La Libertad, Negros Oriental

La Libertad, officially the Municipality of La Libertad (Cebuano: Lungsod sa La Libertad; Tagalog: Bayan ng La Libertad), is a municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,089 people.[3]

La Libertad
Municipality of La Libertad
Sunset view taken at a beach in La Libertad
Sunset view taken at a beach in La Libertad
Flag of La Libertad
Map of Negros Oriental with La Libertad highlighted
Map of Negros Oriental with La Libertad highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Map
La Libertad is located in Philippines
La Libertad
La Libertad
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 10°02′N 123°13′E / 10.03°N 123.22°E / 10.03; 123.22
CountryPhilippines
RegionNegros Island Region
ProvinceNegros Oriental
District 1st district
FoundedJanuary 10, 1919
Barangays29 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorEmmanuel L. Iway (LP)
 • Vice MayorLawrence D. Limkaichong (LP)
 • RepresentativeJocelyn Sy-Limkaichong
 • Municipal Council
Members
 • Electorate25,511 voters (2022)
Area
 • Total
139.60 km2 (53.90 sq mi)
Elevation
50 m (160 ft)
Highest elevation
556 m (1,824 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[3]
 • Total
41,089
 • Density290/km2 (760/sq mi)
 • Households
10,285
Economy
 • Income class3rd municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
38.77
% (2021)[4]
 • Revenue₱ 147.8 million (2020)
 • Assets₱ 699.5 million (2020)
 • Expenditure₱ 225 million (2020)
 • Liabilities₱ 227.6 million (2020)
Service provider
 • ElectricityNegros Oriental 1 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 1)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
6213
PSGC
IDD:area code+63 (0)35
Native languagesCebuano
Tagalog
Websitewww.lalibertad-negor.gov.ph

History

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It is known that the history of a nation is often interwoven with persons who in one way or another have been instrumental in its progress-political, educational, economic, social and to some extent religious. Such is the history of a small barrio turned into a beautiful town. La Libertad measured 105 kilometres (65 mi) north of Dumaguete.

Hugging closely the coasts of Tanon Strait, and nesting cozily in the wide and fertile valley swept by the Hinoba-an River lines, La Libertad against a backdrop of sylvan scenery. It bears a Castillan name which connotes "freedom" and whose yesteryears are filled with tender memories.

Barrio Hinoba-an During the Spanish Regime. The place was then inhabited by primitive tribes who were mostly Negritos. Several enterprising families from neighboring towns and distant provinces came to settle in this barrio. Among the first pioneers was a certain Pedro Absin. He came from the distant province of Camarines Sur with the Spanish friars, who spread the Christian religion to this part of Negros. He married a lovely lass who later was baptized as Mauricia. This was the beginning of the large and progressive Francisco Acar Absin clan.

The other families were the Facturans from Jimalalud, the Carinals from Tayasan, and the de Paduas from Ilo-ilo. These people were the leading pioneer families of the "old" Hinoba-an. Most of them were engaged in farming and fishing.

The fertile valleys of Hinoba-an were so enticing that several families immigrated to this barrio in the later part of the Spanish period. One of the prominent families that moved in was the Libo-on family. The head of this family was an Ilonggo. However, he did not come directly to Hinoba-an. A certain Maestro Tomas Libo-on of Miag-ao, Iloilo, arrived at the barrio of Jimalalud where he was employed as a private tutor by some families. He was a widower when he came but he brought with him his only son, Luciano, and a niece, Romana Libo-on. They lived in the barrio for several years. Later, Luciano was married to Bernabela Facturan, a native of the place. However, they were attracted by the richness of the soil of the neighboring barrio of Hinoba-an. They bought a pave of land at the mouth of the Hinoba-an River and built their first house there.

Another family worthy of mention is the Banogon family. The head of this clan was Pio Banogon. Born on May 5, 1876, in Tanjay, another town of this province, Pio grew to be a promising young man. After he finished grade school, his parents sent him to Manila to study at San Juan de Letran for two years. When he returned home, he was so moved by the adventurous spirit that he decided to go northward. In 1896, he arrived at Jimalalud. It was in this barrio where he found his life's mate, one Petra Sevilla, a scion of the Facturans of Jimalalud. Like the others, the Banogons were also magnetized by the richness of the farmland of Hinoba-an. They bought some parcels of land at Canlaro in the barrio of San Jose and at Binatangan in Martilo.

