TIGBAUAN, Iloilo — Visitors from Eastern Samar got a warm introduction to this historic southern Iloilo town on July 27, 2026. The local government, led by Mayor Atty. Virgilio T. Teruel and Vice Mayor Lugen T. Ortilano, rolled out a guided tour that turned the municipal grounds into a living museum of faith, history, and craftsmanship.
A Church That Stands Through Time
The group’s first stop was the St. John of Sahagun Parish Church, a structure that traces its roots to 1575. Its Mexican Plateresque facade and intricate stonework immediately drew admiration from the guests. A brief history session inside the church stirred reflections on the enduring faith of the Tigbauanon community.
Participants paused to study the Augustinian seal carved into the church’s frieze. They learned how the original stone church survived the devastating 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake. The visit became a moment of quiet awe, connecting the delegation to centuries of devotion.
Reliving Liberation and Patriotism
At the Tigbauan Pasalubong Center, the Liberation Photo Exhibit offered a different kind of immersion. The display of World War II memorabilia captured the town’s role in the Panay landing of March 1945. Black‑and‑white photographs of American troops and Filipino guerrillas sparked conversations about courage and sacrifice.
The exhibit stirred a renewed sense of patriotism among the visitors. They traced the events that paved the way for the island’s freedom, right on the very shores of Tigbauan’s Parara Beach. The narrative of local heroism added a powerful layer to the town’s tourist experience.
A Showcase of Artistry and Enterprise
The pasalubong center also revealed Tigbauan’s vibrant creative economy. TAGATIG local artists contributed paintings that captured community life. Shelves brimmed with hablon handwoven textiles, a craft passed down through generations of Hiligaynon weavers.
The visitors sampled local ginamos and inspected other Tatak Tigbauan products made by micro, small, and medium enterprises. Recycled crafts, fresh farm produce, and artisanal foods painted a picture of a municipality that honors its past while building a sustainable future. The center serves both as a retail hub and a cultural archive.
Building Bridges Through Tourism
The entire experience was part of Tigbauan’s push to become a recognized heritage destination in Iloilo. By hosting inter‑regional visitors and sharing its stories, the town deepens people‑to‑people ties while boosting its local economy. Mayor Teruel expressed hope that the guests would carry Tigbauan’s spirit back to Eastern Samar and inspire more exchanges.
For travelers seeking an unhurried journey into Iloilo’s soul, Tigbauan offers a quiet yet compelling stop. From centuries‑old stone churches to the resilience of its artisans and the valor of its freedom fighters, the town leaves a lasting mark. The gates of this vibrant southern community remain wide open for the next visitor.
