Barangay San Rafael

Classified as a mid-sized barangay, Barangay San Rafael is one of the administrative divisions of San Pascual in Masbate, Bicol Region, Philippines.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Barangay San Rafael had a population of 3,140. This made it the 3rd largest of 22 barangays in San Pascual by population, placing it among the most populous barangays of the municipality. Residents of Barangay San Rafael accounted for approximately 7.06% of the total population of San Pascual, which stood at 44,449 in the same census year.

Census comparisons between 2015 and 2020 show Barangay San Rafael moving from 3,571 residents to 3,140 residents, an intercensal change of -12.1%. The trajectory indicates a contracting community. The Philippine Statistics Authority classifies Barangay San Rafael as rural, a designation applied to barangays with lower population density and predominantly non-built-up land use.

San Pascual is a municipality comprising 22 barangays, and serves as the governing unit directly responsible for local services in Barangay San Rafael, including public health, sanitation, peace and order, and civil registration. Within the wider province of Masbate, which contains 550 barangays across its component cities and municipalities, Barangay San Rafael ranks 53rd by 2020 population. Masbate is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, a category that reflects the province's annual regular income.

Like every Philippine barangay, Barangay San Rafael is led by an elected Punong Barangay (barangay captain) supported by seven Sangguniang Barangay members (kagawads), an SK Chairperson, a Barangay Secretary, and a Barangay Treasurer. The next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, with officials serving four-year terms under Republic Act No. 12232.