In the
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
, provinces ( fil, lalawigan) are one of its primary political and
administrative divisions
Administrative division, administrative unit,Article 3(1). country subdivision, administrative region, subnational entity, constituent state, as well as many similar terms, are generic names for geographical areas into which a particular, ind ...
. There are 82 provinces at present, which are further subdivided into
component cities and
municipalities. The
local government unit
Local government is a generic term for the lowest tiers of public administration within a particular sovereign state. This particular usage of the word government refers specifically to a level of administration that is both geographically-l ...
s in the
National Capital Region, as well as
independent cities, are independent of any provincial government. Each province is governed by an elected
legislature
A legislature is an assembly with the authority to make law
Law is a set of rules that are created and are enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its p ...
called the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan and an elected
governor
A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political ...
.
The provinces are grouped into
seventeen regions based on geographical, cultural, and ethnological characteristics. Thirteen of these regions are numerically designated from north to south, while the National Capital Region, the
Cordillera Administrative Region, the
Southwestern Tagalog Region
Mimaropa (usually capitalized in official government documents), formally known as the Southwestern Tagalog Region, is an administrative region in the Philippines. It was also formerly but still colloquially designated as Region IV-B until 2016 ...
, and the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are only designated by acronyms.
Each province is a member of the
League of Provinces of the Philippines
The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), also referred to as the League of Provinces, is an organization composed of governors of the provinces in the Philippines. All of the 82 provinces are members of the organization.
Statutory basis ...
, an organization which aims to address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations.
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
The Regional Trial Courts ( fil, Panrehiyong Hukuman sa Paglilitis) are the highest trial courts in the Philippines. In criminal matters, they have original jurisdiction.
History
It was formerly called as the Court of First Instance since the ...
.
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 16 regularly elected SP members, and
Cebu
Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 16 ...
,
Negros Occidental
Negros Occidental ( hil, Nakatungdang Negros; tl, Kanlurang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Occidental, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines, region. ...
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
A barangay (; abbreviated as Brgy. or Bgy.), historically referred to as barrio (abbreviated as Bo.), is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district, or ward. In metropolita ...
Captains (ABC), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), and ''
Sangguniang Kabataan
Sangguniang Kabataan (abbreviated as SK; ) is a council meant to represent the youth in each barangay in the Philippines. It was put "on hold", but not quite abolished, prior to the 2013 barangay elections. In January 2016, the Sangguniang ...
'' (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 organizations.
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
The Department of the Interior and Local Government ( fil, Kagawaran ng Interyor at Pamahalaang Lokal), abbreviated as DILG, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public saf ...
. For purposes of national representation, each province is guaranteed its own
congressional district. One congressional representative represents each district in the
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
.
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.
Although such a city is a self-governing second-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
The Sangguniang Bayan () is the local legislative branch of the municipal governments in the Philippines. It is responsible for passing ordinances and resolutions for the administration of a municipality. Its powers are defined by the Local Gov ...
(Municipal Council), of all component cities and municipalities under the province's jurisdiction.
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.
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:
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.
List
Former provinces
*
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
(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
The Department of Mindanao and Sulu was an agency of the United States colonial administration in the Philippine Islands task to administer all Muslim-dominated areas in the territory. It was established on July 23, 1914, pursuant to Act No. 2 ...
, composed of seven provinces. Now part of several regions in Mindanao.
*
Ambos Camarines
Ambos Camarines ( es, ambos, meaning "both"; commonly known as Camarines), officially the Province of Ambos Camarines, was a historical province in the Philippines found on the northern end of the Bicol Peninsula. It now exists as two separat ...
(1901–1908) Divided into
Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte ( bcl, Amihanan na Camarines; fil, Hilagang Camarines), officially the Province of Camarines Norte, is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Daet. The province borders Quezon to the w ...
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 ( tl, Silangang Mindoro), officially the Province of Oriental Mindoro, is a province in the Philippines located on the island of Mindoro under Mimaropa region in Luzon, about southwest of Manila. The province is bordered by the ...
. Oriental Mindoro retained the provincial capital of
Calapan
Calapan, officially the City of Calapan ( fil, Lungsod ng Calapan), is a 3rd class component city and capital of the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 145,786 people.
The city ser ...
.
*
Zamboanga (1914–1952) Partitioned into
Zamboanga del Norte and
Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del Sur ( Cebuano: ''Habagatang Zamboanga;'' Subanen: ''S'helatan Sembwangan/Sembwangan dapit Shelatan''; Chavacano: ''Zamboanga del Sur''; tl, Timog Zamboanga; mdh, Pagabatan Sambuanga), officially the Province of 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
Pagadian, officially the City of Pagadian ( ceb, Dakbayan sa Pagadian; fil, Lungsod ng Pagadian; Maguindanaon: ''Kuta nu Pagadian'', Jawi: كوتا نو ڤاڬاديان; Iranun: ''Bandar a Pagadian'', بندر ا ڤاڬاديان; Chavacano ...
.
Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay, officially the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Zamboanga Sibugay; tl, Lalawigan ng Zamboanga Sibugay; Chavacano: ''Provincia de Zamboanga Sibugay''), is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga ...
later created from Zamboanga del Sur.
*
Lanao (1914–1959) Divided into
Lanao del Norte
Lanao del Norte ( Cebuano: ''Amihanang Lanao''; tl, Hilagang Lanao; Maranao: ''Pangotaraan Ranao''), officially the Province of Lanao del Norte, is a province in the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Tubod.
...
and
Lanao del Sur
Lanao del Sur ( tl, Timog Lanao; Maranao language, Maranao and ilp, Pagabagatan Ranao), officially the Province of Lanao del Sur, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Autonomous Re ...
