La Libertad, Negros Oriental

La Libertad
Municipality
Municipality of La Libertad
Sunset view taken at a beach in La Libertad
Flag
Map of Negros Oriental with La Libertad highlighted
OpenStreetMap
La Libertad Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 10°02′N123°13′E / 10.03°N 123.22°E / 10.03; 123.22
Country	Philippines
Region	Negros Island Region
Province	Negros Oriental
District	1st district
Founded	January 10, 1919
Barangays	29 (see Barangays)
Government   [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
•  Mayor	Emmanuel L. Iway (LP)
•  Vice Mayor	Lawrence D. Limkaichong (LP)
•  Representative	Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong
•  Municipal Council	Members Leonardo M. Cabildo Rene D. Gargoles Redgil C. Medes Nancy T. Laturnas Ronie T. Facturan Jovito P. Sabanal Ritcho G. Absin Randy L. Dunque Jr.
•  Electorate	25,511 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	139.60 km2 (53.90 sq mi)
Elevation	50 m (160 ft)
Highest elevation	556 m (1,824 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census) [3]
• Total	41,089
• Density	290/km2 (760/sq mi)
•  Households	10,285
Economy
•  Income class	3rd municipal income class
•  Poverty incidence	38.77 % (2021) [4]
•  Revenue	₱ 147.8 million (2020)
•  Assets	₱ 699.5 million (2020)
•  Expenditure	₱ 225 million (2020)
•  Liabilities	₱ 227.6 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Negros Oriental 1 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 1)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	6213
PSGC	074613000
IDD  :  area code	+63 (0)35
Native languages	Cebuano Tagalog
Website	www.lalibertad-negor.gov.ph

La Libertad, officially the Municipality of La Libertad (Cebuano : Lungsod sa La Libertad; Tagalog : Bayan ng La Libertad), is a municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,089 people. ^[3]

History

It is known that the history of a nation is often interwoven with persons who in one way or another have been instrumental in its progress-political, educational, economic, social and to some extent religious. Such is the history of a small barrio turned into a beautiful town. La Libertad measured 105 kilometres (65 mi) north of Dumaguete.

Hugging closely the coasts of Tanon Strait, and nesting cozily in the wide and fertile valley swept by the Hinoba-an River lines, La Libertad against a backdrop of sylvan scenery. It bears a Castillan name which connotes "freedom" and whose yesteryears are filled with tender memories.

Barrio Hinoba-an During the Spanish Regime. The place was then inhabited by primitive tribes who were mostly Negritos. Several enterprising families from neighboring towns and distant provinces came to settle in this barrio. Among the first pioneers was a certain Pedro Absin. He came from the distant province of Camarines Sur with the Spanish friars, who spread the Christian religion to this part of Negros. He married a lovely lass who later was baptized as Mauricia. This was the beginning of the large and progressive Francisco Acar Absin clan.

The other families were the Facturans from Jimalalud, the Carinals from Tayasan, and the de Paduas from Ilo-ilo. These people were the leading pioneer families of the "old" Hinoba-an. Most of them were engaged in farming and fishing.

The fertile valleys of Hinoba-an were so enticing that several families immigrated to this barrio in the later part of the Spanish period. One of the prominent families that moved in was the Libo-on family. The head of this family was an Ilonggo. However, he did not come directly to Hinoba-an. A certain Maestro Tomas Libo-on of Miag-ao, Iloilo, arrived at the barrio of Jimalalud where he was employed as a private tutor by some families. He was a widower when he came but he brought with him his only son, Luciano, and a niece, Romana Libo-on. They lived in the barrio for several years. Later, Luciano was married to Bernabela Facturan, a native of the place. However, they were attracted by the richness of the soil of the neighboring barrio of Hinoba-an. They bought a pave of land at the mouth of the Hinoba-an River and built their first house there.

Another family worthy of mention is the Banogon family. The head of this clan was Pio Banogon. Born on May 5, 1876, in Tanjay, another town of this province, Pio grew to be a promising young man. After he finished grade school, his parents sent him to Manila to study at San Juan de Letran for two years. When he returned home, he was so moved by the adventurous spirit that he decided to go northward. In 1896, he arrived at Jimalalud. It was in this barrio where he found his life's mate, one Petra Sevilla, a scion of the Facturans of Jimalalud. Like the others, the Banogons were also magnetized by the richness of the farmland of Hinoba-an. They bought some parcels of land at Canlaro in the barrio of San Jose and at Binatangan in Martilo.

