Discover. Experience. Enjoy STA. BARBARA, ILOILO

Posts

Take a HERITAGE WALK down historic Santa Barbara

There is so much for you to discover in Santa Barbara. From its pivotal role in the quest for freedom for the Ilonggos - as retold in history books, to its heritage as manifested in centuries-old structures, surviving customs, traditional ways of life and gastronomy. No other town has contributed this much to the Iloilo’s history, economy and tourism than Santa Barbara. In this regard, the Municipal Tourism Office is spearheading a Heritage Walk/Trail designed for locals and tourist alike to discover, experience and enjoy what the historic town has to offer. Marvel in the beauty of the newly restored CHURCH and CONVENT (A) built in 1849 and declared as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. Discover the town’s rich culture and historic past at the CENTENNIAL MUSEUM (B) . See one of the biggest Philippine flags atop one of the tallest flagpoles in the country displayed 24/7 at the FLAGPOLE PARK (C) . A monument dedicated to GEN. MARTIN TEOFILO DEL...

Belgian lace making and embroidery at WUTHLE

Originated in Belgium by the ICM Sisters’ Apostolate, this is the only one of its kind in the Philippines.WUTHLE stands for Women United Through Handcrafted Lace & Embroidery. This is a non-profit organization which seeks to uplift the lives of women through embroidery and lace-making. Their workplace can be found inside the compound of the Western Visayas Sanitarium, where one can actually see the lace-making and embroidery under the nimble and creative hands of the workers.

Poso - Our drinking water that "burns"

While most towns and places take pride on native delicacies and dishes, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo has a drink that can actually do more than quench one's thirst. Sta. Barbara's drinking water since time immemorial is known as "poso" . It doesn't stop flowing even during summer, it is colored like tea and it "burns". But before you take out your white hankies and start waving it; or line up, bathe or take a sip in the hopes of curing physical pains, it's not actually that "miraculous" in that sense. Read More

Senate Reviews Primelectric Power Utilities Franchise Applications

The Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo, convened on March 18, 2026, to deliberate on two franchises under Primelectric Holdings Inc. The session focused on the franchise extension request for Bohol Light Company Incorporated and the franchise expansion for MORE Electric and Power Corporation. Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer of both utilities, presented the performance overview of the two companies. He detailed operational improvements and provided the justification behind these legislative requests. MORE Power: Expansion Amid Strong Performance Metrics MORE Electric and Power Corporation, which has operated under a legislative franchise in Iloilo City forsix years, is seeking to further widen its coverage area. The proposal includes seven municipalities in the First District of Iloilo Province, sponsored by Congresswoman Janet Garin following requests from residents. If approved, these areas will join the second and fourt...

Iloilo Golf and Country Club - The oldest golf course in the Philippines

About a hundred years ago, very little was known about the game of golf in this part of the world, in the Philippines in general and in Iloilo in particular. Then a year or so after the turn of the century a group of Englishmen came to the country, employed by the Philippine Railway Co. whose purpose was to build the railway that was to connect the City of Iloilo to what was then the town of Capiz now Roxas City. Among them were Scotsmen who then and even now are known to be lovers of the game of golf. Venture to say that to satisfy their needs of playing their favorite pastime, they consequently had to build a golf course. They looked for an area suited for their golf course which they found just outside the rural town of Santa Barbara conveniently located near the route of their railroad about 15 kilometers from the City. And they found that site amid the gently rolling hills. Not much was needed to be done to build a golf course in this area save cleaning level s...

Flagpole Park

In front of the Municipal Hall building, stands a 120-feet flagpole amidst a well manicured mini-park. Constructed in time with the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebrations, and it flies the biggest Philippine Flag outside Luzon. This flag is one of the only five giant flags in the country measuring 30x60 feet. The giant flag is displayed on occasions like Independence Day and Kahilwayan Festival among others.