. 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 Sur ( Surigaonon: ''Probinsya nan Surigao del Sur''; ceb, Habagatang Surigao; tl, Timog Surigao), officially the Province of Surigao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is T ...
. Surigao del Norte retained the provincial capital of
Surigao City
Surigao City, officially the City of Surigao ( Surigaonon: ''Siyudad nan Surigao''; ceb, Dakbayan sa Surigao; fil, Lungsod ng Surigao), is a 1st class component city and capital of the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. According to t ...
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
Davao del Sur ( ceb, Habagatang Dabaw; ), officially the Province of Davao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City. Davao City is the largest city in terms of area and populat ...
and
Davao Oriental. Davao del Norte was officially known as Davao from 1972 to 1998, when Compostela Valley (now
Davao de Oro
Davao de Oro, officially the Province of Davao de Oro ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Davao de Oro; tgl, Lalawigan ng Davao de Oro), is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Nabunturan. It used to be part of ...
) was later created from Davao province. Davao Occidental later created from Davao del Sur.
*
Agusan (1907–1967) Partitioned into
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Norte, officially the Province of Agusan del Norte ( ceb, Amihanang Agusan; Butuanon: ''Probinsya hong Agusan del Norte''; tl, Hilagang Agusan), is a province in the Caraga region of the Philippines. Its capital is the city of Cabadb ...
and
Agusan del Sur
Agusan del Sur, officially the Province of Agusan del Sur ( ceb, Habagatang Agusan; Butuanon: ''Probinsya hong Agusan del Sur''; tl, Timog Agusan), is a province in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines. Its capital is the municipality of Pros ...
. Agusan del Norte retained the former provincial capital of
Butuan
Butuan (pronounced ), officially the City of Butuan ( ceb, Dakbayan sa Butuan; Butuanon: ''Dakbayan hong Butuan''; fil, Lungsod ng Butuan), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the region of Caraga, Philippines. It is the ''de facto'' c ...
. 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.
*
Negros del Norte (1985–1986) ''Batas Pambansa Blg. 885'',
which created a new province out of the northern part of
Negros Occidental
Negros Occidental ( hil, Nakatungdang Negros; tl, Kanlurang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Occidental, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines, region. ...
, took effect on December 23, 1985, with a plebiscite to ratify the law held on January 3, 1986. The province comprised the present-day cities of
Cadiz (which was to serve as the capital),
Escalante,
Sagay
Sagay, officially the City of Sagay ( hil, Dakbanwa sang Sagay; ceb, Dakbayan sa Sagay; fil, Lungsod ng Sagay), is a 3rd class component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a populati ...
,
San Carlos,
Silay
Silay, officially the City of Silay ( hil, Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Silay; ceb, Dakbayan sa Silay; fil, Lungsod ng Silay), is a 3rd class component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a pop ...
and
Victorias
Victorias, officially the City of Victorias ( hil, Dakbanwa sang Victorias; fil, Lungsod ng Victorias), is a 4th class component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 90,10 ...
, as well as the municipalities of
Calatrava,
Enrique B. Magalona,
Manapla
Manapla, officially the Municipality of Manapla, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 55,083 people.
The town is notable for its signature delicacy ' ...
,
Salvador Benedicto and
Toboso. Despite voters ratifying ''Batas Pambansa Blg. 885'', on July 11, 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 kilometer land area requirement of the 1983 Local Government Code.
*
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
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ( tl, Rehiyong Awtonomo ng Muslim Mindanao; ar, الحكم الذاتي الاقليمي لمسلمي مندناو ''Al-ḥukm adh-dhātī al-'iqlīmī li-muslimī Mindanāu''; abbreviated as ARMM) was ...
expanded powers, especially the capacity to create provinces (Article VI, Section 19). Based on this, the
ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly
ARMM Regional Assembly, also known as ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly (''Pangrehiyong Kapulungang Pambatasan ng ARMM''), was the devolved unicameral regional legislature of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It was known as the " ...
enacted ''Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201'' on August 28, 2006. The Act created a new province, comprising all the municipalities in the
first congressional district of Maguindanao (except
Cotabato City
Cotabato City, officially the City of Cotabato ( Maguindanaon: ''Kuta nu Kutawatu'', Jawi:
كوتا نو كوتاواتو; Iranun: ''Bandar a Kotawato'', بندر ا كوتاواتو; fil, Lungsod ng Cotabato), is a third class independent c ...
), with its capital at
Datu Odin Sinsuat. The province's creation was approved on October 28, 2006, by a majority vote in a
plebiscite
A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, law, or political issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. This may result in the adoption of ...
. 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
A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...
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.
[G.R. No. 177597 – Sema v. COMELEC and Dilangalen](_blank)
Supreme Court of the Philippines.
*
Maguindanao (1973–2022)''Republic Act No. 11550'' divided the province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur through a plebiscite. Maguindanao del Norte resembles the former province of Shariff Kabunsuan however adds the municipality of Sultan Sumagka into its territory. The capital of Maguindanao del Norte is
Datu Odin Sinsuat while the capital of Maguindanao del Sur is
Buluan.
Etymologies
History
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.
;1900–1901
* 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, or the Provincial Government Act, enacted by the
Philippine Commission
The Philippine Commission was the name of two bodies, both appointed by the president of the United States, to assist with governing the Philippines.
The first Philippine Commission, also known as the Schurman Commission, was appointed by Presi ...
.
* February 13 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Pampanga through Act No. 85.
* February 16 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Pangasinan through Act No. 86. Towns of
Balungao,
Rosales
Rosales () is an order of flowering plants. Peter F. Stevens (2001 onwards). "Rosales". At: Trees At: Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. At: Missouri Botanical Garden Website. (see ''External links'' below) It is sister to a clade consisting of Faga ...
