Masbate, officially the Province of Masbate, is located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is an island province consisting of several islands, with Masbate Island being the largest and the province’s center of commerce and government. The province is known for its stunning landscapes, including beaches, mountains, caves, and coral reefs. It has a rich marine life and is a popular destination for divers and nature enthusiasts. Masbate City is the capital of the province. Cattle ranching and rodeo are also notable in Masbate, earning it the title “Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.”
Demographics
Population by Age Group – Masbate (2015 Census):
1. Age Groups and Populations:
- The age group with the highest population: 5 to 9 years old, totaling 122,270 individuals.
- The age group with the lowest population: 80 and over, comprising 6,775 individuals.
2. Age Group Aggregates:
- Young Dependents (aged 14 and below): Make up approximately 40.52% of the total population, with 361,620 individuals. This group includes infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers.
- Economically Active Population (aged 15 to 64): Represents around 54.65% of the population, totaling 487,650 individuals. This group includes individuals who are part of the workforce or have the potential to join.
- Old Dependents (aged 65 and over): Account for approximately 4.83% of the total population, which is 43,123 individuals, and consists of senior citizens.
3. Age Dependency Ratios:
- Among the population of Masbate, there are 74 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) for every 100 individuals in the working age population.
- There are 9 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over) for every 100 of the working population.
- Overall, there are 83 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population. These ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups.
4. Median Age:
- The median age of Masbate in 2015 was 19 years. This statistic indicates that half of the entire population was younger than 19, while the other half was older than 19. It provides a vital measure of the age distribution within the province.
This structured format offers a clear overview of the age distribution and dependency ratios in Masbate based on the 2015 Census data.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aroroy | municipality | 88,351 | 86,168 | 0.53% | 440.30 | 201 | 41 |
| Baleno | municipality | 28,855 | 26,096 | 2.14% | 204.38 | 141 | 24 |
| Balud | municipality | 40,155 | 38,124 | 1.10% | 231.00 | 174 | 32 |
| Batuan | municipality | 14,610 | 15,086 | -0.67% | 56.28 | 260 | 14 |
| Cataingan | municipality | 50,623 | 50,327 | 0.12% | 191.64 | 264 | 36 |
| Cawayan | municipality | 69,265 | 67,033 | 0.69% | 260.19 | 266 | 37 |
| Claveria | municipality | 42,142 | 43,693 | -0.76% | 182.98 | 230 | 22 |
| Dimasalang | municipality | 24,909 | 26,192 | -1.05% | 148.07 | 168 | 20 |
| Esperanza | municipality | 17,534 | 18,568 | -1.20% | 67.49 | 260 | 20 |
| Mandaon | municipality | 44,122 | 41,262 | 1.42% | 319.15 | 138 | 26 |
| Masbate City | city (CC), capital | 104,522 | 95,389 | 1.94% | 188.00 | 556 | 30 |
| Milagros | municipality | 57,538 | 57,473 | 0.02% | 565.30 | 102 | 27 |
| Mobo | municipality | 40,823 | 38,813 | 1.07% | 143.47 | 285 | 29 |
| Monreal | municipality | 25,164 | 26,614 | -1.17% | 128.67 | 196 | 11 |
| Palanas | municipality | 27,322 | 26,222 | 0.87% | 119.53 | 229 | 24 |
| Pio V. Corpuz | municipality | 23,744 | 23,236 | 0.46% | 89.33 | 266 | 18 |
| Placer | municipality | 56,340 | 55,826 | 0.19% | 193.03 | 292 | 35 |
| San Fernando | municipality | 21,600 | 23,057 | -1.36% | 77.50 | 279 | 26 |
| San Jacinto | municipality | 29,686 | 30,372 | -0.48% | 122.40 | 243 | 21 |
| San Pascual | municipality | 44,449 | 46,674 | -1.02% | 246.65 | 180 | 22 |
| Uson | municipality | 57,166 | 56,168 | 0.37% | 163.20 | 350 | 35 |
| Masbate Total | 908,920 | 892,393 | 0.39% | 4,138.56 | 220 | 550 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 722,301,210.00 | – |
| 2010 | 774,777,695.02 | 7.27% |
| 2011 | 851,429,005.20 | 9.89% |
| 2012 | 821,145,304.73 | -3.56% |
| 2013 | 909,142,044.68 | 10.72% |
| 2014 | 1,028,252,346.97 | 13.10% |
| 2015 | 1,150,695,772.65 | 11.91% |
| 2016 | 1,283,771,368.40 | 11.56% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Masbate’s tourism industry thrives on its natural beauty and vibrant culture. The province boasts unspoiled beaches, diving spots teeming with marine life, and lush mountains waiting to be explored.
Tourists can witness the exhilarating Rodeo Masbateño, a cowboy festival that showcases the province’s ranching heritage. Nature lovers can explore Ticao Island, swim with whale sharks, or simply unwind on the pristine shores of Burias Island.
The province’s cuisine, with its seafood delicacies and Bicolano flavors, offers a culinary adventure that captivates the taste buds.
