Oldest town in Panay turns 438
Oton, the oldest municipality in Panay, will be celebrating its 438th Founding Anniversary with the Katagman Festival that will kick off on April 28, 2010.
Oton’s Information Officer Irene Otero said the Katagman Festival, launched eight years ago, showcases the rich history of Oton that dates back to the 13th century.
As records show, Oton, or “Ogtong”, founded on May 3, 1572, was the first town in Panay and the third in the country after Manila and Cebu.
On the other hand, Katagman got its name from the nose-shaped islet known before as “irong-irong” and later called Iloilo, where the first regional government in the country under Datu Paiburong was situated.
History also cites that it is in this part of Panay where civilization first started, with the Batiano River, then a flourishing Malay Port, served as a gateway to Christianity.
Oton Mayor Vicente Flores said the Katagman Festival from April 28-May 3 will feature an Agri-Fair, Borador Contest, Fun Run, Laro ng Lahi, On-the-Spot Painting contest, Pamunit sa Katagman, Porma Baras (Sand-Sculpture contest), Motorboat Race and Awarding of Outstanding Ogtonganons and the Search for Hiyas sang Katagman.
The Foundation Day (May 3) Highlights will include a Holy Mass, the Unveiling of Portraits of Mayors, Street Dancing, Musical and Theater Competitions.
