Balatan

Municipality of Camarines Sur

Balatan, Camarines Sur is a coastal municipality whose identity is strongly connected to agriculture, fishing, and marine resources. Its coastal communities and fishing traditions reflect the importance of the sea to the local economy and way of life.

Baao Balatan Bato Buhi Bula Iriga Nabua

Explore Balatan

Discover the story of this municipality

Balatan is a 4th-class municipality in Camarines Sur with 17 barangays and a 2020 population of 30,669. It lies on the western coast of the province facing Ragay Gulf/Burias Pass. Its economy is strongly connected to agriculture, fishing, and coastal trade, with seafood and agricultural products traded through the municipality, including products brought by traders and fisherfolk from Burias Island in Masbate.

Before becoming an independent municipality, Balatan was a sitio called Siramag belonging to Nabua. On December 3, 1951, it became an independent municipality under Executive Order No. 485 signed by President Elpidio Quirino. It was named after Don Rufino Balatan, father of Gregorio O. Balatan Sr., who proposed the division of Nabua.

Balatan's identity is particularly connected to its coastal livelihood, fishing communities, religious traditions, and festivals, especially the Pintakasi Festival and Pagkamundag Festival.

Before 1951

Balatan was known as Sitio Siramag, a settlement under Nabua.

1951

Gregorio O. Balatan Sr., then a Camarines Sur Provincial Board Member, proposed dividing Nabua into Nabua and Balatan.

Dec. 3, 1951

Balatan became an independent municipality through Executive Order No. 485 under President Elpidio Quirino.

1951

The new municipality was named after Don Rufino Balatan, father of Gregorio O. Balatan Sr.

1952

The first school in Barangay Coguit was established under the then Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.

1958

The Parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was established, according to local historical accounts.

1968

Camangahan became a barangay after being separated from Caorasan in Bula through an ordinance sponsored by Mayor Don Gregorio O. Balatan.

1990

Barangay Siramag held its first fiesta in honor of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Today

Balatan continues to develop its coastal economy, festivals, disaster resilience, agriculture, and local commerce.

Don Gregorio O. Balatan Sr.

Founder / first mayor of Balatan

Gregorio O. Balatan Sr. was a Camarines Sur Provincial Board Member who proposed separating Balatan from Nabua. After the municipality was created, he became its first mayor. He also established the municipality's first formal learning institution, the Balatan Institute Memorial High School, formerly known as Balatan Institute.

Don Rufino Balatan

Don Rufino Balatan is important because the municipality was named after him. He was the father of Gregorio O. Balatan Sr.

Ernesto “Bares” Arillas Bagasbas

The current municipal profile identifies Hon. Ernesto “Bares” Arillas Bagasbas as Balatan's 6th mayor. His administration is associated with continuing municipal development and public service programs.

Felix Sembrano

Felix Sembrano was the first Teniente del Barrio associated with the early development of Barangay Duran. The barangay was later renamed Duran in honor of Don Ulpiano Duran Sr.

Establishment as an Independent Municipality The creation of Balatan as an independent municipality in 1951 was a major milestone in its political development. The municipality developed its own local government structure after separating from Nabua.

Development of Local Education One of Gregorio O. Balatan Sr.'s important contributions was establishing the municipality's first formal learning institution, the Balatan Institute Memorial High School.

Development of Coastal Trade Balatan has developed into a small coastal trading center, with fisherfolk and traders from Burias Island bringing seafood and agricultural products to the municipality.

Community Disaster Resilience Balatan has an extensive disaster-risk-reduction information system covering its barangays, including hazard maps, evacuation routes, emergency operations, and early-warning information. The municipality's current resilience project is implemented with the Fundación Religiosos para la Salud (FRS) and Siervas de Jesús de la Caridad (SJC), with funding support from the Generalitat Valenciana.

Preservation of Local History Balatan's current municipal platform documents the histories of individual barangays, including Siramag, Coguit, Camangahan, Duran, Luluasan and Pararao. These accounts preserve oral traditions, place-name stories, livelihood practices, and local history.

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Dried Fish Industry

Selling fermented and processed fish has been considered as one of the livelihoods of the town. The drying of different varieties of fishes is one of the world's oldest known preservation method, and the people of Balatan has already mastered this craft.

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Festivals in Balatan

KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL

Dec 03, 2026

Balatan

BALATAN, CAMARINES SUR — The coastal town of Balatan is gearing up for a month of festivities as it officially announces the schedule for the highly anticipated Pintakasi 2026. This annual celebration, which honors the town's patron saint, promises a dynamic blend of sports, cultural showcases, and community gatherings throughout February. The festivities kick off on February 8 with a focus on fitness and endurance, featuring the 2nd Duathlon Challenge and a Fun Run. Food enthusiasts can also look forward to the opening of the Banchetto de Balatan, a local food fair that will run until February 20, offering a variety of culinary delights to residents and tourists alike.