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Pakuyang sa TangyanIgbaras, a town tucked in the highlands of Southern Iloilo , celebrated its Tangyan Festival for the first time from May 13 -18.
The festival showcases its indigenous culture and the town's famous tulali and banduria, local instruments both made of bamboo, and hand-woven patadyong products. It also revived the ancient practice called pakuyang , where food and other products are laid out in the table for everyone to eat. Pakuyang is both a thanksgiving for the abundant harvest and an appeal for an even bountiful production.
Igbaras is a 15, 245 hectares of plains and rugged terrain. And was said to get its name when the Spaniards ask a group of men working on a pile of sand, stones and pebbles. One of the Spaniards asked the name of the place in his native Spanish. Thinking of having been asked about their work, the men responded, “AH, BARAS” (oh, gravel)! which would later led to the naming of “IGBARAS,” a newly founded pueblo.
Another familiar folk story revolves around Mount Napulak . According to some beliefs, Mt. Napulak used to stand on a stony but solemn “pueblo” (town) with a number of beautiful land spots and where an abundance of gravel (“baras”) and stones basking the site thus gained its distinction as the town of “BARAS.” The Municipality is bounded on the north by the Municipality of San Remegio , Antique; in the east by the Municipality of Tubungan ; on the west by the Municipality of Miag-ao, and on the south by the Municipality of Guimbal . While Sibalom, Antique is separated from Igbaras by the Napulak mountain and the latter is distinct with the presence of huge stone resting on the top of it, one of its kind in the world. “Karay-a” and “Hiligaynon” are the dominant vernacular. Farming is the major source of income of the residents, although monetary contributions from balik-bayans (Igbarasnon living abroad) is a great source of income for many residents as well. Mango is one of the vital farm product and is known for its dainty taste.
Aside from agriculturally productive, it has a vast supply of bamboo and mangoes. It has an abundance of granite, limestone, gravel (“baras”) and sand to be tapped. Rice production is the major farming resources. Igbaras as a premier tourist destination has its beautiful spots. Like the crystal waters gushing on springs and waterfalls that mingle at Tangyan River and crosses the municipality and meanders along ravines. The Nadsadjan Falls that allures local and international tourist is a tourist attraction. The rare caves with the presence of stalagmites and stalactites notes the richness of its natural resources. History As early as 1615, Igbaras was already a “visita” of the Agustinian Missionaries. It was in “Tinogpahan” in the vicinity of Binanau-an that the first “Iglesita” or chapel was founded by Rev. Juan de Medina. The missionaries found out that there were three “datos” that ruled the settlement in Igbaras. Binanua-an in the Kiput area became the first townsite because it is strategically located between Tiglabat and Tuminting Hills. It proved to be impregnable to Muslim raids and attacks because during that period, the coastal towns of Iloilo were already raided.
Later the townside was moved to Utas, a high-rise outside the Kiput area for the former site was inundated by the floods. The new site was a flourishing settlement even before the coming of the Spaniards as evidenced by uncovered antique wares so abundant in the area with the impression of Ming and Sung Dynasties of 960 A.D. The site was not productive as the plains of Cabubugan, so the townsite was transferred to the latter for, Cabubugan was also under a “dato” and a flourishing settlement in 1223 A.D. when Ogtong was the seat of Confederation of Madiaas. However, the area proved to be a flooding hazard and a new townsite was imperative by then. In 1752, it was Fr. Juan Aguado who founded the townsite that existed to the present Igbaras. Don Diego de Tamooc was formally selected to head the “pueblo” in 1761. Prominent edifices were constructed during the incumbency of “Gobernadorcillo,” Don Pedro Sexto, like “Casa Real” of the 1799 at Calle de San Augustin, a municipal street completely inundated by the floods. The old church was constructed in 1784, followed by the convent in 1795 under Fr. Ignacio Marcos. These structures were also washed away by the big floods but the remains are still visible today.
In 1878, Fr. Celestino Fernandez constructed a new church with a big convent under the term of Fr. Jose Laviana as parish priest, but just the same, these two imposive and beautiful structures were destroyed by the 1948 earthquake named “Lady Caycay.” During the American regime, lawlessmen and banditry were rampant. In 1890, Don Joveniano Ealdama built a “talutog” or bamboo and wooden fortress around the poblacion.”Montor,” the famous bandit penetrated the “Talugtog” or bamboo and wooden fortress and killed Don Mariano Benedicto at the same time looting the Poblacion. It was also during this period that the Spanish-American War flared up. “Directorcillo” Julian Bucoy, joined the revolutionary forces against the Spaniards and later against the Americans as “Primer Teniente de Estado Mayor” under General Martin Delgado with headquarters in Santa Barbara , Iloilo .
It was in 1902 that Igbaras was fused to Guimbal as the later's arrabal until the time when Acting Governor General Charles E. Yeater issued an Executive Order No. 64, dated December 23, 1918, that mandated the separation of Igbaras from Guimbal on January 1, 1919. Don Flor Evidente was elected first Municipal President in 1919-1922, followed by Lucas Gentica, 1922-1925; Julian Bucoy Saavedra, 1925-1931; Justo Estrella, 1931-1938; Dionisio Esquilla 1938, but lost to Gerardo Escaba (1938-41) in an electoral protest; Toribio Melliza, 1941-45; Perfecto Saavedra, 1945-1955; Ricardo Ealdama, 1955-61; Toribio Melliza 1961-64; Atty. Daniel Esmeralda, 1964-1977; Vicente E. Perez, 1977-1985; Wilfredo C. Uy ( taken by Our Lord - February 23, 1999) , 1986-1992 and Fruto J. Saavedra (1992-2001). The current mayor is Jaime Esmeralda, M.D. Igbaras has the distinction of having one of the first Congressman elected to the Philippines Congress in 1925-1928 in the person of Don Eugenio Ealdama, and the delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention, Don Mariano Ezpeleta who later served as Consul General and Ambassador to several countries.
During the Second World War, the poblacion of Igbaras was burned to ashes (holocaust) by the resistance against the Japanese Imperial Army. Ramon Esporas was appointed as municipal head by the Civil Government under General Tomas Confessor. Lt. Pedro B. Saavedra organized guerilla forces under General Macario Peralta. Luis Ezpeleta with the consent of the USAFFE Guerilla movement accepted the position of the puppet mayor to protect the populace. After the war in 1945, Perfecto B. Saavedra was appointed mayor prior to local elections in 1947 in which he was elected mayor. Today, Igbaras is a fifth class municipality with a population of more than 27,000. It has a land area of 15, 245 hectares, 75% of which cultivated and devoted to agriculture. It has 46 barangays and approximately 54.32 kilometers of barangays road network. Under present dispersion, Igbaras is a recipient of rural electrification, irrigation and related programs of our government especially road and other infrastructure programs. Worthy to note is the muti-million road network from Guimbal to Igbaras. This is through the effort of Congressman Oscar Garin. Many infrastructure projects are being lined-up by the good Congressman in favor of the municipality and under his leadership with Divine Providence, Igbaras will surely march forward to progress.
Fruto J. Saavedra, member of Iloilo Historical Society
March/April (Lenten and Easter Season) “Hugas kang Kahig” (washing of the feet), Estacion kang Krus sa Capilla (Stations of the Cross), Santo Intiero, Hesus de Pasensya, Sabado Santo (Holy Saturday) with the weeping Virgin and which all culminates at Domingo de Gloria (Easter Sunday) with the “yukbo,” (Jesus and Mary meeting) “anghel-anghel,” the unveiling of the weeping Virgin and the Solemn Mass of the Lord's Resurrection/Easter Sunday. Month of May During the month of Our Lady, little girls come to church, dressed in white every afternoon to shower her with songs and flowers. Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan (festival of flowers) culminate this event. Month 22 Town Fiesta of Igbaras in honor of Sta. Rita de Cascia. Almost every family prepare an abundance of food for everyone, whether they are relatives or just passersby who visit them during the fiesta. There is a “binayli” (dance) in the town plaza, often days before the feastday itself. We also have the “Miss-miss” (Fiesta Queen Contest), proceeds of which is used to either help the church or the town. Bottom line, whoever has most money wins. Other celebrations and presentations are held in anticipation of the fiesta. “Lechon Baboy” is often the main course. How would you like to visit Igbaras during this time of the year? June 24 Patronal Fiesta of Igbaras in honor of St. John the Baptist. In the spirit of St. John's (cousin of Jesus) baptism of our Lord, Igbarasnons commemorate this feastday getting wet. If you are ready to go to work or school, “cool lang pare kon mabasa ikaw kang tubig.” Townsfolk are used to splashing water on people whether they are ready to go to work or just hanging out in one's “garita” (waiting shed). December 24 Christmas Celebration/Program at the Public Plaza followed by the Midnight Mass (with the much anticipated “panaw kang bituon”) afterwards a gathering at the Plaza with everyone's former classmates and disco “hasta sa aga” (‘till day break). The New Year is welcomed with fireworks and with scattered gatherings/celebrations all throughout