La Libertad, Negros Oriental
La Libertad | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of La Libertad | |
 Sunset view taken at a beach in La Libertad | |
 Flag | |
 Map of Negros Oriental with La Libertad highlighted | |
 Interactive map of La Libertad | |
.svg)  La Libertad Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 10°02′N 123°13′E / 10.03°N 123.22°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Negros Island Region |
| Province | Negros Oriental |
| District | 1st district |
| Founded | January 10, 1919 |
| Barangays | 29 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • Mayor | Lawrence D. Limkaichong (NPC) |
| • Vice Mayor | Julius C. Sabac (PFP) |
| • Representative | Emmanuel L. Iway (PFP) |
| • Municipal Council | Members |
| • Electorate | 27,347 voters (2025) |
| Area | |
• Total | 139.60 km2 (53.90 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 556 m (1,824 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[3] | |
• Total | 42,721 |
| • Density | 306.02/km2 (792.60/sq mi) |
| • Households | 10,285 |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 3rd municipal income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 38.77 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 210.9 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 622.4 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 211.1 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 228.3 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Negros Oriental 1 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 1) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 6213 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)35 |
| Native languages | Cebuano Tagalog |
| Website | www |
La Libertad, officially the Municipality of La Libertad (Cebuano: Lungsod sa La Libertad; Tagalog: Bayan ng La Libertad), is a municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 42,721 people.[5]
History
[edit]Before and during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines, the Municipality of La Libertad was inhabited by indigenous tribes, mostly Negritos. Several families from neighboring villages and distant provinces began to settle, with one of the first pioneers being Pedro Absin.[6]
Early settlers in the region established communities that later became part of present-day La Libertad. Many of them engaged in farming and fishing.[6]
The fertile valleys of Hinoba-an drew several families who immigrated there in the later part of the Spanish period. The area was known for its fertile soil, which supported local farming activities.
La Libertad was severely affected by the 2012 Visayas earthquake, which caused landslides that killed 51 people.[7]
Geography
[edit]The Tañon Strait lies to the east of this municipality. La Libertad is located 105 km (65 mi) north of Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental.[6]
Administration (barangays)
[edit]La Libertad is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Each barangay is further divided into puroks, and some also include sitios.
| PSGC | Barangay | Population | ±% p.a. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024[8] | 2010[9] | |||||
| 074613001 | Aniniaw | 2.4% | 1,015 | 1,106 | −0.62% | |
| 074613002 | Aya | 2.5% | 1,052 | 953 | 0.72% | |
| 074613003 | Bagtic | 3.5% | 1,497 | 1,344 | 0.78% | |
| 074613004 | Biga-a | 2.2% | 927 | 1,101 | −1.24% | |
| 074613005 | Busilak | 3.2% | 1,369 | 1,176 | 1.10% | |
| 074613006 | Cangabo | 2.8% | 1,182 | 1,245 | −0.37% | |
| 074613007 | Cantupa | 3.2% | 1,348 | 1,048 | 1.84% | |
| 074613029 | Elecia (Talostos) | 3.9% | 1,657 | 1,561 | 0.43% | |
| 074613008 | Eli | 3.8% | 1,629 | 1,273 | 1.80% | |
| 074613009 | Guihob | 4.3% | 1,843 | 2,048 | −0.76% | |
| 074613010 | Kansumandig | 3.2% | 1,350 | 1,242 | 0.60% | |
| 074613011 | Mambulod | 1.5% | 662 | 632 | 0.34% | |
| 074613012 | Mandapaton | 3.8% | 1,603 | 1,927 | −1.32% | |
| 074613013 | Manghulyawon | 3.7% | 1,578 | 1,398 | 0.88% | |
| 074613014 | Manluminsag | 1.9% | 808 | 776 | 0.29% | |
| 074613015 | Mapalasan | 1.5% | 660 | 557 | 1.23% | |
| 074613016 | Maragondong | 2.1% | 891 | 930 | −0.31% | |
| 074613017 | Martilo | 5.0% | 2,134 | 2,038 | 0.33% | |
| 074613018 | Nasungan | 4.4% | 1,868 | 1,558 | 1.32% | |
| 074613019 | Pacuan | 6.5% | 2,777 | 2,478 | 0.83% | |
| 074613020 | Pangca | 1.1% | 488 | 652 | −2.07% | |
| 074613021 | Pisong | 3.1% | 1,341 | 1,325 | 0.09% | |
| 074613022 | Pitogo | 3.4% | 1,441 | 1,216 | 1.23% | |
| 074613023 | Poblacion North | 5.9% | 2,507 | 2,319 | 0.56% | |
| 074613024 | Poblacion South | 3.2% | 1,371 | 1,338 | 0.18% | |
| 074613025 | San Jose | 4.0% | 1,689 | 1,703 | −0.06% | |
| 074613026 | Solonggon | 6.0% | 2,565 | 2,235 | 1.00% | |
| 074613027 | Tala-on | 2.1% | 907 | 806 | 0.86% | |
| 074613028 | Talayong | 2.2% | 930 | 919 | 0.09% | |
| Total | 42,721 | 38,904 | 0.68% | |||
