Naval (IPA: [nɐ'val]), officially the Municipality of Naval, is a 2nd class municipality and capital of the province of Biliran, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 58,187 people making it the most populous in the province.

History

The town of Naval was once named Bagazumbol, which was perceived by natives as being too warlike a description. The aboriginal name was later modified in 1859 to a more peaceful name—the presently known Naval. On May 26, 1860, Naval was separated from Biliran, but it became an independent parish only in September later that year. The following year, on July 31, 1861, Romualdo Ximeno, Bishop of Cebu, officially declared Naval an independent parish. In August 1861, Father Santos de Santa Juana took up formal residence as the first parish priest of Naval and served the town for twenty-one years until 1882. On September 26, 1869, Naval was officially established and recognized as an independent pueblo. In 1957, the barrio of Higatangan was abolished, and its sitios of Libertad and Mabini were converted into barrios.

Geography

Higatangan Island ( 11.56667°N, 124.26667°W ) is under jurisdiction of Naval Municipality. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 108.24 km2 constituting 20.19% of the 536.01 km2 total area of Biliran, making it the largest municipality in the province.

Barangays

Naval is politically subdivided into 26 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios. Barangays Libertad and Mabini are located in Higatangan Island.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, Naval had a population of 58,187. The population density was undefined PD/km2.

Economy

Government

The mayors of Naval were Absalon Sablada who served from 1952 to 1955; Brigido Caneja Sr. from 1956 to 1971; Arturo Velasquez from 1972 to 1979; Niceto Limpiado from 1980 to 1986; Fortunato Casas from 1986 to 1987; Gorgonio Contredas and Francisca Bangcuyo in 1987; and Simeon Pitao from 1988 to 1997. Gerardo J. Espina Jr. from 1998 to 2004, and Gerardo S. Espina Sr. from 2004 to 2006. Presently, the town is headed by Gerard Roger Espina.

Transportation

Healthcare

Naval has the following health facilities:

Education

The main campus of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) is located in Naval. Public secondary schools: Private secondary schools: Public elementary schools: Private elementary schools: