T.A. with Mr. Lorenzo Oliver, President purchased the 8 hectare lot which is the present site. In 1954, Hon. Pio Duran espoused the construction of the pre-fabricated buildings under Mr. Pacifico Y. Garcia, Principal. A.H.S.G. became an ICA-NEC pilot school and recipient of equipment, tools and appliances for Science and Technology subjects in 1959. In 1963, the school was nationalized by R.A. No. 3161 sponsored by Hon. Josefina Belmonte–Duran R.A. 3723 was also passed by her naming the school Pio Duran Memorial School in honor of the late Hon. Pio Duran, her predecessor in Congress and school benefactor. On June 17, 1967, R.A. No. 5055 sponsored by Hon. Belmonte-Duran named the school Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School to commemorate the precursor of this institution.
• Masarawag National High School
• Malipo National High School
• Lower Binogsacan National High School
• Mauraro High School
• Bat-Bat National High School
• Balite High School – Proposed new High School

Private High Schools

• St. Benedict’s Academy came into existence on May 22, 1958, through the combined efforts of Rt. Msgr. Demetrio Valeza and a few militant ladies of the Catholic Women's League, Guinobatan Unit who were bent on having a Catholic school in the town for the cultural and moral upliftment of the youth. The Benedictine Sisters were requested to administer the school. On June 1, 1958, the new school was blessed by Bishop Ariola of Legazpi. Classes began the next day. After two weeks, there were 25 little boys and girls in Kindergarten and 36 girls in the first year high school. Such were the auspicious beginnings of SBA. When the burgeoning school population could no longer be accommodated in two-room cabin, a modern concrete building was built in 1961. In that same year the High School Department began to include boys. In 1972, the foundation of two-story building for Elementary School was laid. Improvements were undertaken as the school continued to grow.
• Republic Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc at G. Alban st. Iraya
• Fide Christian Academy at Rizal st. Iraya
• PLT Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc – SHS at Barangay San Francisco

Primary Education

Public Elementary Schools

Guinobatan East Central School at Gen. Antonio Luna st., Iraya. It is the flagship school of the Guinobatan East District that was established in 1914. Its satellite schools are the following: Headed by: PSDS Ma. Theresa Nasayao Bat-Bat Elementary School Bololo Elementary School Bubulusan Elementary School Catomag Elementary School Don Juan Garcia Elementary School Dr. Felipe Cevallos Elementary School Inascan Elementary School Maipon Elementary School Malabnig Elementary School Manases Olaybal Memorial Elementary School Maninila Elementary School Masarawag Elementary School Muladbucad Elementary School Muladbucad Grande Elementary School Rebagay Foundation Elementary School San Jose Elementary School Travesia Elementary School

Guinobatan West Central School at M.H. Del Pilar st. Barangay Calzada. It is the flagship school of the Guinobatan West District. Its satellite schools are the following: Headed by: PSDS Edgar Orellana Balite Elementary School Binogsacan Elementary School Cabaloaon Elementary School Doña Elena Mitre Garcia Elementary School Doña Irene Elementary School Doña Mercedes Elementary School Libas Elementary School Lomacao Elementary School Malipo Elementary School Malobago Elementary School Mapaco Elementary School Mauraro Elementary School Morera Elementary School Ongo Elementary School Palanas Elementary School Pood Elementary School

Private Elementary and Pre Schools St. Benedict’s Academy at Barangay Poblacion Fide Christian Academy at Barangay Iraya Rich Minds Basic Center (RMBC), Inc. at Barangay San Francisco Teofila O. Baylen Memorial Adventist Multigrade School at Barangay Calzada Rainbow Kids School, Inc at Barangay San Francisco Al-Madrasah Academy at Barangay Inamnan Grande

Government

Elected officials

2022–2025 Guinobatan Municipal Officials

Position	Name	Party
Mayor	Paul N. Garcia ♯		PDP
Vice Mayor	Ann Y. Ongjoco +		NUP
Councilors	Kathleen Mae O. Padua +		PDP
	Julio S. Tingzon, IV ‹›		NUP
	Primo M. Pintor +		NUP
	Mary Ann G. Amano ‹›		PDP
	Marelen G. Flores +		PDP
	Robert M. Bañaga ‹›		NUP
	Ricky S. Matza +		NUP
	Rolando P. Palabrica ‹›		PDP
Ex Officio Municipal Council Members
ABC President	Reynaldo Namia (San Francisco)		Nonpartisan
SK Federation President	Keith John M. Pacardo (Inamnan Grande)		Nonpartisan

