Definition
Sierra Bullones is a fourth‑class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines.
Overview
Located in the southeastern part of Bohol Island, Sierra Bullones lies approximately 78 kilometres southeast of Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital. According to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a population of 30,684 residents. The municipality covers an area of roughly 68.71 square kilometres and is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. Its economy is primarily agricultural, with coconut, rice, corn, and root crops constituting the main sources of livelihood for its inhabitants. Local governance is headed by an elected mayor, vice mayor, and municipal council, in accordance with the Local Government Code of the Philippines.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Sierra Bullones” is derived from the Spanish word sierra meaning “mountain range” and the Filipino word bullón (or bulón), which can refer to a “bulge” or “hill”. The name reflects the municipality’s hilly terrain that characterises much of its interior landscape. The town was originally established as “Sierra” in 1869 and later renamed “Sierra Bullones” to distinguish it from other locales with similar names.
Characteristics
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Geography: Sierra Bullones is situated on a mixture of rolling hills and lowland plains. The municipality is bounded by the municipalities of Candijay to the north, Guindulman to the west, and the Bohol Sea to the east. The climate is classified as tropical rainforest, with a pronounced rainy season from June to November and a relatively dry period from December to May.
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Administrative divisions: The 19 barangays are: Anas, Anas Poblacion, Badiang, Badiang Poblacion, Buenavista, Cabul-an, Canta-an, Catagdaan, Dalipuga, Del Rosario, Dulongan, Gaus, Gaus Poblacion, Lantawan, Lungsod, Marabut, Pinamihagan, Poblacion, and San Jose.
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Demographics: The majority of residents speak Boholano (a Visayan language) and Filipino; English is used in education and government. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, with several parishes and chapels serving the community.
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Economy: Agriculture dominates the local economy, with smallholder farms producing coconut copra, rice, corn, cassava, and other subsistence crops. Livestock raising and fishery activities are also present, particularly in coastal barangays. Retail trade, public services, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers contribute additional income streams.
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Infrastructure: Sierra Bullones is accessible via provincial roads that connect to the Bohol circumferential highway. Public transportation includes jeepney and tricycle services. The municipality maintains elementary and secondary schools, a rural health unit, and basic utilities such as electricity (provided by the Bohol Electric Cooperative) and water supply through communal wells and spring systems.
Related Topics
- Bohol province
- Municipalities of the Philippines
- Local government in the Philippines
- Geography of the Visayas
- Philippine census data
All information presented is based on publicly available government records and reputable geographic sources.