Masbate City

Masbate City
Component City
City of Masbate
Masbate Provincial Capitol Building
Seal
Nickname(s): City of Hearts; Rodeo Capital of the Philippines; The Country's Marine Sanctuary; Melting Pot of Diverse Cultures and Traditions in Central Philippines
Motto: "Padayon na Pag-urusad, Katawhayan kag Progreso!" (Continuing Unity for Peace and Prosperity!)
Location in the province of Masbate
Masbate City Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 12°22′N 123°37′E / 12.367°N 123.617°E / 12.367; 123.617Coordinates: 12°22′N 123°37′E / 12.367°N 123.617°E / 12.367; 123.617
Country	Philippines
Region	Bicol (Region V)
Province	Masbate
District	2nd district of Masbate
Cityhood	September 30, 2000
Barangays	30
Government
• Type	Mayor-council
• Mayor	Rowena R. Tuason (Liberal)
• Vice Mayor	Ruby M. Sanchez (Liberal)
• City Council	List of councilors Jona A. Rey (Liberal) Andrei B. Diez Sr. (Liberal) Leilah D. Placer (Liberal) Rudy O. Yaneza Jr. (Liberal) Lucio J. Aguilar Jr. (Liberal) Alex D. San Pablo (Liberal) Ralph N. Daigo (Liberal) Haydee L. Lim (Liberal) Janus M. Tuason (Liberal) Joel V. Ibanez (Nacionalista)
Area
• Total	188.00 km2 (72.59 sq mi)
Elevation	8 m (26 ft)
Population (2015)
• Total	95,389
• Density	510/km2 (1,300/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Masbateño
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
Zip code	5400
Dialing code	56
Patron Saint	St. Anthony of Padua
Official language	Masbateño language
Website	www.masbatecity.gov.ph

Masbate City, officially the City of Masbate (Masbateño: Syudad san Masbate; Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Masbate; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Masbate; Central Bikol: Ciudad nin Masbate; Filipino: Lungsod ng Masbate), is a fourth class component city and capital of the province of Masbate in Bicol Region of the Philippines. The only city in the province, it serves as the province's main commercial center and chief seaport. According to the 2015 census, the city has a population of 95,359 people.

The city is more or less situated at the center of Masbate province and Masbate Island, about 212 aerial miles and 362 nautical miles from Manila. It is noted for its well-protected port with Ticao Island acting as barrier against the effects of inclement weather from the north-east. Being located at the central part of the Philippine archipelago, the city serves as Bicol Region's gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao. It is accessible through sea and air transportation.

The account that "Masbate" was coined after the words "masa" and "bate" remains anecdotal.

The islands of Masbate, Ticao and Burias were explored by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman in 1569. This exploration work was continued by Captain Andres de Ibarra. Ibalon (Albay) Province assumed jurisdiction over Masbate Islands, and Masbate was named the town's capital village; for security reasons, the seat of government had to be moved time and time again. It was first moved to Mobo and then again, to Guiom. It was later transferred to Palanog near the mouth of Lumbang River to make it more accessible to Bicol mainland and to the islands of Burias and Ticao. However, government records were kept inland in Cagay.