Legend

1. A + indicates that the official is elected for the first term
2. A ♯ indicates that the official is re-elected to a higher position
3. A ‹› indicates that the official is re-elected to the same position

Past Municipal Administrators

Spanish Era (1731–1898) Inclusive years Gobernadorcillo 1731 Don Lucas Timog 1732 Don Alonzo Lamberan 1733 Don Lazaro Dayaon 1734 Don Juan Baog 1735 Don Tomas Liniog 1736 Don Francisco Latumbo 1737 Don Andres Andog 1738 Don Bernardo Tarog 1739 Don Francisco Sabogan 1740 Don Santiago Macandog 1741 Don Geronimo Paglinisan 1742 Don Antonio Dignalan 1743 Don Alonzo Fernandez 1744 Don Agustin Cepeda 1745 Don Melchor Blanco 1746 Don Remigio Pimentel 1747 Don Francisco Aroyo 1748 Don Miguel Trilianco 1749 Don Diego Albares 1750 Don Alejandro Perez 1751 Don Juan Bautista 1752 Don Diego Perez 1753 Don Jose Oustria 1754 Don Alonzo Oco 1755 Don Francisco Javier 1756 Don Manuel Andrada 1757 Don Agustin Macasamno 1758 Don Antonio Oco 1759 Don Francisco Antones Caledat 1760 Don Melchor Perez 1761 Don Juan de Miranda 1762 Don Manuel Andrada 1763 Don Pacual Guillermo 1764 Don Diego de S. Vicente 1765 Don Pedro Alcantara 1766 Don Melchor Perez 1767-1768 Don Diego de S. Vicente 1769 Don Nicolas Perez 1770 Don Andres de los Angeles 1771 Don Alejandro Luis de Sta. Ana 1772 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1773 Don Baltasar de los Reyes 1774 Don Pedro Torres de Miranda 1775-1776 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1777 Don Pascual Leonardo 1778 Don Andres de los Reyes 1779 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1780 Don Jose Natividad 1781 Don Alonso Guillermo 1782 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1783 Don Juan Lazaro 1784 Don Juan de los Reyes 1785 Don Francisco Tomas 1786 Don Alonso Crisanto 1787 Don Jose Alejandrino 1788 Don Pascual Leonardo 1789 Don Alonso de los Reyes 1790 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1791 Don Franco Antonio Mataraguis 1792 Don Francisco Evaristo 1793 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1794 Don Jose Alejandrino 1795 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1796 Don Alonso de los Reyes 1797 Don Franco Ignacio Budling 1798 Don Francisco Evaristo 1799 Don Juan Pascual S. Agustin 1800 Don Francisco Felix 1801 Don Felipe Rodriguez 1802 Don Juan Bautista 1803 Don Santiago de Villafuerte 1804 Don Pascual Leonardo 1805 Don Pedro Ignacio Seping 1806 Don Franco Irisaro Valentin 1807 Don Juan Reynaldo 1808 Don Juan de S. Vicente 1809 Don Juan de S. Buenaventura 1810 Don Domingo de Guzman 1811 Don Jose Perez 1812 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1813 Don Domingo Rodrigo 1814 Don Manuel Fernando 1815 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1816 Don Juan de S. Antonio 1817 Don Miguel Geronimo 1818 Don Jose Alejandrino 1819 Don Miguel Geronimo 1820 Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente 1821 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1822 Don Alonso Casimiro 1823 Don Ignacio Silas 1824 Don Pedro de los Santos 1825 Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente 1826 Don Jose Bernardo 1827 Don Francisco Valenzuela 1828 Don Lazaro de los Reyes 1829 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1830 Don Lazaro de la Cruz 1831 Don Domingo del Espiritu Sto. 1832 Don Antonio de los Reyes 1833 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1834 Don Pedro Villafuerte 1835 Don Nicolas Gonzales 1836 Don Julian Mariano 1837 Don Julian Remigio 1838 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1839 Don Pedro Javier 1840 Don Francisco N. Palacio 1841 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1842 Don Jose Perez 1843 Don Pascual de los Reyes 1844 Don Gregorio de los Reyes 1845 Don Antonio L. Divinagracia 1846 Don Francisco Langcauon 1847 Don Francisco Javier 1848 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1849 Don Antonio Lazaro 1850 Don Tomas Olaguer 1851 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1852 Don Salvador Mallorca 1853 Don Gil O. Fernandez 1854 Don Francsico M. Peñaflor 1855 Don Salvador Mallorca 1856 Don Vicente Orbeta 1857 Don Andres Obed 1858 Don Tomas Olaguer 1859 Don Antonio L. Divinagracia 1860 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1861 Don Francisco N. Palacio 1862 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1863-1864 Don Mariano Marcayda 1865-1866 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1867-1868 Don Mariano Ope 1869-1870 Don Alfonso Matienzo 1871-1872 Don Gregorio de Leon 1873-1874 Don Dionisio Olmedillo 1875-1876 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1877-1880 Don Jose Offemaria 1881-1882 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian, Sr. 1883-1884 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1885-1886 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian, Sr. 1887-1888 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1889-1890 Don Eugenio Otivar 1891-1893 Don Jose Arboleda 1894-1895 Don Eugenio Otivar 1896-1898 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian, Sr.

