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Isolated in Southern Iloilo is the Municipality of Igbaras. It
comprises 27, 233 residents on 15, 245 hectares of plains and rugged terrain.
Farming is the major source of income of the residents, although monetary
contributions from balik-bayans (Igbarasnons living abroad) is a great source
of income for many residents as well. Mango is one of the vital farm product
and is known for its dainty taste. Land and People A total land area of 15, 245 hectares of plain and rugged
terrain is common to 46 barangays, six in the Poblacion (town proper). The
Municipality of Igbaras is bounded on the north by the Municipality of San
Remegio, Antique; in the east by the Municipality of Tubungan; on the west by
the Municipality of Miag-ao, and on the south by the Municipality of Guimbal.
Sibalom, Antique is separated from Igbaras by the Napulak mountain and the
latter is distinct with the presence of huge stone resting on the top of it,
one of its kind in the world. Crystal water is
gushing on springs and waterfalls that mingle at Tangyan River and crosses
that municipality and meanders along ravines. Nadsadjan Falls allures local
and international tourist and immerges as a tourist attraction. Caves are
rare with the presence of stalagmites and stalactites. There are 27,
233 people (1994 SEP survey) that occupy the municipality. However, migration
and seeking for opportunity abroad is noticeable. Barangays of Buga,
Jovellar, Bgy. No. 2, Bgy. No. 4. Bgy. No. 5 are highly populated. An average
of 3.24 (per group) and more than half are in productive group (15-65 years
of age. an average of 6 members per household and as high as 95%
literacy rate is being recorded. “Karay-a” and “Hiligaynon” are the dominant
vernacular. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Livelihood Aside from agriculturally productive, it has a vast supply
of bamboo and mangoes. It has an abundance of granite, limestone, gravel
(“baras”) and sand to be tapped. Potable clear water attracted the Local
Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to undergo further study in cooperation
with the Swiss Government which intends to finance the development of local
potable water supply to every barangay. Rice production
is the major farming resources with 28.97% benefited by irrigation projects,
the rest is rainfed. Water impounding and irrigation projects are being lined
up and others are on-going. Unemployment rate is at a minimum. Roads, Infrastructures and other Services Roads that link
hinterlands to town market made were possible by the 54.32 kilometers
barangays road networks. As foreseen, a road to San Remegio, Antique is under
construction through the efforts of the Local Government and the LGU. Several
bridges and other infrastructures were constructed amounting to the tune of
25 million pesos. Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
constructed the bridge of Barangay Alameda. Among the top priority project
list are the Covered Gymnasium (almost finished), restoration of the Old
Church Belfry and the construction of a modern Igbaras Public Market.
ILECO-1, being electrical power provider of Igbaras, recently signed the
Memorandum of Understanding with LGU and Titanum Group of Companies to take
initial step in developing Nadsadjan Falls to generate electrical power
supply of about four megawatts of electricity. ISLACOM telephone
company have now installed the first land lines in town. Igbaras may now easily
link to the outside world and can keep abreast with information technology.
The internet service is not far behind. Onward Igbaras 2000! Source: Igbaras Souvenir Program
Strategic Thrust, Accomplishment Report and Annual Report of the Municipality of
Igbaras |
