Nestled within the heart of Albay province in the Philippines, Libon, officially known as the Municipality of Libon (Banwaan kan Libon in Central Bikol; Bayan ng Libon in Tagalog), stands as a vibrant 1st class municipality. As of the 2020 census, Libon boasts a population of 75,073 individuals.
Spanning an area of 222.76 square kilometers (86.01 sq mi), Libon is strategically positioned approximately 37 kilometers (23 mi) west-north-west of Albay’s provincial capital, Legazpi City, and roughly 300 kilometers (190 mi) east-south-east of Manila. The municipality’s landscape is characterized by a blend of urban and rural settings, comprising 47 barangays grouped into seven distinct leagues: St. James (Poblacion), Lakeside (bordering Bato Lake), Coastal (along the Albay West Coast), Big Five (abundant in rice, corn, and vegetables), Interior Nine (hinterland barangays primarily engaged in agriculture), Palayan (dedicated to rice production), and Six Hills (focusing on coconut cultivation).
Agriculture and fishing serve as the backbone of Libon’s economy. With approximately 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres) of fertile rice fields, the municipality yields an impressive 30.4 million kilos or 608,000 bags of palay annually, earning it the well-deserved moniker “Rice Granary of Albay.” Moreover, Libon hosts the Pantao Port, a pivotal regional hub facilitating trade between Masbate island province, the Visayas, Mindanao, and mainland Bicol, extending towards Southern Luzon and the National Capital Region.
Etymology
The town we now know as Libon was originally referred to as Libong. The evolution of its name, particularly the disappearance of the letter “g,” remains a subject of curiosity. Some speculate that the Spaniards encountered difficulty pronouncing “Libong” with the “g” sound, leading to its gradual transformation into Libon. Various accounts offer conflicting narratives about the origin of the name.
One interpretation suggests that “Libon” may have roots in the Bicol term “libong” or “ribong,” signifying confusion, dizziness, or disorientation. Alternatively, there’s a notion that “Libon” originated from the Spanish word “libon,” meaning “assault.”
Another theory proposes that the term is a distortion of the Bicol word “libtong,” which denotes difficulty, obstacle, or a stagnant pool of water, implying a challenging or stagnant locale. However, the prevailing and arguably more credible explanation traces Libon’s name back to the Bicol term “libong” or “ribong.”
According to a popular tale supporting this notion, Captain Juan de Salcedo and his expedition landed in this area after navigating across Lake Bato and entering the Quimba River. They arrived at a place called Linao, situated along the Quimba River’s banks, where they initially sought to establish a settlement. However, recognizing Linao’s vulnerability to attacks from the surrounding mountains, Salcedo and his party, accompanied by local guides, ventured onward in search of a more defensible location. Traversing marshy terrain, they reached a slightly elevated spot. Amidst the uncertainty of their surroundings, one native guide exclaimed, “libong aco” (I am confused). The Spaniards interpreted “libong” as the place’s name, leading Salcedo to christen it “Santiago de Libon.”
History
The city of Libon finds its roots in the “Second Expedition of Juan de Salcedo to the Bicol Region in 1573.” Initially venturing into the area in 1571, following his uncle Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s conquest of Manila, Salcedo was tasked with pacifying the regions surrounding Manila. During this time, he heard tales of the fabled gold mines of Paracale nestled beyond the southern Luzon mountains. Though his first journey proved fruitless in uncovering these riches, Salcedo returned to Manila, determined to explore the Bicol Region further.
In early 1573, armed with newfound knowledge and experience, Salcedo embarked on his second expedition to the Bicol Region. Retracing his earlier path, he led his men beyond Paracale, journeying upstream along the Bicol River until reaching its source at Bato Lake. Here, on the lake’s shores, Salcedo laid the foundations of a settlement for Spaniards, christening it Santiago de Libong.
Libon holds a significant place in the annals of Bicol Region history for several reasons. Firstly, it stands as the first Spanish settlement established in the region, a testament to Captain de Salcedo’s role as the Spanish “Conquistador” of this part of Luzon. Secondly, Libon served as a pivotal starting point for the spread of Christianity in the region during the early days of Spanish conquest. Moreover, Libon’s precolonial society boasted prosperity and complexity, contributing to its selection as a royal villa.
Saint James the Greater Parish:
In 1573, Juan de Salcedo erected the garrison of Santiago de Libong, accompanied by the construction of a church dedicated to Saint James the Apostle. By 1578, with the arrival of the Franciscans, the church was placed under the patronage of San Gregorio Magno. Initially built of red bricks in Linao in 1591, this church succumbed to destruction in the mid-17th century, leading to the construction of a new edifice.
The year 1847 marked Libon’s transfer from Camarines to Albay. Notably, Vicente de Dosbarrios reconstructed the church in 1865, crafting it from solid bricks, while the parochial house was fashioned from stone. However, in 1907, a powerful earthquake razed the church, necessitating its reconstruction with modern materials.