,
San Quintin San Quintín or San Quintin may refer to :
Chile
*San Quintín Glacier
Mexico
* San Quintín, Baja California
** San Quintín Volcanic Field
Philippines
* San Quintin, Abra
*San Quintin, Pangasinan
See also
* Saint Quentin
* Battle of St. Quent ...
and
Umingan
Umingan, officially the Municipality of Umingan ( pag, Baley na Umingan; ilo, Ili ti Umingan; tgl, Bayan ng Umingan), is a 1st class municipality of the Philippines, municipality in the Philippine Province, province of Pangasinan, Philippines. A ...
annexed from
Nueva Ecija.
* February 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Tarlac through Act No. 87.
* February 27 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bulacan through Act No. 88. Capital moved to
Malolos.
* March 2 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bataan through Act No. 92.
* March 12 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Tayabas through Act No. 103. Capital moved to
Lucena
Lucena, officially the City of Lucena ( fil, Lungsod ng Lucena), is a 1st class Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, highly urbanized city in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. It is the capital city of the Provinces of the ...
.
* March 16 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Romblon
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 104.
* March 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Masbate
Masbate, officially the Province of Masbate ( Masbateño: ''Probinsya san Masbate''; tl, Lalawigan ng Masbate), is an island province in the Philippines located near the midsection of the nation's archipelago. Its provincial capital is Masbate C ...
, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 105.
* April 11 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Iloilo
Iloilo (), officially the Province of Iloilo ( hil, Kapuoran sang Iloilo; krj, Kapuoran kang Iloilo; tl, Lalawigan ng Iloilo), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is the City of Iloilo, the ...
, formed through the merging of the Spanish-era Province of Iloilo with the Comandancia of Concepcion, through Act No. 113.
* April 13 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Antique through Act No. 114.
* April 15 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It ...
through Act No. 115.
* April 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Cebu
Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 16 ...
through Act No. 116.
* April 20 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bohol
Bohol (), officially the Province of Bohol ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bohol; tl, Lalawigan ng Bohol), is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. It ...
through Act No. 117.
* April 22 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Leyte through Act No. 121.
* April 26 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Albay through Act No. 122.
* April 27 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Ambos Camarines
Ambos Camarines ( es, ambos, meaning "both"; commonly known as Camarines), officially the Province of Ambos Camarines, was a historical province in the Philippines found on the northern end of the Bicol Peninsula. It now exists as two separat ...
through Act No. 123.
* April 30 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Sorsogon through Act No. 124.
* May 1:
** Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Occidental Negros and
Oriental Negros
Negros Oriental ( ceb, Sidlakang Negros; tl, Silangang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Oriental, is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Dumaguete. It occupies the southeaste ...
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 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Batangas
Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( tl, Lalawigan ng Batangas ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region on Luzon. Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and La ...
through Act No. 126.
* May 15:
** 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:
** 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
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populated ...
, 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 –
Catanduanes
Catanduanes (; ), officially the Province of Catanduanes, is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the 12th-largest island in the Philippines, and lies to the east of Camarines Sur, across Maqueda ...
annexed to
Albay through Act No. 169.
* July 17 –
Batangas
Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( tl, Lalawigan ng Batangas ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region on Luzon. Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and La ...
,
Bohol
Bohol (), officially the Province of Bohol ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bohol; tl, Lalawigan ng Bohol), is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. It ...
and
Cebu
Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 16 ...
placed under the control of military governors through Act No. 173.
* August 15 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
La Union through Act No. 203.
* August 16 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Ilocos Sur through Act No. 205.
* August 19 – 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 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte, officially the Province of Ilocos Norte ( ilo, Probinsia ti Ilocos Norte; tl, Lalawigan ng Ilocos Norte), is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. Its capital is Laoag City, located in the northwest corner ...
through Act No. 207.
* August 22 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Cagayan through Act No. 209. The
Babuyan Islands
The Babuyan Islands ( ), also known as the Babuyan Group of Islands, is an archipelago in the Philippines, located in the Luzon Strait north of the main island of Luzon and south of Taiwan via Bashi Channel to Luzon Strait. The archipelago cons ...
and the Spanish-era province of
Batanes annexed to the province.
* August 24 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Isabela through Act No. 210.
* August 28 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Zambales through Act No. 211.
;1902
* January 1 – Civil government of the Province of
Cebu
Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 16 ...
restored through Act No. 322 enacted on December 20, 1901.
* January 28 – Civil government of the Province of
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya, officially the Province of Nueva Vizcaya ( ilo, Probinsia ti Nueva Vizcaya; gad, Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya; Pangasinan: ''Luyag/Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya''; tl, Lalawigan ng Nueva Vizcaya ), is a landlocked province in the ...
established through Act No. 337.
* April 1 – Civil government of the Province of
Bohol
Bohol (), officially the Province of Bohol ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bohol; tl, Lalawigan ng Bohol), is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. It ...
restored through Act No. 365 enacted on March 3, 1902.
* May 28 – 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 – Spanish-era districts of
El Principe and
Infanta
''Infante'' (, ; f. ''infanta''), also anglicised as Infant or translated as Prince, is the title and rank given in the Iberian kingdoms of Spain (including the predecessor kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, Navarre, and León) and Portugal to th ...
, including the
Polillo Islands, annexed to
Tayabas through Act No. 417.
* June 17 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Samar through Act No. 419.
* June 23:
** Civil government of the Province of
Paragua
''Marihuana prensada'' or ''cannabis prensado'' (pressed cannabis or marijuana), also known as ''ladrillo'' (brick weed) or, colloquially, ''paragua'' or ''paraguayo'' is a compressed cannabis (drug), cannabis cut into blocks that facilitate trans ...
established through Act No. 422.
