Minalabac

The name Minalabac is linked to the early Spanish term “Minalagua,” which was said to mean “mine of water.” Early Spanish settlers reportedly used this name to describe the area, noting its water sources. Over time, the name evolved into its present form.^[6]

Minalabac traces its roots to the late 1500s. The first settlement was in Sitio Inguinan. Strong typhoons pushed residents to move the town about three kilometers to its present site.^[6]

The town became organized under the Municipal Code on January 31, 1901.^{[citation needed]}

In the 2024 census, the population of Minalabac was 51,841 people,^[13] with a density of 410 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,100 inhabitants per square mile.

Poverty incidence of Minalabac

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority^{[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]}

Minalabac is classified as a municipality. Minalabac has the same economy as Libmanan, Cabusao, San Fernando, Milaor, Ocampo, Nabua, and Calabanga because of fishing in coastal barangays near Ragay Gulf particularly Salingogon, and Bagolatao. Minalabac has several beach resorts that also boosts the economy of the town. Majority of the land is devoted to rice, vegetables and other root crops.

It was formerly included in the Metro Naga area before the designation was discontinued in 2017.^{[citation needed]}

Jeepneys are used for transportation from Naga City to Minalabac (Vice Versa), and from LCC Terminal in Sabang, Naga City to the market of Minalabac. It is the main transportation for public use.^{[citation needed]}

The town has a couple of provincial roads. The main road in the town is the Milaor-Minalabac-Pili road and the other roads either goes to the Poblacion, other barangays, to Rinconada district, or even Albay.^{[citation needed]}

Two main summer beach destinations include the pebble beach in Bagolatao and sand beach in Hamoraon. The growing number of resorts offers amenities such as cottages, videoke, rest house, etc.^[22]

The Minalabac 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.^[24]