Siquijor
Siquijor is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 337.49 square kilometers and is composed of 6 municipalities and a total of 134 barangays. The capital of the province is Siquijor, which also serves as the provincial center. The name Siquijor is believed to have been derived from the Spanish term 'Isla del Fuego' (Island of Fire), referring to the island's mysterious glow at night caused by the abundance of fireflies in the molave trees.
HISTORY
Siquijor, a small island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, has a rich and unique history shaped by indigenous cultures, foreign influences, and its geographic isolation. Before Spanish colonization, the island was inhabited by Malay settlers and Negrito groups who engaged in fishing, farming, and barter trade with neighboring islands. Its early communities were organized into small barangays led by local chieftains. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they integrated Siquijor into the colonial system under the jurisdiction of Cebu. The Spanish period saw the introduction of Christianity, with the construction of churches, schools, and public infrastructure, while local traditions and animist beliefs persisted. The island became known for its mysticism, herbal medicine, and healing rituals, blending indigenous practices with Catholicism, which continues to be a hallmark of Siquijor's cultural identity today. During the American occupation in the early 20th century, Siquijor underwent administrative reorganization and improvements in education and healthcare, although it remained relatively isolated. After World War II, the island became part of Negros Oriental until 1971, when it was officially established as a separate province. Siquijor has since developed its local governance, tourism, and agricultural economy, famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and mystical heritage. Despite modernization, the island preserves its unique identity through local festivals, folk healing traditions, and the strong sense of community among its residents, making it both a cultural treasure and a scenic destination in the Philippines.
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population Census (2024) | 107,642 |
| Land Area (2015) | 337.49 km² |
| No. of households | 25,805 |
| Average Household Size | 3.99 |
| Registered Voters | 81,404 |
| Major Landmarks | Cambugahay Falls |
| Coastal Access | yes |
| Estimated elevation above sea level | 17 meters |
Map
Siquijor Province is located in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII) of the Philippines. It is an island province bordered on the north by the Bohol Sea, on the east by the province of Bohol across the sea, on the west by Negros Oriental across the Tañon Strait, and on the south by the Bohol Sea.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Siquijor has 6 municipalities and 134 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrique Villanueva | Municipality | 14 | 6790 | 6965 |
| Larena | Municipality | 23 | 14454 | 14933 |
| Lazi | Municipality | 18 | 22488 | 23092 |
| Maria | Municipality | 22 | 14385 | 15146 |
| San Juan | Municipality | 15 | 16363 | 17291 |
| Siquijor | Municipality, Capital | 42 | 28915 | 30215 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 15-19 years, with 9,465 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (9,240) and 5-9 years (9,046). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79 years, with only 2,077 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 8041 |
| 5-9 | 9046 |
| 10-14 | 9240 |
| 15-19 | 9465 |
| 20-24 | 8297 |
| 25-29 | 7869 |
| 30-34 | 7290 |
| 35-39 | 6774 |
| 40-44 | 6327 |
| 45-49 | 5983 |
| 50-54 | 5524 |
| 55-59 | 4957 |
| 60-64 | 4297 |
| 65-69 | 3469 |
| 70-74 | 2565 |
| 75-79 | 2077 |
| 80+ | 2174 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 50.48% males and 49.52% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.
ECONOMY
Production Value of Agriculture and Fisheries in Siquijor (in Million Pesos)
Crops production showed gradual growth overall, starting at 523 in 2018 and rising to 595 in 2023, with minor fluctuations in 2019. Livestock production steadily increased from 566 in 2018 to 944 in 2023, showing significant gains from 2021 onward. Poultry production remained relatively stable between 129–156 from 2018 to 2022 before sharply increasing to 255 in 2023. Fisheries production fluctuated, peaking at 464 in 2020, dipping to 391 in 2021, and ending at 468 in 2023.
| title | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 593 | 595 |
| Livestock | 835 | 944 |
| Poultry | 154 | 255 |
| Fisheries | 440 | 468 |