Guinobatan

Guinobatan
Municipality
Municipality of Guinobatan
Guinobatan Municipal Hall
Flag
Nickname:  The Sparkling Gem of Bicol
Map of Albay with Guinobatan highlighted
Interactive map of Guinobatan
Guinobatan Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 13°11′N 123°36′E
Country	Philippines
Region	Bicol Region
Province	Albay
District	3rd district
Founded	1672 (as a barrio of Camalig) 1688 (as a Municipal District) 1731 (as Pueblo de Guinobatan)
Founded by	Don Francisco Bagamasbad Don Ambrosio Balagan Don Diego Catindog Don Juan Labao Don Reymundo Dimasibot
Barangays	44 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Ann Y. Ongjoco (NUP)
• Vice Mayor	Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera (NUP)
• Representative	Raymond Adrian E. Salceda (Lakas)
• Municipal Council	Members Kathleen Mae O. Padua Marelen G. Flores Julio S. Tingzon IV Dominic Martin G. Amano Ricky S. Matza Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. Robert M. Bañaga Rolando P. Palabrica
• Electorate	60,427 voters (2025)
Area
• Total	244.43 km2 (94.37 sq mi)
Elevation	169 m (554 ft)
Highest elevation	474 m (1,555 ft)
Lowest elevation	59 m (194 ft)
Population  (2024 census)
• Total	84,420
• Density	345.4/km2 (894.5/sq mi)
• Households	20,327
Demonym	Guinobateño Guinobatanon
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	21.9 % (2021)
• Revenue	PHP 388.700 million (2022)
• Assets	PHP 1,072.000 million (2022)
• Expenditure	PHP 261.300 million (2022)
• Liabilities	PHP 265.000 million (2022)
Service provider
• Electricity	Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO)
• Water	Guinobatan Water District
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4503
PSGC	0500504000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)52
Native languages	Tagalog, East Mirayá, Central Bíkol
Feast date	August 15
Catholic diocese	Diocese of Legazpi
Patron saint	Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion
Website	www.guinobatan.gov.ph

Guinobatan, officially the Municipality of Guinobatan (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Guinobatan; East Mirayá Bikol: Banwa ning Guinobatan; Tagalog: Bayan ng Guinobatan), is a municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 84,420 people.

It is known for its chorizo locally called Longganiza de Guinobatan made by hands. Presently, it is recognized for its lively culture, yearly celebrations, and its title as “The Sparkling Gem of Bicol.” The town continues to play an important role in Albay’s story, preserving its traditions and reflecting the strength and perseverance of its people.

History

Legend

In the research work "Guinobatan Through the Times," the following version of the legend is stated:

• In a region on Mayon's slopes lay a village. It was dotted with huts whose roofs were made of nipa, as well as with a number of stone houses. In the village was a church, and inside the belfry was a Golden Bell. So great was the bell that when rung, the sound could be heard from miles away. The sound could even reach the land of the Moros. The Moros, made curious by the sound of the bell, sent spies so that they would know what kind of bell was producing so loud and peculiar a sound. The spies were amazed and surprised to find out that the townspeople rang was made of pure gold. They went back to the land of the Moros eager to report their findings to their superiors. Motivated by greed, the Moros assembled a squad to plunder the bell. When they arrived at the village, they pillaged the community and torched houses. They attempted to force the people to tell them where the Golden Bell was. Their attempts failed. Many were still able to flee. The fleeing townsfolk knew where the bell was, and they hid the bell underneath the roots of trees. However, an old man was left in the village. As he was the only person left in the town; Moros tortured him so that he would tell the raiders where the Golden Bell was. The old man, however, did not know. Finding no use for the old man, the Moros killed him. They tried to pursue the townspeople, but they were too far away to be captured. Instead, they went to the woods in search of the Golden Bell. They uprooted every tree underneath which they believed the Golden Bell was hidden. Their efforts proved futile. Hence, with empty hands the Moros went back to their land, while the townspeople went back to the village to rebuild their lives, which had always been under threat from Moro pillagers and natural calamities; from bad harvests and oppressive encomienderos. The townspeople also kept the valued Golden Bell safe from anyone who tried to steal it. Seeing the uprooted trees, the townsfolk named their area “Guinobatan” meaning “a place where trees were uprooted.” So ends the legend.