Republica Filipina (1898-1901) Inclusive years Municipal president Municipal vice-president 1898-1900 Francisco Lukban (Appointed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo) Eustaquio Villanueva

American rule (1900–1941) Inclusive years Municipal president Municipal vice-president 1900–1901 Sr. Eugenio Pardiñas 1901–August 31, 1903 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian, Sr. September 1, 1903 – July 19, 1904 Don Eligio Arboleda Don Epifanio S. Orozco July 20, 1904 – 1905 Don Epifacio S. Orozco 1906-1907 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian, Sr 1908–1909 Don Epifanio S. Orozco 1910–1912 Don Simeon A. Ola 1913-1916 Don Agapito B. Paulate 1917-1919 Don Simeon A. Ola 1920-1922 Don Juan Lorica Don Santiago Diaz 1923-1928 Don Justiniano de los Reyes Dr. Damaso R. Labanan (1926–1928) 1929 Don Fructuoso Rañola (Died in office) Don Deogracias O. Paulate 1930-1931 Don Deogracias O. Paulate 1932-1937 Don Canuto R. Razal Don Alejandro Oliva 1938-1941 Engr. Julian O. Ofrasio Don Canuto R. Razal 1941 Carlos Pardo (Elected but did not assume office, due to Japanese Invasion in December 12, 1941)

Japanese Occupation (1941–1947) Inclusive years Municipal Mayor 1941-1942 Cpt. Brigido Sison (Japanese Appointed) 1942-April 30, 1944 Sergio O. Palencia, Sr. (Japanese Appointed) May 1, 1944 – August 15, 1945 Dionisio Q. Roa (Japanese Appointed)

Post-War Period (1947-date) Inclusive years Municipal Mayor Municipal Vice Mayor SK Federation President ABC President Remarks September 29, 1945 – June 14, 1946 Carlos Pardo Gregorio Alban (Sept. 29, 1945-March 1, 1946) Eligio Osia (March 1, 1946- June 14, 1946) Acting Mayor, Appointed by Pres. Sergio Osmeña June 14, 1946 – September 9, 1947 Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. Eligio Osia (June 14, 1946- June 28, 1946) Rafael Olmos (June 28, 1946- September 09, 1947) Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas September 9, 1947 – December 31, 1947 Eligio Osia Rafael Olmos (September 09, 1947- December 31, 1947) Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas January 1, 1948 – 1957 Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. Martin O. Garcia (1948–1955) Jose B. Garcia (1956–1957) Resigned in 1957 1957-1963 Jose B. Garcia Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. (May 9, 1958-December 31, 1959) Antonio Papa (1960–1963) 1964-1967 Atty. Jose P. Oira Nestorio O. Olaguer 1968-1986 Jose B. Garcia Nestorio O. Olaguer (1968-1971) Felipe Duran (1972–1980) Emeliano M. Ongjoco, MD (1980–1986) 1986–1987 Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II Floria R. Tuason Appointed Mayor by Pres. Corazon Aquino 1987–1988 Juan G. Rivera Floria R. Tuason Appointed Mayor by Pres. Corazon Aquino 1988–1998 Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II Floria M. Tuason (1990–1995) Ruben P. Olavario (1995–1998) Amiel Ian P. Opeña (1993–1996) Christopher O. Palevino (1996–1998) 1998–2001 Juan G. Rivera Jesus S. Remendado, Jr., DMD Christopher O. Palevino (1998–2001) 2001–2004 Christopher Dy-Llaco Flores Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. Sammy N. Pales (2001–2002) Jane R. Arevalo (2002–2003) 2004-2013 Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II Atty. Generoso Alejo R. Villareal (2004–2007) Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. (2007–2013) Gloren Naparato (2004 - August 13, 2007) Jane R. Arevalo (August 21, 2007-November 2007) John Rey G. Namia ( December 2007-2010) Patrick Polly C. Pintor (2010–2013) Noel T. Calanza (2004–2007) Jose M. Padilla (2007–2010) Paul N. Garcia (2010–2013) 2013–2022 Ann Y. Ongjoco Julio S. Tingzon, IV (2013-2019) Rolando P. Palabrica (2019–2022) No SK (2013–2016) Matthew O. Orpiada (2016–November 30, 2023) Jose M. Padilla (2013–August, 2021) Remedios R. Mar (August 10, 2021–November 30, 2023) Gemma Y. Ongjoco was the first female municipal mayor and eight in Albay (next to Cherilie Mella Sampal of Polangui, Agnes P. Dycoco of Libon, Cielo Krisel L. Luistro of Tabaco City, Magdalena Lim & Linda P. Gonzales of Ligao City, Imelda C. Roces and Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal of Legazpi City)