**
Mindoro,
Lubang and surrounding small islands annexed to
Marinduque through Act No. 423.
* July 1 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
La Laguna
LA most frequently refers to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States.
La, LA, or L.A. may also refer to:
Arts and entertainment Music
* La (musical note), or A, the sixth note
* "L.A.", a song by Elliott Smith on ''Figure ...
through Act No. 424.
* November 10:
**
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.
;1903
* May 14 –
Cagayancillo,
Balabac
Balabac Island is the southernmost island of the Palawan province, and therefore the westernmost undisputed island in the Philippines, only about north from Sabah, Malaysia, across the Balabac Strait.
Administratively, the island forms the main ...
and the rest of
Palawan Island
Palawan is the largest island of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and fifth-largest by area and tenth-most populous island of the country, with a total population of 994,101 as of 2020 census. The north west coast of the island is alon ...
(south of Tapul and Ulugan rivers) annexed to
Paragua
''Marihuana prensada'' or ''cannabis prensado'' (pressed cannabis or marijuana), also known as ''ladrillo'' (brick weed) or, colloquially, ''paragua'' or ''paraguayo'' is a compressed cannabis (drug), cannabis cut into blocks that facilitate trans ...
through Act No. 747. Provincial government provided the option to choose capital between
Cuyo or
Puerto Princesa.
* May 26 – Spanish-era Comandancia of
Kayapa annexed to
Benguet through Act No. 768.
* July 15 –
Moro Province formed, composed of the districts of Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Sulu, and Zamboanga through Act No. 787 enacted on June 1, 1903.
;1905
* April 1 –
Abra annexed to
Ilocos Sur as sub-province through Act No. 1306 enacted on February 27, 1905.
* April 19 –
Catanduanes
Catanduanes (; ), officially the Province of Catanduanes, is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the 12th-largest island in the Philippines, and lies to the east of Camarines Sur, across Maqueda ...
established as sub-province of
Albay through Act No. 1331.
* June 28 – Name of Paragua changed to
Palawan
Palawan (), officially the Province of Palawan ( cyo, Probinsya i'ang Palawan; tl, Lalawigan ng Palawan), is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the region of Mimaropa. It is the largest province in the country in t ...
through Act No. 1363.
;1906–1907
* January 1, 1906 –
Masbate
Masbate, officially the Province of Masbate ( Masbateño: ''Probinsya san Masbate''; tl, Lalawigan ng Masbate), is an island province in the Philippines located near the midsection of the nation's archipelago. Its provincial capital is Masbate C ...
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 –
Romblon
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
(except the island of
Maestro de Campo, annexed to
Mindoro) annexed to
Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It ...
as sub-province through Act No. 1665 enacted on July 2, 1907.
* August 10 –
Marinduque declared a sub-province of
Tayabas through Act No. 1649 enacted on May 17, 1907.
* August 20 – Act No. 1693 creates
Agusan (composed of the sub-provinces of
Butuan
Butuan (pronounced ), officially the City of Butuan ( ceb, Dakbayan sa Butuan; Butuanon: ''Dakbayan hong Butuan''; fil, Lungsod ng Butuan), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the region of Caraga, Philippines. It is the ''de facto'' c ...
and
Bukidnon
Bukidnon(), officially the Province of Bukidnon ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bukidnon; fil, Lalawigan ng Bukidnon; hil, Kapuroan sang Bukidnon; Binukid and Higaonon: ''Probinsya ta Bukidnon''), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the ...
), and establishes
Batanes as a sub-province of
Cagayan.
* October 8 –
Siquijor established as sub-province of
Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental ( ceb, Sidlakang Negros; tl, Silangang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Oriental, is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Dumaguete. It occupies the southeaste ...
through Act No. 1753.
;1908–1919
* 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
Nueva Vizcaya, officially the Province of Nueva Vizcaya ( ilo, Probinsia ti Nueva Vizcaya; gad, Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya; Pangasinan: ''Luyag/Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya''; tl, Lalawigan ng Nueva Vizcaya ), is a landlocked province in the ...
that formerly the comprised the Spanish-era Comandancia of Quiangan (annexed as
Ifugao sub-province); the entire province of
Benguet except
Baguio (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
The Department of Mindanao and Sulu was an agency of the United States colonial administration in the Philippine Islands task to administer all Muslim-dominated areas in the territory. It was established on July 23, 1914, pursuant to Act No. 2 ...
and annexes
Agusan (with
Bukidnon
Bukidnon(), officially the Province of Bukidnon ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bukidnon; fil, Lalawigan ng Bukidnon; hil, Kapuroan sang Bukidnon; Binukid and Higaonon: ''Probinsya ta Bukidnon''), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the ...
sub-province) to the Department. Department of Mindanao and Sulu formally organized on January 1, 1914.
* September 1, 1914 –
Department of Mindanao and Sulu
The Department of Mindanao and Sulu was an agency of the United States colonial administration in the Philippine Islands task to administer all Muslim-dominated areas in the territory. It was established on July 23, 1914, pursuant to Act No. 2 ...
provided with autonomous government through Act No. 2408 enacted on July 23, 1914.
Bukidnon
Bukidnon(), officially the Province of Bukidnon ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Bukidnon; fil, Lalawigan ng Bukidnon; hil, Kapuroan sang Bukidnon; Binukid and Higaonon: ''Probinsya ta Bukidnon''), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the ...
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
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
re-established as regular province, separated from
Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It ...
through Act No. 2724.
* March 3, 1919 –
Ambos Camarines
Ambos Camarines ( es, ambos, meaning "both"; commonly known as Camarines), officially the Province of Ambos Camarines, was a historical province in the Philippines found on the northern end of the Bicol Peninsula. It now exists as two separat ...
divided into
Camarines Norte
Camarines Norte ( bcl, Amihanan na Camarines; fil, Hilagang Camarines), officially the Province of Camarines Norte, is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Daet. The province borders Quezon to the w ...
and
Camarines Sur through Act No. 2809.
