# Guinobatan

Guinobatan, officially the Municipality of Guinobatan (Central Bikol: Banwaan kan Guinobatan; East Miraya Bikol: Banwa ning Guinobatan; Tagalog: Bayan ng Guinobatan), is a municipality in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 85,786 people.
The town is the birthplace of General Simeón Ola, the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans after the Philippine–American War.

## History
### Legend

In the research work "Guinobatan Through the Times," the following version of the legend is stated:
* In a region on Mayon's slopes lay a village. It was dotted with huts whose roofs were made of nipa, as well as with a number of stone houses. In the village was a church, and inside the belfry was a Golden Bell. So great was the bell that when rung, the sound could be heard from miles away. The sound could even reach the land of the Moros. The Moros, made curious by the sound of the bell, sent spies so that they would know what kind of bell was producing so loud and peculiar a sound. The spies were amazed and surprised to find out that the townspeople rang was made of pure gold. They went back to the land of the Moros eager to report their findings to their superiors. Motivated by greed, the Moros assembled a squad to plunder the bell. When they arrived at the village, they pillaged the community and torched houses. They attempted to force the people to tell them where the Golden Bell was. Their attempts failed. Many were still able to flee. The fleeing townsfolk knew where the bell was, and they hid the bell underneath the roots of trees. However, an old man was left in the village. As he was the only person left in the town; Moros tortured him so that he would tell the raiders where the Golden Bell was. The old man, however, did not know. Finding no use for the old man, the Moros killed him. They tried to pursue the townspeople, but they were too far away to be captured. Instead, they went to the woods in search of the Golden Bell. They uprooted every tree underneath which they believed the Golden Bell was hidden. Their efforts proved futile. Hence, with empty hands the Moros went back to their land, while the townspeople went back to the village to rebuild their lives, which had always been under threat from Moro pillagers and natural calamities; from bad harvests and oppressive encomienderos. The townspeople also kept the valued Golden Bell safe from anyone who tried to steal it. Seeing the uprooted trees, the townsfolk named their area “Guinobatan” meaning “a place where trees were uprooted.” So ends the legend.
Some versions also state that the town's name is derived from Ginabutan, meaning "a place where trees or plants were uprooted."

### History under foreign rule

Luis Née, a botanist, reached Bicol in January 1792, accompanying the expedition of Capt. Alejandro Malaspina. Née explored towns near Mayon and including the area now known as Guinobatan. He noted that "trees grew in exuberance making the foothills impenetrable in many parts."
Dr. Leonilo RC. Palacio of Guinobatan's Republic Colleges mentioned in an essay entitled "Guinobatan and its Church" that "in 1672, the Parish of Guinobatan was already mentioned in books as a visita of the Municipality of Camalig."
In 1890, the title of the gobernadorcillo was changed to Capitan Municipal. The Municipal Law of 1894 guaranteed that the term of the local executive would be extended from two years to four years. Also among the salient provisions of the law was the election of 12 vocales, equivalent to today's councilors. In 1895, the Colegio de San Buenaventura was also built, making Guinobatan the centre for higher education in Albay.
Cabezas and principales elected the gobernadorcillo until 1863. Until 1847, Guinobatan belonged to Camarines. During the said year, the towns of Quipia, Camalig and Donsol (now in Sorsogon) were ceded to Albay, in exchange for the towns of the Partido de Lagonoy. From 1730 to 1818, the town transferred from one place to another. In 1730, it was on a site now called Binanuahan. From there, it was the relocated to Bubulusan. During the eruption of 1814, citizens opted to evacuate to higher ground, in Mauraro.