Geography
Situated at coordinates 13°18′N 123°26′E, Libon encompasses a land area of 222.76 square kilometers (86.01 sq mi), representing 8.65% of Albay’s total area of 2,575.77 square kilometers (994.51 sq mi), as reported by the PSA with a housing growth rate of 1.08% per annum.
Located in the northwestern quadrant of Albay province, Libon lies approximately 46-54 kilometers away from Legazpi City and approximately 546 kilometers south of Manila. Geographically, it spans between 13°08’2’’ and 20’354.5’’ north latitude and between 124°3014’25.2’’ and 29’19.4’’ east longitude. Libon is bordered by the Municipality of Bato in Camarines Sur to the north, Oas to the south, Polangui to the east, and the Burias Pass and Ragay Gulf to the west.
The topography of Libon varies from plains to undulating terrain, with extensive alluvial floodplains on its eastern flank, gently rolling to sloping uplands, and steep mountains in its central-western parts.
Elevations range from sea level to 400 meters above sea level, with over five percent of the area lying between 100 and 150 meters above sea level. The surface terrain is predominantly plain, with barangays in the Big Six, Centro Poblacion, and Palayan League occupying these areas. The Coastal League barangays are situated along the coastal zones, covering 664 hectares, although 40 percent of this area features mountainous terrain.
The municipality boasts six types of soil. The Agustin Soil, a clay-loam variety, prevails in the Interior Eight, Big Six, and Six Hills leagues. Magsaysay Soil, a sandy-loam type, dominates the coastal areas, ideal for rice cultivation. Sevilla Soil, characterized by clay and sandy-clay textures, is primarily found in hilly landscapes.
Barangays
Libon is politically subdivided into 47 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
| PSGC | Barangay | Population (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| 050507001 | Alongong | 1,529 |
| 050507002 | Apud | 1,938 |
| 050507003 | Bacolod | 1,450 |
| 050507011 | Bariw | 1,297 |
| 050507012 | Bonbon | 3,820 |
| 050507013 | Buga | 3,748 |
| 050507014 | Bulusan | 2,169 |
| 050507015 | Burabod | 2,057 |
| 050507016 | Caguscos | 1,051 |
| 050507017 | East Carisac | 947 |
| 050507019 | Harigue | 876 |
| 050507020 | Libtong | 886 |
| 050507021 | Linao | 1,544 |
| 050507022 | Mabayawas | 404 |
| 050507023 | Macabugos | 2,840 |
| 050507024 | Magallang | 512 |
| 050507025 | Malabiga | 857 |
| 050507026 | Marayag | 966 |
| 050507027 | Matara | 894 |
| 050507028 | Molosbolos | 1,084 |
| 050507029 | Natasan | 1,033 |
| 050507045 | Niño Jesus | 342 |
| 050507030 | Nogpo | 2,281 |
| 050507031 | Pantao | 6,930 |
| 050507033 | Rawis | 2,250 |
| 050507034 | Sagrada Familia | 1,666 |
| 050507035 | Salvacion | 518 |
| 050507036 | Sampongan | 458 |
| 050507037 | San Agustin | 2,570 |
| 050507038 | San Antonio | 1,519 |
| 050507039 | San Isidro | 1,883 |
| 050507040 | San Jose | 2,982 |
| 050507041 | San Pascual | 1,229 |
| 050507042 | San Ramon | 764 |
| 050507043 | San Vicente | 2,989 |
| 050507044 | Santa Cruz | 1,514 |
| 050507046 | Talin-Talin | 1,555 |
| 050507047 | Tambo Walis | 862 |
| 050507049 | Villa Petrona | 1,497 |
| 050507018 | West Carisac | 1,053 |
| 050507004 | Zone I (Pob.) | 1,486 |
| 050507005 | Zone II (Pob.) | 1,249 |
| 050507006 | Zone III (Pob.) | 670 |
| 050507007 | Zone IV (Pob.) | 1,769 |
| 050507008 | Zone V (Pob.) | 1,068 |
| 050507009 | Zone VI (Pob.) | 531 |
| 050507010 | Zone VII (Pob.) | 1,635 |
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Libon’s population stood at 75,073, yielding a population density of 340 inhabitants per square kilometer (880/sq mi).
Urban classification by the National Statistics Office (NSO) delineates a barangay as urban if it meets specific criteria: a population exceeding 5,000, at least one establishment with a minimum of 100 employees, or five or more establishments with 10-99 employees, along with five or more facilities within a two-kilometer radius from the barangay hall.
In Libon, the NSO classifies fourteen barangays as urban and 33 as rural. Among those classified as urban are Barangays Bonbon, Buga, Pantao, San Pogi, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente, and Zones 1-7 of Centro Poblacion.
According to 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 33,081 individuals reside in urban areas, while a slight majority of the population, numbering 39,467, inhabit rural barangays.