The other prominent families that moved to Hinoba-an were the Dionaldos from Moalboal, Cebu; the Somozas from Bais; the Emperados from Ayungon; and the Villaesters from Toledo, Cebu.

(lifted from "Souvenir Program 50th Anniversary of the creation of La Libertad as a Municipality of Negros Oriental, Dec 30, 31, 1968; Jan 1, 1969)

La Libertad was severely affected during the 2012 Visayas earthquake, that caused landslides killing dozens of people. ^[5]

Geography

Barangays

La Libertad is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC	Barangay	Population			±% p.a.
		2020 [3]		2010 [6]
074613001	Aniniaw	2.5%	1,015	1,106	▾	−0.85%
074613002	Aya	2.6%	1,052	953	▴	0.99%
074613003	Bagtic	3.6%	1,497	1,344	▴	1.08%
074613004	Biga-a	2.3%	927	1,101	▾	−1.71%
074613005	Busilak	3.3%	1,369	1,176	▴	1.53%
074613006	Cangabo	2.9%	1,182	1,245	▾	−0.52%
074613007	Cantupa	3.3%	1,348	1,048	▴	2.55%
074613029	Elecia (Talostos)	4.0%	1,657	1,561	▴	0.60%
074613008	Eli	4.0%	1,629	1,273	▴	2.50%
074613009	Guihob	4.5%	1,843	2,048	▾	−1.05%
074613010	Kansumandig	3.3%	1,350	1,242	▴	0.84%
074613011	Mambulod	1.6%	662	632	▴	0.46%
074613012	Mandapaton	3.9%	1,603	1,927	▾	−1.82%
074613013	Manghulyawon	3.8%	1,578	1,398	▴	1.22%
074613014	Manluminsag	2.0%	808	776	▴	0.40%
074613015	Mapalasan	1.6%	660	557	▴	1.71%
074613016	Maragondong	2.2%	891	930	▾	−0.43%
074613017	Martilo	5.2%	2,134	2,038	▴	0.46%
074613018	Nasungan	4.5%	1,868	1,558	▴	1.83%
074613019	Pacuan	6.8%	2,777	2,478	▴	1.15%
074613020	Pangca	1.2%	488	652	▾	−2.86%
074613021	Pisong	3.3%	1,341	1,325	▴	0.12%
074613022	Pitogo	3.5%	1,441	1,216	▴	1.71%
074613023	Poblacion North	6.1%	2,507	2,319	▴	0.78%
074613024	Poblacion South	3.3%	1,371	1,338	▴	0.24%
074613025	San Jose	4.1%	1,689	1,703	▾	−0.08%
074613026	Solonggon	6.2%	2,565	2,235	▴	1.39%
074613027	Tala-on	2.2%	907	806	▴	1.19%
074613028	Talayong	2.3%	930	919	▴	0.12%
	Total		41,089	38,904	▴	0.55%

Climate

Climate data for La Libertad, Negros Oriental
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	29 (84)	30 (86)	31 (88)	32 (90)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	29 (84)	29 (84)	30 (86)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	23 (73)	22 (72)	23 (73)	24 (75)	25 (77)	25 (77)	25 (77)	25 (77)	25 (77)	24 (75)	24 (75)	23 (73)	24 (75)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	42 (1.7)	34 (1.3)	40 (1.6)	61 (2.4)	124 (4.9)	188 (7.4)	190 (7.5)	191 (7.5)	189 (7.4)	186 (7.3)	124 (4.9)	73 (2.9)	1,442 (56.8)
Average rainy days	10.0	8.5	9.5	12.8	22.3	26.8	28.4	27.9	27.3	27.6	20.5	13.1	234.7
Source: Meteoblue [7]

Economy

Poverty incidence of La Libertad

10 20 30 40 50 60 2006 55.90 2009 50.20 2012 50.97 2015 57.52 2018 31.40 2021 38.77 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

Demographics

Population census of La Libertad

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	3,732	—
1939	17,795	+4.43%
1948	18,770	+0.59%
1960	25,335	+2.53%
1970	29,693	+1.60%
1975	31,460	+1.17%
1980	30,730	−0.47%
1990	29,958	−0.25%
1995	32,456	+1.51%
2000	35,122	+1.71%
2007	37,007	+0.72%
2010	38,904	+1.84%
2015	38,602	−0.15%
2020	41,089	+1.24%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [16] [6] [17] [18]

Tourism

In terms of attractions, La Libertad offers natural beauty and outdoor destinations. The municipality is known for its beautiful beaches, such as the white sand beach of Solongon, which attracts tourists and locals alike. The nearby Mt. Panciao also offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. The construction of swimming pool at La Limar had already been completed and is operational. Presently, La Limar is catering to seminars, weddings, family reunions and other services which is being handled by the Local Government.

