Benito Soliven

Benito Soliven
Benito Soliven
Municipality
	Municipality of Benito Soliven
	Aerial view from San Mariano
	Flag Seal
	Map of Isabela with Benito Soliven highlighted
	Interactive map of Benito Soliven
	Benito Soliven Location within the Philippines
	Coordinates: 16°59′N 121°57′E / 16.98°N 121.95°E
Country	Philippines
Region	Cagayan Valley
Province	Isabela
District	2nd district
Founded	May 18, 1967
Barangays	29 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Roberto T. Lungan
• Vice Mayor	John Paul S. Azur
• Representative	Ed Christopher S. Go
• Electorate	19,914 voters (2025)
Area
• Total	184.40 km2 (71.20 sq mi)
Elevation	79 m (259 ft)
Highest elevation	144 m (472 ft)
Lowest elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Population (2024 census)
• Total	30,682
• Density	166.39/km2 (430.94/sq mi)
• Households	7,373
Economy
• Income class	2nd municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	12.59% (2023)
• Revenue	₱ 185.7 million (2024)
• Assets	₱ 685 million (2024)
• Expenditure	₱ 184.8 million (2024)
• Liabilities	₱ 125.5 million (2024)
Service provider
• Electricity	Isabela 2 Electric Cooperative (ISELCO 2)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	3331
PSGC	0203104000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)78
Native languages	Ilocano; Tagalog
Website	www.benitosoliven-isabela.gov.ph

Benito Soliven, officially the Municipality of Benito Soliven, is a municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 30,682 people.

Etymology

The town is named after Benito Tagorda Soliven, Congressman of Ilocos Sur's 1st district from 1935 to 1941.

History

Benito Soliven was once known as Melappia of the Municipality of San Mariano. The municipality came to existence with the passage of Republic Act No. 4873 on May 18, 1967. The first elected municipal officials were proclaimed following the November 1967 elections, and the new town's administration began on January 1, 1968. It is now a fourth-class municipality with 29 barangays.

Geography

Benito Soliven is 30.31 kilometres (18.83 mi) from the provincial capital Ilagan, and 400 kilometres (250 mi) from the capital Manila.

Barangays

Benito Soliven is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

Andabuen
Ara
Binogtungan
Capuseran (Capurocan)
Dagupan
Danipa
District II (Poblacion)
Gomez
Guilingan
La Salette
Makindol
Maluno Norte
Maluno Sur
Nacalma
New Magsaysay
Punit
San Carlos
San Francisco
Santa Cruz
Sevillana
Sinipit
Lucban
Villaluz
Yeban Norte
Yeban Sur
Santiago
Placer
Balliao

Climate

Climate data for Benito Soliven, Isabela
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	29 (84)	30 (86)	32 (90)	35 (95)	35 (95)	35 (95)	34 (93)	33 (91)	32 (90)	31 (88)	30 (86)	28 (82)	32 (90)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	19 (66)	20 (68)	21 (70)	23 (73)	23 (73)	24 (75)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (73)	22 (72)	21 (70)	20 (68)	22 (71)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	31.2 (1.23)	23 (0.9)	27.7 (1.09)	28.1 (1.11)	113.5 (4.47)	141.4 (5.57)	176.4 (6.94)	236.6 (9.31)	224.9 (8.85)	247.7 (9.75)	222.9 (8.78)	178 (7.0)	1,651.4 (65)
Average rainy days	10	6	5	5	13	12	15	15	15	17	16	15	144
Source: World Weather Online

Demographics

Population census of Benito Soliven
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1970	14,850	—
1975	13,475	−1.93%
1980	16,710	+4.40%
1990	20,236	+1.93%
1995	20,685	+0.41%
2000	22,192	+1.52%
2007	25,151	+1.74%
2010	27,337	+3.08%
2015	29,624	+1.54%
2020	29,752	+0.09%
2024	30,682	+0.74%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2024 census, the population of Benito Soliven was 30,682 people, with a density of 170 inhabitants per square kilometre or 440 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Benito Soliven (%)

10

20

30

40

50

60

2000
53.66

2003
38.38

2006
32.00

2009
25.39

2012
23.61

2015
21.72

2018
19.74

2021
20.51

2023
12.59

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Government

Local government

As a municipality in the Province of Isabela, government officials at the provincial and municipal levels are voted by the town. The provincial government has political jurisdiction over most local transactions of the municipal government.

The municipality of Benito Soliven is governed by a mayor, designated as its local chief executive, and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the municipal councilors are elected directly by the people through an election held every three years.

Barangays are also headed by elected officials: Barangay Captain, Barangay Council, whose members are called Barangay Councilors. The barangays have SK federation which represents the barangay, headed by SK chairperson and whose members are called SK councilors. All officials are also elected every three years.

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2022-2025)
Position	Name
Congressman	Ed Christopher S. Go
Mayor	Roberto T. Lungan
Vice-Mayor	John Paul S. Azur
Councilors	Rose Jane S. Azur
	Roxan V. Lungan
	Ernie John B. Abu
	Rommel L. Rinion
	Amado G. Viernes
	Marshal Ancheta
	Jade Carreon
	Ferdinand Dela Cruz
SKF President	Isidro Carmelo L. Siquian

Congress representation

Benito Soliven, belonging to the second legislative district of the province of Isabela, is currently represented by Ed Christopher S. Go.