Some versions also state that the town's name is derived from Ginabutan, meaning "a place where trees or plants were uprooted."

Spanish colonial era

Luis Née, a botanist, reached Bicol in January 1792, accompanying the expedition of Capt. Alejandro Malaspina. Née explored towns near Mayon and including the area now known as Guinobatan. He noted that "trees grew in exuberance making the foothills impenetrable in many parts."

Dr. Leonilo C. Palacio of Guinobatan's Republic Colleges mentioned in an essay entitled "Guinobatan and its Church" that "in 1672, the Parish of Guinobatan was already mentioned in books as a visita of the Municipality of Camalig."

In 1890, the title of the gobernadorcillo was changed to Capitan Municipal. The Municipal Law of 1894 guaranteed that the term of the local executive would be extended from two years to four years. Also among the salient provisions of the law was the election of 12 vocales, equivalent to today's councilors. In 1895, the Colegio de San Buenaventura was also built, making Guinobatan the centre for higher education in Albay.

Cabezas and principales elected the gobernadorcillo until 1863. Until 1847, Guinobatan belonged to Camarines. During the said year, the towns of Quipia, Camalig and Donsol (now in Sorsogon) were ceded to Albay, in exchange for the towns of the Partido de Lagonoy. From 1730 to 1818, the town transferred from one place to another. In 1730, it was on a site now called Binanuahan. From there, it was the relocated to Bubulusan. During the eruption of 1814, citizens opted to evacuate to higher ground, in Mauraro.

American colonial era

During the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine–American War (1898-1911), most of the schoolhouses built by the Spaniards were destroyed by constant artillery fire, most of which came from the Americans. As part of the "pacification" campaign of the Americans, engineers and architects were sent to the Philippines to oversee the construction of public works. Engr. Edward K. Bourne and famed urban planner Daniel Burnham, among other American architects and engineers, were instructed to go to Manila. In response, the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 268 which created the Bureau of Architecture and Construction of Public Buildings. Mr. Bourne was appointed as its head. In 1907, the Philippine Assembly was formed. Angel Roco of Mauraro, Guinobatan represented Albay in the Assembly. The same year, Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija authored an act which appropriated ₱1 million between 1907 and 1915 for "construction of schoolhouses of strong materials in barrios with guaranteed daily attendance of not less than sixty pupils…" Passing into law as Act No. 1801, the act became known as the "Gabaldon Act". Among the salient provisions was that no school could receive more than ₱4,000 unless the municipality to which the school belonged contributed at least 50% of the total amount granted to the school by the Gabaldon Act. The Gabaldon Act stipulated that only on land owned by the municipality could schools be constructed. Fifty-one "Gabaldons" were completed by 1911, and by 1916, four hundred five more were constructed. Among those completed between 1911 and 1916 was Guinobatan Central School blg. 1 or the Guinobatan East Central School's Gabaldon Building.

Potenciano Gregorio's Bikol language musical composition "Sarung Banggi" premiered at the town fiesta in Guinobatan in August 1910.

Geography

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 244.43 square kilometres (94.37 sq mi)  constituting 9.49% of the 2,575.77-square-kilometre- (994.51 sq mi) total area of Albay.

The town of Guinobatan is located at 13°11′N 123°36′E. The territory of Guinobatan is bordered by a number of municipalities: Camalig on the east, Jovellar on the south, Pio Duran on the south-west, Ligao on the north-west. On the north-east, the town shares with Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Daraga, Tabaco and Legazpi, a common point in the crater of Mayon Volcano. Guinobatan is 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Legazpi City and 510 kilometres (320 mi) from Manila.

