La Libertad, officially the Municipality of La Libertad (Cebuano: Lungsod sa La Libertad; Tagalog: Bayan ng La Libertad), is a municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 42,721 people.
Before and during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines, the Municipality of La Libertad was inhabited by indigenous tribes, mostly Negritos. Several families from neighboring villages and distant provinces began to settle, with one of the first pioneers being Pedro Absin.
Early settlers in the region established communities that later became part of present-day La Libertad. Many of them engaged in farming and fishing.
The fertile valleys of Hinoba-an drew several families who immigrated there in the later part of the Spanish period. The area was known for its fertile soil, which supported local farming activities.
La Libertad was severely affected by the 2012 Visayas earthquake, which caused landslides that killed 51 people.
The Tañon Strait lies to the east of this municipality. La Libertad is located north of Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental.
La Libertad is politically subdivided into 29 barangays. Each barangay is further divided into puroks, and some also include sitios.
The municipality is known for its white sandy beach of Solangon. The nearby Mt. Panciao is often visited for hiking and exploration.
The public schools in the town of La Libertad are administered by two school districts under the Schools Division of Negros Oriental.
Elected municipal officials (2010âÂÂ2013):