Pilar is a 1st class coastal municipality of Sorsogon Province in the Bicol Region or Region V, Philippines. It is the hometown of National Artist for Film Lino Brocka.

Profile of Pilar Municipality (Geography)
Location –> 502 kilometers southeast of Manila and 57.8 kilometers from Sorsogon City (See map below)
Neighboring City and Towns –> Daraga and Legaspi City in Albay Province (north), Castilla (east), and Donsol (west)
Area –> 248.00 km2 (95.75 sq mi)
Population –> 74,564 (2015 Census)
Terrain –> Hilly with coastal plain
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Coconut, fish, Rice, Vegetables, Poultry, Handicraft, Home-made Food Items
People/Language –> Bicolano, Tagalog, English
Barangays –> 49
Revenue (2016) –> 163,044,259.00
Legislative District –> 1st
Government Officials
Go here to see the elected municipal officials of Pilar.

History

The town of Pilar grew out of the Abucay-Catamlangan Mission which was established by the Spaniards from Gibalong (now Magallanes). The area flourished during Galleon Trade between the Philippines and Mexico. It became a shipbuilding center due to availability of timber. Later, the mission became Visita de Santo Nińo, part of Cagsawa in Albay.

On August 6, 1861, Pilar was formally organized as a pueblo (town) and was named after the daughter of Spanish King Phillip II and Queen Isabela I. The following year, it adopted the Our Lady of the Pillar as its patroness.

Economy

Pilar is considered a monocrop agricultural town with coconut trees everywhere. Yet small patches of land are planted to rice and vegetables and some families raise chicken and hogs. Fish is the second most important product. In Barangay San Antonio, a fish loading pier was construction to support local fishermen in bringing ashore their daily catch.

Trading is an important economic pillar of the local economy of Pilar. Many wholesalers based in the town distribute goods to nearby Donsol and to Masbate Province.

The local government is giving all-out support to the development of tourism. It wants to complement what the neighboring and more popular town of Donsol has to offer.

Tourist Spots

Tingco Beach – perfect for viewing sunset


Panumbagan Sand Bar (Pilar Marine Sanctuary)

Go here to see profile and photos of Panumbagan Sand Bar.

Kubkob Lighthouse – the Little Batanes of Pilar
Pilar Bay – perfect for boating or swimming and interacting with whales
Pitogo Beach

Our Lady of Pilar Parish Church

Festivals

Parau Festival coinciding with feast of Our Lady of the Pillar

Map of Pilar Municipality in Sorsogon Province

See also: Profile of Mayor Carolyn C. Sy-Reyes , Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero