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Philippines
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This article is part of a series on
Administrative divisions of the Philippines
Autonomous region Autonomous region
Provinces and ind. cities Province Independent city Independent municipality
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The Provinces of the Philippines (Filipino: Mga Lalawigan ng Pilipinas/Mga Probinsya ng Pilipinas) are the primary political and administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 81 provinces at present, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region, as well as independent cities, are independent of any provincial government. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor.

The provinces are grouped into 17 regions based on geographical, cultural, and ethnological characteristics. Fourteen of these regions are designated with numbers corresponding to their geographic location in order from north to south. The Cordillera Administrative Region, National Capital Region, MIMAROPA Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao do not have numerical designations.

Each province is a member of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, an organization which aims to address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations.^[1]

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Government

A provincial government is autonomous of other provinces within the Republic. Each province is governed by two main elected branches of the government: executive and legislative. Judicial affairs are separated from provincial governance and are administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Each province has at least one branch of a Regional Trial Court.

Executive

The provincial governor is chief executive and head of each province. Elected to a term of three years and limited to three consecutive terms, he or she appoints the directors of each provincial department which include the office of administration, engineering office, information office, legal office, and treasury office.

Legislative

The vice governor acts as the president for each Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP; "Provincial Board"), the province's legislative body. Every SP is composed of regularly elected members from provincial districts, as well as ex officio members. The number of regularly elected SP members allotted to each province is determined by its income class. First- and second-class provinces are provided ten regular SP members; third- and fourth-class provinces have eight, while fifth- and sixth-class provinces have six. Exceptions are provinces with more than five congressional districts, such as Cavite with 14 regularly elected SP members, and Cebu, Negros Occidental and Pangasinan which have twelve each.

Every SP has designated seats for ex officio members, given to the respective local presidents of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK; "Youth Council").

The vice governor and regular members of an SP are elected by the voters within the province. Ex officio members are elected by members of their respective organisations.

Relation to other levels of government

National government

National intrusion into the affairs of each provincial government is limited by the Philippine Constitution. The President of the Philippines however coordinates with provincial administrators through the Department of the Interior and Local Government. For purposes of national representation, each province is guaranteed its own congressional district. One congressional representative represents each district in the House of Representatives. Senatorial representation is elected at an at-large basis and not apportioned through territory-based districts.

Cities and municipalities

Those classified as either "highly urbanized" or "independent component" cities are independent from the province, as provided for in Section 29 of the Local Government Code of 1991.^[2] Although such a city is a self-governing first-level entity, in many cases it is often presented as part of the province in which it is geographically located, or in the case of Zamboanga City, the province it last formed part the congressional representation of.

Local government units classified as "component" cities and municipalities are under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. In order to make sure that all component city or municipal governments act within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions, the Local Government Code mandates the provincial governor to review executive orders issued by mayors, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to review legislation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) or Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), of all component cities and municipalities under the province's jurisdiction.^[2]

Barangays

The provincial government does not have direct relations with individual barangays. Supervision over a barangay government is the mandate of the mayor and the Sanggunian of the component city or municipality of which the barangay in question is a part.^[2]

Classification

Provinces are classified according to average annual income based on the previous 4 calendar years. Effective July 29, 2008, the thresholds for the income classes for cities are:^{[3][needs update]}

Class	Average annual income
First	₱450 million or more
Second	₱360 million or more but less than ₱450 million
Third	₱270 million or more but less than ₱360 million
Fourth	₱180 million or more but less than ₱270 million
Fifth	₱90 million or more but less than ₱180 million
Sixth	below ₱90 million

A province's income class determines the size of the membership of its Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and also how much it can spend on certain items, or procure through certain means.^[2]