Barangays

Guinobatan is politically subdivided into 44 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC	Barangay	Population	±% p.a.
		2024	2010
050504001	Agpay	0.5%	412	479	▾	−1.05%
050504002	Balite	0.8%	667	650	▴	0.18%
050504003	Banao	1.2%	1,027	1,089	▾	−0.41%
050504004	Batbat	1.7%	1,430	1,275	▴	0.81%
050504005	Binogsacan Lower	2.7%	2,265	2,283	▾	−0.06%
050504049	Binogsacan Upper	1.7%	1,410	1,409	▴	0.00%
050504006	Bololo	1.3%	1,083	1,286	▾	−1.20%
050504007	Bubulusan	1.8%	1,487	1,333	▴	0.77%
050504009	Calzada	3.2%	2,687	2,591	▴	0.25%
050504010	Catomag	1.2%	1,048	776	▴	2.13%
050504011	Doña Mercedes	2.0%	1,714	1,471	▴	1.08%
050504012	Doña Tomasa (Magatol)	2.2%	1,856	1,294	▴	2.56%
050504013	Ilawod	2.4%	2,033	1,954	▴	0.28%
050504015	Inamnan Grande	2.7%	2,292	2,334	▾	−0.13%
050504014	Inamnan Pequeño	1.9%	1,582	1,598	▾	−0.07%
050504016	Inascan	1.7%	1,446	1,502	▾	−0.27%
050504017	Iraya	1.6%	1,379	1,449	▾	−0.35%
050504018	Lomacao	2.4%	1,998	2,161	▾	−0.55%
050504021	Maguiron	2.5%	2,090	2,223	▾	−0.43%
050504022	Maipon	3.6%	3,045	3,789	▾	−1.52%
050504023	Malabnig	1.5%	1,228	1,142	▴	0.51%
050504024	Malipo	1.9%	1,610	1,822	▾	−0.86%
050504025	Malobago	2.3%	1,931	1,950	▾	−0.07%
050504026	Maninila	2.2%	1,832	1,788	▴	0.17%
050504027	Mapaco	1.8%	1,518	1,658	▾	−0.62%
050504008	Marcial O. Rañola (Cabaloaon)	0.6%	487	635	▾	−1.84%
050504029	Masarawag	4.2%	3,534	3,916	▾	−0.72%
050504030	Mauraro	8.8%	7,446	6,838	▴	0.60%
050504031	Minto	2.1%	1,810	1,764	▴	0.18%
050504032	Morera	2.6%	2,182	2,503	▾	−0.96%
050504034	Muladbucad Grande	3.2%	2,698	2,497	▴	0.54%
050504033	Muladbucad Pequeño	2.3%	1,901	2,048	▾	−0.52%
050504035	Ongo	1.3%	1,075	1,064	▴	0.07%
050504036	Palanas	0.4%	337	801	▾	−5.88%
050504038	Poblacion	1.3%	1,124	1,135	▾	−0.07%
050504040	Pood	0.8%	640	205	▴	8.30%
050504042	Quibongbongan	3.9%	3,251	3,054	▴	0.44%
050504041	Quitago	3.0%	2,498	2,740	▾	−0.65%
050504043	San Francisco	3.0%	2,533	3,188	▾	−1.60%
050504044	San Jose (Ogsong)	1.3%	1,072	959	▴	0.78%
050504045	San Rafael	5.0%	4,195	4,411	▾	−0.35%
050504046	Sinungtan	1.5%	1,300	1,415	▾	−0.59%
050504047	Tandarora	2.2%	1,827	1,449	▴	1.64%
050504048	Travesia	4.1%	3,440	3,858	▾	−0.80%
	Total	84,420	85,786	▾	−0.11%

Climate

Climate data for Guinobatan, Albay
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	26 (79)	27 (81)	28 (82)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	29 (84)	29 (84)	29 (84)	28 (82)	28 (82)	27 (81)	28 (83)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	22 (72)	22 (72)	22 (72)	23 (73)	24 (75)	25 (77)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (74)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	138 (5.4)	83 (3.3)	74 (2.9)	50 (2.0)	108 (4.3)	165 (6.5)	202 (8.0)	165 (6.5)	190 (7.5)	186 (7.3)	188 (7.4)	183 (7.2)	1,732 (68.3)
Average rainy days	16.8	11.9	13.5	13.8	20.5	25.2	27.4	26.2	26.1	24.7	20.7	18.5	245.3
Source: Meteoblue

Demographics

Population census of Guinobatan

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	20,027	—
1918	25,113	+1.52%
1939	26,419	+0.24%
1948	32,280	+2.25%
1960	48,157	+3.39%
1970	47,190	−0.20%
1975	49,724	+1.05%
1980	53,639	+1.53%
1990	59,187	+0.99%
1995	65,512	+1.92%
2000	71,071	+1.76%
2007	74,386	+0.63%
2010	75,967	+0.77%
2015	82,361	+1.55%
2020	85,786	+0.86%
2024	84,420	−0.38%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2024 census, Guinobatan had a population of 84,420. The population density was 350 inhabitants per square kilometre (910/sq mi).

