# Aroroy > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Aroroy > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Aroroy.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroroy > Source revision: 1346859874 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Municipality in Masbate, Philippines Municipality in Bicol Region, Philippines Aroroy Municipality Municipality of Aroroy Flag Map of Masbate with Aroroy highlighted Interactive map of Aroroy Aroroy Location within the Philippines Coordinates: 12°30′45″N 123°23′56″E / 12.512483°N 123.398933°E / 12.512483; 123.398933 Country Philippines Region Bicol Region Province Masbate District 2nd district Founded 1904 Barangays 41 (see Barangays) Government [1] • Type Sangguniang Bayan • Mayor Arturo B. Virtucio • Vice Mayor Valentin C. Alonzo • Representative Elisa T. Kho • Municipal Council Members Archimedes R. Suguitao Lito B. Briones Arturo R. Virtucio II Jovimel P. Jaquilmo Julius M. Tuason Susan D. Valera Rudy R. Rañola Vicente R. Cioco • Electorate 55,077 voters (2025) Area [2] • Total 440.30 km2 (170.00 sq mi) Elevation 32 m (105 ft) Highest elevation 346 m (1,135 ft) Lowest elevation 0 m (0 ft) Population (2024 census)[3] • Total 89,154 • Density 202.48/km2 (524.43/sq mi) • Households 18,792 Economy • Income class 1st municipal income class • Poverty incidence 29.93 % (2021)[4] • Revenue ₱ 689.6 million (2024) • Assets ₱ 2,792 million (2024) • Expenditure ₱ 607.7 million (2024) • Liabilities ₱ 494.3 million (2024) Service provider • Electricity Masbate Electric Cooperative (MASELCO) Time zone UTC+8 (PST) ZIP code 5414 PSGC 0504101000 IDD : area code +63 (0)56 Native languages Masbateño Tagalog Website www.aroroy.gov.ph **Aroroy**, officially the **Municipality of Aroroy** ([Masbatenyo](/source/Masbatenyo_language): *Banwa san Aroroy*, [Hiligaynon](/source/Hiligaynon_language): *Banwa sang Aroroy*), is a [municipality](/source/Municipality_of_the_Philippines) in the [province](/source/Philippine_Province) of [Masbate](/source/Masbate), [Philippines](/source/Philippines). According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 89,154 people.[5] It is known for the [Kalanay Cave](/source/Kalanay_Cave), one of the most important archaeological sites in the province of [Masbate](/source/Masbate). ## Etymology The town of Aroroy (*Al-Oroy* its former name), which came from the [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language) word for [gold](/source/Gold)-*"oro"*, was established back in 1822 upon the arrival of a Chinese expedition. The Chinese fleet was composed of seven vessels called "[pancos](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pancos&action=edit&redlink=1)". They entered [Lanang River](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lanang_River&action=edit&redlink=1), which is part of Puerto Barrera, the former name of the area now covered by Aroroy. A [Moro](/source/Moro_people) named Talcum guided this expedition. They were sent by the Chinese merchants who came to Aroroy to explore for gold coins near Lanang River.[6] ## History Aerial view of Aroroy, 1939 When the present [Masbate](/source/Masbate) province was still part of the province of Ibalon (present-day [Albay](/source/Albay)),[7] a [captain](/source/Captain_(armed_forces)) from the [Spanish Army](/source/Spanish_Army) named Gregorio Cordero of [Tondo](/source/Tondo%2C_Manila), [Manila](/source/Manila) was exiled in [Masbate](/source/Masbate_Island) for the killing of his superior officer. Instead of being incarcerated in the castle of [San Pascual](/source/San_Pascual%2C_Masbate) in [Burias Island](/source/Burias_Island), where political and military prisoners were imprisoned by the Captain-General of the [Philippine Islands](/source/Philippine_Islands), he was brought to Masbate. Accompanied by his two daughters and a son, they established residency in the Port of Magdalena, [Masbate town](/source/Masbate_City). He had with him four "Faluas" or Spanish vessels named – Jesus Maria Y Jose, Sacramento, Salvacion and Santa Ana for use in the vigilance against [Moro pirates](/source/Moro_pirates) who preyed on the three islands of Masbate, [Ticao](/source/Ticao_Island) and [Burias](/source/Burias_Island). When the Spaniards discovered the Chinese expedition, Cordero and about 150 men, who believed him to possess amulets (anting-anting) which made him invulnerable, sailed to Lanang River to find out the nationality of the said seven vessels which entered Lanang River. When investigated as to where they were going, the aliens answered in their Chinese manner that they were going to "Al-Oroy" meaning to the Gold or in Spanish “Al-oro”. Not satisfied with the results of the investigation with the belief that these are Moro vessels, Cordero and his men established their headquarters for over three months in the present [poblacion](/source/Poblacion) of Aroroy, which was known as Al-Oroy taken from the Chinese reply. Another expedition of Spaniards from Manila headed by a certain Sarmiento came to explore the gold in the river near Al-oroy in 1861. This expedition was aided by natives of Al-oroy, including Toribio Bunayag, Jose Pusing, Norberto Pusing and Protacio Fabon. The natives abandoned the expedition during the same year due to numerous attacks. This led to the death of Sarmiento and since then, the said river was called Rio Guinobatan or “River of Assaults”. Since then the site of Al-Oroy became a "visita" or barrio of the town of [Baleno](/source/Baleno%2C_Masbate) but later was transferred to the town of San Agustin in the interior part of Port Barrera. In 1904, when the towns of [Baleno](/source/Baleno%2C_Masbate) and San Agustin were combined, the name Al-Oroy was changed to Aroroy. It was also in 1904 when Aroroy became a municipality because of its strategic location. San Agustin now a barangay of Aroroy. ## Geography Aroroy is geographically located between 12 degrees and 13 degrees Latitude and 123 degrees and 124 degrees Longitude or at the northernmost part of the province of [Masbate](/source/Masbate), [Bicol Region](/source/Bicol_Region). It is bounded on the north by the [Masbate Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Masbate_Pass&action=edit&redlink=1), to the East by the municipality of [Baleno](/source/Baleno%2C_Masbate), to the West by the [Sibuyan Sea](/source/Sibuyan_Sea) and to the South by the municipalities of [Milagros](/source/Milagros%2C_Masbate) and [Mandaon](/source/Mandaon%2C_Masbate).[8] It is 50 kilometres (31 mi) from [Masbate City](/source/Masbate_City). ### Barangays Aroroy is politically subdivided into 41 [barangays](/source/Barangay). [9] Each barangay consists of [puroks](/source/Purok) and some have [sitios](/source/Sitios). - Ambolong - Amoroy - Amotag - Baga-uma - Balawing - Balete - Bangon - Cabangcalan - Cabas-An - Calanay - Capsay - Concepcion (formerly Sawmill[10]) - Dayhagan - Don Pablo Dela Rosa - Gumahang - Jaboyoan - Lanang - Luy-a - Macabug - Malubi - Managanaga - Manamoc - Mariposa - Mataba - Matalangtalang - Matongog - Nabongsoran - Pangle - Panique - Pinanaan - [Poblacion](/source/Poblacion) - Puro - San Agustin - San Isidro - Sawang - Syndicate - Talabaan - Talib - Tigbao - Tinago - Tinigban ### Climate Climate data for Aroroy, Masbate Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27 (81) 28 (82) 29 (84) 31 (88) 31 (88) 30 (86) 29 (84) 30 (86) 29 (84) 29 (84) 29 (84) 28 (82) 29 (84) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 22 (72) 21 (70) 22 (72) 23 (73) 24 (75) 25 (77) 25 (77) 25 (77) 25 (77) 24 (75) 23 (73) 23 (73) 24 (74) Average precipitation mm (inches) 65 (2.6) 44 (1.7) 42 (1.7) 39 (1.5) 87 (3.4) 150 (5.9) 184 (7.2) 153 (6.0) 163 (6.4) 154 (6.1) 127 (5.0) 100 (3.9) 1,308 (51.4) Average rainy days 13.9 9.2 11.1 12.5 19.6 24.3 26.5 25.0 25.5 24.4 19.4 15.1 226.5 Source: Meteoblue[11] ## Demographics ‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). › Population census of Aroroy Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1918 9,836 — 1939 31,289 +5.67% 1948 23,888 −2.95% 1960 18,371 −2.16% 1970 28,624 +4.53% 1975 30,457 +1.25% 1980 38,618 +4.86% 1990 53,060 +3.23% Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1995 55,110 +0.71% 2000 58,751 +1.38% 2007 62,635 +0.89% 2010 76,139 +7.36% 2015 86,168 +2.38% 2020 88,351 +0.53% 2024 89,154 +0.22% Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[12][13][14][15][16] In the 2024 census, the population of Aroroy was 89,154 people,[17] with a density of 200 inhabitants per square kilometre or 520 inhabitants per square mile. ## Economy **Poverty incidence of Aroroy** 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2000 67.60 2003 65.40 2006 49.00 2009 45.52 2012 43.25 2015 41.78 2018 37.26 2021 29.93 **Source:** [Philippine Statistics Authority](/source/Philippine_Statistics_Authority)[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] ## 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.