List of provinces

ISO[4]	Province	Capital	Population[5]		Area[6]	Density	Founded[A]	Division	Region	Total LGUs
			%	(2015)						Town	City	Bgy.
PH-ABR	Abra	Bangued	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	241,160	7009416525000000000♠4,165.25 km2 (1,608.21 sq mi)	6995580000000000000♠58/km2 (150/sq mi)	1846	Luzon	CAR	27	—	303
PH-AGN	Agusan del Norte[i]	Cabadbaran[ii][7]	6999700000000000000♠0.7%	691,566	7009354686000000000♠3,546.86 km2 (1,369.45 sq mi)	6996189999999999999♠190/km2 (490/sq mi)	20 Sep 1907	Mindanao	XIII	10	2	252
PH-AGS	Agusan del Sur	Prosperidad	6999700000000000000♠0.7%	700,653	7009998952000000000♠9,989.52 km2 (3,856.98 sq mi)	6995700000000000000♠70/km2 (180/sq mi)	1 Jan 1970 [8]	Mindanao	XIII	13	1	314
PH-AKL	Aklan	Kalibo	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	574,823	7009182142000000000♠1,821.42 km2 (703.25 sq mi)	6996320000000000000♠320/km2 (830/sq mi)	8 Nov 1956 [9]	Visayas	VI	17	—	327
PH-ALB	Albay	Legazpi	7000130000000000000♠1.3%	1,314,826	7009257577000000000♠2,575.77 km2 (994.51 sq mi)	6996509999999999999♠510/km2 (1,300/sq mi)	3 Apr 1574 [10]	Luzon	V	15	3	720
PH-ANT	Antique	San Jose	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	582,012	7009272917000000000♠2,729.17 km2 (1,053.74 sq mi)	6996209999999999999♠210/km2 (540/sq mi)	10 Mar 1917	Visayas	VI	18	—	590
PH-APA	Apayao	Kabugao[iii]	6999100000000000000♠0.1%	119,184	7009441335000000000♠4,413.35 km2 (1,704.00 sq mi)	6995270000000000000♠27/km2 (70/sq mi)	14 Feb 1995	Luzon	CAR	7	—	133
PH-AUR	Aurora	Baler	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	214,336	7009314732000000000♠3,147.32 km2 (1,215.19 sq mi)	6995680000000000000♠68/km2 (180/sq mi)	13 Aug 1979	Luzon	III	8	—	151
PH-BAS	Basilan[iv]	Lamitan[12]	6999500000000000000♠0.5%	459,367	7009132723000000000♠1,327.23 km2 (512.45 sq mi)[13]	6996350000000000000♠350/km2 (910/sq mi)	27 Dec 1973	Mindanao	ARMM[v]	11	2	255
PH-BAN	Bataan	Balanga	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	760,650	7009137298000000000♠1,372.98 km2 (530.11 sq mi)	6996549999999999999♠550/km2 (1,400/sq mi)	1754	Luzon	III	11	1	237
PH-BTN	Batanes	Basco	5000000000000000000♠0.0%	17,246	7008219010000000000♠219.01 km2 (84.56 sq mi)	6995790000000000000♠79/km2 (200/sq mi)	26 Jun 1783 [14]	Luzon	II	6	—	29
PH-BTG	Batangas	Batangas City	7000270000000000000♠2.7%	2,694,335	7009311972000000000♠3,119.72 km2 (1,204.53 sq mi)	6996860000000000000♠860/km2 (2,200/sq mi)	8 Dec 1581	Luzon	IV-A	31	3	1,078
PH-BEN	Benguet[vi]	La Trinidad	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	791,590	7009282659000000000♠2,826.59 km2 (1,091.35 sq mi)	6996279999999999999♠280/km2 (730/sq mi)	16 Jun 1966	Luzon	CAR	13	1	269
PH-BIL	Biliran	Naval	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	171,612	7008536010000000000♠536.01 km2 (206.95 sq mi)	6996320000000000000♠320/km2 (830/sq mi)	11 May 1992	Visayas	VIII	8	—	132
PH-BOH	Bohol	Tagbilaran	7000130000000000000♠1.3%	1,313,560	7009482095000000000♠4,820.95 km2 (1,861.38 sq mi)	6996270000000000000♠270/km2 (700/sq mi)	22 Jul 1854 [15]	Visayas	VII	47	1	1,109
PH-BUK	Bukidnon	Malaybalay	7000140000000099999♠1.4%	1,415,226	7010104985900000000♠10,498.59 km2 (4,053.53 sq mi)	6996129999999999999♠130/km2 (340/sq mi)	10 Mar 1917	Mindanao	X	20	2	464
PH-BUL	Bulacan	Malolos	7000330000000000000♠3.3%	3,292,071	7009279610000000000♠2,796.10 km2 (1,079.58 sq mi)	6997119999999999999♠1,200/km2 (3,100/sq mi)	15 Aug 1578	Luzon	III	21	3	569
PH-CAG	Cagayan	Tuguegarao	7000120000000000000♠1.2%	1,199,320	7009929575000000000♠9,295.75 km2 (3,589.11 sq mi)	6996129999999999999♠130/km2 (340/sq mi)	29 Jun 1583 [16]	Luzon	II	28	1	820
PH-CAN	Camarines Norte	Daet	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	583,313	7009232007000000000♠2,320.07 km2 (895.78 sq mi)	6996250000000000000♠250/km2 (650/sq mi)	15 Apr 1920 [17]	Luzon	V	12	—	282
PH-CAS	Camarines Sur[vii]	Pili	7000190000000000000♠1.9%	1,952,544	7009549703000000000♠5,497.03 km2 (2,122.42 sq mi)	6996359999999999999♠360/km2 (930/sq mi)	27 May 1579 [18]	Luzon	V	35	2	1,063
PH-CAM	Camiguin	Mambajao	6999100000000000000♠0.1%	88,478	7008237950000000000♠237.95 km2 (91.87 sq mi)	6996370000000000000♠370/km2 (960/sq mi)	18 Jun 1966	Mindanao	X	5	—	58
PH-CAP	Capiz	Roxas	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	761,384	7009259464000000000♠2,594.64 km2 (1,001.80 sq mi)	6996290000000000000♠290/km2 (750/sq mi)	10 Mar 1917	Visayas	VI	16	1	473
PH-CAT	Catanduanes	Virac	6999300000000000000♠0.3%	260,964	7009149216000000000♠1,492.16 km2 (576.13 sq mi)	6996170000000000000♠170/km2 (440/sq mi)	26 Sep 1945	Luzon	V	11	—	315
PH-CAV	Cavite	Imus City[19]	7000360000000000000♠3.6%	3,678,301	7009157417000000000♠1,574.17 km2 (607.79 sq mi)	6997230000000000000♠2,300/km2 (6,000/sq mi)	10 Mar 1614 [20]	Luzon	IV-A	17	6	829
PH-CEB	Cebu[viii]	Cebu City[21]	7000460000000099999♠4.6%	4,632,359	7009534200000000000♠5,342.00 km2 (2,062.56 sq mi)	6996870000000000000♠870/km2 (2,300/sq mi)	27 Apr 1565	Visayas	VII	44	9	1,203
PH-COM	Compostela Valley	Nabunturan	6999700000000000000♠0.7%	736,107	7009447977000000000♠4,479.77 km2 (1,729.65 sq mi)	6996160000000000000♠160/km2 (410/sq mi)	31 Jan 1998	Mindanao	XI	11	—	237
PH-NCO	Cotabato	Kidapawan	7000140000000099999♠1.4%	1,379,747	7009900890000000000♠9,008.90 km2 (3,478.36 sq mi)	6996150000000000000♠150/km2 (390/sq mi)	1 Sep 1914 [22]	Mindanao	XII	17	1	543
PH-DAV	Davao del Norte	Tagum	7000100000000000000♠1.0%	1,016,332	7009342697000000000♠3,426.97 km2 (1,323.16 sq mi)	6996300000000000000♠300/km2 (780/sq mi)	8 May 1967	Mindanao	XI	8	3	223
PH-DAS	Davao del Sur[ix]	Digos	7000220000000000000♠2.2%	2,265,579	7009460759000000000♠4,607.59 km2 (1,779.00 sq mi)	6996490000000000000♠490/km2 (1,300/sq mi)	1 Sep 1914	Mindanao	XI	9	2	414
PH-DVO	Davao Occidental	Malita	6999300000000000000♠0.3%	316,342	7009216345000000000♠2,163.45 km2 (835.31 sq mi)	6996150000000000000♠150/km2 (390/sq mi)	28 Oct 2013	Mindanao	XI	5	—	105
PH-DAO	Davao Oriental	Mati	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	558,958	7009567964000000000♠5,679.64 km2 (2,192.92 sq mi)	6995980000000000000♠98/km2 (250/sq mi)	8 May 1967	Mindanao	XI	10	1	183