### American colonization

During the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine–American War (1898-1911), most of the schoolhouses built by the Spaniards were destroyed by constant artillery fire, most of which came from the Americans. As part of the "pacification" campaign of the Americans, engineers and architects were sent to the Philippines to oversee the construction of public works. Engr. Edward K. Bourne and famed urban planner Daniel Burnham, among other American architects and engineers, were instructed to go to Manila. In response, the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 268 which created the Bureau of Architecture and Construction of Public Buildings. Mr. Bourne was appointed as its head. In 1907, the Philippine Assembly was formed. Angel Roco of Mauraro, Guinobatan represented Albay in the Assembly. The same year, Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija authored an act which appropriated ₱1 million between 1907 and 1915 for "construction of schoolhouses of strong materials in barrios with guaranteed daily attendance of not less than sixty pupils…" Passing into law as Act No. 1801, the act became known as the "Gabaldon Act". Among the salient provisions was that no school could receive more than ₱4,000 unless the municipality to which the school belonged contributed at least 50% of the total amount granted to the school by the Gabaldon Act. The Gabaldon Act stipulated that only on land owned by the municipality could schools be constructed. Fifty-one "Gabaldons" were completed by 1911, and by 1916, four hundred five more were constructed. Among those completed between 1911 and 1916 was Guinobatan Central School blg. 1 or the Guinobatan East Central School's Gabaldon Building.
Potenciano Gregorio's Bikol language musical composition "Sarung Banggi" premiered at the town fiesta in Guinobatan in August 1910.

## Education

Presently, there are almost 45 daycare centers, 3 private pre-schools, 33 public elementary schools, 5 private elementary schools, 6 public high schools, 4 private high schools and 4 tertiary schools in the municipality.

### Tertiary / vocational / technical education

The municipality has four tertiary schools:
* The Colegio de San Buenaventura (1895-1900) it is located at the present site of St. Benedict's Academy, it is considered as the first tertiary institution in the Province of Albay. It first opened on January 7, 1895 with a population of 297 students and 14 instructors. During the Philippine-American war, Col. Ignacio Paua, set the instutition to ablaze due to the advancement of the American forces.
* The Bicol University Guinobatan Campus (BU Guinobatan) is located in Barangay Ilawod, Morera and Mauraro, it was first established as the Guinobatan Rural High School by Dr. Felipe Cevallos as its founder and held its first classes on June 3, 1912 . It was renamed as Guinobatan Agricultural School in 1927; Roxas Memorial Agricultural School in 1950; Bicol University College of Agriculture (BUCA) in 1969 through RA 5521 and now known as Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) because of the offering of Bachelor of Science in Forestry which started in 1991, and in 2022 it was renamed as the Bicol University Guinobatan Campus.
* The Republic Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc. (RCGI) is a non-sectarian institutions located at G. Alban st., Iraya, it was first established as the Republic Academy in 1947. It offers the following programs: MA in Education G.R. No. 74 s. 1979 – DCO, MA in Public Administration G.R. No. NA s. NA – NA, Bachelor in Elementary Education G.R. No. 165 s. 1970 – DCO, Bachelor in Secondary Education G.R. No. 194 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Business Administration G.R. No. 195 s. 1966 – DCO, BS in Computer Science G.R. No. H-0008 s. 1996 - CRO
* The PLT Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc. (PLTC), which offers technical and vocational, and criminology courses. It is located at Barangay San Francisco, Guinobatan, Albay.
* The Guinobatan Community College (GComC), which will open in 2024, it will cater tertiary education to the underpriveledged and rural areas of the Municipalities of Guinobatan, Jovellar and Camalig, Albay.
* The TESDA - Provincial Training Center (TESDA-PTC-Guinobatan) is a vocational institution located at San Francisco, Guinobatan, Albay.

### Secondary education
#### Public high schools

* Albay Institute (1902) is a defunct institution, the Americans first opened the AHS at Guinobatan with a population of 52 students and 3 American Teachers, due to the cholera outbreak the institution shut down and was transferred to another municipality.
* The Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (MORMS) is located at Maharlika Highway, San Francsco, Guinobatan, and started as Albay High School Guinobatan (AHSG) in September 1945 through the initiatives of Hon. Marcial O. Rañola, and Mayor Carlos Pardo. Mr. Jose Ramirez was the inaugural holder of school principal with 12 teachers for the 400 pioneer students. In 1948, the P.T.A. with Mr. Lorenzo Oliver, President purchased the 8 hectare lot which is the present site. In 1954, Hon. Pio Duran espoused the construction of the pre-fabricated buildings under Mr. Pacifico Y. Garcia, Principal. A.H.S.G. became an ICA-NEC pilot school and recipient of equipment, tools and appliances for Science and Technology subjects in 1959. In 1963, the school was nationalized by R.A. No. 3161 sponsored by Hon. Josefina Belmonte–Duran R.A. 3723 was also passed by her naming the school Pio Duran Memorial School in honor of the late Hon. Pio Duran, her predecessor in Congress and school benefactor. On June 17, 1967, R.A. No. 5055 sponsored by Hon. Belmonte-Duran named the school Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School to commemorate the precursor of this institution.
* Masarawag National High School
* Malipo National High School
* Lower Binogsacan National High School
* Mauraro High School
* Bat-Bat National High School
* Balite High School – Proposed new high school

