Sibalom

Sibalom
Municipality
Municipality of Sibalom
Sugarcane farm in Sibalom
Sugarcane farm in Sibalom
Flag of Sibalom
Flag
Motto: 
Experience the Gems of Sibalom
Map of Antique with Sibalom highlighted
Map of Antique with Sibalom highlighted
Interactive map of Sibalom
Sibalom is located in Philippines
Sibalom
Sibalom
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 10°47′18″N 122°01′03″E / 10.7883°N 122.0175°E / 10.7883; 122.0175
CountryPhilippines
RegionWestern Visayas
ProvinceAntique
District Lone district
Barangays76 (see Barangays)
Government
 
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorGian Carlo F. Occeña
 • Vice MayorKazy V. Butiong
 • RepresentativeAnthony Agapito B. Legarda Jr.
 • Municipal Council
Members
  • Felipe D. Lacsama Jr.
  • Jimmy M. Eco
  • Marc Franco V. Pajarito
  • Zoilo Bernardo E. Tubianosa
  • Sebastian V. Butiong
  • Donna Chris Y. Subong
  • Reymond D. Nabalan
  • Marlene S. Nacis
 • Electorate41,241 voters (2025)
Area
 • Total
201.30 km2 (77.72 sq mi)
Elevation
27 m (89 ft)
Highest elevation
(Mount Sansanan)
1,283 m (4,209 ft)
Lowest elevation
10 m (33 ft)
Population
 (2024 census)
 • Total
67,155
 • Density333.61/km2 (864.04/sq mi)
 • Households
15,111
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
17.62
% (2023)
 • Revenue₱ 295.2 million (2024)
 • Assets₱ 729.5 million (2024)
 • Expenditure₱ 148.6 million (2024)
 • Liabilities₱ 308.2 million (2024)
Service provider
 • ElectricityAntique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
5713
PSGC
060616000
IDD : area code +63 (0)36
Native languagesKaray-a
Hiligaynon
Ati
Tagalog
Websitesibalom.gov.ph

Sibalom, officially the Municipality of Sibalom, (Kinaray-a: Banwa kang Sibalom; Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Sibalom; Tagalog: Bayan ng Sibalom), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 67,155 people. Thus, making it a suburb of San Jose (the provincial capital), the second most populous municipality in the province of Antique and fifth largest municipality in terms of land area, with a total area of 201.30 square kilometers.

History

The 1818 Spanish census recorded 4,665 native families in the area, living in co-existence with 2 Spanish-Filipino families.: 329 

Geography

Sibalom is located at 10°47′18″N 122°01′03″E / 10.7883°N 122.0175°E / 10.7883; 122.0175. It is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from the provincial capital, San Jose de Buenavista.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 201.30 square kilometres (77.72 sq mi)  constituting 7.38% of the 2,729.17-square-kilometre- (1,053.74 sq mi) total area of Antique.

Sibalom's geography is defined by its rolling and mountainous terrain, with about 83% of its land being elevated, making it a landlocked municipality within the coastal province of Antique. Key geographical features include the Sibalom River, the longest in Antique, and the Sibalom Natural Park, a protected area centered around the Tipulu-an and Mao-it river watershed. This mountainous and river-rich environment supports its nickname, the "rice bowl of Antique," due to its significant agricultural activity.

Barangays

Sibalom is politically subdivided into 76 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios. From 1953 to 1955, Barangay Catmon was known as Barangay Pajarito.

Climate

Climate data for Sibalom, Antique
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30
(86)		 31
(88)		 32
(90)		 33
(91)		 32
(90)		 30
(86)		 29
(84)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 29
(84)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21
(70)		 21
(70)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 23
(74)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 19
(0.7)		 17
(0.7)		 26
(1.0)		 37
(1.5)		 119
(4.7)		 191
(7.5)		 258
(10.2)		 260
(10.2)		 248
(9.8)		 196
(7.7)		 97
(3.8)		 39
(1.5)		 1,507
(59.3)
Average rainy days 7.2 5.2 8.3 11.9 22.3 26.5 28.3 28.2 27.3 26.4 18.7 11.8 222.1
Source: Meteoblue

Demographics

Population census of Sibalom
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 15,562—    
1918 17,844+0.92%
1939 22,178+1.04%
1948 28,558+2.85%
1960 24,468−1.28%
1970 30,392+2.19%
1975 32,247+1.20%
1980 35,515+1.95%
1990 42,647+1.85%
1995 46,143+1.49%
2000 49,971+1.72%
2007 53,934+1.06%
2010 56,058+1.42%
2015 60,306+1.40%
2020 63,833+1.20%
2024 67,155+1.23%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2024 census, Sibalom had a population of 67,155 people. The population density was 330 inhabitants per square kilometre (850/sq mi).

Economy

Poverty incidence of Sibalom (%)

10
20
30
40
50
2000
44.76
2003
32.61
2006
33.10
2009
37.51
2012
21.17
2015
20.06
2018
17.67
2021
19.61
2023
17.62

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Tourism

Sibalom's tourism industry dawned after the proclamation of the Sibalom Natural Park.[citation needed]

Sibalom Natural Park

Sibalom Natural Park, one of the last patches of lowland forest on Panay Island and the first protected area in the island, harbors many unique species of plants and animals, some of which are on the brink of extinction. About 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) of forest in Sibalom from Mount Porras extending to Mount Igmatindog, covering Sibalom river and its main tributaries Mao-it river and Tipulu-an river, was declared a natural park on April 23, 2000. Of this forest, 672 hectares (1,660 acres) are undisturbed by any human activity while about 4,223 hectares (10,440 acres) constitutes the 50-year-old reforestation site. One highlight is the Rafflesia speciosa, discovered in Mount Porras and surrounding Barangays in 2002. Dubbed the biggest bloom in the world, its discovery put Sibalom in the map of tourist stopovers in the Philippines.[citation needed] Sibalom also has century-old industries and structures, as well as boulders of gemstones and treacherous mountain trails.

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:

Primary and elementary schools

  • Adventist Elementary School
  • Alangan-Bungsod Cubay Elementary School
  • Apong Elementary School
  • Bari Elementary School
  • Barley Learning Center
  • Berean Sibalom Christian Academy
  • Bongbongan I Elementary School
  • Bongbongan II Elementary School
  • Bontol Elementary School
  • Buga Elementary School
  • Bululacao Elementary School
  • Cabariuan Elementary School
  • Cabladan-Cabanbanan Elementary School
  • Cadoldolan-Igdagmay Elementary School
  • Calooy Elementary School
  • Catmon Elementary School
  • Catungan 3rd & 4th Elementary School
  • Egaña Elementary School
  • Egaña Sacred Heart Parochial School
  • Esperanza Elementary School
  • Fornier Elementary School
  • Happy Kids Character Building and Learning Center
  • Igcocok Elementary School
  • Iglanot Elementary School
  • Igpanolong Elementary School
  • Igsuming Elementary School
  • Ilabas Elementary School
  • Imparayan Elementary School
  • Inabasan Elementary School
  • Indag-an Elementary School
  • Initan Elementary School
  • Insarayan Elementary School
  • Juan Vego Elementary School
  • Lagdo Elementary School
  • Lambayagan Elementary School
  • Lotilla Elementary School
  • LSD Child Study Center
  • Luyang Elementary School
  • Maasin Elementary School
  • Mabini Elementary School
  • Nagdayao Elementary School
  • Nazareth Elementary School
  • Odiong Elementary School
  • Pangpang Elementary School
  • Panlagangan Elementary School
  • Pis-anan Central School
  • Salvacion Elementary School
  • Sibalom Central Elementary School
  • Sido-San Juan Elementary School
  • Sta. Rita Academy
  • Tabong-Tabong Elementary School
  • Tig-ohot Elementary School
  • Tigbalua Elementary School
  • Tinubuan Primary School
  • Tordesillas Elementary School
  • Tulatula Elementary School
  • V. Grasparil Elementary School
  • Villafont Elementary School
  • Villar Elementary School
  • Valentine Saydoquis Memorial School

Secondary schools

  • Dr. Luis E. Baraquia National High School
  • Egaña National High School
  • Lacaron lntegrated School
  • LSD Child Study Center
  • Pangpang National High School
  • Pis-anan National High Sshool
  • Sibalom National High School
  • Sido-San Juan National High School
  • University of Antique (High School)
  • Wright Technological College (High School)

Higher educational institutions

  • University of Antique (Main Campus)
  • Wright Technological College

References

  1. ↑ "About Us". sibalom.gov.ph. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  2. ↑  Municipality of Sibalom | (DILG)
  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. ↑ Buzeta, Manuel; Bravo, Felipe (1850). Diccionario Geográfico, Estadístico, Histórico, de las Islas Filipinas (in Spanish). Madrid: Imp. de D. José C. de la Peña. Retrieved March 18, 2026 – via University of Santo Tomas Digital Library and Archives.(Page 329)
  8. ↑ "Province: Antique". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
  9. ↑ "Municipal: Sibalom". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  10. ↑ "An Act to Change the Name of the Barrio of Catmon, Municipality of Sibalom, Province of Antique, to Pajarito". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  11. ↑ "An Act to Change the Name of the Barrio of Pajarito, Municipality of Sibalom, Province of Antique, to Catmon". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  12. ↑ "Sibalom: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  13. ↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  14. ↑ Census of Population (2015). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  15. ↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VI (Western Visayas)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  16. ↑ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  17. ↑ "Province of Antique". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  18. ↑ "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  19. ↑ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  20. ↑ "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.
  21. ↑ "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.
  22. ↑ "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.
  23. ↑ "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.
  24. ↑ "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.
  25. ↑ "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.
  26. ↑ "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.
  27. ↑ "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.
  28. ↑ Barcelona, J.F.; Pelser, P.B.; Balete, D.S.; Co, L.L. (30 October 2009). "Taxonomy, ecology, and conservation status of Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesiaceae)". Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. 54 (1): 77–93. doi:10.3767/000651909X474122.
  29. ↑ "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2025.