82 Provinces of the Philippines And What They Are Known For

The Philippines is divided into 82 provinces, which serve as the country’s primary political and administrative divisions. 

The provinces are spread across the three main island groups – 38 in Luzon, 27 in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.

Each province has its own unique history, culture, and natural wonders that make the Philippines such a diverse and fascinating country to explore.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the 82 provinces:

Luzon (38 provinces)

Ilocos Region:

1. Ilocos Norte – Known for its historic sites like the Bangui Windmills and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.
2. Ilocos Sur – Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan, famous for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
3. La Union – A popular surfing destination with beaches like San Juan and Bacnotan.
4. Pangasinan – Boasts the Hundred Islands National Park, a cluster of 123 islands in the Lingayen Gulf.

Cagayan Valley:

5. Batanes – The northernmost province, known for its rolling hills, stone houses, and stunning coastal views.
6. Cagayan – Home to the Cagayan River, the longest river in the Philippines, and the Callao Cave system.
7. Isabela – An agricultural powerhouse and home to the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park.
8. Nueva Vizcaya – Known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and the Salinas Natural Monument salt springs.
9. Quirino – Named after President Elpidio Quirino and home to the Governor’s Rapids.

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR):

10. Abra – An off-the-beaten-path destination known for its rugged terrain and indigenous Tingguian culture.
11. Apayao – Home to the Apayao River and the Luna Terraces rice fields.
12. Benguet – Known for its cool climate, strawberry farms, and the Baguio City mountain resort.
13. Ifugao – Famous for the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains by ancestors of the indigenous people.
14. Kalinga – Home to the Chico River, white water rafting adventures, and the Kalinga indigenous tribe.
15. Mountain Province – Offers trekking in the Cordillera Mountains and exploring Sagada’s hanging coffins.

Central Luzon:

16. Aurora – A hidden gem with stunning beaches, waterfalls, and the Dicasalarin Cove.
17. Bataan – Known for its historical sites like the Dambana ng Kagitingan shrine and the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar heritage park.
18. Bulacan – Home to the Malolos Historic Town Center and the Biak-na-Bato National Park.
19. Nueva Ecija – The “Rice Granary of the Philippines” and home to the Minalungao National Park.
20. Pampanga – Known for its culinary heritage, giant lantern festival, and the Lubao Bamboo Hub and Eco-Park.
21. Tarlac – Home to the Monasterio de Tarlac, Kart City Tarlac, and the Tarlac Recreational Park.
22. Zambales – Boasts beautiful beaches like Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves and the Capones Island Lighthouse.

Southern Tagalog:

23. Batangas – Known for its beaches, diving spots, and the Taal Volcano, one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes.
24. Cavite – Home to historical sites like the Corregidor Island and the Aguinaldo Shrine.
25. Laguna – Offers hot springs, the Pagsanjan Falls, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus.
26. Quezon – Boasts the Mount Banahaw pilgrimage site, Borawan Island, and the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine.
27. Rizal – Known for the Hinulugang Taktak Waterfall, Masungi Georeserve, and the Angono Petroglyphs.

Bicol Region:

28. Albay – Home to the iconic Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, and the Vanishing Island.
29. Camarines Norte – Known for its white sand beaches, rock formations, and the Calaguas Islands.
30. Camarines Sur – Offers water sports activities at Lake Buhi and Caramoan Island hopping.
31. Catanduanes – The “Land of the Howling Winds” known for its surfing spots and the Binurong Point.
32. Masbate – Famous for its untouched beaches, the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary, and the Rodeo Masbateño Festival.
33. Sorsogon – Home to the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, the Subic Beach pink sand, and the Barcelona Church.

MIMAROPA:

34. Marinduque – Known for the colorful Moriones Festival held during Holy Week.
35. Occidental Mindoro – Offers beach resorts, the Apo Reef Natural Park, and the Lubang Island.
36. Oriental Mindoro – Home to Puerto Galera’s white sand beaches and dive sites, and the Tamaraw Falls.
37. Palawan – Voted as the world’s best island, with the Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido, and Coron.
38. Romblon – An off-the-beaten-path destination known for its unspoiled beaches and the Bonbon Beach.

Visayas (27 provinces)

Western Visayas:

39. Aklan – Known for the world-famous Boracay Island and its powdery white sand beaches.
40. Antique – Offers the Malalison Island, Bugtong Bato Falls, and the Tibiao River.
41. Capiz – The “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” and home to the Roxas City Seafood Festival.
42. Guimaras – Known for its sweet mangoes, unspoiled beaches, and the Guisi Lighthouse.
43. Iloilo – Home to the Dinagyang Festival, the Miag-ao Church, and the Gigantes Islands.
44. Negros Occidental – Offers the MassKara Festival, The Ruins, and the Danjugan Island Marine Reserve.

