TIGBAUAN: A Historic Beauty On All Sides

Text and photos by: Bombette G. Marin

TIGBAUAN, Iloilo is a picturesque town where every corner has a unique offering you will surely love. Visitors will find plenty to see and do here, away from the hustle and bustle of its more touristy neighboring towns.

Not only a bustling beach town, but it also boasts a combination of friendly small-town culture, farmer’s delights, and old-world charm. It is a wonderful place to visit. Here are some favorites to give you some inspiration for your great Tigbauan getaway.

Among its many charms are its historic attractions. Consider visiting its historic icon, the St. John of Sahagun Parish Church. The present church built in 1867 is of Mexican plateresque architectural style where surface ornamentation especially stone carvings are lavishly piled-up.

In 1975, a historical marker from the National Historical Institute was erected on its churchyard, identifying the site where the first Jesuit boarding school for boys in the Philippines was established. In 1994, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. EleuterioRojo Carton, the interior of the church was renovated with a wide array of carefully laden tile mosaics. The church is considered to be the oldest existing church in the entire province.

Going to the ruins of the First Azucarera in southern Iloilo in Barangay Namocon is like stepping back in time to the early 1900’s. This place used to be a thriving sugar-producing area that was once amongst the center of town life because so many local people were employed here.

Originally owned by the Rivas but was later acquired by Don Jose Zulueta and Maria Zayco, the estate, almost 60 hectares were planted with sugarcane. Its relative isolation and its “Old World” feel really come together with its unique attraction, its ruined Muscovado Chimney, set in a very pretty grove of large, century-old Acacia trees on a lot presently owned by Hector “Boy” Zayco. The area offers amazing photo opportunities at every corner.

The Gabaldon buildings in Barangays Bagumbayan, Napnapan Sur, Buyu-an and the Central School have become a part of the history and culture of Tigbauan. Aside from being a venue for education, these historically-significant school buildings built from 1907 to 1946, form part of the life of its residences.

The South East Asian Fishery Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Barangay Buyuan was established in 1967. It is an inter-governmental organization that promotes sustainable fisheries development in the region.

This 40-hectare complex includes various research laboratories, hatcheries, and broodstock tanks and caters to the information and technical services on bangus and prawn culture, with complete amenities and facilities through their physical plant and sub-stations.

The World War II Panay Landing Memorial at Barangay Parara Sur marks the spot where American troops from the 40th Infantry Division, spearheaded by the 185th Infantry Regiment landed on March 18, 1945 on the beaches of Parara to begin the liberation of Panay Island.

A marker from the National Historical Commission was installed along with the busts of Gen. M Peralta Jr., Ge. D. McArthur and Col. J. Chaves at the center of the site. The local government unit of Tigbauan maintains this site and annually celebrates Panay Liberation Day on March 8th every year with a wreath-laying ceremony.

Since this is a historic town, there are also lots of colonial houses and antique homes here. However, it is not just the history that brings visitors to this town. The scenery is also a big draw.

Tigbauan is a second class town 22.5 kilometers south of Iloilo City. It is bordered by Leon in the north; San Miguel in the northwest; in the east by Oton; the Iloilo Strait in the south; and, west by Guimbal. It has a land area measuring 6, 062 hectares politically subdivided into 52 barangays and populated by 62, 706 based on the 2015 Census on Population data.

Visitors can take a Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miagao or San Joaquin jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or at the Iloilo Terminal Market in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala I, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Municipal Tourism Officer Linda Fe Camina on 09173283997.

Know what else to do when in Tigbauan during the 15thTumandok Celebration in celebration of Tourism Month on September 18-22, 2019 at the event center, fountain area of Robinsons Iloilo main mall. The event is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism, DOT-VI, Robinsons Place Iloilo and Daily Guardian.