Economy

Poverty incidence of Guinobatan

10

20

30

40

50

2000
43.19

2003
5.75

2006
39.10

2009
37.19

2012
26.85

2015
23.36

2018
25.61

2021
21.90

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Culture

Guinobatan Museum

Guinobatan hosts an annual festival in the celebration of Our Lady of Assumption, its patron saint. Until 2013, the town festival was called "Arandurugan Festival." In August 2013, Guinobatan celebrated Longganisa Festival, named after the local product which is listed under the Department of Trade and Industry's "One Town, One Product" program.

Government

Elected officials

2025–2028 Guinobatan Municipal Officials

Position	Name	Party
Mayor	Ann Y. Ongjoco ♯		NUP
Vice Mayor	Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera +		NUP
Councilors	Kathleen Mae O. Padua ‹›		NUP
Marelen G. Flores ‹›		Lakas
Dominic Martin G. Amano +		Lakas
Julio S. Tingzon, IV ‹›		NUP
Ricky S. Matza ‹›		NUP
Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. +		Independent
Roberto M. Bañaga ‹›		NUP
Rolando P. Palabrica ‹›		Lakas
Ex Officio Municipal Council Members
ABC President	Reynaldo Namia (San Francisco)		Nonpartisan
SK Federation President	Keith John M. Pacardo (Inamnan Grande)		Nonpartisan

Legend

1. A + indicates that the official is elected for the first term
2. A ♯ indicates that the official is re-elected to a higher position
3. A ‹› indicates that the official is re-elected to the same position

Past municipal administrators

Spanish Colonial Era (1731-1898) Inclusive years Gobernadorcillo 1731 Don Lucas Timog 1732 Don Alonzo Lamberan 1733 Don Lazaro Dayaon 1734 Don Juan Baog 1735 Don Tomas Liniog 1736 Don Francisco Latumbo 1737 Don Andres Andog 1738 Don Bernardo Tarog 1739 Don Francisco Sabogan 1740 Don Santiago Macandog 1741 Don Geronimo Paglinisan 1742 Don Antonio Dignalan 1743 Don Alonzo Fernandez 1744 Don Agustin Cepeda 1745 Don Melchor Blanco 1746 Don Remigio Pimentel 1747 Don Francisco Aroyo 1748 Don Miguel Trilianco 1749 Don Diego Albares 1750 Don Alejandro Perez 1751 Don Juan Bautista 1752 Don Diego Perez 1753 Don Jose Oustria 1754 Don Alonzo Oco 1755 Don Francisco Javier 1756 Don Manuel Andrada 1757 Don Agustin Macasamno 1758 Don Antonio Oco 1759 Don Francisco Antones Caledat 1760 Don Melchor Perez 1761 Don Juan de Miranda 1762 Don Manuel Andrada 1763 Don Pacual Guillermo 1764 Don Diego de S. Vicente 1765 Don Pedro Alcantara 1766 Don Melchor Perez 1767-1768 Don Diego de S. Vicente 1769 Don Nicolas Perez 1770 Don Andres de los Angeles 1771 Don Alejandro Luis de Sta. Ana 1772 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1773 Don Baltasar de los Reyes 1774 Don Pedro Torres de Miranda 1775-1776 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1777 Don Pascual Leonardo 1778 Don Andres de los Reyes 1779 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1780 Don Jose Natividad 1781 Don Alonso Guillermo 1782 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1783 Don Juan Lazaro 1784 Don Juan de los Reyes 1785 Don Francisco Tomas 1786 Don Alonso Crisanto 1787 Don Jose Alejandrino 1788 Don Pascual Leonardo 1789 Don Alonso de los Reyes 1790 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1791 Don Franco Antonio Mataraguis 1792 Don Francisco Evaristo 1793 Don Gaspar de los Reyes 1794 Don Jose Alejandrino 1795 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1796 Don Alonso de los Reyes 1797 Don Franco Ignacio Budling 1798 Don Francisco Evaristo 1799 Don Juan Pascual S. Agustin 1800 Don Francisco Felix 1801 Don Felipe Rodriguez 1802 Don Juan Bautista 1803 Don Santiago de Villafuerte 1804 Don Pascual Leonardo 1805 Don Pedro Ignacio Seping 1806 Don Franco Irisaro Valentin 1807 Don Juan Reynaldo 1808 Don Juan de S. Vicente 1809 Don Juan de S. Buenaventura 1810 Don Domingo de Guzman 1811 Don Jose Perez 1812 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1813 Don Domingo Rodrigo 1814 Don Manuel Fernando 1815 Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana 1816 Don Juan de S. Antonio 1817 Don Miguel Geronimo 1818 Don Jose Alejandrino 1819 Don Miguel Geronimo 1820 Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente 1821 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1822 Don Alonso Casimiro 1823 Don Ignacio Silas 1824 Don Pedro de los Santos 1825 Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente 1826 Don Jose Bernardo 1827 Don Francisco Valenzuela 1828 Don Lazaro de los Reyes 1829 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1830 Don Lazaro de la Cruz 1831 Don Domingo del Espiritu Sto. 1832 Don Antonio de los Reyes 1833 Don Marcos Sta. Ana 1834 Don Pedro Villafuerte 1835 Don Nicolas Gonzales 1836 Don Julian Mariano 1837 Don Julian Remigio 1838 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1839 Don Pedro Javier 1840 Don Francisco N. Palacio 1841 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1842 Don Jose Perez 1843 Don Pascual de los Reyes 1844 Don Gregorio de los Reyes 1845 Don Antonio L. Divinagracia 1846 Don Francisco Langcauon 1847 Don Francisco Javier 1848 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1849 Don Antonio Lazaro 1850 Don Tomas Olaguer 1851 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1852 Don Salvador Mallorca 1853 Don Gil O. Fernandez 1854 Don Francsico M. Peñaflor 1855 Don Salvador Mallorca 1856 Don Vicente Orbeta 1857 Don Andres Obed 1858 Don Tomas Olaguer 1859 Don Antonio L. Divinagracia 1860 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1861 Don Francisco N. Palacio 1862 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1863-1864 Don Mariano Marcayda 1865-1866 Don Francisco M. Peñaflor 1867-1868 Don Mariano Ope 1869-1870 Don Alfonso Matienzo 1871-1872 Don Gregorio de Leon 1873-1874 Don Dionisio Olmedillo 1875-1876 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1877-1880 Don Jose Offemaria 1881-1882 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian 1883-1884 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1885-1886 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian 1887-1888 Dr. Julian O. Oyales 1889-1890 Don Eugenio Otivar 1891-1893 Don Jose Arboleda 1894-1895 Don Eugenio Otivar 1896-1898 Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian No. Party Municipal Mayor Term of Office Municipal Vice-Mayor Notes 1 No Party Francisco Lukban August 14, 1898 - June, 1901 (2 years, 314 days) Eustaquio Villanueva (Appointed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo) 2 Federalista Señor Eugenio Pardiñas y Orolfo February 23, 1900 – July 31, 1901 (1 year, 158 days) 3 Don Cirilo Jaucian y Ynson August 1, 1901 – August 31, 1903 (2 years, 30 days) Sr. Eugenio O. Pardiñas 4 Don Eligio Arboleda September 1, 1903 – December 30, 1903 (Appointed) Don Epifanio S. Orozco (Died in office) January 1, 1904 – July 19, 1904 (Elected) (322 days) 5 Don Epifanio S. Orozco July 20, 1904 – December 31, 1904 (164 days) (Finished the term of Eligio Arboleda) (3) Don Cirilo Jaucian y Ynson January 16, 1905 - January 4, 1907 (1 year, 353 days) (5) Don Epifanio S. Orozco January 7, 1907 – December 31, 1909 (2 years, 358 days) 6 