;1920
* February 4
** Act No. 2877 abolishes Amburayan sub-province in
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.
* February 22 –
Marinduque re-established as regular province, separated from
Tayabas through Act No. 2880.
* December 15 –
Masbate
Masbate, officially the Province of Masbate ( Masbateño: ''Probinsya san Masbate''; tl, Lalawigan ng Masbate), is an island province in the Philippines located near the midsection of the nation's archipelago. Its provincial capital is Masbate C ...
re-established as regular province, separated from
Sorsogon through Act No. 2934.
;1923–1939
* March 27, 1923 –
Leyte divided into Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte through Act No. 3117, but never proclaimed by the governor-general.
* November 28, 1930 – Division of
Misamis into
Misamis Occidental and
Misamis Oriental implemented by virtue of Act No. 3777,
the law that amended Act No. 3537 (enacted on November 2, 1929), which first sought the division.
* June 8, 1940 – Provincial government of
Romblon
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
abolished, municipal governments reorganized into four "special municipalities" through Commonwealth Act No. 581.
;1942
* January 1 – Executive Order No. 400 issued by
Manuel L. Quezon creates the
City of Greater Manila
The City of Greater Manila, also known simply as Greater Manila and sometimes Greater Manila Area (GMA), was a chartered city which existed during the World War II era. It was governed by the Commonwealth of the Philippines and was dissolved by ...
, composed of the chartered cities of
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
and
Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,960,048 people. It was fou ...
with the following municipalities from the province of
Rizal:
Caloocan,
Makati,
Mandaluyong,
Parañaque,
Pasay and
San Juan.
* May 18 – Executive Order No. 42 issued by
Jorge Vargas of the
Japanese-era Philippine Executive Commission
The Philippine Executive Commission (PEC; Tagalog: ''Komisyong Tagapagpaganap ng Pilipinas'') was a provisional government set up to govern the Philippine archipelago during World War II. It was established with sanction from the occupying Imp ...
abolishes sub-provinces, annexing their municipalities to their respective provinces.
* August 31 – 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
An aurora (plural: auroras or aurorae), also commonly known as the polar lights, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras display dynamic patterns of bri ...
) from
Tayabas to
Nueva Ecija; annexes the municipality of
Infanta
''Infante'' (, ; f. ''infanta''), also anglicised as Infant or translated as Prince, is the title and rank given in the Iberian kingdoms of Spain (including the predecessor kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, Navarre, and León) and Portugal to th ...
(including the present-day municipalities of
General Nakar and
Real
Real may refer to:
Currencies
* Brazilian real (R$)
* Central American Republic real
* Mexican real
* Portuguese real
* Spanish real
* Spanish colonial real
Music Albums
* ''Real'' (L'Arc-en-Ciel album) (2000)
* ''Real'' (Bright album) (2010) ...
) from
Tayabas to
Laguna; abolishes the province of
Marinduque and annexes its municipalities to
Tayabas; and abolishes the province of
Romblon
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
and annexes its special municipalities to
Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It ...
.
* November 1 – Executive Order No. 103 issued by
Jorge Vargas annexes the
Polillo Islands from
Tayabas to
Laguna.
;1945–1956
* August 1, 1945 – Executive Order No. 58 issued by
Sergio Osmeña
Sergio Osmeña Sr. (, ; 9 September 1878 – 19 October 1961) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the fourth president of the Philippines from 1944 to 1946. He was vice president under Manuel L. Quezon. Upon Quezon's sudd ...
reduces the territory of the City of Greater Manila to only
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
and
Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,960,048 people. It was fou ...
, restoring
Caloocan,
Makati,
Mandaluyong,
Parañaque,
Pasay and
San Juan to
Rizal. Republic Act No. 54 of October 10, 1946, later repealed 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
Catanduanes (; ), officially the Province of Catanduanes, is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the 12th-largest island in the Philippines, and lies to the east of Camarines Sur, across Maqueda ...
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
Romblon ( , ), officially the Province of Romblon, is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine municipalities; Sibuyan with its three towns; as w ...
's provincial and municipal governments restored through Republic Act No. 38.
* June 13, 1950 –
Mindoro divided into
Occidental Mindoro and
Oriental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro ( tl, Silangang Mindoro), officially the Province of Oriental Mindoro, is a province in the Philippines located on the island of Mindoro under Mimaropa region in Luzon, about southwest of Manila. The province is bordered by the ...
through Republic Act No. 505.
* June 14, 1951 –
Aurora
An aurora (plural: auroras or aurorae), also commonly known as the polar lights, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras display dynamic patterns of bri ...
established as sub-province of
Quezon through Republic Act No. 648.
* June 6, 1952 –
Zamboanga divided into
Zamboanga del Norte and
Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del Sur ( Cebuano: ''Habagatang Zamboanga;'' Subanen: ''S'helatan Sembwangan/Sembwangan dapit Shelatan''; Chavacano: ''Zamboanga del Sur''; tl, Timog Zamboanga; mdh, Pagabatan Sambuanga), officially the Province of Zamboanga del Sur, ...
through Republic Act No. 711.
* April 25, 1956 –
Aklan
Aklan, officially the Province of Aklan ( Akeanon: ''Probinsya it Akean'' k'ɣan hil, Kapuoran sang Aklan; tl, Lalawigan ng Aklan), is a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital is Kalibo. The province is situa ...
separated from
Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It ...
through Republic Act No. 1414.
