Philippines' 18 Regions: 2024 Geographic Breakdown

The Philippines’ Administrative Divisions: A Comprehensive Breakdown Based on the Latest PSGC Data (June 30, 2024)

What does it mean to govern a nation of over 7,600 islands? How do we organize such a geographically diverse country into manageable administrative units? These questions are at the heart of how the Philippines structures its regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities. Based on the official Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC) data as of June 30, 2024, this article provides a detailed breakdown of the country’s administrative divisions and explores the significance of these figures.

The PSGC serves as the official reference for all geographic and administrative boundaries in the Philippines. It is updated regularly to reflect changes in territorial boundaries or newly established regions, provinces, cities, or municipalities. The most recent update introduces an important development—the re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR), which consolidates Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into a single administrative region. This change is a testament to the evolving nature of governance in the Philippines.

Key Takeaways:

1. As of June 30, 2024, the Philippines comprises 18 regions, including the re-established Negros Island Region (NIR).
2. The country is divided into 82 provinces, 149 cities, and 1,493 municipalities, totaling 1,642 administrative areas.
3. The NIR was re-established through Republic Act No. 12000, combining Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
4. The region with the most cities is CALABARZON (Region IV-A), with 22 cities, while Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) has the most municipalities at 136.
5. The National Capital Region (NCR) is unique, having no provinces but comprising 16 cities and one municipality.

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Understanding the Numbers: The Backbone of Governance

As of June 30, 2024, the Philippines is divided into 82 provinces, 149 cities, and 1,493 municipalities, amounting to a total of 1,642 local government units (LGUs). These divisions are distributed across 17 regions, each with its unique cultural, economic, and geographic characteristics. Below is a detailed breakdown of these administrative divisions per region:

Region	Provinces	Cities	Municipalities	Total (C+M)
NCR (National Capital Region)	0	16	1	17
CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region)	6	2	75	77
Region I (Ilocos Region)	4	9	116	125
Region II (Cagayan Valley)	5	4	89	93
Region III (Central Luzon)	7	15	115	130
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)	5	22	120	142
MIMAROPA (Southwestern Tagalog)	5	2	71	73
Region V (Bicol Region)	6	7	107	114
Region VI (Western Visayas)	5	3	98	101
NIR (Negros Island Region)*	3	19	44	63
Region VII (Central Visayas)	2	10	91	101
Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)	6	7	136	143
Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)	3	5	67	72
Region X (Northern Mindanao)	5	9	84	93
Region XI (Davao Region)	5	6	43	49
Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)	4	5	45	50
Region XIII (Caraga)	5	6	67	73
BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region)	6	3	124	127

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Breaking Down the Regions: Key Highlights

1. The National Capital Region (NCR): A City-Dominated Hub

NCR is unique among all Philippine regions as it has no provinces. Instead, it consists of 16 cities and one municipality, making it a highly urbanized area. As the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, NCR’s compact yet dense structure reflects its role as a metropolitan hub.

2. The Rebirth of the Negros Island Region (NIR)

Perhaps the most notable update in this PSGC release is the re-establishment of the NIR under Republic Act No. 12000. This region consolidates Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, streamlining governance and fostering closer cooperation between these provinces. With its 19 cities and 44 municipalities, NIR is poised to become a significant player in regional development.

3. CALABARZON: The Most Populous Administrative Division

Region IV-A, also known as CALABARZON, stands out as the region with the highest number of LGUs—142 cities and municipalities combined. As an economic powerhouse, CALABARZON is home to industrial zones and rapidly urbanizing areas that contribute significantly to the country’s GDP.

4. BARMM: A Unique Autonomous Setup

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) boasts a distinct governance framework under its autonomy agreement. With 6 provinces, 3 cities, and 124 municipalities, BARMM reflects the diversity and complexity of governance in Mindanao.

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Why These Numbers Matter

Administrative divisions are more than just numbers on paper—they define how resources are allocated, how policies are implemented, and how people interact with their government. A well-organized structure ensures that services reach even the most remote areas while fostering regional development.

The re-establishment of NIR is a prime example of how governance evolves to meet changing needs. By consolidating three provinces into one region, the government aims to improve coordination and economic collaboration in Negros Island.

Meanwhile, regions like CALABARZON and NCR highlight the challenges of managing densely populated areas. In contrast, regions such as CAR and BARMM underscore the importance of addressing cultural and geographic diversity.

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Actionable Insights: What Can We Learn?

1. Policy Implications:
   Policymakers can use this data to identify underserved areas and allocate resources more effectively. For example, regions with high numbers of municipalities but fewer cities may need more urban development initiatives.

2. Economic Opportunities:
   The re-establishment of NIR opens up new possibilities for investment and economic growth in Negros Island. Entrepreneurs and businesses should explore opportunities in this newly consolidated region.

3. Citizen Engagement:
   Understanding local governance structures empowers citizens to engage more effectively with their LGUs. Awareness of regional divisions can help Filipinos advocate for better services and representation.

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Conclusion: Beyond the Numbers

The latest PSGC update paints a vivid picture of the Philippines’ administrative landscape—a dynamic system that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of governing an archipelago nation. From the bustling streets of Metro Manila to the scenic provinces of Negros Island, each region tells a story of resilience, diversity, and progress.

As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that these divisions are not just lines on a map—they represent communities, cultures, and aspirations. How can we ensure that every LGU thrives in this complex tapestry? That question remains for policymakers, leaders, and citizens alike to answer.

What are your thoughts on these updates? Share your insights or explore more about your region’s unique characteristics. Let’s continue building a deeper understanding of our nation’s geography and governance—one region at a time!

People Also Ask:

Q: How many regions does the Philippines have in 2024?
A: The Philippines has 18 regions as of June 30, 2024, after the re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Q: What is the largest region in terms of municipalities in the Philippines?
A: Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) has the highest number of municipalities, totaling 136.

Q: What is the significance of the Negros Island Region (NIR)?
A: The NIR was re-established in June 2024, combining Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor into one region under Republic Act No. 12000.

Q: Does NCR have any provinces?
A: No, the National Capital Region (NCR) has no provinces but consists of 16 cities and one municipality.

Q: Which region has the most cities in the Philippines?
A: CALABARZON (Region IV-A) has the highest number of cities in the Philippines with a total of 22 cities.