Education

The Schools Division of Isabela governs the town's public education system. The division office is a field office of the DepEd in Cagayan Valley region. The Benito Soliven Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

Andabuen Elementary School (Purok 3 Main)
Andabuen Elementary School (Purok 2 Annex)
Ara Elementary School
Benito Soliven Central School
Binogtungan Elementary School
Calaocan Elementary School
Capuseran Elementary School
Dagupan Elementary School
Danipa Elementary School
Gomez Elementary School
Guilingan Elementary School
Isabela King of Glory Care School
La Salette ES
Makindol Elementary School
Nacalma Elementary School
Placer-Dagupan Elementary School
Punit Elementary School
San Carlos Primary School
San Francisco Elementary School
Santiago Elementary School
Sevillana Elementary School
Sinipit Elementary School
Sta. Cruz Elementary School
Villa Lucban Primary School
Yeban Sur Elementary School

Secondary schools

Andabuen National High School
Balliao Integrated School
Benito Soliven National High School
Maluno Integrated School (Purok 4 Annex A)
Maluno Integrated School (Purok 2 Annex B)
New Magsaysay Integrated School
St. Clare College
Yeban Integrated School

References

↑ "Republic Act No 4873, May 18, 1968 - An Act Creating The Municipality of Benito Soliven in the Province of Isabela". Supreme Court E-Library. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
↑ Municipality of Benito Soliven | (DILG)
↑ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
↑ "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
↑ "Unveiling of the Benito Soliven statue and opening of Soliven Memorabilia". philstar.com. March 28, 2003. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
↑ "Republic Act No. 4873. An Act Creating the Municipality of Benito Soliven in the Province of Isabela". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
↑ "Executive Summary" (PDF). Commission on Audit - coa.gov.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
↑ "Province:". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
↑ "Benito Soliven, Isabela: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". World Weather Online. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
↑ Census of Population (2015). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
↑ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
↑ "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
↑ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
↑ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
↑ "2003 Small Area Estimates of Poverty (Full Report)" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 11 March 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
↑ "2006 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
↑ "PSA Releases the 2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
↑ "PSA Releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
↑ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Archived from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
↑ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
↑ "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
↑ "Benito Soliven, Isabela Election Results 2022". Rappler PH. ph.rappler.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
↑ "House of Representatives: 19th Congress". Official Website of the House of Representatives PH. congress.gov.ph. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
↑ "HISTORY OF DEPED-ISABELA". DepED Isabela | The official website of DepED Schools Division of Isabela. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
↑ "DEPED REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 02". DepED RO2 | The official website of DepED Regional Office No. 02. Archived from the original on 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
↑ "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2025.

External links

[1] "Republic Act No 4873, May 18, 1968 - An Act Creating The Municipality of Benito Soliven in the Province of Isabela". Supreme Court E-Library. Retrieved June 24, 2024.

[2] Municipality of Benito Soliven | (DILG)

[popcen2015_r3-3] "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.

[4] "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.

[5] "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.

[6] "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.

[7] "Unveiling of the Benito Soliven statue and opening of Soliven Memorabilia". philstar.com. March 28, 2003. Retrieved June 28, 2024.

[8] "Republic Act No. 4873. An Act Creating the Municipality of Benito Soliven in the Province of Isabela". lawphil.net. Retrieved 2025-03-08.

[9] "Executive Summary" (PDF). Commission on Audit - coa.gov.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2024.

[nscb-area-10] "Province:". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 25 August 2025.

[met_norms-11] "Benito Soliven, Isabela: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". World Weather Online. Retrieved 31 October 2015.

[12] "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.

[PSA15–02-13] Census of Population (2015). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.

[NSO10–02-14] Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[NSO07-02-15] Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region II (Cagayan Valley)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.

[LWUA-PopulationData-16] "Province of". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

[17] "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.

[18] "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.

[19] "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 February 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2012.

[20] "2003 Small Area Estimates of Poverty (Full Report)" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 11 March 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.

[21] "2006 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012. Archived from the original on 21 May 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2012.

[22] "PSA Releases the 2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2016.

[23] "PSA Releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2019.

[24] "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Archived from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2021.

[25] "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.

[26] "881 Cities and Municipalities Recorded Poverty Incidence of 20 Percent or Lower in 2023". Philippine Statistics Authority. 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 3 June 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.

[27] "Benito Soliven, Isabela Election Results 2022". Rappler PH. ph.rappler.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

[28] "House of Representatives: 19th Congress". Official Website of the House of Representatives PH. congress.gov.ph. Retrieved May 15, 2022.

[29] "HISTORY OF DEPED-ISABELA". DepED Isabela | The official website of DepED Schools Division of Isabela. Retrieved March 13, 2022.

[30] "DEPED REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 02". DepED RO2 | The official website of DepED Regional Office No. 02. Archived from the original on 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2022-03-12.

[31] "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2025.

v t e Province of Isabela
Ilagan (capital and largest city)
Municipalities	Alicia Angadanan Aurora Benito Soliven Burgos Cabagan Cabatuan Cordon Delfin Albano Dinapigue Divilacan Echague Gamu Jones Luna Maconacon Mallig Naguilian Palanan Quezon Quirino Ramon Reina Mercedes Roxas San Agustin San Guillermo San Isidro San Manuel San Mariano San Mateo San Pablo Santa Maria Santo Tomas Tumauini
Component cities	Cauayan Ilagan
Independent component city	Santiago (Administratively independent from the province but grouped under Isabela by the Philippine Statistics Authority.)
Barangays	See: List of barangays in Isabela