* June 22, 1957 –
Camiguin
Camiguin, officially the Province of Camiguin ( ceb, Probinsya sa Camiguin; tl, Lalawigan ng Camiguin; Kamigin: ''Probinsya ta Kamigin''), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about off the northern coast of Mi ...
established as sub-province of
Misamis Oriental through Republic Act No. 2021.
;1959
* April 8 –
Biliran
Biliran, officially the Province of Biliran ( Waray-Waray: ''Probinsya han Biliran''; ceb, Lalawigan sa Biliran; tl, Lalawigan ng Biliran), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region (Region VIII). Biliran is ...
established as sub-province of
Leyte through Republic Act No. 2141.
* May 22 –
Lanao province divided into
Lanao del Norte
Lanao del Norte ( Cebuano: ''Amihanang Lanao''; tl, Hilagang Lanao; Maranao: ''Pangotaraan Ranao''), officially the Province of Lanao del Norte, is a province in the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Tubod.
...
and
Lanao del Sur
Lanao del Sur ( tl, Timog Lanao; Maranao language, Maranao and ilp, Pagabagatan Ranao), officially the Province of Lanao del Sur, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Autonomous Re ...
through Republic Act No. 2228.
* July 1 –
Southern Leyte separated from
Leyte through Republic Act No. 2227 approved on May 22, 1959.
;1960–1969
* June 19, 1960 –
Surigao divided into
Surigao del Norte and
Surigao del Sur
Surigao del Sur ( Surigaonon: ''Probinsya nan Surigao del Sur''; ceb, Habagatang Surigao; tl, Timog Surigao), officially the Province of Surigao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is T ...
through Republic Act No. 2786.
* November 9, 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
Guimaras , officially the Province of Guimaras ( hil, Kapuoran sang Guimaras; tl, Lalawigan ng Guimaras), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Jordan while its largest local government ...
established as sub-province of
Iloilo
Iloilo (), officially the Province of Iloilo ( hil, Kapuoran sang Iloilo; krj, Kapuoran kang Iloilo; tl, Lalawigan ng Iloilo), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is the City of Iloilo, the ...
through Republic Act No. 4667.
**
Camiguin
Camiguin, officially the Province of Camiguin ( ceb, Probinsya sa Camiguin; tl, Lalawigan ng Camiguin; Kamigin: ''Probinsya ta Kamigin''), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about off the northern coast of Mi ...
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
Quirino, officially the Province of Quirino ( ilo, Probinsia ti Quirino; tl, Lalawigan ng Quirino), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Cabarroguis. It is named after Elp ...
established as sub-province of
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya, officially the Province of Nueva Vizcaya ( ilo, Probinsia ti Nueva Vizcaya; gad, Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya; Pangasinan: ''Luyag/Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya''; tl, Lalawigan ng Nueva Vizcaya ), is a landlocked province in the ...
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
Davao del Sur ( ceb, Habagatang Dabaw; ), officially the Province of Davao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City. Davao City is the largest city in terms of area and populat ...
, and
Davao Oriental through Republic Act No. 4867.
* November 14, 1967 – Plebiscite approves the division of
Agusan into
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Norte, officially the Province of Agusan del Norte ( ceb, Amihanang Agusan; Butuanon: ''Probinsya hong Agusan del Norte''; tl, Hilagang Agusan), is a province in the Caraga region of the Philippines. Its capital is the city of Cabadb ...
and
Agusan del Sur
Agusan del Sur, officially the Province of Agusan del Sur ( ceb, Habagatang Agusan; Butuanon: ''Probinsya hong Agusan del Sur''; tl, Timog Agusan), is a province in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines. Its capital is the municipality of Pros ...
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.
;1971–1998
* October 4, 1971 – Maranaw province created from
Lanao del Sur
Lanao del Sur ( tl, Timog Lanao; Maranao language, Maranao and ilp, Pagabagatan Ranao), officially the Province of Lanao del Sur, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Autonomous Re ...
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
Quirino, officially the Province of Quirino ( ilo, Probinsia ti Quirino; tl, Lalawigan ng Quirino), is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Cabarroguis. It is named after Elp ...
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
Nueva Vizcaya, officially the Province of Nueva Vizcaya ( ilo, Probinsia ti Nueva Vizcaya; gad, Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya; Pangasinan: ''Luyag/Probinsia na Nueva Vizcaya''; tl, Lalawigan ng Nueva Vizcaya ), is a landlocked province in the ...
and
Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental ( ceb, Sidlakang Negros; tl, Silangang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Oriental, is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Dumaguete. It occupies the southeaste ...
, respectively.
* June 17, 1972 – Name of
Davao del Norte changed to Davao through Republic Act No. 6430.
* September 11, 1973 –
Tawi-Tawi
Tawi-Tawi, officially the Province of Tawi-Tawi ( tl, Lalawigan ng Tawi-Tawi; Tausug: ''Wilaya' sin Tawi-Tawi''; Sinama: ''Jawi Jawi/Jauih Jauih''), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim ...
separated from
Sulu through Presidential Decree No. 302.
* November 22, 1973 –
Cotabato divided into
Maguindanao,
North Cotabato
Cotabato or North Cotabato ( hil, Aminhan Cotabato; ceb, Amihanang Cotabato; Maguindanaon: ''Pangutaran Kutawatu'', Jawi: ڤڠوترن كوتاواتو; fil, Hilagang Cotabato), officially the Province of Cotabato, is a landlocked province in ...
, and
Sultan Kudarat
Sultan Kudarat, officially the Province of Sultan Kudarat ( hil, Kapuoran sang Sultan Kudarat; Maguindanaon: ''Dairat nu Sultan Kudarat'', Jawi: دايرت نو سلطان كودرت; ceb, Lalawigan sa Sultan Kudarat; tl, Lalawigan ng Sul ...
through Presidential Decree No. 341.