[26] These are the: - Aroroy East Schools District - Aroroy West Schools District ### Primary and elementary schools - Amoroy Elementary School - Amotag Elementary School - Aroroy East Central School - Aroroy Golden Riches Academy - Aroroy West Elementary School - Balawing Elementary School - Balete Elementary School - Bancil Elementary School - Bienvenido R. Bulalacao Memorial Elementary School - Bonacan Elementary School - Bugui Primary School - Cabangcalan Elementary School - Cabas-an Elementary School - Capsay Elementary School - Calanay Elementary School - Col. Vicente E. Maristela Sr. Memorial Elementary School (Matalangtalang Elementary School) - Concepcion Elementary School - Dayhagan Elementary School - Elisa E. Corpus Elementary School - Gregorio Dongon Elementary School - Gumahang Elementary School - Isidoro F. Calimotan, Sr. Elementary School - Jaboyoan Elementary School - Jacinto R. Ramilo Elementary School - Lanang Elementary School - Ladiawan Primary School - Liceo de Aroroy - Lomocloc Elementary School - Luy-a Elementary School - Macabug Elementary School - Malubi Elementary School - Malubago Elementary School - Managanaga Elementary School - Manamoc Elementary School - Mandaon Synergy School - Mariposa Elementary School - Masbate Learning is Fun Children's Center - Matongog Elementary School - Nabongsoran Elementary School - Pangle Elementary School - Pinanaan Elementary School - Puro Elementary School - Rudy M. Bulalacao Memorial Elementary School - Rufo C.Pajes Sr. Central School - San Agustin Elementary School - San Isidro Elementary School - St. Rapahel The Archangel Diocesan School - Syndicate Elementary School - Talib Elementary School - Tinago Elementary School - Yadah Christian School ### Secondary schools - Amotag National High School - Aroroy National High School - Aroroy Stand Alone Senior High School - Balete High School - Burias College - Cabangcalan High School - Damaso R. Rubia Memorial High School - Delavin-Rubia High School - Francisca Conag Lavisto Memorial High School - Luy-a National High School - Masbate Polytechnic and Development College - Mataba Integrated School - Nabongsoran High School - Panique National High School - Purol High School - Sulpicio T. Condor Sr. National High School - Teresita C. Young Memorial High School - Tigbao Integrated School - Tinigban National High School ### Higher educational institutions - Aroroy Municipal College - Burias College - Masbate Polytechnic and Development College ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Municipality of Aroroy](https://lgu201.dilg.gov.ph/view.php?r=05&p=41&m=01) | [(DILG)](/source/Department_of_Interior_and_Local_Government) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-popcen2015_r3_2-0)** ["2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density"](https://www.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/_POPCEN%20Report%20No.%203.pdf) (PDF). *Philippine Statistics Authority*. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0117-1453](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0117-1453). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210525030629/https://www.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/_POPCEN%20Report%20No.%203.pdf) (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president). Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates"](https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2021-city-and-municipal-level-poverty-estimates). Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president). Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-icm_6-0)** LGU-Aroroy. ["Municipality of Aroroy-Integrated Coastal Management Plan"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140606230637/http://icrmp.denr.gov.ph/attachments/Masbate/ICM%20Plans/Aroroy%20ICRM%20Plan.pdf) (PDF). Local Government Unit of Aroroy, Masbate. Archived from [the original](http://icrmp.denr.gov.ph/attachments/Masbate/ICM%20Plans/Aroroy%20ICRM%20Plan.pdf) (PDF) on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-masbate_7-0)** LGU-Masbate City. ["History of Masbate City"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140502233250/http://www.masbatecity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=90). Local Government Unit of Masbate City. Archived from [the original](http://www.masbatecity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=90) on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-ssmp_8-0)** ["Sustainable Solar Market Packages (SSMP)-Aroroy, Masbate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140606214243/https://www.doe.gov.ph/microsites/rpp/documents/ssmp%20masbate%20aroroy.pdf) (PDF). *www.doe.gov.ph*. Department of Energy. Archived from [the original](https://www.doe.gov.ph/microsites/rpp/documents/ssmp%20masbate%20aroroy.pdf) (PDF) on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-nscb-area_9-0)** ["Province:"](https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/citimuni/050400000). *PSGC Interactive*. Quezon City, Philippines: [Philippine Statistics Authority](/source/Philippine_Statistics_Authority). Retrieved 25 August 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["An Act Changing the Name of the Barrio of Sawmill, Municipality of Aroroy, Province of Masbate, to Concepcion"](http://lawph.com/statutes/ra1737.html). LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-met_norms_11-0)** ["Aroroy: Average Temperatures and Rainfall"](https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/aroroy_philippines_1730143). Meteoblue. Retrieved 23 June 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president). Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-PSA15–05_13-0)** Census of Population (2015). ["Region V (Bicol Region)"](https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/phcd/2022-12/R05.xlsx). *Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay*. [Philippine Statistics Authority](/source/Philippine_Statistics_Authority). Retrieved 20 June 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-NSO10–05_14-0)** Census of Population and Housing (2010). ["Region V (Bicol Region)"](https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/phcd/2022-12/Bicol.pdf) (PDF). *Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay*. [National Statistics Office](/source/Philippine_Statistics_Authority#National_Statistics_Office). Retrieved 29 June 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-NSO07-05_15-0)** Censuses of Population (1903–2007). ["Region V (Bicol Region)"](https://archive.org/download/PhilippinesCensusofPopulationLGUs19032007/Region%205%20Bicol%20Region%20Philippines%20Census%20of%20Population%201903%20-%202007.xls). [*Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007*](https://archive.org/download/PhilippinesCensusofPopulationLGUs19032007). [National Statistics Office](/source/Philippine_Statistics_Authority#National_Statistics_Office). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-LWUA-PopulationData_16-0)** ["Province of"](http://122.54.214.222/population/MunPop.asp?prov=). *Municipality Population Data*. [Local Water Utilities Administration](/source/Local_Water_Utilities_Administration) Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president). Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Poverty incidence (PI):"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/poverty-incidence-pi). Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines"](https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/NSCB_LocalPovertyPhilippines_0.pdf) (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates"](https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20(Full%20Report)_1.pdf) (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009"](https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2006%20and%202009%20City%20and%20Municipal%20Level%20Poverty%20Estimates_0_1.pdf) (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates"](https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2012%20Municipal%20and%20City%20Level%20Poverty%20Estimates%20Publication%20(1).pdf) (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015"](https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx). Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates"](https://psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2018-municipal-and-city-level-poverty-estimates). Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates"](https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2021-city-and-municipal-level-poverty-estimates). Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Masterlist of Schools"](https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SY-2020-2021-Masterlist-of-Schools-Address-only-1-1.pdf) (PDF). *Department of Education*. January 15, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2025. ## External links - [Philippine Standard Geographic Code](https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/barangays/0504101000) - [Philippine Census Information](https://web.archive.org/web/20081120024509/http://www.census.gov.ph/data/census2007/index.html) - [Local Governance Performance Management System](https://web.archive.org/web/20120206201029/http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23) Places adjacent to Aroroy Claveria Masbate Pass Sibuyan Sea Aroroy Baleno Mandaon Milagros v t e Province of Masbate Masbate City (capital and largest city) Municipalities Aroroy Baleno Balud Batuan Cataingan Cawayan Claveria Dimasalang Esperanza Mandaon Milagros Mobo Monreal Palanas Pio V. Corpus Placer San Fernando San Jacinto San Pascual Uson Component city Masbate City --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Aroroy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroroy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroroy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.