When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored on the shores of Masbate in 1569, he found tiny settlements spread along the coasts engaged in flourishing trade with China. Chinese traders visited Masbate and founded small settlements during the ShriVijayan and Madjapahit periods. Ruins of cave-like dwellings resembling "kiva" (possibly built by Indians who accompanied the Chinese traders), were found along the coasts of Aroroy, Palanas, and Masbate. Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at Kalanay (Aroroy) in the 1930s.

In December 1600, Dutch Commander Admiral Oliver van Noorth, sought refuge at San Jacinto Harbor after his fleet lost to the Spanish Armada in Manila. He was later engaged in a fierce clash with Limahong's fleet at Canlibas-Matabao passage.

At the height of the Galleon Trade, Mobo contributed first class lumber for the construction of galleons, making it the center of trade in the province and was the capital of the province in the early part of the Spanish occupation.

In 1864, Masbate was declared a separate province from Albay. Guiom was made the capital while Ticao became a commandancia-politico-militar. Shortly before the declaration of Philippine independence by President Emilio Aguinaldo, the town Masbate was established as the provincial capital.

The Americans came to Masbate in 1900 to extend their pacification campaign. In December 1908, Masbate was annexed to the province of Sorsogon. A bill declaring Masbate as independent province was approved on February 1, 1922.

As early as 1906, the Masbate representative made the proposal to the United States Congress to grant the Philippines her independence.

The first Japanese elements arrived in Masbate the dawn of January 7,1942  from Legaspi. They landed in several places without facing opposition-the province was too stunned to mount any resistance.

The Japanese occupation reduced Masbate to total economic shambles. Economic activities were limited to fishing, buying/selling, or stealing. Food production ground to a halt. Camote, pakol, banana blossoms, pith, and even such obscure fruits like barobo were used as food sustitutes. Lakad-bulan serve as cigarette, tea or coffe. Barter transactino prevailed. For lack of nutrition and sanitation, many people succumbed to beri-beri or malaria. Lice and ticks infestations spared only a lucky few.

Dr. Mateo S. Pecson, who was governor of the province, having a refused to cooperate with the Japanese, evacuated the provincil government to Guiom, a command post used by the guerillas. Pecson was eventually arrested by the Japanese and incarcerated in Cavite. He managed to escape; he later joined the guerilla movement in Central Luzon.

In 1944, Provincial Board Member Atty. Jose L. Almario was conscripted by the Japanese to govern the province. During the Liberation, he was arrested by the guerillas and charged with collaboration. He was exonerated and saved form set execution by a letter form General MacArthur.

Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, the lone house representative of Masbate, fought against a congressional bill authorizing the conscription of Filipinos into the service of Imperial Japan and for this he was detained in Fort Santiago.

When Masbate was formally liberated on April 3, 1945, Pecson was sent to Masbate by President Osmeña to organize the civil government. Pecson took the reins of government on May 11, 1945.