PH-DIN	Dinagat Islands	San Jose	6999100000000000000♠0.1%	127,152	7009103633999999999♠1,036.34 km2 (400.13 sq mi)	6996119999999999999♠120/km2 (310/sq mi)	2 Dec 2006	Mindanao	XIII	7	—	100
PH-EAS	Eastern Samar	Borongan	6999500000000000000♠0.5%	467,160	7009466047000000000♠4,660.47 km2 (1,799.42 sq mi)	6996099999999999999♠100/km2 (260/sq mi)	19 Jun 1965	Visayas	VIII	22	1	597
PH-GUI	Guimaras	Jordan	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	174,613	7008604570000000000♠604.57 km2 (233.43 sq mi)	6996290000000000000♠290/km2 (750/sq mi)	22 May 1992	Visayas	VI	5	—	98
PH-IFU	Ifugao	Lagawe	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	202,802	7009262821000000000♠2,628.21 km2 (1,014.76 sq mi)	6995770000000000000♠77/km2 (200/sq mi)	18 Jun 1966	Luzon	CAR	11	—	175
PH-ILN	Ilocos Norte	Laoag	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	593,081	7009346789000000000♠3,467.89 km2 (1,338.96 sq mi)	6996170000000000000♠170/km2 (440/sq mi)	2 Feb 1818	Luzon	I	21	2	557
PH-ILS	Ilocos Sur	Vigan	6999700000000000000♠0.7%	689,668	7009259600000000000♠2,596.00 km2 (1,002.32 sq mi)	6996270000000000000♠270/km2 (700/sq mi)	1572	Luzon	I	32	2	768
PH-ILI	Iloilo[x]	Iloilo City[21]	7000240000000000000♠2.4%	2,384,415	7009507917000000000♠5,079.17 km2 (1,961.08 sq mi)	6996470000000000000♠470/km2 (1,200/sq mi)	1566	Visayas	VI	42	2	1,901
PH-ISA	Isabela[xi]	Ilagan	7000160000000000000♠1.6%	1,593,566	7010124149300000000♠12,414.93 km2 (4,793.43 sq mi)	6996129999999999999♠130/km2 (340/sq mi)	1 May 1856	Luzon	II	34	3	1,055
PH-KAL	Kalinga	Tabuk	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	212,680	7009323125000000000♠3,231.25 km2 (1,247.59 sq mi)	6995659999999999999♠66/km2 (170/sq mi)	18 Jun 1966	Luzon	CAR	7	1	152
PH-LUN	La Union	San Fernando	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	786,653	7009149770000000000♠1,497.70 km2 (578.27 sq mi)	6996530000000000000♠530/km2 (1,400/sq mi)	2 Mar 1850	Luzon	I	19	1	576
PH-LAG	Laguna	Santa Cruz	7000300000000000000♠3.0%	3,035,081	7009191785000000000♠1,917.85 km2 (740.49 sq mi)	6997160000000000000♠1,600/km2 (4,100/sq mi)	28 Jul 1571	Luzon	IV-A	24	6	674
PH-LAN	Lanao del Norte[xii]	Tubod	7000100000000000000♠1.0%	1,019,013	7009415993999999999♠4,159.94 km2 (1,606.16 sq mi)	6996239999999999999♠240/km2 (620/sq mi)	4 Jul 1959	Mindanao	X	22	1	506
PH-LAS	Lanao del Sur	Marawi	7000100000000000000♠1.0%	1,045,429	7009387289000000000♠3,872.89 km2 (1,495.33 sq mi)[23]	6996270000000000000♠270/km2 (700/sq mi)	1 Sep 1914	Mindanao	ARMM	39	1	1,159
PH-LEY	Leyte[xiii]	Tacloban[21]	7000190000000000000♠1.9%	1,966,768	7009651505000000000♠6,515.05 km2 (2,515.47 sq mi)	6996300000000000000♠300/km2 (780/sq mi)	1735	Visayas	VIII	40	3	1,641
PH-MAG	Maguindanao[xiv]	Shariff Aguak	7000150000000000000♠1.5%	1,473,371	7009614653000000000♠6,146.53 km2 (2,373.19 sq mi)[24]	6996239999999999999♠240/km2 (620/sq mi)	22 Nov 1973	Mindanao	ARMM	36	1	545
PH-MAD	Marinduque	Boac	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	234,521	7008952580000000000♠952.58 km2 (367.79 sq mi)	6996250000000000000♠250/km2 (650/sq mi)	21 Feb 1920	Luzon	IV-B	6	—	218
PH-MAS	Masbate	Masbate City	6999900000000000000♠0.9%	892,393	7009415177999999999♠4,151.78 km2 (1,603.01 sq mi)	6996209999999999999♠210/km2 (540/sq mi)	18 Mar 1901 [25]	Luzon	V	20	1	550
PH-MSC	Misamis Occidental	Oroquieta	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	602,126	7009205521999999999♠2,055.22 km2 (793.52 sq mi)	6996290000000000000♠290/km2 (750/sq mi)	8 Nov 1929	Mindanao	X	14	3	490
PH-MSR	Misamis Oriental[xv]	Cagayan de Oro[21]	7000150000000000000♠1.5%	1,564,459	7009354432000000000♠3,544.32 km2 (1,368.47 sq mi)	6996439999999999999♠440/km2 (1,100/sq mi)	15 May 1901	Mindanao	X	23	3	504
PH-MOU	Mountain Province	Bontoc	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	154,590	7009215738000000000♠2,157.38 km2 (832.97 sq mi)	6995720000000000000♠72/km2 (190/sq mi)	1846	Luzon	CAR	10	—	144
PH-NEC	Negros Occidental[xvi]	Bacolod[21]	7000300000000000000♠3.0%	3,059,136	7009796521000000000♠7,965.21 km2 (3,075.38 sq mi)	6996379999999999999♠380/km2 (980/sq mi)	1 Jan 1890 [26]	Visayas	VI	19	13	662
PH-NER	Negros Oriental	Dumaguete	7000130000000000000♠1.3%	1,354,995	7009538553000000000♠5,385.53 km2 (2,079.36 sq mi)	6996250000000000000♠250/km2 (650/sq mi)	1 Jan 1890 [27]	Visayas	VII	20	6	557
PH-NSA	Northern Samar	Catarman	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	632,379	7009369293000000000♠3,692.93 km2 (1,425.85 sq mi)	6996170000000000000♠170/km2 (440/sq mi)	19 Jun 1965	Visayas	VIII	24	—	569
PH-NUE	Nueva Ecija	Palayan[xvii]	7000210000000000000♠2.1%	2,151,461	7009575133000000000♠5,751.33 km2 (2,220.60 sq mi)	6996370000000000000♠370/km2 (960/sq mi)	25 Apr 1801 [28]	Luzon	III	27	5	849
PH-NUV	Nueva Vizcaya	Bayombong	6999400000000000000♠0.4%	452,287	7009397567000000000♠3,975.67 km2 (1,535.01 sq mi)	6996109999999999999♠110/km2 (280/sq mi)	24 May 1839 [29]	Luzon	II	15	—	275
PH-MDC	Occidental Mindoro	Mamburao	6999500000000000000♠0.5%	487,414	7009586571000000000♠5,865.71 km2 (2,264.76 sq mi)	6995830000000000000♠83/km2 (210/sq mi)	15 Nov 1950 [30]	Luzon	IV-B	11	—	162
PH-MDR	Oriental Mindoro	Calapan	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	844,059	7009423838000000000♠4,238.38 km2 (1,636.45 sq mi)	6996199999999999999♠200/km2 (520/sq mi)	1663	Luzon	IV-B	14	1	426
PH-PLW	Palawan[xviii]	Puerto Princesa[21]	7000110000000000000♠1.1%	1,104,585	7010170307500000000♠17,030.75 km2 (6,575.61 sq mi)	6995650000000000000♠65/km2 (170/sq mi)	23 Jan 1902	Luzon	IV-B	23	1	433
PH-PAM	Pampanga[xix]	San Fernando	7000260000000000000♠2.6%	2,609,744	7009206246999999999♠2,062.47 km2 (796.32 sq mi)	6997130000000000000♠1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi)	11 Dec 1571	Luzon	III	19	3	538
PH-PAN	Pangasinan[xx]	Lingayen	7000290000000000000♠2.9%	2,956,726	7009545101000000000♠5,451.01 km2 (2,104.65 sq mi)	6996540000000000000♠540/km2 (1,400/sq mi)	5 Apr 1580 [31]	Luzon	I	44	4	1,364
