The Legend Of Tigbauan

Tigbauan Church and Public Plaza

Bearland Resort

The town of Tigbauan is found southeast of the city of Iloilo. It is bounded by the following towns: in the north by the town of Leon, town of San Miguel in the northwest, Oton in the east, Iloilo Strait in the south, Guimbal and Igbaras in the west, and the towns of Tubungan and Guimbal in the northeast. This town is about 30 kilometers away from the city. It has 52 barangays, has an area of 6,667 hectares and a population of 58, 814 people according to 2010 census. The municipality has a flat terrain. The plain is approximately 57% of the total area, covering about 6,667 has. along the north-west site of the Sibalom River. There are lots of coconut trees and bamboos can be seen around. The Tigbaueños are the makers of frying pans, basket, lamps, glassware cover made of bamboo. Tuba palm wine, nata de coco, bucayo, vinegar, different kinds of candies, sweets, confectioneries are products of coconuts. The town of Tigbauan is one of the main supplier of healthy fish in the neighboring towns. Fishing is one of the jobs and source of livelihood of the people and they earn a lot from it which they use to send their children to school same with making palm wines.

One of the important events in Philippine history is the landing of American Liberation Forces on March 18, 1945 in the shores of Parara-Buyuan,  Tigbauan, which caused the liberation of Panay Island and Romblon from the Japanese Imperial Forces.

Tigbauan is known not only in the Philippines but also around the world because it was in this town where SEAFDEC (Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Council) Aqua Culture Research Center is located. The Research Center attracts foreign tourists to study about fisheries in our country but most especially students on their educational tours. The breeding of milkfish and shrimps are just some of the first researches of the center.

In accordance with the program of the government to improve the quality of lives of the people in rural areas, ILECO (Iloilo Electric Coop, Inc) was established in which office was located in Tigbauan. Same with SIBALOM RIVER IRRIGATION SYSTEM that provides water in the whole town and the town of Oton. The water system or irrigation gives a lot of help and improve the lives of the people in the town.

During the old days, the town was known by the name "Katigbawan" (mountain of the tigbao grass) which became Tigbauan today. The town is well known before because of the tall grasses growing thickly which was called "tigbao" o tambo with a scientific term, "Acanthus ebracteatus."

Three-fourths of this area is grown with tall and thick grasses growing abundantly everywhere in the area. Long time ago, according to the old folks, the most common practice of people is to cut tigbao grasses which they use as fuel and its leaves is made into broomsticks. During those times, there is a young man cutting some "tigbao" and he has a boyfriend who brought him food at noon time. One afternoon the lovers walked together home when they meet a Spaniard. The Spaniard asked about the name of the place. They could not understand what the Spaniard is saying so they keep silent. The Spaniard asked again pointing to the tall grasses.

The lovers responded katigbawan. With three parting ways, the Spaniards ascertained the name of the place where he was lost and he never thought he could give the name to the place. Since then, the place of the tigbao grasses became famously called "katigbawan". However, it eventually became "Tigbauan" because according to the townsfolk of Katigbawan the name is long so it was shortened by removing "ka" in Katigbawan and it became Tigbauan. The spelling of Tigbawan was again changed and became Tigbauan the place before where it was almost covered with tigbao grass. However, it is unbelievable that not a tree of Tigbaw is growing or can be seen today anywhere in Tigbauan.





Photo Source:

http://www.ivoteph.com/candidates/region-vi-western-visayas/iloilo/tigbauan-iloilo-official-local-candidates-mock-poll-2016/

http://ramzkie.com/2012/05/experience-paradise-experience-bearland-resort-tigbauan/