Villaviciosa, officially the Municipality of Villaviciosa (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Abra, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 5,674 people.
The town is known for the Kimkimay Lake, a reminder of the wrath of the gods against people who have numerous vices.
History During the Spanish era, Villaviciosa was once called 'Kalaw', which was derived from its first settler, 'Agcalaw', who was from Ananaaw (now Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur).
In 1904, Villaviciosa was separated from the town of Pilar, and eventually became a municipality in 1917. During World War II, on 8 December 1941, the people of Villaviciosa evacuated from the town towards the hinterlands. Sometime in December 1942, Japanese forces arrived in the town and ordered everyone to return to their homes. However guerrilla activity remained prevalent. By 1944, almost all men had joined the resistance against the Japanese. In one incident, Japanese forces were ambushed at a bridge near the south of the town, which then led to harsh Japanese reprisals against the innocent civilians.
Geography According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of constituting of the total area of Abra. is located at .
The municipality is geographically situated at the southern portion of Abra, bounded in the north-west by San Isidro, north by Bucay, east by Manabo and Luba, south by San Emilio, and west by Pilar.
The town is accessible from Benguet by land transportation through the , the more frequently used route. From the nearby province of Ilocos Sur, it is also accessible through the Candon via San Emilio to LubaTamac, Villaviciosa Road and the Santa MariaBurgos via PilarVillaviciosa Road.
Villavicios is situated from the provincial capital Bangued, and from the country's capital city of Manila.
Climate
Barangays Villaviciosa is politically subdivided into 8 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Demographics
In the 2024 census, Villaviciosa had a population of 5,674 people. The population density was .
Economy
The main source of economy in Villaviciosa is agriculture. The major agricultural staples of Villaviciosa are rice and tobacco cultivation. Another source of economy in the municipality is aquaculture through targeted programs.
Government Local government
Villaviciosa, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Abra, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
Elected officials
+ Members of the Municipal Council(2025–2028) Position Name Congressman Joseph Santo Niño B. Bernos Mayor Marjorie L. Lagen Vice-Mayor Jose W. Lagen Jr. Councilors Leo S. Sabaot Daniel P. Cayabo Celia B. Oydoc Felicisimo C. Pescozo Nixon B. Belmes Floro G. Fontanilla, Jr. Benjore Guideon G. Asia Ernest G. Binnong
Education The Villaviciosa Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.
Primary and elementary schools
Bol-lilising Elementary School Cal-lao Elementary School Lagaosian Elementary School Tamac Elementary School Villaviciosa Central School
Secondary schools Lumaba Integrated School Tuquib Integrated School
References
External links
[ Philippine Standard Geographic Code] Municipality of Villaviciosa