#### Private high schools

* St. Benedict’s Academy came into existence on May 22, 1958, through the combined efforts of Rt. Msgr. Demetrio Valeza and a few militant ladies of the Catholic Women's League, Guinobatan Unit who were bent on having a Catholic school in the town for the cultural and moral upliftment of the youth. The Benedictine Sisters were requested to administer the school. On June 1, 1958, the new school was blessed by Bishop Ariola of Legazpi. Classes began the next day. After two weeks, there were 25 little boys and girls in kindergarten and 36 girls in the first year high school. Such were the auspicious beginnings of SBA. When the burgeoning school population could no longer be accommodated in two-room cabin, a modern concrete building was built in 1961. In that same year the High School Department began to include boys. In 1972, the foundation of two-story building for Elementary School was laid. Improvements were undertaken as the school continued to grow.
* Republic Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc. at G. Alban St. Iraya
* Fide Christian Academy at Rizal st. Iraya
* PLT Colleges of Guinobatan, Inc – SHS at Barangay San Francisco

### Primary education
#### Public elementary schools
## Local Government
### Elected officials

2022–2025 Guinobatan Municipal Officials :
| Position | Name | Party |
| Mayor | Paul N. Garcia ♯ | PDP |
| Vice Mayor | Ann Y. Ongjoco + | NUP |
| Councilors | Kathleen Mae O. Padua + | PDP |
| Councilors | Julio S. Tingzon, IV ‹› | NUP |
| Councilors | Primo M. Pintor + | NUP |
| Councilors | Mary Ann G. Amano ‹› | PDP |
| Councilors | Marelen G. Flores + | PDP |
| Councilors | Robert M. Bañaga ‹› | NUP |
| Councilors | Ricky S. Matza + | NUP |
| Councilors | Rolando P. Palabrica ‹› | PDP |
| Ex Officio Municipal Council Members ||||
| ABC President | Reynaldo Namia (San Francisco) | Nonpartisan |
| SK Federation President | Keith John M. Pacardo (Inamnan Grande) | Nonpartisan |
    Legend
   * A + indicates that the official is elected for the first term
   * A ♯ indicates that the official is re-elected to a higher position
   * A ‹› indicates that the official is re-elected to the same position

