Masbate is a coastal province in the Bicol Region (Region V) in the Philippines. It covers about 4,138.56 square kilometers and is composed of 1 component city and 20 municipalities, subdivided into 550 barangays. The capital of the province is Masbate City, which also serves as the province’s main commercial center and chief seaport. The name 'Masbate' is believed to have come from the word 'Masibat,' referring to the rocky nature of its shores, reflecting the province’s rich history as an important trading post in the region.

History

Masbate has a long and rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times, inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Masbateños, who practiced fishing, farming, and trading with neighboring islands. Spanish explorers first arrived in the 16th century, integrating the province into the Spanish colonial government. Masbate became a separate province in 1864, after being part of the older provinces of Albay and Sorsogon. During the American period, Masbate saw the development of infrastructure and the introduction of formal education. Throughout its history, the province has been an important hub for trade, particularly for cattle and marine products, earning it the nickname 'The Cattle Capital of the Philippines.'