Alimodian, Iloilo

Alimodian
Alimodian
	Municipality
	Municipality of Alimodian
	Aerial view of Alimodian
	Nicknames: Banana Capital of Western Visayas; Strawberry Capital of Iloilo;
	Motto(s): Truth Always Prevails
	Map of Iloilo with Alimodian highlighted
	Alimodian Location within the Philippines
	Coordinates: 10°49′N122°26′E / 10.82°N 122.43°E Coordinates: 10°49′N122°26′E / 10.82°N 122.43°E
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)
Province	Iloilo
District	2nd district of Iloilo
Founded	1754
Barangays	51 (see Barangays)
Government [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Geefre A. Alonsabe
• Electorate	22,067 voters (2016)
Area [2]
• Total	144.82 km2 (55.92 sq mi)
Population (2015 census) [3]
• Total	38,408
• Density	270/km2 (690/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	5028
PSGC	063002000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)33
Climate type	Tropical climate
Income class	3rd municipal income class
Revenue (₱)	101,434,942.78 (2016)
Native languages	Kinaray-a language; Hiligaynon; Tagalog
Website	www.alimodian.gov.ph

Last updated March 08, 2019

Alimodian, officially the Municipality of Alimodian, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 38,408 people (40, 176 in 2017).^[3]

Iloilo is a province located in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. Iloilo occupies a major southeast portion of the Visayan island of Panay and is bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.

The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands that are categorized broadly under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The capital city of the Philippines is Manila and the most populous city is Quezon City, both part of Metro Manila. Bounded by the South China Sea on the west, the Philippine Sea on the east and the Celebes Sea on the southwest, the Philippines shares maritime borders with Taiwan to the north, Vietnam to the west, Palau to the east, and Malaysia and Indonesia to the south.

It has a total land area of 14,482 hectares (35,790 acres),^[4] making up 2.89% of the provincial land area of Iloilo. It has some rugged terrains as well as ample flat lands for agriculture. Mountain range which serves as a natural boundary with other towns is located in the northern hinterlands of the town.

Nicknamed as the Banana Capital of Western Visayas, it produces not only the most harvest in Western Visayas but also the sweetest banana in the region. The town also boasts of producing corns, mangoes, root crops, sweet potatoes, legumes, bamboos, coconuts, as well as high yielding crops such as carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and strawberries thus the nickname Strawberry Capital of Iloilo as they produce substantial amount of strawberries in their strawberry farms.

Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, numerically designated as Region VI. It consists of six provinces and two highly urbanized cities. The regional center is Iloilo City. The region is dominated by the native speakers of four Visayan languages: Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Aklanon and Capiznon. The land area of the region is 20,794.18 km² (8,028.68 sq mi), and with a population of 7,536,383 inhabitants, it is the most populous region in the Visayas.

A banana is an edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called "plantains", distinguishing them from dessert bananas. The fruit is variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind, which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant. Almost all modern edible seedless (parthenocarp) bananas come from two wild species – Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. The scientific names of most cultivated bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, and Musa × paradisiaca for the hybrid Musa acuminata × M. balbisiana, depending on their genomic constitution. The old scientific name Musa sapientum is no longer used.

Maize, also known as corn, is a cereal grain first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. The leafy stalk of the plant produces pollen inflorescences and separate ovuliferous inflorescences called ears that yield kernels or seeds, which are fruits.

Etymology

The name of the town was actually derived from alimodia or alimodias, the old Visayan name for Coix lachryma-jobi, a grain-bearing tropical plant of the grass family ubiquitous in the town. It is so called Job's tears because of the shape of its hard-shelled pseudocarps which are made by some into necklaces or rosary beads.

A tropical garden features tropical plants and requires good rainfall or a decent irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching.

Poaceae or Gramineae is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of monocotyledonous flowering plants known as grasses, commonly referred to collectively as grass. Poaceae includes the cereal grasses, bamboos and the grasses of natural grassland and cultivated lawns and pasture. Grasses have stems that are hollow except at the nodes and narrow alternate leaves borne in two ranks. The lower part of each leaf encloses the stem, forming a leaf-sheath. With around 780 genera and around 12,000 species, Poaceae are the fifth-largest plant family, following the Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae and Rubiaceae.