### Past municipal administrators

Spanish Era (1731–1898) :
| Inclusive years | Gobernadorcillo |
| 1731 | Don Lucas Timog |
| 1732 | Don Alonzo Lamberan |
| 1733 | Don Lazaro Dayaon |
| 1734 | Don Juan Baog |
| 1735 | Don Tomas Liniog |
| 1736 | Don Francisco Latumbo |
| 1737 | Don Andres Andog |
| 1738 | Don Bernardo Tarog |
| 1739 | Don Francisco Sabogan |
| 1740 | Don Santiago Macandog |
| 1741 | Don Geronimo Paglinisan |
| 1742 | Don Antonio Dignalan |
| 1743 | Don Alonzo Fernandez |
| 1744 | Don Agustin Cepeda |
| 1745 | Don Melchor Blanco |
| 1746 | Don Remigio Pimentel |
| 1747 | Don Francisco Aroyo |
| 1748 | Don Miguel Trilianco |
| 1749 | Don Diego Albares |
| 1750 | Don Alejandro Perez |
| 1751 | Don Juan Bautista |
| 1752 | Don Diego Perez |
| 1753 | Don Jose Oustria |
| 1754 | Don Alonzo Oco |
| 1755 | Don Francisco Javier |
| 1756 | Don Manuel Andrada |
| 1757 | Don Agustin Macasamno |
| 1758 | Don Antonio Oco |
| 1759 | Don Francisco Antones Caledat |
| 1760 | Don Melchor Perez |
| 1761 | Don Juan de Miranda |
| 1762 | Don Manuel Andrada |
| 1763 | Don Pacual Guillermo |
| 1764 | Don Diego de S. Vicente |
| 1765 | Don Pedro Alcantara |
| 1766 | Don Melchor Perez |
| 1767-1768 | Don Diego de S. Vicente |
| 1769 | Don Nicolas Perez |
| 1770 | Don Andres de los Angeles |
| 1771 | Don Alejandro Luis de Sta. Ana |
| 1772 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1773 | Don Baltasar de los Reyes |
| 1774 | Don Pedro Torres de Miranda |
| 1775-1776 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1777 | Don Pascual Leonardo |
| 1778 | Don Andres de los Reyes |
| 1779 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1780 | Don Jose Natividad |
| 1781 | Don Alonso Guillermo |
| 1782 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1783 | Don Juan Lazaro |
| 1784 | Don Juan de los Reyes |
| 1785 | Don Francisco Tomas |
| 1786 | Don Alonso Crisanto |
| 1787 | Don Jose Alejandrino |
| 1788 | Don Pascual Leonardo |
| 1789 | Don Alonso de los Reyes |
| 1790 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1791 | Don Franco Antonio Mataraguis |
| 1792 | Don Francisco Evaristo |
| 1793 | Don Gaspar de los Reyes |
| 1794 | Don Jose Alejandrino |
| 1795 | Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana |
| 1796 | Don Alonso de los Reyes |
| 1797 | Don Franco Ignacio Budling |
| 1798 | Don Francisco Evaristo |
| 1799 | Don Juan Pascual S. Agustin |
| 1800 | Don Francisco Felix |
| 1801 | Don Felipe Rodriguez |
| 1802 | Don Juan Bautista |
| 1803 | Don Santiago de Villafuerte |
| 1804 | Don Pascual Leonardo |
| 1805 | Don Pedro Ignacio Seping |
| 1806 | Don Franco Irisaro Valentin |
| 1807 | Don Juan Reynaldo |
| 1808 | Don Juan de S. Vicente |
| 1809 | Don Juan de S. Buenaventura |
| 1810 | Don Domingo de Guzman |
| 1811 | Don Jose Perez |
| 1812 | Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana |
| 1813 | Don Domingo Rodrigo |
| 1814 | Don Manuel Fernando |
| 1815 | Don Antonio Rafael Sta. Ana |
| 1816 | Don Juan de S. Antonio |
| 1817 | Don Miguel Geronimo |
| 1818 | Don Jose Alejandrino |
| 1819 | Don Miguel Geronimo |
| 1820 | Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente |
| 1821 | Don Marcos Sta. Ana |
| 1822 | Don Alonso Casimiro |
| 1823 | Don Ignacio Silas |
| 1824 | Don Pedro de los Santos |
| 1825 | Don Pedro Miguel S. Vicente |
| 1826 | Don Jose Bernardo |
| 1827 | Don Francisco Valenzuela |
| 1828 | Don Lazaro de los Reyes |
| 1829 | Don Marcos Sta. Ana |
| 1830 | Don Lazaro de la Cruz |
| 1831 | Don Domingo del Espiritu Sto. |
| 1832 | Don Antonio de los Reyes |
| 1833 | Don Marcos Sta. Ana |
| 1834 | Don Pedro Villafuerte |
| 1835 | Don Nicolas Gonzales |
| 1836 | Don Julian Mariano |
| 1837 | Don Julian Remigio |
| 1838 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1839 | Don Pedro Javier |
| 1840 | Don Francisco N. Palacio |
