Pontevedra, officially the Municipality of Pontevedra, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 54,502 people. The town celebrates the annual Handurayo Festival every May. Former actress Rio Diaz served as vice mayor of the town from 1998 to 2004.

Geography

Also called Marayo, Pontevedra's center or poblacion area is marked by the St. Michael the Archangel Parish, with the Saint Michael Academy beside it. To the east is the Public Market, ending up with Barangay Antipolo which is a notable place of some of prominent family "Hacienderos" as well as political clans of the town. The western side offers scenic views of Panay Gulf as well as the islands of Guimaras and Panay. At the northern end of the town is Barangay San Juan which is named in honor of Saint John the Baptist and offers turnips that are common in the area. Its southern part is Barangay Miranda, forming the boundary of Pontevedra and Hinigaran, where most people make their means of living through fishing. Pontevedra is 40 km from Bacolod.

Barangays

Pontevedra is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy