Albay population now close to 1.4 million; Jovellar is the least populated

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- The population of Albay province has reached 1,379,398, showing a slight increase from the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Bicol.

This figure includes individuals living in both households and institutional living quarters. It reflects an increase of 4,630 people from the 2020 population of 1,374,768, said PSA Albay Chief Statistical Specialist Cecil G. Brondial.

Despite the increase, the province’s population growth rate (PGR) has been on a declining trend over the past nine years. From 2020 to 2024, the annual PGR dropped sharply to 0.08 percent—significantly lower than the 0.94 percent recorded during the 2015–2020 period.

Among the three component cities of Albay, Legazpi City remains the most populous with 210,616 residents, followed by Tabaco City with 140,779, and Ligao City with 119,779.

Of the 15 municipalities, Daraga has the largest population at 138,000, followed by Polangui (89,344), Guinobatan (84,420), Camalig (73,087), Bacacay (72,298), Libon (72,135), Oas (64,890), Tiwi (56,871), Malinao (49,570), Malilipot (41,066), Santo Domingo (37,586), Rapu-Rapu (36,281), Manito (26,425), and Jovellar (17,538).

Jovellar is the least populated municipality, followed by Manito and Rapu-Rapu.

Historical data shows that Albay’s population in 2010 stood at 1,233,432, increasing to 1,314,826 in 2015 (an increase of 81,394). From 2015 to 2020, the population rose by 59,942.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Proclamation No. 973 issued on July 11, 2025, officially declared the results of the 2024 Census of Population. This proclamation is in accordance with Republic Act No. 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, and Executive Order No. 87, s. 2025.

These legal mandates uphold the periodic conduct of national censuses to provide government planners, policymakers, and administrators with essential data for formulating evidence-based social and economic development programs.