Don Simeon Ola y Arboleda January 3, 1910 – October 14, 1912 (2 years, 285 days) 7 Don Agapito Paulate y Olaguer October 15, 1912 - October 14, 1916 (3 years, 365 days) Established the Guinobatan Central School Bldg. 1 (6) Don Simeon Ola y Arboleda October 15, 1916 - October 14, 1919 (2 years, 364 days) 8 Don Juan Lorica y Munda October 15, 1919 - October 14, 1922 (2 years, 364 days) Don Santiago Diaz 9 Don Justiniano de los Reyes October 15, 1922 - October 14, 1928 (5 years, 365 days) Dr. Damaso R. Labanan (1926–1928) 10 Don Fructuoso Rañola October 15, 1928 - March 10, 1930 (1 year, 146 days) Don Deogracias O. Paulate (Died in office) 11 Don Deogracias Paulate y Olaguer March 11, 1930 - October 14, 1931 (1 year, 217 days) 12 Don Canuto Razal y Rebonquin October 15, 1931 - October 14, 1934 (2 years, 364 days) Don Alejandro Oliva (Won the Special Elections of 1934 and served until 1937) (12) Don Canuto R. Razal October 15, 1934 - December 30, 1937 (2 years, 364 days) Don Alejandro Oliva (Erected the monument of Rizal at the Town Plaza) 13 Democrata Engr. Julian O. Ofrasio January 1, 1938 - 1941 (3 years, 225 days) Carlos Pardo (Died in office) 14 Democrata Carlos Jose O. Pardo 1941 - 1942 (2 years, 260 days) (Finished the term of Mayor Julian Ofrasio, Japanese Invasion Dec. 12, 1941) 15 KALIBAPI Sergio O. Palencia, Sr. 1942 - 1943 (Japanese Appointed) 16 KALIBAPI Capt. Brigido Sison 1943 - April 30, 1944 (Japanese Appointed) 17 KALIBAPI Dionisio Q. Roa May 1, 1944 – August 15, 1945 (1 year, 106 days) (Japanese Appointed) 18 Carlos Jose O. Pardo September 29, 1945 – June 14, 1946 (258 days) Gregorio Alban (Sept. 29, 1945-March 1, 1946) Acting Mayor, Appointed by Pres. Sergio Osmeña, Established the Albay High School - Guinobatan Eligio Osia (March 1, 1946- June 28, 1946) 19 Liberal Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. June 14, 1946 – July 4, 1946 (20 days) Rafael Olmos (June 28, 1946-July 04, 1946) Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas (19) Liberal Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. July 4, 1946 – September 9, 1947 (1 year, 67 days) Rafael Olmos (July 04, 1946- December 30, 1947) Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas 20 Eligio Osia September 9, 1947 – December 30, 1947 (112 days) Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas (19) Liberal Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. January 1, 1948 – 1957 (9 years, 286 days) Martin O. Garcia (1948–1955) Resigned in 1957 and run for Congressman in the 3rd District of Albay Jose B. Garcia (1956–1957) 21 Nacionalista Jose B. Garcia 1957 - December 30, 1963 (6 years, 76 days) Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. (May 9, 1958-December 31, 1959) Antonio Papa (1960–1963) 22 Liberal Atty. Jose P. Oira January 1, 1964 - December 30, 1967 (3 years, 363 days) Nestorio O. Olaguer (January 01, 1964-December 30, 1971) (21) Nacionalista Jose B. Garcia January 1, 1968 - January 16, 1973 (5 years, 15 days) (21) Nacionalista Jose B. Garcia January 17, 1973 - February 25, 1986 (13 years, 39 days) Felipe Duran (1972–1980) KBL Emeliano M. Ongjoco, MD (1980–1986) 23 Liberal Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II March 1986 – February 1, 1988 (1 year, 333 days) Floria M. Tuason Appointed OIC by Pres. Corazon Aquino No. Party Municipal Mayor Term of Office Municipal Vice Mayor SK Federation President ABC President Remarks 24 Juan G. Rivera February 2, 1988 – October 10, 1990 (2 years, 251 days) (23) Liberal Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II October 10, 1990 – June 30, 1998 (7 years, 263 days) Floria M. Tuason (1990–1995) Amiel Ian P. Opeña (1993–1996) Ruben P. Olavario (1995–1998) Christopher O. Palevino (1996–2001) (24) Juan G. Rivera June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2001 (3 years, 0 days) Jesus S. Remendado, Jr., DMD 25 Aksyon Demokratiko Christopher Dy-Liacco Flores June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004 (3 years, 0 days) Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. Sammy N. Pales (2001–2002) Prudencio N. Manrique (Masarawag) Reduced the Poverty incidence of the Municipality to 5.75% and started the Pagsuwak Festival Jane R. Arevalo (2002–2003) (23) Lakas Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II June 30, 2004 - June 30, 2013 (9 years, 0 days) Atty. Generoso Alejo R. Villareal (2004–2007) Gloren Naparato (2004 - August 13, 2007) Sofia O. Orpiada (Iraya) (2004–2007) started the Arandurugan Festival Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. (2007–2013) Jane R. Arevalo (August 21, 2007-November 2007) Jose M. Padilla (Ilawod) (2007–2010) John Rey G. Namia (San Francisco) ( December 2007-2010) Paul N. Garcia (Iraya) (2010–2013) Patrick Polly C. Pintor (Iraya) (2010–2013) 26 Nacionalista Ann Y. Ongjoco June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022 (9 years, 0 days) Julio S. Tingzon, IV (2013-2019) No SK (2013–2018) Jose M. Padilla (Ilawod) (2013–August 9, 2021) First female municipal mayor of Guinobatan Started the Longganisa de Guinobatan Festival which promoted the Towns product Liberal Rolando P. Palabrica (2019–2022) Matthew O. Orpiada (Iraya) (June 30, 2018–November 30, 2023) Remedios R. Mar (Batbat) (August 10, 2021–November 30, 2023) PDPLBN 27 PDPLBN Paul N. Garcia June 30, 2022 – June 30, 2025 (3 years, 0 days) Ann Y. Ongjoco Keith John M. Pacardo (Inamnan Grande) (December 01, 2023 - Incumbent) Reynaldo O. Namia (San Francisco) (December 01, 2023 - Incumbent) Established the Guinobatan Community College (26) NUP Ann Y. Ongjoco June 30, 2025 – Present 1 year, 44 days Rogelio G. Rivera, MD Incumbent