The other prominent families that moved to Hinoba-an were the Dionaldos from Moalboal, Cebu; the Somozas from Bais; the Emperados from Ayungon; and the Villaesters from Toledo, Cebu.

(lifted from "Souvenir Program 50th Anniversary of the creation of La Libertad as a Municipality of Negros Oriental, Dec 30, 31, 1968; Jan 1, 1969)

La Libertad was severely affected during the 2012 Visayas earthquake, that caused landslides killing dozens of people.[5]

Geography

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Barangays

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La Libertad is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.


PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2020[3] 2010[6]
074613001 Aniniaw 2.5% 1,015 1,106 −0.85%
074613002 Aya 2.6% 1,052 953 0.99%
074613003 Bagtic 3.6% 1,497 1,344 1.08%
074613004 Biga-a 2.3% 927 1,101 −1.71%
074613005 Busilak 3.3% 1,369 1,176 1.53%
074613006 Cangabo 2.9% 1,182 1,245 −0.52%
074613007 Cantupa 3.3% 1,348 1,048 2.55%
074613029 Elecia (Talostos) 4.0% 1,657 1,561 0.60%
074613008 Eli 4.0% 1,629 1,273 2.50%
074613009 Guihob 4.5% 1,843 2,048 −1.05%
074613010 Kansumandig 3.3% 1,350 1,242 0.84%
074613011 Mambulod 1.6% 662 632 0.46%
074613012 Mandapaton 3.9% 1,603 1,927 −1.82%
074613013 Manghulyawon 3.8% 1,578 1,398 1.22%
074613014 Manluminsag 2.0% 808 776 0.40%
074613015 Mapalasan 1.6% 660 557 1.71%
074613016 Maragondong 2.2% 891 930 −0.43%
074613017 Martilo 5.2% 2,134 2,038 0.46%
074613018 Nasungan 4.5% 1,868 1,558 1.83%
074613019 Pacuan 6.8% 2,777 2,478 1.15%
074613020 Pangca 1.2% 488 652 −2.86%
074613021 Pisong 3.3% 1,341 1,325 0.12%
074613022 Pitogo 3.5% 1,441 1,216 1.71%
074613023 Poblacion North 6.1% 2,507 2,319 0.78%
074613024 Poblacion South 3.3% 1,371 1,338 0.24%
074613025 San Jose 4.1% 1,689 1,703 −0.08%
074613026 Solonggon 6.2% 2,565 2,235 1.39%
074613027 Tala-on 2.2% 907 806 1.19%
074613028 Talayong 2.3% 930 919 0.12%
Total 41,089 38,904 0.55%

Climate

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Climate data for La Libertad, Negros Oriental
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 29
(84)
30
(86)
31
(88)
32
(90)
31
(88)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
29
(84)
29
(84)
30
(86)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23
(73)
22
(72)
23
(73)
24
(75)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
24
(75)
24
(75)
23
(73)
24
(75)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 42
(1.7)
34
(1.3)
40
(1.6)
61
(2.4)
124
(4.9)
188
(7.4)
190
(7.5)
191
(7.5)
189
(7.4)
186
(7.3)
124
(4.9)
73
(2.9)
1,442
(56.8)
Average rainy days 10.0 8.5 9.5 12.8 22.3 26.8 28.4 27.9 27.3 27.6 20.5 13.1 234.7
Source: Meteoblue[7]

Economy

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Poverty incidence of La Libertad

10
20
30
40
50
60
2006
55.90
2009
50.20
2012
50.97
2015
57.52
2018
31.40
2021
38.77

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

Demographics

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Population census of La Libertad
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 3,732—    
1939 17,795+4.43%
1948 18,770+0.59%
1960 25,335+2.53%
1970 29,693+1.60%
1975 31,460+1.17%
1980 30,730−0.47%
1990 29,958−0.25%
1995 32,456+1.51%
2000 35,122+1.71%
2007 37,007+0.72%
2010 38,904+1.84%
2015 38,602−0.15%
2020 41,089+1.24%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[16][6][17][18]

Tourism

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In terms of attractions, La Libertad offers natural beauty and outdoor destinations. The municipality is known for its beautiful beaches, such as the white sand beach of Solongon, which attracts tourists and locals alike. The nearby Mt. Panciao also offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. The construction of swimming pool at La Limar had already been completed and is operational. Presently, La Limar is catering to seminars, weddings, family reunions and other services which is being handled by the Local Government.

