The Legend Of Miag-ao

Miagao Public Plaza 

Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

 
The town of Miag-ao became famous because of its old church. It is really beautiful that it attracts people most especially the tourists. Why the town was called Miag-ao?

When the Spaniards arrive to the place they don't know what to name the place. In their wandering, they observe the surrounding is rampant with a wild plant known as Miagos. They unanimously called the place Miagos from the said plant. Eventually, the place was called Miagao.

According to Father Lorenzo Torres, a priest assigned in Igbaras, Iloilo the place came from the name Miyagaw, an elder native Ati residing in the area. When the Spaniard and the said Ati met, he was asked by the Spaniard about the name of the place. For the reason that the Ati could not understand Spanish, he thought he was asked about his name. The old Ati responded the Spaniard with "Miyagaw". The Spaniard immediately noted what he heard. Since then, the town was called Miagao.


Photo Source:

http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/heritage-sites/1396/miagao-church/