PH-QUE	Quezon[xxi]	Lucena[21]	7000210000000000000♠2.1%	2,122,830	7009906960000000000♠9,069.60 km2 (3,501.79 sq mi)	6996229999999999999♠230/km2 (600/sq mi)	2 Mar 1901	Luzon	IV-A	39	2	1,242
PH-QUI	Quirino	Cabarroguis	6999200000000000000♠0.2%	188,991	7009232347000000000♠2,323.47 km2 (897.10 sq mi)	6995809999999999999♠81/km2 (210/sq mi)	18 Jun 1966	Luzon	II	6	—	132
PH-RIZ	Rizal	Pasig[xxii]	7000290000000000000♠2.9%	2,884,227	7009119194000000000♠1,191.94 km2 (460.21 sq mi)	6997239999999999999♠2,400/km2 (6,200/sq mi)	23 Feb 1853	Luzon	IV-A	13	1	188
PH-ROM	Romblon	Romblon	6999300000000000000♠0.3%	292,781	7009153345000000000♠1,533.45 km2 (592.07 sq mi)	6996189999999999999♠190/km2 (490/sq mi)	16 Mar 1901 [33]	Luzon	IV-B	17	—	219
PH-WSA	Samar	Catbalogan	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	780,481	7009604803000000000♠6,048.03 km2 (2,335.16 sq mi)	6996129999999999999♠130/km2 (340/sq mi)	1768	Visayas	VIII	24	2	951
PH-SAR	Sarangani	Alabel	6999500000000000000♠0.5%	544,261	7009360125000000000♠3,601.25 km2 (1,390.45 sq mi)	6996150000000000000♠150/km2 (390/sq mi)	16 Mar 1992	Mindanao	XII	7	—	141
PH-SIG	Siquijor	Siquijor	6999100000000000000♠0.1%	95,984	7008337490000000000♠337.49 km2 (130.31 sq mi)	6996279999999999999♠280/km2 (730/sq mi)	17 Sep 1971	Visayas	VII	6	—	134
PH-SOR	Sorsogon	Sorsogon City	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	792,949	7009211901000000000♠2,119.01 km2 (818.15 sq mi)	6996370000000000000♠370/km2 (960/sq mi)	17 Oct 1894	Luzon	V	14	1	541
PH-SCO	South Cotabato[xxiii]	Koronadal	7000150000000000000♠1.5%	1,509,735	7009442881000000000♠4,428.81 km2 (1,709.97 sq mi)	6996340000000000000♠340/km2 (880/sq mi)	18 Jun 1966	Mindanao	XII	10	2	225
PH-SLE	Southern Leyte	Maasin	6999400000000000000♠0.4%	421,750	7009179861000000000♠1,798.61 km2 (694.45 sq mi)	6996229999999999999♠230/km2 (600/sq mi)	22 May 1959	Visayas	VIII	18	1	500
PH-SUK	Sultan Kudarat	Isulan	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	812,095	7009529834000000000♠5,298.34 km2 (2,045.70 sq mi)	6996150000000000000♠150/km2 (390/sq mi)	22 Nov 1973	Mindanao	XII	11	1	249
PH-SLU	Sulu	Jolo	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	824,731	7009160040000000000♠1,600.40 km2 (617.92 sq mi)[34]	6996519999999999999♠520/km2 (1,300/sq mi)	10 Mar 1917	Mindanao	ARMM	19	—	410
PH-SUN	Surigao del Norte	Surigao City	6999500000000000000♠0.5%	485,088	7009197293000000000♠1,972.93 km2 (761.75 sq mi)	6996250000000000000♠250/km2 (650/sq mi)	15 May 1901	Mindanao	XIII	20	1	335
PH-SUR	Surigao del Sur	Tandag	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	592,250	7009493270000000000♠4,932.70 km2 (1,904.53 sq mi)	6996119999999999999♠120/km2 (310/sq mi)	16 Jun 1960	Mindanao	XIII	17	2	309
PH-TAR	Tarlac	Tarlac City	7000140000000099999♠1.4%	1,366,027	7009305360000000000♠3,053.60 km2 (1,179.00 sq mi)	6996450000000000000♠450/km2 (1,200/sq mi)	28 Mar 1873 [35][36]	Luzon	III	17	1	511
PH-TAW	Tawi-Tawi	Bongao[37]	6999400000000000000♠0.4%	390,715	7009108740000000000♠1,087.40 km2 (419.85 sq mi)[38]	6996359999999999999♠360/km2 (930/sq mi)	11 Sep 1973	Mindanao	ARMM	11	—	203
PH-ZMB	Zambales[xxiv]	Iba	6999800000000000000♠0.8%	823,888	7009383083000000000♠3,830.83 km2 (1,479.09 sq mi)	6996219999999999999♠220/km2 (570/sq mi)	1578	Luzon	III	13	1	247
PH-ZAN	Zamboanga del Norte	Dipolog	7000100000000000000♠1.0%	1,011,393	7009730100000000000♠7,301.00 km2 (2,818.93 sq mi)	6996139999999999999♠140/km2 (360/sq mi)	6 Jun 1952	Mindanao	IX	25	2	691
PH-ZAS	Zamboanga del Sur[xxv]	Pagadian	7000190000000000000♠1.9%	1,872,473	7009591416000000000♠5,914.16 km2 (2,283.47 sq mi)	6996320000000000000♠320/km2 (830/sq mi)	1 Sep 1914	Mindanao	IX	26	2	779
PH-ZSI	Zamboanga Sibugay	Ipil	6999600000000000000♠0.6%	633,129	7009360775000000000♠3,607.75 km2 (1,392.96 sq mi)	6996179999999999999♠180/km2 (470/sq mi)	22 Feb 2001	Mindanao	IX	16	—	389
PH-00	Metro Manila	Manila †	7001128000000000000♠12.8%	12,877,253	7008638550000000000♠638.55 km2 (246.55 sq mi)	6998200000000000000♠20,000/km2 (52,000/sq mi)	—	Luzon	NCR[B]	1	16	1,706
^ Dates could refer to provincehood as established during the Spanish period, American period, or through Republic Acts. ^ Metro Manila is included for comparison although it is not a province but an administrative region.
Table notes ^ Figures include the independent city of Butuan. ^ Cabadbaran has been made the official capital of the province, as per Republic Act No. 8811. However, the seat of the provincial government is still in the process of being transferred from Butuan, where the provincial government still holds office. ^ The province maintains another government center in Luna, where many national and provincial agencies now hold office.[11] ^ Figures include the city of Isabela. ^ The city of Isabela is served by the offices of Region IX. ^ Figures include the independent city of Baguio. ^ Figures include the independent city of Naga. ^ Figures include the independent cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. ^ Figures include the independent city of Davao. ^ Figures include the independent city of Iloilo. ^ Figures include the independent city of Santiago. ^ Figures include the independent city of Iligan. ^ Figures include the independent cities of Ormoc and Tacloban. ^ Figures include the independent city of Cotabato. ^ Figures include the independent city of Cagayan de Oro. ^ Figures include the independent city of Bacolod. ^ The provincial government still uses and maintains facilities in the former capital, Cabanatuan. ^ Figures include the independent city of Puerto Princesa. ^ Figures include the independent city of Angeles. ^ Figures include the independent city of Dagupan. ^ Figures include the independent city of Lucena. ^ The provincial government has already transferred its operations to Antipolo from Pasig, although no legislation on the national level has been enacted yet recognizing the new capital.[32] ^ Figures include the independent city of General Santos. ^ Figures include the independent city of Olongapo. ^ Figures include the independent city of Zamboanga.