* December 27, 1973 –
Basilan
Basilan, officially the Province of Basilan ( cbk, Provincia de Basilan; yka, Wilayah Basilanin; tsg, Wilaya' sin Basilan; fil, Lalawigan ng Basilan), is an island province of the Philippines located primarily in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Reg ...
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
Isabela, officially the City of Isabela (Chavacano: ''Ciudad de Isabela''; Tausūg: ''Dāira sin Isabela''; Yakan: ''Suidad Isabelahin''; fil, Lungsod ng Isabela), is a 4th class component city and ''de facto'' capital of the province of Bas ...
, then finally abolished by Presidential Decree No. 840 in 1975.
* November 7, 1975 –
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila (often shortened as Metro Manila; fil, Kalakhang Maynila), officially the National Capital Region (NCR; fil, link=no, Pambansang Punong Rehiyon), is the seat of government and one of three defined metropolitan areas in ...
established through Presidential Decree No. 824, composed of the four chartered cities of
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
,
Caloocan,
Pasay and
Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,960,048 people. It was fou ...
, and several municipalities of
Rizal and
Bulacan, all of which effectively became independent from provincial supervision.
* August 13, 1979 –
Aurora
An aurora (plural: auroras or aurorae), also commonly known as the polar lights, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras display dynamic patterns of bri ...
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
Negros Occidental ( hil, Nakatungdang Negros; tl, Kanlurang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Occidental, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines, region. ...
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
Negros Occidental ( hil, Nakatungdang Negros; tl, Kanlurang Negros), officially the Province of Negros Occidental, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines, region. ...
.
* May 11, 1992 – Plebiscites affirm the establishment of
Biliran
Biliran, officially the Province of Biliran ( Waray-Waray: ''Probinsya han Biliran''; ceb, Lalawigan sa Biliran; tl, Lalawigan ng Biliran), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region (Region VIII). Biliran is ...
and
Guimaras
Guimaras , officially the Province of Guimaras ( hil, Kapuoran sang Guimaras; tl, Lalawigan ng Guimaras), is an island province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Jordan while its largest local government ...
as regular provinces, separating them from
Leyte and
Iloilo
Iloilo (), officially the Province of Iloilo ( hil, Kapuoran sang Iloilo; krj, Kapuoran kang Iloilo; tl, Lalawigan ng Iloilo), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is the City of Iloilo, the ...
, respectively, by virtue of Section 462 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) approved on October 10, 1991.
* November 28, 1992 – 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
Davao de Oro, officially the Province of Davao de Oro ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Davao de Oro; tgl, Lalawigan ng Davao de Oro), is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Nabunturan. It used to be part of ...
from
Davao by virtue of Republic Act No. 8470 approved on January 30, 1998. Name of Davao changed back to Davao del Norte.
;2001–present
* February 22, 2001 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay, officially the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Zamboanga Sibugay; tl, Lalawigan ng Zamboanga Sibugay; Chavacano: ''Provincia de Zamboanga Sibugay''), is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga ...
from
Zamboanga del Sur
Zamboanga del Sur ( Cebuano: ''Habagatang Zamboanga;'' Subanen: ''S'helatan Sembwangan/Sembwangan dapit Shelatan''; Chavacano: ''Zamboanga del Sur''; tl, Timog Zamboanga; mdh, Pagabatan Sambuanga), officially the Province of Zamboanga del Sur, ...
by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973 approved on November 7, 2000.
* October 28, 2006 –
Plebiscite
A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, law, or political issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. This may result in the adoption of ...
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
Davao Occidental ( Cebuano: ''Kasadpang Dabaw''; Filipino: ''Kanlurang Davao''), officially the Province of Davao Occidental, is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is the municipality of Malita. To ...
from
Davao del Sur
Davao del Sur ( ceb, Habagatang Dabaw; ), officially the Province of Davao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City. Davao City is the largest city in terms of area and populat ...
by virtue of Republic Act No. 10360 approved on January 21, 2013.
* December 8, 2019 – Name of Compostela Valley changed to
Davao de Oro
Davao de Oro, officially the Province of Davao de Oro ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Davao de Oro; tgl, Lalawigan ng Davao de Oro), is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Nabunturan. It used to be part of ...
through Republic Act 11297 approved on April 17, 2019.
* September 18, 2022 – Plebiscite approves the division of
Maguindanao into
Maguindanao del Norte
Maguindanao del Norte, officially the Province of Maguindanao del Norte ( mdh, Dairat nu Pangutaran Magindanaw, Jawi: دايرت نو ڤڠوترن ماڬينداناو; ilp, Perobinsia a Pangutaran Magindanao, ڤروبنسيا ا ڤڠوترن ...
and
Maguindanao del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 11550 approved on May 27, 2021.
Gallery
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1880).svg, 1880
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1899).svg, 1899
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1908).svg, 1907
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1918).svg, 1918
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1935).svg, 1935
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1942-1945).svg, 1942–1945
File:Administrative Divisions of the Philippines (1986).svg, 1986
File:Ph regions and provinces.svg, 1992–2022
Formally proposed/renamed provinces
Proposed provinces with enacted law
* Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte (1923)
Leyte was divided into two new provinces by ''Act No. 3117'' on March 27, 1923. 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 (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''
[Republic Act No. 5999](_blank)
, Chan-Robles Law Library. 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'',
[Republic Act No. 6406](_blank)
Chan-Robles Law Library. which sought to create a new province out of eastern
Lanao del Sur
Lanao del Sur ( tl, Timog Lanao; Maranao language, Maranao and ilp, Pagabagatan Ranao), officially the Province of Lanao del Sur, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Autonomous Re ...
