BILIRAN
Biliran is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII). The province covers roughly 536.01 square kilometers and is composed of 8 municipalities with a total of 132 barangays. The capital of the province is Naval. Biliran was named after the island itself and is known for its natural attractions, particularly Sambawan Island, which features pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The province is also recognized for its extensive coastline, numerous rivers and waterfalls, and its mountainous terrain, making it a haven for ecotourism and outdoor activities.
HISTORY
Biliran has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by indigenous groups engaged in fishing, farming, and trade with nearby islands. During the Spanish colonial period, the island was under the administration of Leyte and served as a strategic outpost due to its coastal location. In 1712, the first parish was established in Naval, marking the beginning of organized settlements and the spread of Christianity. Biliran became a sub-province of Leyte in 1959, and later, in 1992, it was officially declared an independent province under Republic Act No. 7160, gaining full political and administrative autonomy. Throughout its history, Biliran has been known for its resilient communities, rich cultural heritage, and natural resources that continue to support agriculture, fishing, and tourism
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population Census (2024) | 184095 |
| Land Area (2015) | 536.01 km² |
| No. of Households | 43053 |
| Average Household Size | 4.15 |
| Registered Voters | 124191 |
| Major Landmarks | Sambawan Island |
| Coastal Access | Yes |
| Economic Zone Estimated Elevation Above Sea Level | 54 meters |
Map
Biliran Province is located in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII) in the central part of the Philippines, bordered by the Carigara Bay and Leyte Province to the east, the Visayan Sea to the west, the Samar Sea to the north, and the Camotes Sea to the south. Its capital town is Naval.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Biliran has 8 municipalities and 132 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almeria | Municipality | 13 | 17954 | 18716 |
| Biliran | Municipality | 11 | 17662 | 18721 |
| Cabucgayan | Municipality | 13 | 21542 | 21923 |
| Caibiran | Municipality | 17 | 24167 | 24444 |
| Culaba | Municipality | 17 | 12972 | 13563 |
| Kawayan | Municipality | 20 | 20455 | 21422 |
| Maripipi | Municipality | 15 | 6373 | 6070 |
| Naval | Municipality, Capital | 26 | 58187 | 59236 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9 years, with 23,373 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (20,147) and below 15-19 years (18,539). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79 years, with only 2,279 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 18066 |
| 5-9 | 20373 |
| 10-14 | 20147 |
| 15-19 | 18539 |
| 20-24 | 15099 |
| 25-29 | 12805 |
| 30-34 | 10958 |
| 35-39 | 10021 |
| 40-44 | 9542 |
| 45-49 | 8957 |
| 50-54 | 8489 |
| 55-59 | 7410 |
| 60-64 | 6144 |
| 65-69 | 4705 |
| 70-74 | 3480 |
| 75-79 | 2279 |
| 80+ | 2298 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 51.01% males and 48.99% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.
ECONOMY
Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)
From 2018 to 2023 in Biliran, crop production consistently increased from 1,777 to 1,817, livestock showed slight fluctuations but generally grew from 272 to 307, poultry remained low with minor variations from 65 to 50, while fisheries peaked in 2021 at 940 before declining to 561 in 2023.
| title | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 98467 | |
| Live Stock | 98467 | 984332 |