the town. Tourist Attractions Loom Weaving - one of the major livelihood activities of the people of the Barangay Santa Barbara, five kilometers west of the poblacion. Babaylan - ritual performed by old folks in the rural areas to ward off bad spirits especially when one of the members of the family get sick. This is also performed prior to the start of farming activity to increase production. Mount Napulak - the highest mountain in Igbaras with the elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level. This is the only mountain in the country shaped like a breast of a lady with a massive stone head atop. There you can view the City of Iloilo glitters an aluminum sheet. Everybody will enjoy trekking going to the top of the mountain via a very steep narrow trail from Barangay Bagay for an average of five hours. Transportation from Poblacion to Bagay is available once a day during dry season. Nadsadjan Falls - the 100 feet high waterfalls falling in different pools of different sizes. Its cool and fresh Prussians blue waters attracts foreign and local tourists every year. From Barangay Passi, visitors may experience adventures trekking along the Igbolo Creek to reach the place. The one and a half-kilometer walk include rock hopping and climbing. Transportation from Poblacion to Barangay Passi is available twice daily. Igcabugao Cave - with a three-hour walk from Barangay Passi, this cave is located in Barangay Igcabugao, fourteen kilometers from the poblacion. To reach the cave, you will experience mountain climbing and also rock hopping. Along your way to the cave, you can have a little relaxation in the cool and clear water of Igbolo Creek. Inside the cave, you will find the big chamber as big as the church with the formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Going there needs an advice of the barangay folks. Tour guide is available anytime upon confirmation with local officials. Passi Cave - otherwise known as bat cave of Igbaras . Different sizes of bats are present in the cave. The cave has a great deposit of guano, a first class organic fertilizer. It is located more or less one kilometer from Barangay Passi proper trailing along Tangyan River . Guiritsan Falls - from Barangay Igcabugao Proper, you have to climb mountains for almost two hours. Upon reaching the place, you feel the aura, so romantic and so exotic. Going to the place needs a couple of days. Songsongon - the gateway and the only way to Kipot Area in Barangay Igtalongon, five kilometers from the Poblacion. The coolness of the place brings comfort to “bakasyonista.” This is the place where two mountains met, the Tiglabat and Tuminting Mountains the former is proposed as bird sanctuary of the municipality. Mount Bahe-Bahe - located in western part of Igbaras in Barangay Buenavista, seven kilometers from the poblacion. This mountain can be viewed in the poblacion and you will appreciate its perfect conical shape. Walking for an hour from Barangay Talayatay is good exercise to the adventurer. If you love nature, you will love the place. Igbaras Mountain Ranges - the beautiful mountain ranges serve as a background of the municipality extending from as far as Miag-ao to the Municipality of Tubungan . The scenery is so lovely to view with Tarugan Falls so visible during rainy season pasted on the blue green landscape. Its good to view the mountain range in the fields of Sitio Cabubugan, Barangay Signe, and a kilometer away from the poblacion. Santacruzan Festival - festival celebrated by Barangay No. 5 Poblacion every 2nd day of May each year. This is the dramatization depicting the finding of the Holy Cross in the mountain of by Reyna Elena based on the verses written by the late Lolo Jose Elmido, a native of the barangay. Beautiful women and handsome men are recruited to portray the different role as specified. Fiestas - the Igbarasnons are predominantly Catholic comprising almost 99.00% of the population. Every barangay is celebrating it religious fiesta in honor of the Patron Saint. Fiesta is another way of family reunion together with other close friends and relatives. The Igbaras Municipal Fiesta is celebrated every 22nd of May in honor of Sta. Rita of Cascia while the Igbaras Parish Fiesta is celebrated every 24th day of June in honor of its patron Saint St. John the Baptist. Igbaras Parish Belfry - the on going construction of the restoration of belfry is made up of yellow adobe, commonly known as tabriya. This restoration now house the Adoration Chapel of the devotees. This is located within the vicinity of the Igbaras Parish Church . www.igbaras.net |
