Guimaras
Guimaras is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 611.87 square kilometers and is composed of 5 municipalities and a total of 98 barangays. The capital of the province is Jordan. The name Guimaras is believed to have originated from the folktale of lovers Guima and Aras, whose tragic story became the inspiration for the island's name. The province is widely known as the 'Mango Capital of the Philippines' because of its world-famous sweet mangoes.
HISTORY
Guimaras, an island province in the Western Visayas, has been inhabited for thousands of years, originally settled by Austronesian peoples who relied on fishing, farming, and trading. The island came under Spanish influence in the 16th century, with explorers visiting as early as 1581. During the Spanish colonial period, Guimaras was integrated into the encomienda system, Christianity was introduced, and small towns began to form. It was governed as part of Ilolio province throughout the Spanish era, with its economy centered on agriculture, fishing, and trade. During the Philippine Revolution and the subsequent American period, Guimaras continued under Ilolio's administration, with gradual improvements in infrastructure, education, and governance. The island also endured Japanese occupation during World War II, with local guerrilla activities aiding the resistance. After the war, Guimaras remained a sub-province of Ilolio, and its economy expanded, particularly through mango cultivation, which later became a symbol of the province. Local leaders and residents pushed for greater autonomy, culminating in a plebiscite in 1992 that established Guimaras as the 71st province of the Philippines, with Jordan as its capital. Since gaining provincial status, Guimaras has focused on agricultural development, fisheries, and tourism, promoting attractions like Alubihod Beach, Guisi Lighthouse, and mangrove forests. The annual Manggahan Festival celebrates its rich mango harvest, while conservation efforts protect its natural resources. Today, Guimaras is recognized for its scenic landscapes, peaceful communities, and economic contributions despite being one of the country's smaller provinces.
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population Census (2024) | 192,874 |
| Land Area (2015) | 611.87 km² |
| No. of households | 124,930 |
| Average Household Size | 3.95 |
| Registered Voters | 124,930 |
| Major Landmarks | Guisi Lighthouse |
| Coastal Access | yes |
| Economic Zone estimated elevation above sea level | 13 meters |
Map
Guimaras Province is located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) in the central part of the Philippines. It is an island province situated between Panay Island and Negros Island, separated by the Iloilo Strait and Guimaras Strait. It is bordered on the north and northwest by Iloilo Province across the Iloilo Strait, on the east and southeast by Negros Occidental Province across the Guimaras Strait, and on the south and southwest by the Panay Gulf.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Guimaras has 5 municipalities and 98 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenavista | Municipality | 36 | 52899 | 54352 |
| Jordan | Municipality, Capital | 14 | 39566 | 40647 |
| Nueva Valencia | Municipality | 22 | 42771 | 43822 |
| San Lorenzo | Municipality | 12 | 29444 | 30266 |
| Sibunag | Municipality | 14 | 23162 | 23787 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9 years, with 18,194 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (17,816) and below 5 years (17,749). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79 years, with only 2,316 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 17749 |
| 5-9 | 18194 |
| 10-14 | 17816 |
| 15-19 | 16923 |
| 20-24 | 15678 |
| 25-29 | 14145 |
| 30-34 | 12890 |
| 35-39 | 11876 |
| 40-44 | 10987 |
| 45-49 | 10234 |
| 50-54 | 9234 |
| 55-59 | 7890 |
| 60-64 | 6456 |
| 65-69 | 4876 |
| 70-74 | 3567 |
| 75-79 | 2316 |
| 80+ | 3000 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 51.32% males and 48.68% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.
ECONOMY
Production Value of Agriculture and Fisheries in Guimaras (in Million Pesos)
Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)
| title | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 3631 | 3952 |
| Livestock | 786 | 1017 |
| Poultry | 472 | 465 |
| Fisheries | 709 | 730 |