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How the Philippines is Organized

Written by Patrick

There are 7,600+ islands in the Philippine Archipelago with a population of approximately 100 million people. A country of this size and population requires some organization to make it manageable. Learn how the Philippines is organized to maintain peace and order. 

Coordinates: 9°54′N 124°12′E View Philippine Map

The following is an overview of how the Philippines is organized:

  • All Philippine islands combined form the country called the Republic of the Philippines.  The country is administered nationally by a President
  • The islands are organized into 3 major Island Groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
  • Islands are also organized into 17 administrative regions.  Some have numerical designations whereas others just have names. 
  • Each region is composed of provinces.  There are currently 82 provinces. Each province has a Governor.
  • Each province is divided into cities and municipalities.  Municipality is also referred to as town. Each city or municipality/town has a Mayor.
  • Poblacion is the common term used for the central, downtown, old town, or central business district area of a Philippine city or municipality.  A poblacion may take up the area of a barangay or multiple barangay.  
  • Cities and towns/municipalities are divided into barangays.  Each barangay has a Barangay Captain.
  • Large barangays are further divided into puroks.

About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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