Arevalo, Iloilo City

Villa de Arevalo, commonly known as simply Villa or Arevalo, is one of the seven districts of Iloilo City, in the province of Iloilo.[1] It was founded as La Villa Rica de Arévalo by a group of Spanish and Mexican soldiers[2] and their commanding officer who built his mansion along the coastal settlement in 1581. Though formally founded in the said year, Villa de Arevalo dates back its establishment in 1566 when Spanish conquerors established a settlement in the areas between it and the neighboring town of Oton.

This section is about the Philippine district of Iloilo City. For other uses, see Arévalo (disambiguation).

Villa de Arevalo District
Distrito sang Arevalo
Iloilo City District
District of La Villa Rica De Arevalo
Villa Beach
Nickname(s): 

"The Flower Capital of Iloilo City"
Coordinates: 10°41′09″N 122°30′42″E
CountryPhilippines
RegionWestern Visayas (Region VI)
ProvinceIloilo (geographically only)
CityIloilo City
Founded1566 (Establishment of settlement between Arevalo and Oton areas by the Spanish colonists)
1581 (Formal establishment of La Villa Rica de Arevalo)
Government
 • MayorGeronimo "Jerry" P. Trenas (Mayor of Iloilo City)
Area
 • Total7.58 km2 (2.93 sq mi)
Population
 (2020 census)
 • Total55,476
 • Density7,316.80/km2 (18,950.4/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Villanon/Villa Rican
Arevalnon/Arevaloño
Ilonggo (masculine)
Ilongga (feminine)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
5000
Area code(s)33
Patron saintSanto Niño (Infant Jesus)
Feast dayThird Sunday of January
Language(s)Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Filipino, English
Websitewww.iloilocity.gov.ph
District map of Iloilo City, Philippines.
The 3rd Oldest Santo Niño in the Philippines in the parish church of Villa de Arevalo, Iloilo City
Convent, otherwise known as a rectory, of the Santo Niño de Arevalo Parish, Villa de Arevalo, Iloilo City

It was absorbed by Iloilo City during the 20th century along with the towns of Mandurriao, La Paz, Molo and the city of Jaro. Arevalo is the westernmost district of Iloilo City and it borders Oton to the west.

Its church possesses the third oldest Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) image in the Philippines.[3] Arevalo is sometimes given the title "Flower Capital of Iloilo", where potted plants, flowers, bouquets, wreaths can be bought.[4] Arevalo is also famous for its firecrackers and fireworks. Its prominent attraction is the Villa Beach (Playa de Villa de Arevalo) along the coast which boasts several resorts and an outdoor nightlife such as open air restaurants and bars.

Villa de Arevalo is the first Spanish named town established by the Spanish colonists in the Philippines and Asia.

History

Established on 1581 by Gobernador Ronquillo de Peñalosa as "La Villa Rica de Arevalo", named after his hometown Arévalo, Spain, it is one of the first places in the Philippine archipelago to be named in Spanish. It became the capital of the settlement in the province on 1582. It was invaded by the British in 1588 and followed by more raids by Moros in 1600 and by the Dutch in 1609, 1614 and 1616. The continuous raids forced the capital to be relocated near the mouth of Iloilo River, which is the current location of Iloilo City Proper. It was incorporated as a district of Iloilo City on July 16, 1937.

Barangays

The district of Arévalo has 13 barangays.

Barangays Population (2020) Area (km²) Pop. density (per km²)
Bonifacio 1,994 0.37 5,346
Calaparan 9,158 0.33 28,127
Dulonan 4,616 0.69 6,729
Mohon 1,279 0.15 8,487
Quezon 1,820 0.16 11,179
San José 2,185 0.62 3,526
Santa Cruz 3,813 0.56 6,764
Santa Filomina 2,622 0.35 7,502
Santo Domingo 2,335 0.41 5,722
Santo Niño Norte 3,922 0.20 19,939
Santo Niño Sur 9,266 0.98 9,442
Sooc 8,568 2.26 3,798
Yulo Drive 3,898 0.51 7,660
Total 55,476 7.58 7,317

Source: Iloilo City (Philippines): Barangays - Population Statistics, Charts and Map (citypopulation.de) https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/iloilo/

    Schools

    Santo Niño de Arevalo Parish
    Villa Arevalo Church

    The district's parish, the Santo Niño de Arevalo Parish, is home to the third oldest Santo Niño figure in the Philippines. The church 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.

    Events

    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, the 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

    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, sail painting contest; Porma Balas, sand sculpting; Pintawo, 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.

    References
    1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    2. "A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows" Page 147. The few years of Ronquillo’s reign were in other ways important. A colony of Spaniards was established at Oton, on the island of Panay, which was given the name of Arévalo (Iloilo).
    3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
    4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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