Geography

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 244.43 square kilometres (94.37 sq mi)  ^[10] constituting 9.49% of the 2,575.77-square-kilometre- (994.51 sq mi) total area of Albay.

The town of Guinobatan is located at 13°11′N123°36′E / 13.18°N 123.6°E / 13.18; 123.6 . The territory of Guinobatan is bordered by a number of municipalities: Camalig on the east, Jovellar on the south, Pio Duran on the south-west, Ligao on the north-west. On the north-east, the town shares with Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Daraga, Tabaco and Legazpi, a common point in the crater of Mayon Volcano. ^[5] Guinobatan is 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Legazpi City and 510 kilometres (320 mi) from Manila.

Barangays

Guinobatan is politically subdivided into 44 barangays. ^[11] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC	Barangay	Population			±% p.a.
		2020 [3]		2010 [12]
050504001	Agpay	0.6%	482	451	▴	0.67%
050504002	Balite	0.7%	585	524	▴	1.11%
050504003	Banao	1.3%	1,074	1,018	▴	0.54%
050504004	Batbat	1.6%	1,373	1,314	▴	0.44%
050504005	Binogsacan Lower	2.2%	1,889	1,716	▴	0.96%
050504049	Binogsacan Upper	1.3%	1,131	1,067	▴	0.58%
050504006	Bololo	1.7%	1,442	1,363	▴	0.56%
050504007	Bubulusan	1.6%	1,399	1,189	▴	1.64%
050504009	Calzada	3.2%	2,787	2,662	▴	0.46%
050504010	Catomag	0.9%	796	713	▴	1.11%
050504011	Doña Mercedes	1.6%	1,411	1,472	▾	−0.42%
050504012	Doña Tomasa (Magatol)	1.6%	1,352	1,197	▴	1.22%
050504013	Ilawod	2.6%	2,209	2,101	▴	0.50%
050504015	Inamnan Grande	2.5%	2,177	1,986	▴	0.92%
050504014	Inamnan Pequeño	2.0%	1,756	1,636	▴	0.71%
050504016	Inascan	1.7%	1,481	1,359	▴	0.86%
050504017	Iraya	2.1%	1,771	2,006	▾	−1.24%
050504018	Lomacao	2.4%	2,096	2,002	▴	0.46%
050504021	Maguiron	2.5%	2,118	2,110	▴	0.04%
050504022	Maipon	4.6%	3,944	2,214	▴	5.94%
050504023	Malabnig	1.3%	1,145	1,117	▴	0.25%
050504024	Malipo	2.1%	1,760	1,690	▴	0.41%
050504025	Malobago	2.2%	1,867	1,818	▴	0.27%
050504026	Maninila	1.7%	1,482	1,437	▴	0.31%
050504027	Mapaco	1.7%	1,460	1,463	▾	−0.02%
050504008	Marcial O. Rañola (Cabaloaon)	0.6%	537	633	▾	−1.63%
050504029	Masarawag	4.4%	3,760	3,553	▴	0.57%
050504030	Mauraro	7.0%	5,980	5,145	▴	1.52%
050504031	Minto	2.0%	1,726	1,707	▴	0.11%
050504032	Morera	3.0%	2,602	1,878	▴	3.31%
050504034	Muladbucad Grande	2.4%	2,079	2,010	▴	0.34%
050504033	Muladbucad Pequeño	2.4%	2,051	1,920	▴	0.66%
050504035	Ongo	1.1%	942	930	▴	0.13%
050504036	Palanas	0.5%	427	736	▾	−5.30%
050504038	Poblacion	1.6%	1,336	1,352	▾	−0.12%
050504040	Pood	0.7%	583	287	▴	7.34%
050504042	Quibongbongan	3.0%	2,595	2,286	▴	1.28%
050504041	Quitago	2.6%	2,236	1,760	▴	2.42%
050504043	San Francisco	3.8%	3,302	2,909	▴	1.28%
050504044	San Jose (Ogsong)	1.0%	853	721	▴	1.70%
050504045	San Rafael	4.5%	3,884	3,880	▴	0.01%
050504046	Sinungtan	1.5%	1,312	1,398	▾	−0.63%
050504047	Tandarora	1.5%	1,291	1,399	▾	−0.80%
050504048	Travesia	4.5%	3,878	3,838	▴	0.10%
	Total		85,786	75,967	▴	1.22%

