Misamis Occidental

Misamis Occidental is a province of the Philippines located in Northern Mindanao (Region X). The province covers roughly 2,006.63 square kilometers and is composed of 14 municipalities, 3 component cities, and a total of 490 barangays. The capital of the province is Oroquieta City, which also serves as the provincial center. Misamis Occidental is known for its rich fishing grounds, coconut plantations, and agricultural products.

HISTORY

Misamis Occidental, located in Northern Mindanao, traces its roots to the Subanen people, the earliest known inhabitants who lived along riverbanks and practiced farming, hunting, and fishing. The name 'Misamis' is believed to have come from the Subanen word kuyamis, a variety of coconut that was once common in the area. During the Spanish period, the province became an important mission field and military outpost because of its strategic location facing Iligan Bay. In 1818, Misamis was organized as a corregimiento (a political-military district) covering a vast area that included what are now Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, and parts of Lanao. As settlements grew, religious orders like the Augustinians and Jesuits helped spread Christianity, while local communities resisted Moro raiders who frequently attacked the coastal areas. In 1929, the undivided province of Misamis was split into Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental through Legislative Act No. 3537, creating two separate provinces to improve governance. Oroquieta became the capital of Misamis Occidental. During World War II, the province played a significant role in the resistance movement, with Oroquieta serving as the temporary capital of the Free Philippines government under President Manuel Quezon after he fled from Corregidor. After the war, the province rebuilt its economy through agriculture, particularly coconut and fisheries, and later developed into a hub for trade in Northern Mindanao. Today, Misamis Occidental is known for its agricultural base, rich cultural traditions, and natural attractions, while continuing to preserve its heritage as a vital part of Mindanao's history.

QUICK FACTS
Population Census (2024)	1,143,931
Land Area (2015)	2,006.63 km²
No. of households	149,188
Average Household Size	4.12
Registered Voters (2022)	434,832
Major Landmarks	Mount Malindang Range Natural Park
Coastal Access	yes
estimated elevation above sea level	181 meters

Map

Misamis Occidental Province is located in Northern Mindanao (Region X) of the Philippines. It is situated in the northwestern part of Mindanao, bordered on the north by Iligan Bay, on the east by Misamis Oriental, on the south by Lanao del Norte, and on the west by Zamboanga del Sur.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Misamis Occidental has 14 municipalities, 3 cities and 490 barangays.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
Abram	Municipality	38	27954	28095
Balingao	Municipality	15	18433	18500
Boufindo	Municipality	28	34558	34942
Caianha	Municipality	19	29275	23802
Citino	Municipality	29	39355	39867
Concepcion	Municipality	18	9324	6608
Doc Victoriano Chiongaban	Municipality	11	9664	10214
Jimenez	Municipality	24	28909	29265
Lopez Jaeza	Municipality	28	25947	25806
City of Orquieia	City, Capital	47	72301	71373
City of Ozaniz	City	51	140334	143620
Panzoa	Municipality	10	110797	130801
Planta	Municipality	33	39840	40321
Sapang Dalaga	Municipality	28	20490	21006
Shacchara	Municipality	17	69711	20176
City of Tanguo	City	55	68389	68419
Tivada	Municipality	33	28599	29082

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group

Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9 years, with 62,247 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (62,083) and below 15-19 years (60,595). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 80 years and above, with only 7,723 individuals.

age	population_2020
Below 5	60350
5-9	62247
10-14	62083
15-19	60595
20-24	53502
25-29	47233
30-34	41853
35-39	36374
40-44	35436
45-49	33001
50-54	31126
55-59	26995
60-64	22599
65-69	16933
70-74	11514
75-79	7769
80+	7723

Population by Gender

In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 50.63% males and 49.37% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.

ECONOMY

Production Value of Agriculture and Fisheries in Misamis Occidental

From 2018 to 2023, Misamis Occidental's agricultural output showed mixed trends. Crops production fluctuated, peaking at 9,999 in 2022 before slightly dropping in 2023. Livestock steadily increased, reaching its highest at 5,226 in 2023. Poultry also showed consistent growth, more than doubling from 1,930 in 2018 to 3,750 in 2023. In contrast, fisheries production declined significantly, falling from 3,768 in 2018 to just 1,809 in 2023.

title	2022	2023
Crops	9999	9552
Livestock	4925	5226
Poultry	3340	3750
Fisheries	2852	1809

BARANGAY