Climate
[edit]| Climate data for La Libertad, Negros Oriental | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 29 (84) |
30 (86) |
31 (88) |
32 (90) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
30 (86) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 23 (73) |
22 (72) |
23 (73) |
24 (75) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
23 (73) |
24 (75) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 42 (1.7) |
34 (1.3) |
40 (1.6) |
61 (2.4) |
124 (4.9) |
188 (7.4) |
190 (7.5) |
191 (7.5) |
189 (7.4) |
186 (7.3) |
124 (4.9) |
73 (2.9) |
1,442 (56.8) |
| Average rainy days | 10.0 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 12.8 | 22.3 | 26.8 | 28.4 | 27.9 | 27.3 | 27.6 | 20.5 | 13.1 | 234.7 |
| Source: Meteoblue[10] | |||||||||||||
Economy
[edit]Poverty incidence of La Libertad
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2000
66.85
66.85
2003
64.82
64.82
2006
55.90
55.90
2009
50.20
50.20
2012
50.97
50.97
2015
57.52
57.52
2018
31.40
31.40
2021
38.77
38.77
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 3,732 | — |
| 1939 | 17,795 | +4.43% |
| 1948 | 18,770 | +0.59% |
| 1960 | 25,335 | +2.53% |
| 1970 | 29,693 | +1.60% |
| 1975 | 31,460 | +1.17% |
| 1980 | 30,730 | −0.47% |
| 1990 | 29,958 | −0.25% |
| 1995 | 32,456 | +1.51% |
| 2000 | 35,122 | +1.71% |
| 2007 | 37,007 | +0.72% |
| 2010 | 38,904 | +1.84% |
| 2015 | 38,602 | −0.15% |
| 2020 | 41,089 | +1.32% |
| 2024 | 42,721 | +0.94% |
| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[19][20][9][21][22] | ||
Tourism
[edit]The municipality is known for its white sandy beach of Solangon. The nearby Mt. Panciao is often visited for hiking and exploration.
Education
[edit]The public schools in the town of La Libertad are administered by two school districts under the Schools Division of Negros Oriental.
Government
[edit]Elected municipal officials (2010–2013):
- Mayor: Emmanuel Iway
- Vice Mayor: Lawrence Limkaichong
- Councilors:
- Nancy Temonio Laturnas
- Ronald Opada
- Ronie Bulabon
- Emelia Luz Medes
- Leonida Rios
- Jellenito Cayetano
- Bertoldo Burlasa
- Jovito Sabanal
- ABC President: Ronald Gallosa
- SK Federation President: PJ Arriesgado
List of former elective officials
[edit]| Date | Position | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1919–1922 | President | Isaac Dionaldo |
| Vice-president | Narciso Absin | |
| Secretary | Francisco Bautista | |
| Councilors | Pio Banogon | |
| Luciano Libo-on | ||
| Ireneo Villaespin | ||
| Felipe Absin | ||
| Andres Absin | ||
| Fabio Torres | ||
| Leon Bonda-on | ||
| Brigido Sabanal | ||
| 1922–1924 | President | Isaac Dionaldo |
| Vice-president | Fabio Torres | |
| Secretary | Roberto Estoconing | |
| Councilors | Margarito Gallosa | |
| Pedro Timtim | ||
| Isaias Emperado | ||
| Antonio Torres | ||
| Pastor Carinal | ||
| Marcelo Libo-on | ||
| Bregido Sabanal | ||
| Benedicto Libo-on | ||
| 1925 | President | Isaac Dionaldo |
| Vice-president | Fabio Torres | |
| Secretary | Roberto Estoconing | |
| Councilors | Antonio E. Torres | |
| Pedrom Timtim | ||
| Pator Carinal | ||
| Margarito Gallosa | ||
| Marcelo Libo-on | ||
| Brigido Sabanal | ||
| Daniel Donaldo | ||
| Benedicto Libo-on, Sr. | ||
| 1926–1927 | President | Fabio Torres |
| Vice-president | Daniel Dionaldo | |
| Secretary | Roberto Estoconing | |
| Councilors | Brigido Sabanal | |
| Antonio E. Torres | ||
| Leopoldo Dionaldo | ||
| Aquilino Ricarte | ||
| Pedro E. Torres | ||
| Teodoro Absin | ||
| Felix Camero |
References
[edit]- ^ Municipality of La Libertad | (DILG)
- ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". psa.gov.ph. July 17, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c Sadan, Ahmad (6 September 2025). "Negros Oriental". Negros Oriental Provincial Government.
- ^ "Quake causes severe damage in La Libertad, Negros Oriental". ABS-CBN News. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ^ Census of Population (2020). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ a b Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VII (Central Visayas)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ "La Libertad: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
- ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
- ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
- ^ "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
External links
[edit]
Media related to La Libertad, Negros Oriental at Wikimedia Commons- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- Philippine Census Information
- Local Governance Performance Management System Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine
Places adjacent to La Libertad, Negros Oriental | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||
 Province of Negros Oriental | |
|---|---|
Dumaguete (capital and largest city) | |
| Municipalities | |
| Component cities | |
.svg)