Education

There are two schools district offices which govern all educational institutions within the municipality. They oversee the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools. These are the:

• Guinobatan East Schools District
• Guinobatan West Schools District

There are almost 45 daycare centers, 3 private pre-schools, 33 public elementary schools, 5 private elementary schools, 6 public high schools, 4 private high schools and 4 tertiary schools in the municipality.

Primary and elementary schools

• Al-Madrasah Academy
• Albay Sports Academy
• Balite Elementary School
• Bat-Bat Elementary School
• Binogsacan Elementary School
• Bololo Elementary School
• Bubulusan Elementary School
• Cabaloaon Elementary School
• Catomag Elementary School
• Don Juan Garcia Elementary School
• Doña Elena Mitre Garcia Elementary School
• Doña Irene Elementary School
• Doña Mercedes Elementary School
• Dr. Felipe Cevallos Elementary School
• Fide Christian Academy
• Guinobatan East Central School
• Guinobatan West Central School
• Headed by: PSDS Edgar Orellana
• Headed by: PSDS Ma. Theresa Nasayao
• Inascan Elementary School
• Libas Elementary School
• Lomacao Elementary School
• Maipon Elementary School
• Malabnig Elementary School
• Malipo Elementary School
• Malobago Elementary School
• Manases Olaybal Memorial Elementary School
• Maninila Elementary School
• Mapaco Elementary School
• Masarawag Elementary School
• Mauraro Elementary School
• Morera Elementary School
• Muladbucad Elementary School
• Muladbucad Grande Elementary School
• Ongo Elementary School
• Palanas Elementary School
• Pood Elementary School
• Rainbow Kids School
• Rebagay Foundation Elementary School
• Rich Minds Basic Center
• San Jose Elementary School
• St. Benedict’s Academy
• Teofila O. Baylen Memorial Adventist Multigrade School
• Travesia Elementary School