| 1841 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1842 | Don Jose Perez |
| 1843 | Don Pascual de los Reyes |
| 1844 | Don Gregorio de los Reyes |
| 1845 | Don Antonio L. Divinagracia |
| 1846 | Don Francisco Langcauon |
| 1847 | Don Francisco Javier |
| 1848 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1849 | Don Antonio Lazaro |
| 1850 | Don Tomas Olaguer |
| 1851 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1852 | Don Salvador Mallorca |
| 1853 | Don Gil O. Fernandez |
| 1854 | Don Francsico M. Peñaflor |
| 1855 | Don Salvador Mallorca |
| 1856 | Don Vicente Orbeta |
| 1857 | Don Andres Obed |
| 1858 | Don Tomas Olaguer |
| 1859 | Don Antonio L. Divinagracia |
| 1860 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1861 | Don Francisco N. Palacio |
| 1862 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1863-1864 | Don Mariano Marcayda |
| 1865-1866 | Don Francisco M. Peñaflor |
| 1867-1868 | Don Mariano Ope |
| 1869-1870 | Don Alfonso Matienzo |
| 1871-1872 | Don Gregorio de Leon |
| 1873-1874 | Don Dionisio Olmedillo |
| 1875-1876 | Dr. Julian O. Oyales |
| 1877-1880 | Don Jose Offemaria |
| 1881-1882 | Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian |
| 1883-1884 | Dr. Julian O. Oyales |
| 1885-1886 | Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian |
| 1887-1888 | Dr. Julian O. Oyales |
| 1889-1890 | Don Eugenio Otivar |
| 1891-1893 | Don Jose Arboleda |
| 1894-1895 | Don Eugenio Otivar |
| 1896-1898 | Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian |
Republica Filipina (1898-1901) :
| Inclusive years | Municipal president | Municipal vice-president |
| August 14, 1898 - June, 1901 | Francisco Lukban (Appointed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo) | Eustaquio Villanueva |
American rule (1900–1941) :
| Inclusive years | Municipal president | Municipal vice-president | Municipal Councilors |
| February 23, 1900 – July 31, 1901 | Sr. Eugenio O. Pardiñas | | Ponciano Obed, Martin Ofrasio, Jose Duran, Ceferino Amarrador, Ambrosio Macangcay |
| August 01, 1901 – August 31, 1903 | Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian | Sr. Eugenio O. Pardiñas | |
| September 1, 1903 – December 30, 1903 (Appointed) January 01, 1904-July 19, 1904 (Elected) | Don Eligio Arboleda (Died in office) | Don Epifanio S. Orozco | Enrique Villareal, Francisco Lukban, Ponciano Obed, Engracio Orense, Ceferino Amarrador, Benito Olmedillo, Jose Villareal, Martin Ofrasio, Pedro Osabel, Lorenzo Atienza, Juan Lorica, Maximino Romero, Victorino Llaguna |
| July 20, 1904 – 1905 | Don Epifanio S. Orozco (Finished the term of Eligio Arboleda) | | |
| 1906 - 1907 | Don Cirilo Y. Jaucian | | |
| 1908 – 1909 | Don Epifanio S. Orozco | | |
| 1910 – 1912 | Don Simeon A. Ola | | |
| 1913 - 1916 | Don Agapito O. Paulate | | |
| 1917 - 1919 | Don Simeon A. Ola | | Justiniano de Los Reyes, Benito Olmedillo, Miguel Valenzuela, Eduardo Peñaflor, Eustaquio Orpiada, Candido Bachiller, Fructuoso Llenaresas, David Ortile, Celestino Escarraga, Elpedio Alano, Ramon Obed |
| 1920 - 1922 | Don Juan Lorica | Don Santiago Diaz | Gregorio Alban, Jesus Nolasco, Fructuoso Llenaresas, Vicente Olmos, Marcelo Ondevilla, Calixto Pamplona, Hilario Peñaflor, Francisco Olaguera, Jacinto Pordesimo, Fausto Tolosa, Candido Bachiller |
| 1923 - 1928 | Don Justiniano de los Reyes | Dr. Damaso R. Labanan (1926–1928) | Cirilo Obed, Gregorio Alban, Marcelo Ondevilla, Deogracias Paulate, Pedro Pantonilla, Felipe Palencia, Bonifacio Oroyo, Juan Orbe, Eutiquio Orpiada, Juan Garcia, Marcelo Gabarda, Albino Orbeta, Marcelo Oraa, Angel Orzales, Blas Salvador, Calixto Pamplona, Fausto Tolosa, Martiniano Ordiz |
| 1929 | Don Fructuoso Rañola (Died in office) | Don Deogracias O. Paulate | |
| 1930 - 1931 | Don Deogracias O. Paulate | | |
