Legend says that the name Ligao came from a corruption of the word “ticau”, once an abundant tree whose poisonous leaves were popularly used to catch fish in rivers or creeks. Most Ligaoeños, however, believe that the name Ligao was originally “licau” which means to take the long way around or to turn away from the ordinary or usual route.
LIGAO started as a small settlement known as Cavasi during the 16th century. It grew in population as it attracted other natives from nearby settlements. Its distinctive trait was that every native resident was peaceful in his/her endeavors. Eventually, however, power struggle among ambitious and aggressive leaders caused trouble and endangered lives and properties as they created divisions among the growing settlement. There arose five (5) divisions led by Maginoos (Chieftains), namely: Pagkilatan, Maaban, Sampoñgan, Makabongay and Hokoman. Rivalry and strife persisted despite Chieftain Hokoman who considered himself as the supreme leader over the whole settlement. Thus, the once peaceful inhabitants were in constant fear. According to Father Felix de Huerta, there also lived a Spanish Corporal endowed with the ability to settle jurisdictional disputes among the natives and their ruling Maginoos. Chieftain Pagkilatan was appointed supreme leader over the entire settlement with the approval of the other chieftains. Finally, tranquility and peace were brought back to the inhabitants.
The once minor settlement prospered politically, socially and economically from its founding as a barrio of Polangui in 1606, being ceded to Oas in 1665 and finallly becoming an independent municipality in 1666.
LOCATION
Geographically located between 13º to 14º latitude and 123º to 124º longitude. It is situated within the central part of the third district of Albay Province and bounded by the following Municipalities: on the North by the Municipality of Oas; on the South by the Municipality of Guinobatan; on the East by the Municipality of Tabaco; and, on the West by the Municipality of Pio Duran. The Provincial Capitol of Albay and Legazpi City are approximately 27 kms and 30 kms. Distant from the Municipality of Ligao respectively.
LAND AREA
The City has a total land area of about 24,640 hectares. It accounts for 9.65% of the total land area of Albay Province and ranks second to the municipality of Oas in terms of the largest municipal land area in the entire province.
POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
A total of fifty five (55) barangays comprise the municipality. Eight (8) barangays are within the Poblacion. The largest barangay is Barangay Maonon while the smallest barangay is Barangay Dunao which have land areas of 2493.57 hectares and 29.57 hectares, respectively.
CLIMATE
• Rainy season starts from July to January
• Dry season is from February to June but sometimes typhoon occurs during these months
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