Former provinces

• 
  Manila (until 1901) – Incorporated into Rizal; portions around Manila later consolidated to form present-day NCR.


• 
  Lepanto-Bontoc (1902–1908) – Incorporated into Mountain Province.


• 
  Moro Province (1903–1913) – Converted to the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, composed of seven provinces. Now part of several regions in Mindanao.


• 
  Ambos Camarines (1901–1908) – Divided into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, although the wording of Act No. 2809 implies Camarines Norte was created from Ambos Camarines, the remainder of which was renamed Camarines Sur. Camarines Sur retained the provincial capital of Nueva Caceres.


• 
  Misamis (1901–1939) – Partitioned into Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental. Misamis Oriental retained the provincial capital of Cagayan.


• 
  Mindoro (1902–1950) – Divided into Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. Oriental Mindoro retained the provincial capital of Calapan.


• 
  Zamboanga (1914–1952) – Partitioned into Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. The de jure provincial capital of Molave was placed under the jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Sur which had its capital in Pagadian. Zamboanga Sibugay later created from Zamboanga del Sur.


• 
  Lanao (1914–1959) – Divided into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. Lanao del Sur retained the provincial capital of Dansalan (now Marawi).


• 
  Surigao (1901–1967) – Partitioned into Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Surigao del Norte retained the provincial capital of Surigao City and the provincial seal. The province of Dinagat Islands was later created from Surigao del Norte.


• 
  Davao (1914–1967; 1972–1998) – Divided into Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Davao del Norte was officially known as Davao from 1972 to 1998, when Compostela Valley was later created from Davao province. Davao Occidental later created from Davao del Sur.


• 
  Agusan (1907–1967) – Partitioned into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte retained the former provincial capital of Butuan. The provincial capital was officially transferred to Cabadbaran in 2000 but the provincial government services and functions are yet to be completely transferred to the new capital.^[39]
  


• 
  Negros del Norte (1985–1986) – Batas Pambansa Blg. 885,^[40] which created a new province out of the northern part of Negros Occidental, took effect on 23 December 1985, with a plebiscite to ratify the law held on 3 January 1986. The province comprised the present-day cities of Cadiz (which was to serve as the capital), Escalante, Sagay, San Carlos, Silay and Victorias, as well as the municipalities of Calatrava, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, Salvador Benedicto and Toboso. Despite voters ratifying Batas Pambansa Blg. 885, on 11 July 1986 the Supreme Court declared the law and the proclamation of the province null and void. The ruling states the enabling law was unconstitutional for, among other things, not including the rest of Negros Occidental in the plebiscite, and the proposed province not meeting the 3,500 square kilometre land area requirement of the 1983 Local Government Code.^[41]
  


• 
  Kalinga-Apayao (1966–1995) – Divided into Apayao and Kalinga. Kalinga retained the provincial capital of Tabuk.


• 
  Shariff Kabunsuan (2006–2008) – Republic Act No. 9054 conferred to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao expanded powers, especially the capacity to create provinces (Article VI, Section 19).^[42] Based on this, the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly enacted Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201 on 28 August 2006. The Act created a new province, comprising all the municipalities in the first congressional district of Maguindanao (except Cotabato City), with its capital at Datu Odin Sinsuat. The province's creation was approved on 28 October 2006 by a majority vote in a plebiscite. Responding to requests for clarification as to which congressional districts form Shariff Kabunsuan for the 2007 elections (specifically whether Cotabato City was part of the representation of the new province), COMELEC issued Resolution No. 7845, which initially held Cotabato City to be the sole remaining LGU in the First District of Maguindanao. COMELEC later amended this with Resolution No. 7902, which maintained the status quo before the province's creation. The COMELEC resolutions became the subject of a case in which the Supreme Court opined that because "the power to create new a province or city inherently involves the power to create a legislative district"—a power that Congress did not explicitly delegate to the ARMM Regional Assembly—the creation of a province by a lower legislative body (the ARMM Regional Assembly) will necessarily entail the creation of a legislative district for a higher legislative body (Congress). Therefore, on July 16, 2008, the Supreme Court declared Section 19, Article VI of RA No. 9054 unconstitutional, MMA Act No. 201 void, and COMELEC Resolution No. 7902 valid.^[43]
  

Etymologies

History

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Timeline

When the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898, the islands were divided into four gobiernos (governments), which were further subdivided into provinces and districts. The American administration initially inherited the Spanish divisions and placed them under military government. As insurgencies were pacified, civil government was gradually organized.

• November 23, 1900: Civil government of the province of Benguet established through Act No. 49. Capital moved to Baguio.


• February 6, 1901: Act No. 83 ("The Provincial Government Act") enacted by the Philippine Commission.