| 1932 - December 30, 1937 | Don Canuto R. Razal (Won the Special Elections of 1934 and served until 1937) | Don Alejandro Oliva | Juan Garcia, Isaac Olaguer, Justiniano de los Reyes; Venancio Vasquez, Cirilo Obed, Dionisio Roa |
| 1933 | Don Cirilo Alban Jaucian, Sr. (Protested on the election results of 1932) | | |
| January 01, 1938 - 1941 | Engr. Julian O. Ofrasio (Died in office) | Carlos Pardo | |
| 1941 | Carlos Pardo (Finished the term of Mayor Julian Ofrasio, Japanese Invasion Dec. 12, 1941) | | |
Japanese Occupation (1941–1947) :
| Inclusive years | Municipal Mayor |
| 1941 - 1942 | Cpt. Brigido Sison (Japanese Appointed) |
| 1942 - April 30, 1944 | Sergio O. Palencia, Sr. (Japanese Appointed) |
| May 1, 1944 – August 15, 1945 | Dionisio Q. Roa (Japanese Appointed) |
Post-War Period (1945-present) :
| Inclusive years | Municipal Mayor | Municipal Vice Mayor | SK Federation President | ABC President | Remarks |
| September 29, 1945 – June 14, 1946 | Carlos Pardo | Gregorio Alban (Sept. 29, 1945-March 1, 1946) Eligio Osia (March 1, 1946- June 14, 1946) | | | Acting Mayor, Appointed by Pres. Sergio Osmeña |
| June 14, 1946 – September 9, 1947 | Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. | Eligio Osia (June 14, 1946- June 28, 1946) Rafael Olmos (June 28, 1946- September 09, 1947) | | | Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas |
| September 9, 1947 – December 30, 1947 | Eligio Osia | Rafael Olmos (September 09, 1947- December 31, 1947) | | | Appointed by Pres. Manuel Roxas |
| January 1, 1948 – 1957 | Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. | Martin O. Garcia (1948–1955) Jose B. Garcia (1956–1957) | | | Resigned in 1957 |
| 1957 - December 30, 1963 | Jose B. Garcia | Dr. Tirzo O. de los Reyes, Sr. (May 9, 1958-December 31, 1959) Antonio Papa (1960–1963) | | | |
| January 1, 1964 - December 30, 1967 | Atty. Jose P. Oira | Nestorio O. Olaguer | | | |
| January 1, 1968 - February 25, 1986 | Jose B. Garcia | Nestorio O. Olaguer (1968-1971) Felipe Duran (1972–1980) Emeliano M. Ongjoco, MD (1980–1986) | | | |
| March 1986 – February 1, 1987 | Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II | Floria R. Tuason | | | Appointed Mayor by Pres. Corazon Aquino |
| February 2, 1987 – February 1, 1988 | Juan G. Rivera | Floria R. Tuason | | | Appointed Mayor by Pres. Corazon Aquino |
| February 2, 1988 – June 30, 1998 | Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II | Floria M. Tuason (1990–1995) Ruben P. Olavario (1995–1998) | Amiel Ian P. Opeña (1993–1996) Christopher O. Palevino (1996–1998) | | |
| June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2001 | Juan G. Rivera | Jesus S. Remendado, Jr., DMD | Christopher O. Palevino (1998–2001) | | |
| June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2004 | Christopher Dy-Llaco Flores | Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. | Sammy N. Pales (2001–2002) Jane R. Arevalo (2002–2003) | | |
| June 30, 2004 - June 30, 2013 | Juan Miguel M. Garcia, II | Atty. Generoso Alejo R. Villareal (2004–2007) Wilfredo O. Arevalo, Sr. (2007–2013) | Gloren Naparato (2004 - August 13, 2007) Jane R. Arevalo (August 21, 2007-November 2007) John Rey G. Namia ( December 2007-2010) Patrick Polly C. Pintor (2010–2013) | Noel T. Calanza (2004–2007) Jose M. Padilla (2007–2010) Paul N. Garcia (2010–2013) | |
| June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2022 | Ann Y. Ongjoco | Julio S. Tingzon, IV (2013-2019) Rolando P. Palabrica (2019–2022) | No SK (2013–2018) Matthew O. Orpiada (June 30, 2018–November 30, 2023) | Jose M. Padilla (2013–August, 2021) Remedios R. Mar (August 10, 2021–November 30, 2023) | Gemma Y. Ongjoco was the first female municipal mayor and eight in Albay (next to Cherilie Mella Sampal of Polangui, Agnes P. Dycoco of Libon, Maria Josefa V. Demetriou of Tabaco City, Magdalena Lim & Linda P. Gonzales of Ligao City, Imelda C. Roces and Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal of Legazpi City) |