(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
Ditsaan-Ramain, officially the Municipality of Ditsaan-Ramain ( Maranao: ''Inged a Ditsaan-Ramain''; tl, Bayan ng Ditsaan-Ramain), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a p ...
(including what is now
Buadiposo-Buntong
Buadiposo-Buntong, officially the Municipality of Buadiposo-Buntong ( Maranao and Iranun: ''Inged a Buadiposo-Buntong''; tl, Bayan ng Buadiposo-Buntong), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the ...
),
Kapai,
Lumba-Bayabao
Lumba-Bayabao, officially the Municipality of Lumba-Bayabao ( Maranao: ''Inged a Lumba-Bayabao''; tl, Bayan ng Lumba-Bayabao), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a popul ...
(including what is now
Maguing
Maguing, officially the Municipality of Maguing ( Maranao: ''Inged a Maguing''; tl, Bayan ng Maguing), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,436 people.
...
),
Marantao
Marantao, officially the Municipality of Marantao ( Maranao: ''Inged a Marantao''; tl, Bayan ng Marantao), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 37,763 peop ...
,
Masiu,
Mulondo,
Saguiaran,
Piagapo,
Poona Bayabao,
Tamparan,
Taraka and
Wao (including what is now
Bumbaran
Amai Manabilang, officially the Municipality of Amai Manabilang ( Maranao: ''Inged a Amai Manabilang''; tl, Bayan ng Amai Manabilang), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it ha ...
), 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
Declaration may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Literature
* ''Declaration'' (book), a self-published electronic pamphlet by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri
* ''The Declaration'' (novel), a 2008 children's novel by Gemma Malley
Music ...
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
A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organisation or other type of entity and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed.
When these princ ...
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 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'',
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
Ilagan, officially the City of Ilagan ( ibg, Siudad nat Ilagan; ilo, Siudad ti Ilagan; fil, Lungsod ng Ilagan), is a 1st class component city and capital of the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a popul ...
serving as capital. Isabela del Sur was to consist of the Legislative districts of Isabela#3rd District, third and Legislative districts of Isabela#4th District, fourth congressional districts (excluding the independent component city of Santiago, Isabela, Santiago), with Cauayan, Isabela, 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'',
lapsed into law without Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the President's signature on September 7, 2007. Quezon del Norte (which would be renamed from Quezon) was to be composed of the Legislative districts of Quezon#1st District, first and Legislative districts of Quezon#2nd District, second congressional districts of the province, with
Lucena
Lucena, officially the City of Lucena ( fil, Lungsod ng Lucena), is a 1st class Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, highly urbanized city in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. It is the capital city of the Provinces of the ...
as its capital. Quezon del Sur, with its capital at Gumaca, Quezon, Gumaca, would have been composed of the Legislative districts of Quezon#3rd District, third and Legislative districts of Quezon#4th District, fourth congressional districts. The COMELEC held the 2008 Quezon del Sur creation plebiscite, plebiscite on December 13, 2008, and the majority of the votes rejected the division.
* Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur (2021) On April 5, 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11259 that proposed the division the province of Palawan, with the exception of the independent city of
Puerto Princesa, into three separate provinces. A 2021 Palawan division plebiscite, plebiscite was originally scheduled for the second Monday of May 2020 but was postponed to March 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, COVID-19 pandemic. Palawan del Norte would have been composed of Taytay, Palawan, Taytay and municipalities north of it. Palawan del Sur would have been composed of the municipalities west and south of Puerto Princesa, including Kalayaan, Palawan, Kalayaan (which administers the country's claims in the Spratly Islands), while the rest were proposed to form Palawan Oriental. The proposed provincial capitals would be Taytay, Palawan, Taytay (Palawan del Norte), Brooke's Point (Palawan del Sur), and Roxas, Palawan, Roxas (Palawan Oriental).
The COMELEC held the plebiscite on March 13, 2021, and the majority of the votes rejected the division.
Other proposed provinces
* Surigao Oriental (2022): House Bill No. 2336 seeks to carve a province out of the six southernmost local government units of Surigao del Sur province. Bislig, Bislig City and the municipalities of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Barobo, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Hinatuan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur, Lingig, and Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, Tagbina all comprise the district of the bill's author, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel, Johnny T. Pimentel; the bill also seeks to transfer Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Lianga, currently part of the First District, to the proposed province. Bislig City would be the designated capital. The bill is pending with the Committee on Local Government since August 2, 2022.
* Northwestern Samar (2019) House Bill No. 8824 was introduced in the
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
on January 22, 2019, by Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento to establish a new province called Northwestern Samar, consisting of 9 municipalities of which Calbayog would be the designated capital.
* Zamboanga Hermosa (2017) On February 21, 2017, House Bill No. 5040 was introduced in the
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
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 Legislative districts of Zamboanga del Norte#3rd District, 3rd legislative district of Zamboanga del Norte.
Proposed renaming
*
Southern Leyte to Leyte del Sur (2017) – House Bill No. 6408 proposed to change the name of the province to Leyte del Sur. Representative Roger Mercado authored the bill to enhance the identity of the province as it is geographically part of the island of
Leyte with a distinct personality of its own. The bill did not prosper as it was left pending in the Committee on Local Government since September 20, 2017, until the end of the 17th Congress of the Philippines, 17th Congress.
See also
* List of Philippine provinces by population
* List of Philippine provincial name etymologies, 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
Notes
References
External links
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
Gwillim Law, Statoids.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Provinces Of The Philippines
Administrative divisions in Asia, Philippines 2
First-level administrative divisions by country, Provinces, Philippines
Lists of provinces of the Philippines,
Lists of subdivisions of the Philippines, Provinces
Philippines geography-related lists
Provinces of the Philippines,
Subdivisions of the Philippines