Analysis of population trends from 1995 to 2015 reveals a significant proportion of Libon’s populace residing in rural areas. However, there has been a notable decline in rural settlers from 69.77% in 2010 to 54.40% in 2015. This shift is likely attributed to the increased availability and accessibility of social services in urban locales.
Economy
Farming and fishing form the cornerstone of Libon’s economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in these sectors. According to the NSO Census 2015, the municipality’s workforce primarily comprises farmers and fisherfolk, totaling 12,172 individuals, with 43.55% falling within the 25–44 age bracket.
Of Libon’s total land area of 22,713 hectares, 24.31% is dedicated to agricultural production, including rice, corn, vegetables, and other crops. Situated within Albay’s lowland zone, extending to Lake Bato, Libon’s topography, with slopes not exceeding 8 percent and elevations below 100 meters above sea level, is conducive to rice cultivation, freshwater fishponds, and crop farming. Renowned as the “Rice Granary of Albay,” Libon annually yields 30.4 million kilograms of rice from its 4,000 hectares of rice fields, contributing significantly to the province’s food security. The municipality boasts the largest rice-planted area in Albay, with 7,753 hectares dedicated to rice cultivation, supporting a substantial workforce of rice farmers and their families.
Coconut production also plays a pivotal role in Libon’s economy, with thirty coconut-producing barangays covering 10,894 hectares of land. In 2015 alone, Libon produced an impressive 500,938,608 tons of coconuts, ranking second in Albay after Ligao City. Settlement expansions in areas such as Bonbon and Pantao are poised to further stimulate economic growth, with the opening of the Pantao Regional Port expected to catalyze development and economic activities.
Beyond agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, along with motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, form another significant segment of Libon’s economy, employing a total of 1,518 individuals. However, real estate activities employ the fewest workers, with just five individuals engaged in this sector.
The majority of employed household members, comprising 90.60%, work within Libon, highlighting the municipality’s role as a hub of economic activity. Additionally, a portion of the workforce finds employment in neighboring provinces and municipalities, while a small percentage is employed abroad.
Culture
Libon Paroy Festival:
The Libon Paroy Festival, celebrated annually from July 22 to 25, epitomizes the municipality’s rich agricultural heritage as the esteemed “Rice Granary of Albay.” This vibrant celebration pays tribute to Santiago el Mayor, the patron saint of Libon, and honors the tireless efforts of local farmers, revered as heroes of the economy, embodying qualities of courage, determination, and passion. As one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines, Libon’s Paroy Festival commemorates its illustrious history through a plethora of activities. Highlights include the iconic parade of festively adorned carabaos pulling carts laden with agricultural bounty, symbolizing the town’s agricultural prowess. Culinary enthusiasts delight in Lutong Libongueño, a showcase of local delicacies, while the Paroy Exhibit displays the diverse rice varieties cultivated in Libon. Sporting events, beauty pageants, and religious ceremonies punctuate the festivities, culminating in a grand celebration on July 25, the feast day.
Tourism:
Libon is a treasure trove of natural wonders, steeped in history, culture, and cuisine, poised to drive economic growth through responsible tourism initiatives. Renowned as the “Rice Granary of Albay,” Libon boasts a proud legacy as one of the country’s oldest settlements. The Libon Paroy Festival, held annually from July 22 to 25, serves as a vibrant showcase of local culture and agriculture, drawing attention to the town’s dedication to rice cultivation and community spirit.
Moreover, Libon’s geographical splendor includes its inclusion in both the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) and the Albay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Pantao, once a bustling shipyard during Spanish colonization, now serves as the site of the Bicol Regional Port, a vital economic hub connecting Libon to the Visayas and Mindanao. Along the Albay West Coast, pristine beaches and geological marvels beckon tourists, from Bantigue’s striking rock formations to Rawis-Apud’s vibrant marine sanctuary.
Libon’s emerging tourism destinations extend beyond its coastal allure, with barangays like Macabugos offering agri-tourism experiences at Villa Miranda Farm and Resort, featuring grape vineyards and unique fruit gardens. Mount Quiasog presents opportunities for camping, spelunking, and trekking, with ongoing archaeological surveys uncovering traces of ancient native life.
For the adventurous traveler, Buga offers eco-tourism activities such as boating, bird-watching, and fishing along the scenic shores of Lake Bato. Caguscos, home to Mount Lanagan, promises breathtaking vistas and adrenaline-pumping adventures amidst caves, lakes, and panoramic vistas.
Libon’s cultural heritage shines through in its historic landmarks, including the Saint James the Greater Parish Church, a testament to the town’s enduring legacy since its founding in 1573. Whether exploring ancient caves, cascading waterfalls, or vibrant local markets, visitors to Libon are treated to a tapestry of experiences that celebrate the town’s rich history and natural splendor.