The Local Government is now actively participating in the promotion of local tourism and we are showcasing our La Li Mar beach Resort located at San Jose, La Libertad.

The project was initiated by Congresswoman Jocelyn S. Limkaichong who was also a former mayor of the town.

Education

The public schools in the town of La Libertad are administered by two school districts under the Schools Division of Negros Oriental.

Elementary schools:

• Agbobolo Elementary School — Sitio Agbobolo, Aya
• Aniniaw Elementary School — Aniniaw
• Aya Elementary School — Aya
• Bagtic Elementary School — Bagtic
• Biga-a Elementary School — Biga-a
• Busilac Elementary School — Busilak
• Cangabo Elementary School — Cangabo
• Eli Elementary School — Eli
• Guihob Elementary School — Guihob
• Kansumandig Elementary School — Kansumandig
• La Libertad Central Elementary School — South Poblacion
• La Libertad North Poblacion Primary School — North Poblacion
• Mambulod Elementary School — Mambulod
• Mandapaton Elementary School — Mandapaton
• Manghulyawon Elementary School — Manghulyawon
• Manluminsag Elementary School — Manluminsag
• Mapalasan Elementary School — Mapalasan
• Martilo Elementary School — Martilo
• Nasunggan Elementary School — Nasunggan
• Pacuan Elementary School — Pacuan
• Pangca Elementary School — Pangca
• Pisong Elementary School — Pisong
• Pitogo Elementary School — Pitogo
• San Jose Elementary School — San Jose
• Solonggon Elementary School — Solonggon
• Tala-on Elementary School — Tala-on
• Talostos Elementary School — Elecia

High schools:

• La Libertad Technical-Vocational School — South Poblacion
• La Libertad TVS - Manluminsag Extension — Manluminsag
• Pacuan National High School — Pacuan
• Pacuan NHS - Busilac Extension — Busilak
• Pacuan NHS - Nasunggan Extension — Nasunggan

Private schools:

• Saint Francis School — North Poblacion

Government

Elected municipal officials (2010–2013):

• Mayor: Emmanuel Iway
• Vice Mayor: Lawrence Limkaichong
• Councilors:
  • Nancy Temonio Laturnas
  • Ronald Opada
  • Ronie Bulabon
  • Emelia Luz Medes
  • Leonida Rios
  • Jellenito Cayetano
  • Bertoldo Burlasa
  • Jovito Sabanal
  • ABC President: Ronald Gallosa
  • SK Federation President: PJ Arriesgado

List of former elective officials

Date	Position	Name
1919–1922	President	Isaac Dionaldo
	Vice-president	Narciso Absin
	Secretary	Francisco Bautista
	Councilors	Pio Banogon
		Luciano Libo-on
		Ireneo Villaespin
		Felipe Absin
		Andres Absin
		Fabio Torres
		Leon Bonda-on
		Brigido Sabanal
1922–1924	President	Isaac Dionaldo
	Vice-president	Fabio Torres
	Secretary	Roberto Estoconing
	Councilors	Margarito Gallosa
		Pedro Timtim
		Isaias Emperado
		Antonio Torres
		Pastor Carinal
		Marcelo Libo-on
		Bregido Sabanal
		Benedicto Libo-on
1925	President	Isaac Dionaldo
	Vice-president	Fabio Torres
	Secretary	Roberto Estoconing
	Councilors	Antonio E. Torres
		Pedrom Timtim
		Pator Carinal
		Margarito Gallosa
		Marcelo Libo-on
		Brigido Sabanal
		Daniel Donaldo
		Benedicto Libo-on, Sr.
1926–1927	President	Fabio Torres
	Vice-president	Daniel Dionaldo
	Secretary	Roberto Estoconing
	Councilors	Brigido Sabanal
		Antonio E. Torres
		Leopoldo Dionaldo
		Aquilino Ricarte
		Pedro E. Torres
		Teodoro Absin
		Felix Camero

References

1.   Municipality of La Libertad | (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 VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 8 July 2021.
4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
5. "Quake causes severe damage in La Libertad, Negros Oriental". ABS-CBN News. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
6. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VII (Central Visayas)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office . Retrieved 29 June 2016.
7. "La Libertad: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
8. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
9. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
10. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
11. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
12. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
13. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
14. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
15. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
16. Census of Population (2015). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 20 June 2016.
17. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
18. "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine