Arevalo, Iloilo City

Arevalo

La Villa Rica de Arévalo
Arevalo La Villa Rica de Arévalo
District of Iloilo City
	Arevalo aerial view
	Nickname: Flower Capital of Iloilo
	Location within Iloilo City
	Arevalo Location in the Philippines Arevalo Arevalo (Philippines)
	Coordinates: 10°41′09″N 122°30′42″E / 10.68583°N 122.51167°E
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)
Province	Iloilo (geographically only)
City	Iloilo City
Congressional District	Lone district of Iloilo City
Founded	1566 (Settlement); 1581 (Formally established);
Incorporated (as district)	July 16, 1937
Founded by	Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa
Barangays	13 (see Barangays)
Government
• Mayor	Jerry Treñas (Mayor of Iloilo City)
Area
• Total	7.58 km2 (2.93 sq mi)
Population (2020 census)
• Total	55,476
• Density	7,316.80/km2 (18,950.4/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Arevaleño; Villahanon
Time zone	UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
ZIP code	5000
Area code	33
Festival(s)	Paraw Regatta Festival – Third Weekend of February
Patron saint	Santo Niño de Arévalo
Feast day	Third Sunday of January
Native languages	Hiligaynon

Villa de Arevalo ([ˈbiʝa ðe aˈɾeβalo]; [ˈbiːljɐ dɛ ʔɐˌɾɛːbɐˈlo]), commonly known as simply Villa or Arevalo, is a district in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is the westernmost district of Iloilo City and shares its border with Oton to the west, in the province of Iloilo, on the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region.^[1] According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 55,476 people.

The district is known for its heritage and cultural landmarks, including the Camiña Balay nga Bato, a 19th-century heritage house,^[2] and Villa Beach, which features several resorts and popular local restaurants and bars.

Notable landmarks in Arevalo include the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Arevalo, which houses the Santo Niño de Arévalo, the third oldest Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) image in the Philippines.^[3]^[4] Arevalo is often referred to as the "Flower Capital of Iloilo" due to the abundance of potted plants, flowers, bouquets, and wreaths sold in the district.^[5] The district is also renowned for its firecrackers and fireworks.^[6]

History

A Spanish settlement was established in 1566 when Spanish conquerors settled in the area between Villa de Arevalo and the neighboring town of Oton. Villa de Arevalo was formally founded as La Villa Rica de Arévalo by Gobernador Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa in 1581. The name Arévalo was derived from his hometown in Spain, making it one of the first places in the Philippines to be named in Spanish.

The initial population of Villa de Arevalo comprised 80 European colonists of pure Spanish descent,^[7] who were joined by 169 Mexican soldiers from Latin America.^[8] It became the capital of the province's settlement in 1582. In 1586, it welcomed 20 Spanish Households and the garrison was reinforced by 30 Spanish and/or Mexican soldiers.^[9] However, the town faced numerous challenges throughout its history. It was invaded by the British in 1588, followed by raids by Moro pirates in 1600, and further attacks by the Dutch in 1609, 1614, and 1616. These constant threats led to the relocation of the capital near the mouth of the Iloilo River, which is the present-day location of Iloilo City Proper.

On July 16, 1937, Villa de Arevalo, along with the towns of Mandurriao, La Paz, and Molo, was incorporated as a district of Iloilo City. This integration solidified its position as an integral part of the expanding urban center.

Geography

Arevalo is the furthest district to the west in Iloilo City. It is located 6.29 kilometres (3.91 mi) away from Iloilo City Proper. It shares its borders with the districts of Molo to the east, Mandurriao to the northeast, and the municipality of Oton to the north and west. To the south, the Iloilo Strait and Villa Beach provide natural boundaries. Traversing the district are the rivers of Iloilo and Batiano.

Barangays

The district of Arevalo has a total of 13 barangays.

Bonifacio
Calaparan
Dulonan
Mohon
Quezon
San José
Santa Cruz
Santa Filomina
Santo Domingo
Santo Niño Norte
Santo Niño Sur
Sooc
Yulo Drive

Education

Melchor L. Nava National High School, named after Melchor Nava the former barangay captain of Calaparan.
Ramon Avanceña National High School, named after Ramon Avanceña the former Chief Justice.
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo campus, formerly known as Iloilo Maritime Academy.

Culture

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Arevalo

The district's parish, the Santo Niño de Arevalo Parish, is home to the Santo Niño de Arévalo, third oldest Santo Niño figure in the Philippines. The church, located on Arevalo Plaza, was built in such a way that when seen from above it is shaped like a cross. Adjacent to the church is the Arevalo Convent, a heritage building in a Spanish colonial design. Residing parish priest is Rev. Fr. Jose Gerardo Classico Nufable.

Arevalo Town Fiesta

In January, Arevalo celebrates its town fiesta in honor of the Santo Niño. The festivities take place during the month of January, Fiesta day is held every 3rd Sunday of January. During Fiesta Day households open their doors and prepare food for fiesta goers, friends, visitors, and distant relatives. A fireworks display contest is one of the highlights of the celebration held on the night of the town fiesta.

Paraw Regatta Festival

Arevalo hosts the annual Paraw Regatta, which is the oldest traditional craft event in Asia, and the largest sailing event in the Philippines. A paraw is a Filipino double-outrigger sailboat much like a pump boat which was used for transportation and fishing and still is in limited areas.

The main event is the paraw boat race along Iloilo Strait and also showcases Pinta Layag, a sail painting contest; Porma Balas, sand sculpting; Pintawo, a body painting contest; Miss Paraw Regatta, a local beauty pageant; Samba De Regatta, music & Mardi Gras contest; Luces by the Sea, a pyrotechnic exhibition; beach volleyball; and photo competition.

Transportation

Transportation is mainly by jeepney which serves the district to the Iloilo City Proper. Metered taxi cabs also serve the traveling public. Tricycles and trisikads operate within the district. The Don Benito Acap Southern Iloilo Line Jeepney Terminal (Mohon Terminal) in the district serves the routes to and from southern Iloilo towns and the province of Antique.

References

^ "About Iloilo City". Iloilo City Government. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
^ Cummings, E. E. (November 19, 2016). "Camiña Balay nga Bato: Inside Iloilo's Heritage House by the River". Simply Philippines. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
^ "Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish (Villa, Arevalo Iloilo)". Visita Iglesia: A Visit to the Sanctuarium of Catholic Faith. July 28, 2009. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2011.
^ "You are being redirected..." www.panaynews.net. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
^ "La Villa de Arevalo - Flower capital of Iloilo". Explore Iloilo. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
^ Admin (January 30, 2020). "Arevalo Iloilo City Complete and Updated Guide". Iloilo Ph. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
^ Barrows, David P. (1905). A History of the Philippines. New York: American Book Company. p. 172 – via University of Michigan Library. In the Bisayas were the Cities of the Holy Name of God (Cebu), and on the island of Panay, Arévalo (or Iloilo). The first maintained something of importance attaching to the first Spanish settlement. It had its stone fort and was also the seat of a bishopric. It was visited by trading vessels from the Moluccas, and by permit of the king enjoyed for a time the unusual privilege of sending annually a ship loaded with merchandise to New Spain. Arévalo had about eighty Spanish inhabitants and a monastery of the Augustinians.
^ Mawson, Stephanie J. (2016). "Convicts or Conquistadores ? Spanish Soldiers in the Seventeenth-Century Pacific". Past & Present (232): 87–125. doi:10.1093/pastj/gtw008., AGI, México, leg. 25, núm. 62; AGI, Filipinas, leg. 8, ramo 3, núm. 50; leg. 10, Ramo 1, núm. 6; leg. 22, ramo 1, núm. 1, fos. 408 r –428 v ; núm. 21; leg. 32, núm. 30; leg. 285, núm. 1, fos. 30 r –41 v .
^ "Jesuits In The Philippines (1581-1768)" Page 143

External links

Iloilo City Government Official Website

[1] "About Iloilo City". Iloilo City Government. Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.

[2] Cummings, E. E. (November 19, 2016). "Camiña Balay nga Bato: Inside Iloilo's Heritage House by the River". Simply Philippines. Retrieved August 11, 2022.

[3] "Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish (Villa, Arevalo Iloilo)". Visita Iglesia: A Visit to the Sanctuarium of Catholic Faith. July 28, 2009. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2011.

[4] "You are being redirected..." www.panaynews.net. Retrieved July 14, 2022.

[5] "La Villa de Arevalo - Flower capital of Iloilo". Explore Iloilo. Retrieved August 11, 2022.

[6] Admin (January 30, 2020). "Arevalo Iloilo City Complete and Updated Guide". Iloilo Ph. Retrieved August 11, 2022.

[7] Barrows, David P. (1905). A History of the Philippines. New York: American Book Company. p. 172 – via University of Michigan Library. In the Bisayas were the Cities of the Holy Name of God (Cebu), and on the island of Panay, Arévalo (or Iloilo). The first maintained something of importance attaching to the first Spanish settlement. It had its stone fort and was also the seat of a bishopric. It was visited by trading vessels from the Moluccas, and by permit of the king enjoyed for a time the unusual privilege of sending annually a ship loaded with merchandise to New Spain. Arévalo had about eighty Spanish inhabitants and a monastery of the Augustinians.

[8] Mawson, Stephanie J. (2016). "Convicts or Conquistadores ? Spanish Soldiers in the Seventeenth-Century Pacific". Past & Present (232): 87–125. doi:10.1093/pastj/gtw008., AGI, México, leg. 25, núm. 62; AGI, Filipinas, leg. 8, ramo 3, núm. 50; leg. 10, Ramo 1, núm. 6; leg. 22, ramo 1, núm. 1, fos. 408 r –428 v ; núm. 21; leg. 32, núm. 30; leg. 285, núm. 1, fos. 30 r –41 v .

[9] "Jesuits In The Philippines (1581-1768)" Page 143

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v t e Iloilo City
La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloílo
Topics	History Metropolitan area People Media Districts Skyscrapers Nicknames
Districts	Arevalo City Proper Jaro La Paz Lapuz Mandurriao Molo
Geography	Iloilo River Batiano River Iloilo Strait Panay Gulf Ortiz Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Iloilo Province
Landmarks	Arroyo Fountain Calle Real Camiña Balay Nga Bato Casa Mariquit Casa Real de Iloilo CPU Church Iloilo Business Park Iloilo Central Market Iloilo Convention Center Iloilo Customs House Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art Iloilo River Esplanade Jaro Belfry Jaro Cathedral Lizares Mansion Lopez Heritage House Molo Church Molo Mansion Museo Iloilo Old Iloilo City Hall Old Jaro Municipal Hall Plaza Libertad San Jose Church
Education	Primary and secondary schools Universities and colleges Central Philippine University Iloilo Doctors' College Iloilo Science and Technology University John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University St. Paul University Iloilo University of Iloilo University of San Agustin University of the Philippines Visayas West Visayas State University
Culture	Ilonggo language Ilonggo people Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro Dinagyang Kasadyahan Paraw Regatta Festival Our Lady of the Candles Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Iloilo Santo Niño de Arévalo Lopez Jaena Day La Paz Batchoy Pancit Molo Mang Inasal Newspapers
Transportation	Airport Seaport Panay Railways
Western Visayas Philippines Category