The Local Government is now actively participating in the promotion of local tourism and we are showcasing our La Li Mar beach Resort located at San Jose, La Libertad.

The project was initiated by Congresswoman Jocelyn S. Limkaichong who was also a former mayor of the town.

Education

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The public schools in the town of La Libertad are administered by two school districts under the Schools Division of Negros Oriental.

Elementary schools:

  • Agbobolo Elementary School — Sitio Agbobolo, Aya
  • Aniniaw Elementary School — Aniniaw
  • Aya Elementary School — Aya
  • Bagtic Elementary School — Bagtic
  • Biga-a Elementary School — Biga-a
  • Busilac Elementary School — Busilak
  • Cangabo Elementary School — Cangabo
  • Eli Elementary School — Eli
  • Guihob Elementary School — Guihob
  • Kansumandig Elementary School — Kansumandig
  • La Libertad Central Elementary School — South Poblacion
  • La Libertad North Poblacion Primary School — North Poblacion
  • Mambulod Elementary School — Mambulod
  • Mandapaton Elementary School — Mandapaton
  • Manghulyawon Elementary School — Manghulyawon
  • Manluminsag Elementary School — Manluminsag
  • Mapalasan Elementary School — Mapalasan
  • Martilo Elementary School — Martilo
  • Nasunggan Elementary School — Nasunggan
  • Pacuan Elementary School — Pacuan
  • Pangca Elementary School — Pangca
  • Pisong Elementary School — Pisong
  • Pitogo Elementary School — Pitogo
  • San Jose Elementary School — San Jose
  • Solonggon Elementary School — Solonggon
  • Tala-on Elementary School — Tala-on
  • Talostos Elementary School — Elecia

High schools:

  • La Libertad Technical-Vocational School — South Poblacion
  • La Libertad TVS - Manluminsag Extension — Manluminsag
  • Pacuan National High School — Pacuan
  • Pacuan NHS - Busilac Extension — Busilak
  • Pacuan NHS - Nasunggan Extension — Nasunggan

Private schools:

  • Saint Francis School — North Poblacion

Government

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Elected municipal officials (2010–2013):

  • Mayor: Emmanuel Iway
  • Vice Mayor: Lawrence Limkaichong
  • Councilors:
    • Nancy Temonio Laturnas
    • Ronald Opada
    • Ronie Bulabon
    • Emelia Luz Medes
    • Leonida Rios
    • Jellenito Cayetano
    • Bertoldo Burlasa
    • Jovito Sabanal
    • ABC President: Ronald Gallosa
    • SK Federation President: PJ Arriesgado

List of former elective officials

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Date Position Name
1919–1922 President Isaac Dionaldo
Vice-president Narciso Absin
Secretary Francisco Bautista
Councilors Pio Banogon
Luciano Libo-on
Ireneo Villaespin
Felipe Absin
Andres Absin
Fabio Torres
Leon Bonda-on
Brigido Sabanal
1922–1924 President Isaac Dionaldo
Vice-president Fabio Torres
Secretary Roberto Estoconing
Councilors Margarito Gallosa
Pedro Timtim
Isaias Emperado
Antonio Torres
Pastor Carinal
Marcelo Libo-on
Bregido Sabanal
Benedicto Libo-on
1925 President Isaac Dionaldo
Vice-president Fabio Torres
Secretary Roberto Estoconing
Councilors Antonio E. Torres
Pedrom Timtim
Pator Carinal
Margarito Gallosa
Marcelo Libo-on
Brigido Sabanal
Daniel Donaldo
Benedicto Libo-on, Sr.
1926–1927 President Fabio Torres
Vice-president Daniel Dionaldo
Secretary Roberto Estoconing
Councilors Brigido Sabanal
Antonio E. Torres
Leopoldo Dionaldo
Aquilino Ricarte
Pedro E. Torres
Teodoro Absin
Felix Camero

References

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  1. ^ Municipality of La Libertad | (DILG)
  2. ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  4. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Quake causes severe damage in La Libertad, Negros Oriental". ABS-CBN News. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  6. ^ a b Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VII (Central Visayas)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  7. ^ "La Libertad: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  8. ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  9. ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  10. ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  11. ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  12. ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  13. ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  14. ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  15. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  16. ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  17. ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VII (Central Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  18. ^ "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
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