• February 13, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Pampanga through Act No. 85.


• February 16, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Pangasinan through Act No. 86. Towns of Balungao, Rosales, San Quintin and Umingan annexed from Nueva Ecija.


• February 18, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Tarlac through Act No. 87.


• February 27, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Bulacan through Act No. 88. Capital moved to Malolos.


• March 2, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Bataan through Act No. 92.


• March 12, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Tayabas through Act No. 103. Capital moved to Lucena.


• March 16, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Romblon, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 104.


• March 18, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Masbate, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 105.


• April 11, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Iloilo, formed through the merging of the Spanish-era Province of Iloilo with the Comandancia of Concepcion, through Act No. 113.


• April 13, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Antique through Act No. 114.


• April 15, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Capiz through Act No. 115.


• April 18, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Cebu through Act No. 116.


• April 20, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Bohol through Act No. 117.


• April 22, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Leyte through Act No. 121.


• April 26, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Albay through Act No. 122.


• April 27, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Ambos Camarines through Act No. 123.


• April 30, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Sorsogon through Act No. 124.


• May 1, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Occidental Negros and Oriental Negros through Acts No. 119 and 120, respectively, enacted on April 20, 1901; Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to newly created Marinduque through Act No. 125.


• May 2, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Batangas through Act No. 126.


• May 15, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Surigao, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 127; Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Misamis through Act No. 128.


• June 11, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to newly created Rizal, formed through the merging of the Politico-Military District of Morong with the entire province of Manila except the territory of the city of Manila, through Act No. 137; Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Cavite through Act No. 138. Annexed Lubang and adjacent islands to the province. Provincial government provided an option to move capital from the town of Cavite; Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to Nueva Ecija through Act No. 139. Provincial government provided an option to move capital from the town of San Isidro.


• July 16, 1901: Catanduanes annexed to Albay through Act No. 169.


• July 17, 1901: Batangas, Bohol and Cebu placed under the control of military governors through Act No. 173.


• August 15, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to La Union through Act No. 203.


• August 16, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Ilocos Sur through Act No. 205.


• August 19, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Abra, excluding its territory east of the crest of the Cordillera Central, through Act No. 206.


• August 20, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Ilocos Norte through Act No. 207.


• August 22, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Cagayan through Act No. 209. The Babuyan Islands and the Spanish-era province of Batanes annexed to the province.


• August 24, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Isabela through Act No. 210.


• August 28, 1901: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Zambales through Act No. 211.


• January 1, 1902: Civil government of the Province of Cebu restored through Act No. 322 enacted on December 20, 1901.


• January 28, 1902: Civil government of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya established through Act No. 337.


• April 1, 1902: Civil government of the Province of Bohol restored through Act No. 365 enacted on March 3, 1902.


• May 28, 1902: Spanish-era comandancias of Amburayan, Bontoc and Lepanto organized into sub-provinces under the new province of Lepanto-Bontoc through Act No. 410. Areas between Abra and Cagayan not yet placed under the jurisdiction of any province annexed as part of the sub-province of Bontoc.


• June 12, 1902: Spanish-era districts of El Principe and Infanta, including the Polillo Islands, annexed to Tayabas through Act No. 417.


• June 17, 1902: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to Samar through Act No. 419.


• June 23, 1902: Civil government of the Province of Paragua established through Act No. 422; Mindoro, Lubang and surrounding small islands annexed to Marinduque through Act No. 423.


• July 1, 1902: Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to La Laguna through Act No. 424.


• November 10, 1902: Marinduque annexed to Tayabas through Act No. 499; Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to newly created Mindoro, separated from Marinduque through Act No. 500.


• May 14, 1903: Cagayancillo, Balabac and the rest of Palawan Island (south of Tapul and Ulugan rivers) annexed to Paragua through Act No. 747. Provincial government provided the option to choose capital between Cuyo or Puerto Princesa.


• May 26, 1903: Spanish-era Comandancia of Kayapa annexed to Benguet through Act No. 768.


• July 15, 1903: Moro Province formed, composed of the districts of Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Sulu, and Zamboanga through Act No. 787 enacted on June 1, 1903.


• April 1, 1905: Abra annexed to Ilocos Sur as sub-province through Act No. 1306 enacted on February 27, 1905.


• June 28, 1905: Name of Paragua changed to Palawan through Act No. 1363.


• January 1, 1906: Masbate annexed to Sorsogon as sub-province through Act No. 1413 enacted on November 23, 1905.


• May 9, 1907: Apayao and Kalinga established as sub-provinces of Cagayan and Lepanto-Bontoc, respectively, through Act No. 1642.


• July 15, 1907: Romblon (except the island of Maestro de Campo, annexed to Mindoro) annexed to Capiz as sub-province through Act No. 1665 enacted on July 2, 1907.


• August 10, 1907: Marinduque declared a sub-province of Tayabas through Act No. 1649 enacted on May 17, 1907.


• August 20, 1907: Act No. 1693 creates Agusan (composed of the sub-provinces of Butuan and Bukidnon), and establishes Batanes as a sub-province of Cagayan.


• October 8, 1907: Siquijor established as sub-province of Negros Oriental through Act No. 1753. Catanduanes established as sub-province of Albay through Act No. 1331.


• August 18, 1908: Mountain Province, with seven sub-provinces, formed by merging territories of the entire province of Lepanto-Bontoc (with Amburayan, Bontoc, Kalinga and Lepanto sub-provinces); the district in the province of Nueva Vizcaya that formerly the comprised the Spanish-era Comandancia of Quiangan (annexed as Ifugao sub-province); the entire province of Benguet except Baguio City (annexed as Benguet sub-province); and Apayao sub-province in Cagayan, through Act No. 1876.


• May 20, 1909: Batanes re-established as province, separated from Cagayan through Act No. 1952.


• December 20, 1913: Act No. 2309 renames Moro Province to Department of Mindanao and Sulu and annexes Agusan (with Bukidnon sub-province) to the Department. Department of Mindanao and Sulu formally organized on January 1, 1914.


• September 1, 1914: Department of Mindanao and Sulu provided with autonomous government through Act No. 2408 enacted on July 23, 1914. Bukidnon sub-province and the former Moro Province districts of Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Sulu and Zamboanga converted to provinces.


• March 9, 1917: Abra re-established as regular province, separated from Ilocos Sur through Act No. 2683.


• December 7, 1917: Romblon re-established as regular province, separated from Capiz through Act No. 2724.


• March 3, 1919: Ambos Camarines divided into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur through Act No. 2809.


• February 4, 1920: Act No. 2877 abolishes Amburayan sub-province in the Mountain Province by annexing its municipal entities to Ilocos Sur and La Union; Lepanto sub-province reduced in size by annexing some of its municipal entities to Ilocos Sur and Benguet.