Climate

Climate data for Guinobatan, Albay
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	26 (79)	27 (81)	28 (82)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	29 (84)	29 (84)	29 (84)	28 (82)	28 (82)	27 (81)	28 (83)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	22 (72)	22 (72)	22 (72)	23 (73)	24 (75)	25 (77)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (74)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	138 (5.4)	83 (3.3)	74 (2.9)	50 (2.0)	108 (4.3)	165 (6.5)	202 (8.0)	165 (6.5)	190 (7.5)	186 (7.3)	188 (7.4)	183 (7.2)	1,732 (68.3)
Average rainy days	16.8	11.9	13.5	13.8	20.5	25.2	27.4	26.2	26.1	24.7	20.7	18.5	245.3
Source: Meteoblue [13]

Demographics

Population census of Guinobatan

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	20,027	—
1918	25,113	+1.52%
1939	26,419	+0.24%
1948	32,280	+2.25%
1960	48,157	+3.39%
1970	47,190	−0.20%
1975	49,724	+1.05%
1980	53,639	+1.53%
1990	59,187	+0.99%
1995	65,512	+1.92%
2000	71,071	+1.76%
2007	74,386	+0.63%
2010	75,967	+0.77%
2015	82,361	+1.55%
2020	85,786	+0.80%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [14] [12] [15] [16]

In the 2020 census, Guinobatan had a population of 85,786. ^[3] The population density was 350 inhabitants per square kilometre (910/sq mi).

Economy

Poverty incidence of Guinobatan

10 20 30 40 2006 39.10 2009 37.19 2012 26.85 2015 23.36 2018 25.61 2021 21.90 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]

Culture

Guinobatan Museum

Guinobatan hosts an annual festival in the celebration of Our Lady of Assumption, its patron saint. Until 2013, the town festival was called "Arandurugan Festival." In August 2013, Guinobatan celebrated Longganisa Festival, named after the local product which is listed under the Department of Trade and Industry's "One Town, One Product" program.

Notable Personalities

• Francis Tolentino, former MMDA Chairmanship
• Elizabeth Oropesa, an Actress
• Mura, an actor and Comedian
• Simeon Ola, considered as the Last General to Surrender
• Marcial O. Rañola, former representative of the 3rd District of Albay
• Pio S. Duran, former representative of the 3rd District of Albay
• Dr. Felipe Cevallos, founder of the Guinobatan Rural High School
• Ramon Paje, 19th DENR Secretary
• Arpie Patriarca, singer, comedian and founder of Feed Hungry Minds.

References

1.   Municipality of Guinobatan | (DILG)
2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN   0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
3. Census of Population (2020). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved July 8, 2021.
4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
5. Dy and Tuson, 2012. Guinobatan Through the Times: Essays on Our Heritage. Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School
6. Municipality of Guinobatan. 1996. Arandurugan Festival Souvenir Program: Guinobatan, Albay
7. Mallari, Francisco, S.J. 1999. Vignettes of Bicol History. Quezon City: New DayPublishers
8. Dy and Tuson. 2012. Guinobatan Through the Times. Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School
9. Tariman, Pablo (June 3, 2013). "Bicolandia's Sarung Banggi: From music to film". The Philippine Star. Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
10. "Province: Albay". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved November 12, 2016.
11. "Municipal: Guinobatan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved January 8, 2016.
12. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region V (Bicol Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office . Retrieved June 29, 2016.
13. "Guinobatan, Albay : Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
14. Census of Population (2015). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved June 20, 2016.
15. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region V (Bicol Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
16. "Province of Albay". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
17. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
18. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
19. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. March 23, 2009.
20. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 3, 2012.
21. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. May 31, 2016.
22. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. July 10, 2019.
23. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
24. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code