Central Visayas:

45. Bohol – Known for the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and the Loboc River Cruise.
46. Cebu – The “Queen City of the South” with white sand beaches, the Kawasan Falls, and the Magellan’s Cross.
47. Negros Oriental – Home to Apo Island, Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, and the Manjuyod White Sandbar.
48. Siquijor – Known for its mystical traditions, Cambugahay Falls, and the 400-year-old Balete Tree.

Eastern Visayas:

49. Biliran – Offers the Sambawan Island, Ulan-Ulan Falls, and the Biliran Windmill Farm.
50. Eastern Samar – Home to the Calicoan Island, Balangiga Encounter Monument, and the Minasangay Marine Eco Park.
51. Leyte – Known for the historic Leyte Landing Memorial, Kalanggaman Island, and the San Juanico Bridge.
52. Northern Samar – Offers the Pink Beach in Sila Island, Biri Rock Formations, and the Capul Island Lighthouse.
53. Samar – The third largest island in the Philippines, known for the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge.
54. Southern Leyte – Home to the Lake Danao Natural Park, Limasawa Island, and the Napantao Fish Sanctuary.

Mindanao (17 provinces)

Zamboanga Peninsula:

55. Zamboanga del Norte – Known for the Dapitan City Shrine, Aliguay Island, and the Sungkilaw Falls.
56. Zamboanga del Sur – Home to the Fort Pilar, Merloquet Falls, and the Once Islas.
57. Zamboanga Sibugay – Offers the Olutanga Island, Buluan Island, and the Naga-Naga Boardwalk.

Northern Mindanao:

58. Bukidnon – Known for its pineapple plantations, Dahilayan Adventure Park, and the Kaamulan Festival.
59. Camiguin – The “Island Born of Fire” with the Hibok-Hibok Volcano, White Island, and the Sunken Cemetery.
60. Lanao del Norte – Home to the Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, and the Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House.
61. Misamis Occidental – Offers the Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel, Baliangao Protected Landscape, and the Jimenez Church.
62. Misamis Oriental – Known for the Divine Mercy Shrine, Agutayan Island, and the Lasang Secret Adventure.

Davao Region:

63. Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley) – Home to the Kopiat Island, Tagbibinta Falls, and the Maragusan Hot Spring.
64. Davao del Norte – Offers the Samal Island, Talaingod Manobo Village, and the Banana Beach.
65. Davao del Sur – Known for Mount Apo (the highest peak in the Philippines), the Philippine Eagle Center, and the Malagos Garden Resort.
66. Davao Occidental – The newest province, home to the Balut Island, Puting Bato Cave, and the Passig Islet.
67. Davao Oriental – Offers the Aliwagwag Falls, Subangan Museum, and the Dahican Beach.

SOCCSKSARGEN:

68. Cotabato – Known for the Asik-Asik Falls, Malambuaya Cove, and the Manobo Floating Village.
69. Sarangani – Home to the General Santos City Fish Port, Gumasa White Sand Beach, and the Lamlifew Village Museum.
70. South Cotabato – Offers the Lake Sebu, Seven Falls, and the T’nalak Festival.
71. Sultan Kudarat – Known for the Tacurong City Bird Sanctuary, Daguma Mountain Range, and the Isulan Marketplace.

Caraga:

72. Agusan del Norte – Home to the Tagnote Falls, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mount Hilong-Hilong.
73. Agusan del Sur – Offers the Bega Falls, Gibong River, and the Pinandagatan Cave.
74. Dinagat Islands – Known for the Bitaog Beach, Lake Bababu, and the Cab-ilan Cave.
75. Surigao del Norte – Home to the Siargao Island surfing capital, Sohoton Cove, and the Bucas Grande.
76. Surigao del Sur – Offers the Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, and the Britania Group of Islands.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM):

77. Basilan – Known for the Malamawi White Beach, Bulingan Falls, and the Lamitan Riding Stables.
78. Lanao del Sur – Home to the Lake Lanao, Mimbalut Falls, and the Aga Khan Museum.
79. Maguindanao del Norte – Offers the Bud Bongao, Bongao Peak, and the Simunul Mosque.
80. Maguindanao del Sur – Known for the Margues Blue Lagoon, Timanan Cave, and the Maranao Collectibles.
81. Sulu – Home to the Bud Datu, Panglima Annao Protected Landscape, and the Maimbung Bay.
82. Tawi-Tawi – The southernmost province, known for the Bongao Peak, Panampangan Island, and the Badjao Village.

Each of these 82 provinces has something unique to offer, from stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage. By exploring these diverse destinations, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible beauty and diversity of the Philippines.

Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, lush mountains, vibrant festivals, or historical sites, the provinces of the Philippines have it all.

So why not embark on an adventure and discover the hidden gems waiting to be explored in each of these fascinating provinces?