• November 21, 1920: Marinduque re-established as regular province, separated from Tayabas through Act No. 2880.


• December 15, 1920: Masbate re-established as regular province, separated from Sorsogon through Act No. 2934.


• March 27, 1923: Leyte divided into Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte through Act No. 3117, but never proclaimed by the governor-general.


• November 28, 1939: Division of Misamis into Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental implemented by virtue of Act No. 3777 (enacted on November 29, 1930), the law that amended Act No. 3537 (enacted on November 2, 1929) which first sought the division.


• June 8, 1940: Provincial government of Romblon abolished, municipal governments reorganized into four "special municipalities" through Commonwealth Act No. 581.


• January 1, 1942: Executive Order No. 400 issued by Manuel L. Quezon creates the City of Greater Manila, composed of the chartered cities of Manila and Quezon City with the following municipalities from the province of Rizal: Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasay and San Juan.


• May 18, 1942: Executive Order No. 43 issued by Jorge Vargas of the Japanese-era Philippine Executive Commission abolishes sub-provinces, annexing their municipalities to their respective provinces. Provisions of this order only apply for the duration of the Japanese occupation; revoked after the restoration of the Commonwealth in 1945.


• August 31, 1942: Executive Order No. 84 issued by Jorge Vargas abolishes the province of Batanes and annexes its municipalities to Cagayan; annexes the municipalities of Baler and Casiguran (corresponding to the entire present-day territory of Aurora) from Tayabas to Nueva Ecija; annexes the municipality of Infanta (including the present-day municipalities of General Nakar and Real) from Tayabas to Laguna; abolishes the province of Marinduque and annexes its municipalities to Tayabas; and abolishes the province of Romblon and annexes its special municipalities to Capiz. Provisions of this order only apply for the duration of the Japanese occupation; revoked after the restoration of the Commonwealth in 1945.


• November 1, 1942: Executive Order No. 103 issued by Jorge Vargas annexes the Polillo Islands from Tayabas to Laguna. Provisions of this order only apply for the duration of the Japanese occupation; revoked after the restoration of the Commonwealth in 1945.


• August 1, 1945: Executive Order No. 58 issued by Sergio Osmeña reduces the territory of the City of Greater Manila to only Manila and Quezon City, restoring Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasay and San Juan to Rizal. Republic Act No. 54 of October 10, 1946 later repeals Executive Order No. 400 (series 1942) and Executive Order No. 58 (series 1945), finally abolishing the City of Greater Manila and restoring the pre-war status of the chartered cities of Manila and Quezon City.


• October 26, 1945: Catanduanes established as regular province, separated from Albay through Commonwealth Act No. 687 enacted on September 26, 1945.


• September 7, 1946: Name of Tayabas changed to Quezon through Republic Act No. 14.


• October 1, 1946: CA 581 repealed and Romblon's provincial and municipal governments restored through Republic Act No. 38.


• June 13, 1950: Mindoro divided into Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro through Republic Act No. 505.


• June 14, 1951: Aurora established as sub-province of Quezon through Republic Act No. 648.


• June 6, 1952: Zamboanga divided into Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur through Republic Act No. 711.


• April 25, 1956: Aklan separated from Capiz through Republic Act No. 1414.


• June 22, 1956: Camiguin established as sub-province of Misamis Oriental through Republic Act No. 2021.


• April 8, 1959: Biliran established as sub-province of Leyte through Republic Act No. 2141.


• May 22, 1959: Lanao province divided into Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur through Republic Act No. 2228.


• July 1, 1959: Southern Leyte separated from Leyte through Republic Act No. 2227 approved on May 22, 1959.


• June 19, 1960: Surigao divided into Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur through Republic Act No. 2786.


• November 19, 1965: Plebiscite approves the division of Samar into Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Western Samar by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221 enacted on June 19, 1965.


• June 18, 1966: Guimaras established as sub-province of Iloilo through Republic Act No. 4667; Camiguin established as regular province, separated from Misamis Oriental through Republic Act No. 4669; Benguet re-established, and Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao created, from Mountain Province through Republic Act No. 4695; Quirino established as sub-province of Nueva Vizcaya through Republic Act No. 4734; South Cotabato separated from Cotabato through Republic Act No. 4849.


• May 8, 1967: Davao province divided into Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental through Republic Act No. 4867.


• November 14, 1967: Plebiscite approves the division of Agusan into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 4979 enacted on June 17, 1967.


• June 21, 1969: Name of Western Samar province changed to Samar through Republic Act No. 5650.


• August 4, 1969: Samal sub-province created from Davao del Norte through Republic Act No. 5999, but never inaugurated.


• October 4, 1971: Maranaw province created from Lanao del Sur through Republic Act No. 6406, remained unorganized due to the disruption caused by the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines.


• November 11, 1971: Plebiscites approve the establishment of Quirino and Siquijor as regular provinces by virtue of Republic Act No. 6394 (approved on September 10, 1971) and Republic Act No. 6398 (approved on September 17, 1971), separating them from Nueva Vizcaya and Negros Oriental, respectively.


• June 17, 1972: Name of Davao del Norte changed to Davao through Republic Act No. 6430.


• September 11, 1973: Tawi-Tawi separated from Sulu through Presidential Decree No. 302.


• November 22, 1973: Cotabato divided into Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat through Presidential Decree No. 341.


• December 27, 1973: Basilan province created through Presidential Decree No. 356 out of most of the territory of the City of Basilan, which itself was delimited to only the downtown area of what is now Isabela City, then finally abolished by Presidential Decree No. 840 in 1975.


• November 7, 1975: Metro Manila established through Presidential Decree No. 824, composed of the four chartered cities of Manila, Caloocan, Pasay and Quezon City, and several municipalities of Rizal and Bulacan, all of which effectively became independent from provincial supervision.


• August 13, 1979: Aurora proclaimed a regular province, separated from Quezon through Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 enacted on November 21, 1978. Plebiscite held on May 20, 1979, approves provincehood.


• March 7, 1984: Name of North Cotabato province changed to Cotabato through Batas Pambansa Blg. 660.


• January 3, 1986: Plebiscite approves the separation of Negros del Norte from Negros Occidental by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 885 enacted on December 3, 1985.


• August 18, 1986: BP No. 885 found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Negros del Norte reverts as part of Negros Occidental.


• May 11, 1992: Plebsicites affirm the establishment of Biliran and Guimaras as regular provinces, separating them from Leyte and Iloilo, respectively, by virtue of Section 462 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) approved on October 10, 1991; Plebiscite approves the separation of Sarangani from South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act No. 7228 approved on March 16, 1992.


