Discover. Experience. Enjoy STA. BARBARA, ILOILO

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...

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.

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

  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...

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...

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.

The MORE Power expansion bill, authored by Representative Janette Garin, was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives of the Philippines during its session last Tuesday. The measure seeks to include the municipalities of Iloilo’s 1st District in the franchise area of MORE Electric and Power Corporation. The approval came after Jeffrey Ferrer, chair of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, presented the panel’s favorable recommendation to the plenary. House Bill 7647 proposes amendments to Sections 11, 16, and 21 of Republic Act No. 11212, as previously amended by Republic Act No. 11918. The original law granted MORE Power a franchise to establish, operate, and maintain an electric power distribution system in Iloilo City and districts two and four, ensuring the continuous and reliable delivery of electricity to consumers within its service area. During the plenary vote, the bill garnered overwhelming support, with 247 lawmakers voting in favor, four ...

Nestled in the heart of the town and landscaped in time for the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebration, the Victory Plaza is considered as a favorite hang-out of young and old especially during afternoons and early evenings. The Victory Plaza serves as the town’s central park with landscaped garden and water fountains. It has two main historical features which include the Bandstand and the Rizal Monument.  The Bandstand, an octagonal-shaped structure was constructed in 1925 and since then served as venue to various political gatherings and other social activities. 

In time for the Lenten Season, a new attraction has emerged in Santa Barbara particularly in Brgy. Jibao-an near its boundary with the town of Pavia.  Called as the Our Lady of the Smile, the statue sits on top of a man made mound called the Hill of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Located in a former ricefield, the "hill" is about 2-3 storeys high with snaking paths going all the way up. The winding path is dotted with the Stations of the Cross for simple pilgrimage along the way making devotees and tourists as well experience Via Crucis all year round. At first it may seem so near but as you follow the path, you feel like treading the path Jesus took along the road to Calvary. But it only takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the whole trek, even under the scorching heat of the sun. A brisk walk or a few jogs would make it even faster. The hill is photogenic from almost all angles but the best spot is marked with a selfie or posing deck which captures th...

As Santa Barbara will be on the national spotlight this coming June 12, let's reminisce the Independe Day celebration two years ago held at SM City Iloilo, where the town showcased not only its heritage and culture but also its gastronomy by making a giant Philippine flag made with baye-baye in Brgy. Cabugao Sur. Let's bring back the taste memories... The Jaspe family and their gigantic gastronomic creation! Ilonggos celebrated the 115th Philippine Independence Day with much history and more baye-baye at SM City Iloilo! Measuring 8x16 feet, more than 100 kilos of baye-baye were made by D' Original Jaspe Special Baye-Baye from Bgry. Cabugao Sur in Santa Barbara, Iloilo to create this gastronomic masterpiece. Baye-baye is among the most popular native delicacies in Iloilo. It is made from pinipig, which is pounded rice and mixed with coconut and sugar, among others.  It was among the highlights of the mall's Freedom Day celebration that had cultural, musical ...