Cabatuan, Iloilo
Template:Infobox Philippine municipality Cabatuan is a 4th class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2007 census by the National Statistics Office of the Philippines, it has a population of 50,861 people.[1] It is described as a cultural and religious town in the heart of Panay and is about 24 kilometers from Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo province. Residents of Cabatuan are called Cabatuanons. Kinaray-a is the most dominant language used by the residents but Hiligaynon, English, and Tagalog are seldom spoken as well.
Cabatuan is the site of the new Iloilo International Airport designed to serve Iloilo City and the rest of the province. The New Iloilo International Airport is Located in Baranggays Gaub and Tiring. It may be accessed from Iloilo City through the Santa Barbara by-pass road.
History
Townspeople believed that Cabatuan could have gotten its name from three words in the local dialect describing certain facets of prehistoric Cabatuan. The name might have evolved from (1) Kabatuhan which means rock-strewn, (2) Batu-an which means to fight, defy, or oppose, and (3) Batuan which is a sour-fruit-bearing tree that grew abundantly in the region. Another theory, however, suggests that the name was derived from "naga-batu" (fighting or opposing) which is used to describe a creek in the town that flowed from east to west opposite to that of the usual flows of the rivers in the region.[2]
The town of Cabatuan was first noted for the "Sinulugans" or hillside tribesmen who annually practice the art of “Sinulog” or Dance of Death characterized by sword fighting rituals. "Tulisanes" and Rustlers also inhabit the place before the Spaniards came in 1732.[3]
The town was founded in 1732 after a molave cross (with only its base currently existing) was planted on the peak of Pamul-ogan Hill. It was originally planned by Tono whose statue now stands in front of the Municipal Building. He was then a town leader together with two other leaders Gomoc and Amihan. This early settlement was then flourishing on a level zone of land near the northern bank of the Tigum River where the poblacion or the commercial center of the town is now located.[4]
In 1733, Cabatuan was officially organized upon the installation of Rev. Fr. Antonio Lopez as its first priest and Tono as its first “gobernadorcillo”. Furthermore, the town was placed by the priest under the spiritual protection of Saint Nicolas de Tolentino whom Cabatuananons venerate as their Patron Saint whose feast is celebrated from September 1-10 every year through a weeklong celebration that is grandiosely culminated on September 10 by the highly-anticipated Tinuom Festival patterned from Iloilo's Kasadyahan Festival.[5]
During the Second World War, Cabatuan officially became the last defense of Western Visayas against the Japanese forces which led to the destruction of most of its edifices.[6]
Landmarks
San Nicolas de Tolentino Church
Built in 1834, this Tuscanic church of baked brick is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. The Church is the only existing church in Iloilo which has three facades. Its twin belfries are considered to be one of the best in the Philippines.
The church was given the title "Model of Temples" since it was the best representation of European architecture on the islands. In 1948, the church was partially damaged by an earthquake which ruined four of its belfries, two of its facade pediments and the central dome. In the early 1990's the church was restored back to its present grandeur. Today, 'La Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino' is one of the most picturesque churches in Asia.
Cabatuan Cemetery
This century old Spanish-Filipino Cemetery is the only cemetery in the Philippines which is a perfect square. Three Byzantine arch entrances dominate the front-gate, while a baroque central chapel is located at the center. The chapel is a fusion of Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, and Baroque architectures. The complex carvings on the chapel's facade is considered to be the most distinct cemetery relief which can only be found in Cabatuan. This cemetery's neatness and organization is famous throughout the region.
The Town Hall
One of the earliest town halls built in Northern Iloilo is the Cabatuan Municipal Hall. It was built in 1734 along with the Church. Calamities and war, however, damaged the second level of this public house and many renovations had been done. On the other hand, the designs were still derived from the original plan of the Casa. The first level of the town hall is already centuries old and its interior is characterized by the art deco cubical columns and semi-arched tuscan windows adorned with capiz shells.
Pamulogan Hill
This shrine is considered to be the cradle of Cabatuan's History. At the peak of the hill lies a concrete cross reminiscent of the original cross planted by the Spaniards who first came in the region. Every lent, traditional devotees start their journey from the mouth of Barangay Pamulogan to the peak of the hill as penitence.
Baluarte Shrine
This picturesque shrine located in Balic Hill, is one of the places in Cabatuan which attracts many tourists and pilgrims on lent seasons. On the peak is a cross, perhaps a replica of the one in Pamulogan Hill and on the foot of the hill lies an art-deco chapel.
The Tree of Bondage
The Shrine of the Bondage Tree lies in front of the Spanish Town Hall of Cabatuan. It is believed that the natives were tied in this tree and whipped if they refuse the polo y servicios during the Spanish Era.
Public holidays
The town celebrates three main holidays: the Cabatuan Town Fiesta on September 10, as well as the Tinuom Festival and a Lenten procession during Holy Week.
The Tinuom Festival is a celebration of the town's history and its popularily craved delicacy, tinuom. The festival is a colorful explosion of music and dances, and a magical timeline that has a story of its own.
Cabatuan is also known to have the most wooden and porcelain statues being showcased on Lent processions, with the most popular set of saints is the wooden "Last Supper". As Finales, songs from children and women choirs fill the air with solemnity and faithful adoration.
Barangays
Cabatuan is politically subdivided into 68 barangays.
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References
- ^ [1] - National Statistics Office Region VI census
- ^ The Official Webpage of the Municipality of Cabatuan - http://www.cabatuan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41
- ^ Cabatuan Roman Catholic Church (History of Cabatuan) - http://www.freewebs.com/cabatuanchurch/cabatuanchurch.htm
- ^ The Official Webpage of the Municipality of Cabatuan - http://www.cabatuan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41
- ^ The Official Webpage of the Municipality of Cabatuan - http://www.cabatuan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41
- ^ Cabatuan Roman Catholic Church (History of Cabatuan) - http://www.freewebs.com/cabatuanchurch/cabatuanchurch.htm
Other links
 Province of Iloilo | |
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Iloilo City (capital and largest city) | |
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