• May 8, 1995: Plebiscite approves the division of Kalinga-Apayao into Apayao and Kalinga by virtue of Republic Act No. 7878 approved on February 14, 1995.


• March 7, 1998: Plebiscite approves the separation of Compostela Valley from Davao by virtue of Republic Act No. 8470 approved on January 30, 1998. Name of Davao changed back to Davao del Norte.


• February 22, 2001: Plebiscite approves the separation of Zamboanga Sibugay from Zamboanga del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973 approved on November 7, 2000.


• October 28, 2006: Plebiscite approves the separation of Shariff Kabunsuan from Maguindanao by virtue of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201 enacted on August 28, 2006.


• December 2, 2006: Plebiscite approves the separation of Dinagat Islands from Surigao del Norte by virtue of Republic Act No. 9355 approved on October 2, 2006.


• November 18, 2008: MMA Act No. 201 declared void by the Supreme Court, Shariff Kabunsuan reverts as part of Maguindanao.


• February 11, 2010: RA No. 9355 found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Dinagat Islands reverts as part of Surigao del Norte.


• March 30, 2011: Supreme Court reverses its decision on Dinagat Islands and became a province once again.


• October 28, 2013: Plebiscite approves the separation of Davao Occidental from Davao del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 10360 approved on January 21, 2013.

Formally proposed provinces

Proposed provinces with enacted law

Note: This section lists only those proposals that reached the stage where legislation was enacted for the purpose of establishing a province or sub-province, but never achieved corporate existence.

• 
  Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte (1923) – Leyte was divided into two new provinces by Act No. 3117 on March 27, 1923.^[44] The division never took place, however, as no proclamation was issued by the Governor-General.
  
  
  
  • The province of Oriental Leyte would have covered the present-day territories of the entire province of Biliran, the municipalities of Abuyog, Alangalang, Babatngon, Barugo, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Javier, Julita, La Paz, Leyte, MacArthur, Mahaplag, Mayorga, Palo, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga and Tacloban City (which was designated as the provincial capital).
  
  
  • The province of Occidental Leyte would have covered the present-day territories of the entire province of Southern Leyte, the municipalities of Albuera, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Kananga, Matag-ob, Matalom, Mérida, Palompon, Villaba and the cities of Baybay and Ormoc. The province capital of Occidental Leyte "SEC. 2. ... shall be designated by the Governor-General, until determined by a plurality vote of the electors of the new province at the next general election."
  
  
  
  


• 
  Samal (1969) – The sub-province of Samal was created by Republic Act No. 5999^[45] and covered the area of the present-day Island Garden City of Samal. However, the sub-province was never inaugurated.


• 
  Maranaw (1971) – Republic Act No. 6406,^[46] which sought to create a new province out of eastern Lanao del Sur (now corresponding to the province's first congressional district), was approved on October 4, 1971. The province was to consist of the municipalities of Bubong, Ditsaan-Ramain (including what is now Buadiposo-Buntong), Kapai, Lumba-Bayabao (including what is now Maguing), Marantao, Masiu, Mulondo, Saguiaran, Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Taraka and Wao (including what is now Bumbaran), with the chartered city of Marawi serving as the new province's capital. Lanao del Sur was to retain the remaining municipalities, with Malabang serving as its new capital. Section 4 of RA 6406 provided that "The new provinces as provided in this Act shall come into existence upon the election and qualification of their first elective provincial officials, who shall be elected in a special election simultaneously with the general elections of November, nineteen hundred and seventy-three." The division never took place due to the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, which disrupted the scheduled general elections for 1973 and paved the way for the adoption of a new Constitution and the establishment of the Fourth Philippine Republic. A legacy of this unimplemented division is the existence of two ZIP code series for Lanao del Sur: the 93- series was retained by what were to be the remaining towns of the province (with Malabang, the new capital, being reassigned the code 9300), while a new series (97-) was assigned to what was supposed to be the province of Maranaw (with Marawi City getting the new code 9700).

Rejected in a plebiscite

• 
  Isabela del Norte and Isabela del Sur (1995) – On February 20, 1995, Republic Act No. 7891,^[47] which sought to divide the province of Isabela, was approved. Isabela del Norte was to comprise municipalities belonging to the province's first and second congressional districts with Ilagan serving as capital. Isabela del Sur was to consist of the third and fourth congressional districts (excluding the independent component city of Santiago), with Cauayan as the capital. The proposed division was rejected in a plebiscite held on June 20, 1995.


• 
  Quezon del Norte and Quezon del Sur (2007) – The act dividing the province of Quezon into two, Republic Act No. 9495,^[48] lapsed into law without the President's signature on September 7, 2007. Quezon del Norte was to be composed of the first and second congressional districts of the province, with Lucena City as its capital. Quezon del Sur, with its capital at Gumaca, would have been composed of the third and fourth congressional districts. The COMELEC held the plebiscite on December 13, 2008 and majority of the votes cast rejected the division.

Other proposed provinces

• 
  Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur (2018) – House Bill No. 7413 was filed on March 15, 2018 by all of Palawan province's three congressmen namely Franz Alvarez, Frederick Abueg and Gil Acosta which proposed to divide Palawan's territory outside the independent city of Puerto Princessa (which is geographically part of but is politically separate from the island province) into three separate provinces. The proposed territory of Palawan del Norte composed of Taytay and municipalities north of it. Palawan del Sur will compose of municipalities west and south of Puerto Princessa, including the Kalayaan (which administers the internationally disputed Spratly Islands) while the rest of the municipalities are proposed to form Palawan Oriental. The proposed provincial capitals are the following: Taytay (Palawan del Norte), Brooke's Point (Palawan del Sur), and Roxas (Palawan Oriental)^[49]
  


• 
  Zamboanga Hermosa (2017) – On February 21, 2017, House Bill No. 5040 was introduced in the House of Representatives that seeks to carve out a new province from Zamboanga del Norte, consisting of the 12 municipalities and 2 legislative districts that make up the 3rd legislative district of Zamboanga del Norte:^[50][51]
  

See also

• List of Philippine provinces by population


• List of Philippine provincial etymologies


• List of Philippine provinces by Human Development Index


• List of demonyms for Philippine provinces


• ISO 3166-2:PH


• 
  Sub-provinces of the Philippines, a defunct group of administrative divisions in the Philippines

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Provinces of the Philippines.

• 
  Philippine Standard Geographic Code Interactive, National Statistical Coordination Board


• 
  The 2010 Census of Population and Housing Reveals the Philippine Population at 92.34 Million, Philippine Statistics Authority, Republic of the Philippines


• 
  Provinces of the Philippines, Gwillim Law, Statoids.com


• Flags of the World – Philippines Provincial Flags