Secondary schools

• Albay Institute, established in 1902, is a defunct institution, the Americans first opened the AHS at Guinobatan with a population of 52 students and 3 American Teachers, due to the cholera outbreak the institution shut down and was transferred to another municipality.
• Albay Sports Academy
• Balite High School (Proposed new high school)
• Bat-Bat National High School
• Fide Christian Academy located at Rizal St. Iraya
• Lower Binogsacan National High School
• Malipo National High School
• Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School is located at Maharlika Highway, San Francisco, Guinobatan, and started as Albay High School Guinobatan (AHSG) in September 1945 through the initiatives of Hon. Marcial O. Rañola, and Mayor Carlos Pardo. Mr. Jose Ramirez was the inaugural holder of school principal with 12 teachers for the 400 pioneer students. In 1948, the P.T.A. with Mr. Lorenzo Oliver, President purchased the 8 hectare lot which is the present site. In 1954, Hon. Pio Duran espoused the construction of the pre-fabricated buildings under Mr. Pacifico Y. Garcia, Principal. A.H.S.G. became an ICA-NEC pilot school and recipient of equipment, tools and appliances for Science and Technology subjects in 1959. In 1963, the school was nationalized by R.A. No. 3161 sponsored by Hon. Josefina Belmonte–Duran R.A. 3723 was also passed by her naming the school Pio Duran Memorial School in honor of the late Hon. Pio Duran, her predecessor in Congress and school benefactor. On June 17, 1967, R.A. No. 5055 sponsored by Hon. Belmonte-Duran named the school Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School to commemorate the precursor of this institution.
• Masarawag National High School
• Mauraro High School
• PLT Colleges of Guinobatan Senior High School located at Barangay San Francisco
• Republic Colleges of Guinobatan located at G. Alban St. Iraya
• St. Benedict’s Academycame into existence on May 22, 1958, through the combined efforts of Rt. Msgr. Demetrio Valeza and a few militant ladies of the Catholic Women's League, Guinobatan Unit who were bent on having a Catholic school in the town for the cultural and moral upliftment of the youth. The Benedictine Sisters were requested to administer the school. On June 1, 1958, the new school was blessed by Bishop Ariola of Legazpi. Classes began the next day. After two weeks, there were 25 little boys and girls in kindergarten and 36 girls in the first year high school. Such were the auspicious beginnings of SBA. When the burgeoning school population could no longer be accommodated in two-room cabin, a modern concrete building was built in 1961. In that same year the High School Department began to include boys. In 1972, the foundation of two-story building for Elementary School was laid. Improvements were undertaken as the school continued to grow.

Vocational schools

• TESDA - Provincial Training Center

Higher educational institutions

• Colegio de San Buenaventura (1895-1900) is located at the present site of St. Benedict's Academy, it is considered as the first tertiary institution in the Province of Albay. It first opened on January 7, 1895 with a population of 297 students and 14 instructors. During the Philippine-American war, Col. Ignacio Paua, set the instutition to ablaze due to the advancement of the American forces.
• Bicol University - Guinobatan is located in Barangay Ilawod, Morera and Mauraro, it was first established as the Guinobatan Rural High School by Dr. Felipe Cevallos as its founder and held its first classes on June 3, 1912 . It was renamed as Guinobatan Agricultural School in 1927; Roxas Memorial Agricultural School in 1950; Bicol University College of Agriculture (BUCA) in 1969 through RA 5521 and now known as Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) because of the offering of Bachelor of Science in Forestry which started in 1991, and in 2022 it was renamed as the Bicol University Guinobatan Campus.
• Republic Colleges is a non-sectarian institution located at G. Alban st., Iraya, it was first established as the Republic Academy in 1947. It offers the following programs: MA in Education G.R. No. 74 s. 1979 – DCO, MA in Public Administration G.R. No. NA s. NA – NA, Bachelor in Elementary Education G.R. No. 165 s. 1970 – DCO, Bachelor in Secondary Education G.R. No. 194 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Business Administration G.R. No. 195 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Computer Science G.R. No. H-0008 s. 1996 - CRO
• Guinobatan Community College is established in 2024, catering tertiary education to the underprivileged and rural areas of the municipalities of Guinobatan, Jovellar and Camalig in the province of Albay. The institution started to operate in 2025 and offered BS in Entrepreneurship as its pioneer course. In 2026 it will offer B. in Elementary Ed., B. in Culture and Arts Ed. and B. in Special Needs Ed.
• PLT Colleges Inc. of Guinobatan

Notable personalities

• Francis Tolentino, former MMDA Chairmanship
• Elizabeth Oropesa, actress
• Henry Omaga Diaz, YouTuber
• Pio Duran, former representative of the 3rd District of Albay (1949-1961)
• Ramon Paje, 19th DENR Secretary
• Simeón Ola, considered as the last general to surrender

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code