The Philippines is divided into 82 provinces, spread across its three main island groups: 38 in Luzon, 27 in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.
A province is officially established through an Act of Congress, followed by approval from the local voting population via a plebiscite. To qualify for provincial status, an area must meet the following criteria:
- An average annual income of at least ₱20 million, and
- Either:
- A contiguous land area of at least 2,000 sq. km, or
- A minimum population of 250,000
Each province is governed by elected officials: the Governor (chief executive), a Vice Governor, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board). Appointed officials manage various administrative offices.
Every province has a designated capital city or municipality that serves as the administrative center of the provincial government.