## Geography

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 244.43 square kilometres (94.37 sq mi)  constituting 9.49% of the 2,575.77-square-kilometre- (994.51 sq mi) total area of Albay.
The town of Guinobatan is located at 13°11′N 123°36′E﻿ / ﻿13.18°N 123.6°E﻿ / 13.18; 123.6. The territory of Guinobatan is bordered by a number of municipalities: Camalig on the east, Jovellar on the south, Pio Duran on the south-west, Ligao on the north-west. On the north-east, the town shares with Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Daraga, Tabaco and Legazpi, a common point in the crater of Mayon Volcano. Guinobatan is 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Legazpi City and 510 kilometres (320 mi) from Manila.

### Barangays

Guinobatan is politically subdivided into 44 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
| PSGC | Barangay | Population | Population | Population | ±% p.a. | ±% p.a. |
| | | 2020 | 2020 | 2010 | | |
| 050504001 | Agpay | 0.6% | 482 | 451 | ▴ | 0.67% |
| 050504002 | Balite | 0.7% | 585 | 524 | ▴ | 1.11% |
| 050504003 | Banao | 1.3% | 1,074 | 1,018 | ▴ | 0.54% |
| 050504004 | Batbat | 1.6% | 1,373 | 1,314 | ▴ | 0.44% |
| 050504005 | Binogsacan Lower | 2.2% | 1,889 | 1,716 | ▴ | 0.96% |
| 050504049 | Binogsacan Upper | 1.3% | 1,131 | 1,067 | ▴ | 0.58% |
| 050504006 | Bololo | 1.7% | 1,442 | 1,363 | ▴ | 0.56% |
| 050504007 | Bubulusan | 1.6% | 1,399 | 1,189 | ▴ | 1.64% |
| 050504009 | Calzada | 3.2% | 2,787 | 2,662 | ▴ | 0.46% |
| 050504010 | Catomag | 0.9% | 796 | 713 | ▴ | 1.11% |
| 050504011 | Doña Mercedes | 1.6% | 1,411 | 1,472 | ▾ | −0.42% |
| 050504012 | Doña Tomasa (Magatol) | 1.6% | 1,352 | 1,197 | ▴ | 1.22% |
| 050504013 | Ilawod | 2.6% | 2,209 | 2,101 | ▴ | 0.50% |
| 050504015 | Inamnan Grande | 2.5% | 2,177 | 1,986 | ▴ | 0.92% |
| 050504014 | Inamnan Pequeño | 2.0% | 1,756 | 1,636 | ▴ | 0.71% |
| 050504016 | Inascan | 1.7% | 1,481 | 1,359 | ▴ | 0.86% |
| 050504017 | Iraya | 2.1% | 1,771 | 2,006 | ▾ | −1.24% |
| 050504018 | Lomacao | 2.4% | 2,096 | 2,002 | ▴ | 0.46% |
| 050504021 | Maguiron | 2.5% | 2,118 | 2,110 | ▴ | 0.04% |
| 050504022 | Maipon | 4.6% | 3,944 | 2,214 | ▴ | 5.94% |
| 050504023 | Malabnig | 1.3% | 1,145 | 1,117 | ▴ | 0.25% |
| 050504024 | Malipo | 2.1% | 1,760 | 1,690 | ▴ | 0.41% |
| 050504025 | Malobago | 2.2% | 1,867 | 1,818 | ▴ | 0.27% |
| 050504026 | Maninila | 1.7% | 1,482 | 1,437 | ▴ | 0.31% |
| 050504027 | Mapaco | 1.7% | 1,460 | 1,463 | ▾ | −0.02% |
| 050504008 | Marcial O. Rañola (Cabaloaon) | 0.6% | 537 | 633 | ▾ | −1.63% |
| 050504029 | Masarawag | 4.4% | 3,760 | 3,553 | ▴ | 0.57% |
| 050504030 | Mauraro | 7.0% | 5,980 | 5,145 | ▴ | 1.52% |
| 050504031 | Minto | 2.0% | 1,726 | 1,707 | ▴ | 0.11% |
| 050504032 | Morera | 3.0% | 2,602 | 1,878 | ▴ | 3.31% |
| 050504034 | Muladbucad Grande | 2.4% | 2,079 | 2,010 | ▴ | 0.34% |
| 050504033 | Muladbucad Pequeño | 2.4% | 2,051 | 1,920 | ▴ | 0.66% |
| 050504035 | Ongo | 1.1% | 942 | 930 | ▴ | 0.13% |
| 050504036 | Palanas | 0.5% | 427 | 736 | ▾ | −5.30% |
| 050504038 | Poblacion | 1.6% | 1,336 | 1,352 | ▾ | −0.12% |
| 050504040 | Pood | 0.7% | 583 | 287 | ▴ | 7.34% |
| 050504042 | Quibongbongan | 3.0% | 2,595 | 2,286 | ▴ | 1.28% |
| 050504041 | Quitago | 2.6% | 2,236 | 1,760 | ▴ | 2.42% |
| 050504043 | San Francisco | 3.8% | 3,302 | 2,909 | ▴ | 1.28% |
| 050504044 | San Jose (Ogsong) | 1.0% | 853 | 721 | ▴ | 1.70% |
| 050504045 | San Rafael | 4.5% | 3,884 | 3,880 | ▴ | 0.01% |
| 050504046 | Sinungtan | 1.5% | 1,312 | 1,398 | ▾ | −0.63% |
| 050504047 | Tandarora | 1.5% | 1,291 | 1,399 | ▾ | −0.80% |
| 050504048 | Travesia | 4.5% | 3,878 | 3,838 | ▴ | 0.10% |
| | Total | Total | 85,786 | 75,967 | ▴ | 1.22% |

