Albay population reaches 1.2M

By Sally Atento

Friday 20th of July 2012

LEGAZPI CITY, July 20 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that population of Albay province has reached 1,233,432.

Based on the result of the Census of Population and Housing, conducted from May to June 2012, there has been an increase of about 143,000 individuals over the last 10 years.

NSO 5 Regional Dir. Cynthia L. Perdiz said among the province's three cities, Legazpi posted the largest population at 182,201 persons. The city is followed by Tabaco with 125,083 and Ligao with 104,914.

For the municipalities, Daraga was the most populated at 115,804 while Jovellar was the least populated at 16,899. Daraga was followed by Sto. Domingo with 32,414 and Manito with 22,819.

Taysan in Legazpi City listed 11,418 in population and was the only barangay with more 10,000 persons. Taysan was followed by Anislag in Daraga with 9,445 and Upper Bonga in Bacacay with 7,468.

Perdiz said the province of Albay registered a 1.23 percent annual population growth rate in general.

“The population of Albay increased at the rate of 1.23 percent annually during the period 2000 – 2010. This means that from 2000 to 2010, approximately 12 persons are added per year for every population in the province,” she added.

However, Jovellar is the only area with negative population growth rate of -0.27 percent.
As of May 2010, its population is 16,899 which is lower by 458 persons of the 17, 357 persons recorded in 2000.

The rest of the cities and municipalities posted positive growth rate with Rapu-Rapu taking the lead at 2.09 percent. It is followed by Legazpi at 1.50 percent, Ligao at 1.48 percent and Tabaco at 1.56 percent.

The Census of Population and Housing is pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang 72, which provided NSO the authority to undertake an integrated census every 10 years on the number of residents of the country and their available housing units. Census data are used as bases in the formulation of economic development plans and programs. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)