ABOUT BALATAN
Balatan, officially known as the Municipality of Balatan (Rinconada Bikol: Banwaān ka Balatan; Tagalog: Bayan ng Balatan), is a 4th class municipality located in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, Balatan has a population of 30,669 people, reflecting a vibrant and growing community nestled along the western coast of the province, facing the Burias Pass. The municipality is known for its rich cultural heritage, coastal economy, and tight-knit rural communities.
The municipality of Balatan was founded by Don Gregorio Balatan, a respected leader and visionary who not only served as the town’s first municipal mayor but also established the municipality’s first formal learning institution — the Balatan Institute Memorial High School (formerly Balatan Institute). His legacy of leadership and education laid the foundation for the town’s future progress. Today, Balatan is under the leadership of its 6th mayor, Hon. Ernesto “Bares” Arillas Bagasbas, who continues to advance the local government’s mission of service, development, and inclusive governance.
Balatan plays an important role in regional trade, particularly with nearby island communities. A significant part of the local economy is supported by traders and fisherfolk from Burias Island, located in the neighboring province of Masbate, who regularly bring seafood and agricultural products to Balatan’s coastal market. This has made the municipality a small but active hub of local commerce, especially in the fishing and marine product sectors.
Culturally, Balatan is proud of its traditions and community spirit, which are best showcased during its annual festivals. The Pintakasi Festival, celebrated every February 18, honors the town’s patron saint and highlights the religious devotion and unity of its people. Meanwhile, the Pagkamundag Festival, held every December 1–3, commemorates the founding of the municipality and features colorful parades, traditional dances, and activities that celebrate Balateño identity, resilience, and progress.
With its rich history, committed leadership, and a community deeply rooted in faith, culture, and cooperation, the Municipality of Balatan continues to build a future anchored in its proud past and the collective aspirations of its people.