### Climate

Climate data for Guinobatan, Albay :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 26 (79) | 27 (81) | 28 (82) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 29 (84) | 29 (84) | 29 (84) | 28 (82) | 28 (82) | 27 (81) | 28 (83) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22 (72) | 22 (72) | 22 (72) | 23 (73) | 24 (75) | 25 (77) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 23 (73) | 23 (73) | 23 (74) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 138 (5.4) | 83 (3.3) | 74 (2.9) | 50 (2.0) | 108 (4.3) | 165 (6.5) | 202 (8.0) | 165 (6.5) | 190 (7.5) | 186 (7.3) | 188 (7.4) | 183 (7.2) | 1,732 (68.3) |
| Average rainy days | 16.8 | 11.9 | 13.5 | 13.8 | 20.5 | 25.2 | 27.4 | 26.2 | 26.1 | 24.7 | 20.7 | 18.5 | 245.3 |
| Source: Meteoblue ||||||||||||||

## Demographics

In the 2020 census, Guinobatan had a population of 85,786. The population density was 350 inhabitants per square kilometre (910/sq mi).

## Economy

Poverty Incidence of Guinobatan
* 10
* 20
* 30
* 40
* 50
* 2000 43.19
* 2003 5.75
* 2006 39.10
* 2009 37.19
* 2012 26.85
* 2015 23.36
* 2018 25.61
* 2021 21.90
* Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

## Culture

Guinobatan hosts an annual festival in the celebration of Our Lady of Assumption, its patron saint. Until 2013, the town festival was called "Arandurugan Festival." In August 2013, Guinobatan celebrated Longganisa Festival, named after the local product which is listed under the Department of Trade and Industry's "One Town, One Product" program.

## Notable personalities

* Francis Tolentino, former MMDA Chairmanship
* Elizabeth Oropesa, actress
* Mura, actor and Comedian
* Simeon Ola, considered as the last general to surrender
* Marcial O. Rañola, former representative of the 3rd District of Albay
* Pio S. Duran, former representative of the 3rd District of Albay
* Dr. Felipe Cevallos, founder of the Guinobatan Rural High School
* Ramon Paje, 19th DENR Secretary
* Arpie Patriarca, singer, comedian and founder of Feed Hungry Minds