Barangay Western Poblacion

Barangay Western Poblacion forms part of Baras, a municipality in Catanduanes, and is classified as a very small barangay.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay Western Poblacion had a population of 211. This made it the 23rd largest of 29 barangays in Baras by population, placing it among the smaller barangays of the municipality. Residents of Barangay Western Poblacion accounted for approximately 1.56% of the total population of Baras, which stood at 13,484 in the same census year.

The barangay recorded 233 residents in the 2015 intercensal count and 211 residents in the 2020 Census — a net change of -9.4%, consistent with a contracting settlement. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay Western Poblacion as rural, a designation applied to barangays with lower population density and predominantly non-built-up land use.

Baras is a municipality comprising 29 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay Western Poblacion, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Catanduanes, which contains 315 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay Western Poblacion ranks 300th by 2020 population. Catanduanes is classified as a 3rd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

Barangay Western Poblacion is governed by an elected Sangguniang Barangay composed of a Punong Barangay and seven kagawads, with the Sangguniang Kabataan representing the youth. The next BSKE, set for Monday, November 2, 2026, will elect officials to four-year terms as provided under Republic Act No. 12232.