Accessory fruit type of fruit, in botany

An accessory fruit is a fruit in which some of the flesh is derived not from the ovary but from some adjacent tissue exterior to the carpel. Examples of accessory tissue are the receptacle of the strawberry, pineapple, common fig, and mulberry, and the calyx of Gaultheria procumbens or Syzygium jambos. Pomes, such as apples and pears, are also accessory fruits, with much of the fruit flesh derived from a hypanthium. Other example could be the anthocarps specific to the family Nyctaginaceae, where most of the fruit comes from the perianth.

History

The people of Alimodian are known to be strong resilient people tested through the times and manifested by its long colorful history.

Spanish colonial period

Alimodian was formerly an arrabal of the town of Ogtong. The town was founded in 1754 by Capitan Agustin Magtanong. On August 20, 1756 Alimodian was officially separated from Ogtong.

Barrio is a Spanish word meaning a quarter or neighbourhood. In Spain, several Latin American countries and the Philippines, the term is also used officially to denote a division of a municipality.

Oton, Iloilo Municipality of the Philippines in the province of Iloilo

Oton, officially the Municipality of Oton, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 89,115 people.

The original church of Alimodian was first constructed in its foundation in 1754. It was agreed that the site of the church would be on the place where the rope that pulled the tablon (a huge timber) would break. The tablon came from the shore of Ogtong (now Oton) and it was pulled by a pair of carabaos. Thus the site was decided and the people built a chapel of bamboos, cogon and logs. The plan to build a permanent church made of bricks and rocks plastered with lime was initiated in 1780 by then gobernadorcillo Marcos Gregorio and incumbent priest Fr. Francisco Monasterio and was moved on the northwest of the church's cemetery on Nichols St. It was completed in 1784 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1787.^[5]

The carabao is a domestic swamp-type water buffalo native to the Philippines. Despite the popular notion that this bovine has been declared as the national animal of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines has stated that this is not the case as it has no basis in Philippine law.

The bamboos are evergreen perennial flowering plants in the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass family Poaceae. The word "bamboo" comes from the Kannada term bambu (ಬಂಬು), which was introduced to English through Indonesian and Malay.

Imperata cylindrica is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. Red cultivars of the species grown as ornamental plants are known as Japanese bloodgrass.

The cornerstone of a permanent stone was laid on December 5, 1859 through the efforts of parish priest Fr. Florencio Martin and gobernadorcillo Don Timoteo Amarra. It was well attended by Spanish dignitaries from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo. It was completed in 1864 and was formally opened to public on December 22, 1864 amidst a colorful ceremonies.

The first permanent municipal hall was constructed in 1872 more than a century after its foundation since the first municipal building was built. It was completed in 1873 at a cost of 300 pesos during the incumbency of Capitan Marcelo Tolentino y Alger.

Calamities during the 19th century

The last half of the 19th century has been infamously remembered as one of the most disastrous and disturbing period in the annals of Alimodian.

It started in December 1851 when it rained tremendously for over a week with some gusty winds. The heavy downpour causes deluge on the rivers uprooting huge trees carrying them from the banks of the river to the plains. No official record of casualties existed. Another typhoon happened in May 1866 struck several towns including Alimodian. During its full strength a lightning struck the giant cross on the belfry of the new church toppling it to the ground. A strong earthquake jolted the church on June 29, 1869 a feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul and many pious devotees who flocked to the church at 7 am mass suffered broken limbs during a commotion. A big fire took place at around 1 pm April 25, 1877 and at least 17 houses made of bamboo and other light materials reduced to ashes while an old woman caught fire and left several families homeless. July and August 1877 were months ravaged with typhoon and severe flooding causing many trees to be uprooted. The heavy downpour in those months caused nature to exhaust its supply that from September 1877 to May 1878 not a single drop fell from heaven. There is a severe drought and the town suffered almost 10 months of arid climate people are parched and feel the searing heat pierced their bodies and crops were devastated and no single harvest took place in 1878 because it was a toxic year of famine, disease and death. On March 1, 1878 at eight in the evening, a huge fire reduced to ashes some 180 houses in Balud and Dawis (now Liboon and Rodriguez Streets respectively) just near the town plaza. Many got sick and perished in the dreaded months of August to December 1878 due to low resistance brought by deficient food intake. Almost 3,000 elderly people and children died on this tragic period and anemia and gastroenteritis were the leading cause of their early deaths. Another pestilence happen in August 1882 and according to the records some 900 people perished. A strong earthquake shook the town on February 2, 1887 which caused the stone image of St. Augustine which sits on top of the main door of the church to fell. The turn of the century with the coming of the American doesn't augurs well to the town. On September 8, 1900 tragedy struck with the outbreak of the cholera and the epidemic according to the official records took the lives of at least 700 people and this does not include those in the remote villages.

American colonial period

The turn of the century, with the coming of the Americans, didn't augur well for the town. On September 8, 1900, tragedy struck with the outbreak of cholera. The epidemic according to the official records took the lives of at least 700 people, which does not include those in the remote villages.

In 1902 Wilford Nichols, an American teacher arrived in Alimodian to teach the English language. Those who were already proficient in Spanish were required to attend school first so they could in turn teach other citizens how to read and write in English. The first principal was Justo Puga, and the first teachers were Felicidad Alingasa Sta. Cruz, Venancia Sta. Cruz Edurese and Concepcion Alfante Akol.

Alimodian became an arabales of the town of Leon in January 1904. Executive Order No. 45 signed by Governor General Francis Burton Harrison separating Alimodian from Leon effective December 31, 1918. By the first day of 1919 Alimodian elevated its status from just an arrabal of Leon to a fully independent municipality.

Japanese occupation and World War II

The Japanese Imperial Army first passed by Alimodian on April 19, 1942 from Maasin aboard their trucks and bicycles. They left the town peacefully and without any incidents since there were no combat forces in the area as they camped out in the mountains like in Cabacanan way before the Japanese arrived except for the intelligence operatives of the G-2 section and other units were in the town center to monitor covertly the movements of the invading enemy forces. The operatives included Sgt. Marcelo Tolentino, Conrado Norada, former Iloilo governor, and Sgt. Alfredo Galon. It was learned based on the intelligence reports gathered by the military that there were Japanese sympathizers among the evacuees at the convent of Fr. Mariano Perez, who was the parish priest at the time Sgt. Galon was planted as a houseboy at the convent. The information he gathered was relayed to Maj. Rafael Almacen, chief of the G-2 Intelligence Section operative during the war. In May 1942, an order was received from Major Rafael Almacen to round up Filipino soldiers who escaped being a prisoner of war and convince them to join Panay Free Forces organized in the mountains of Lambunao by Panay movement led by Col. Macario Peralta, Lt. Col. Leopoldo Relunia, Maj. Jose Alvior, Lt. Col. Julian Chavez and other responsible officers of the disbanded USAFFE. Refusal to join means the firearms would be confiscated. The designated town officer, First Lt. Marcelo Tolentino organized the Alimodian chapter of the movement in June 1942. This was a sub-unit of the First Iloilo Sector consisting of southern towns of Iloilo. Major Almacen was assigned as sector commander by Col. Peralta. During the first few months of guerilla warfare, Sitio Taban became the center of activities of guerillas, Japanese spies and civilian. After the Japanese eventually landed in Iloilo, the town's public market was transferred to Sitio Taban.

Taban massacre

This tragic infamous incident etched in the annals of Alimodian history and forever ingrained in the memories of the townsfolk took place in the early morning of August 17, 1942.

It was a fine busy Tuesday morning and people were busy trading and buying and selling of farm produce were briskly done and people of all ages and gender crowded the marketplace. All of a sudden the Japanese appeared in a flash. The first impulse is to escape but it was too late for most of the people there to get out. The preconceived plan of getting all the able bodied men from the crowd was carried out, seizing them and tied their hands and feet by the Japanese forces. About 50 men were captured after all the rest successfully eluded the Japanese while those who were left in the scene were women. Bayonets and sabers were immediately put into action after lining up the captured 50 men who were securely tied up. One by one, the captives were made to stand against the trunk of a coconut tree. Immediately, each one of them was subjected to bayonet thrusts and later beheaded with sabers. The massacre is completed and the severed heads of the victims were left scattered around to be eaten and taken cared of by the dogs after the murderers had gone.

On May 7, 1942 the first ambush on the Japanese Imperial forces took place in Barangay Balabago led by Col. Macario Peralta, commander of the Panay Guerilla and Free Panay Movement. Meanwhile, Col. Julian Chavez, the 63rd Regiment Commander established his command post in Barangay Dalid in preparation for the landing of the American forces in Parara Sur, Tigbauan. The 63rd Regiment Hospital headed by Capt. Alejandro Nery Cruz, MD was housed in the old central school building now the site of Alimodian Water District and Municipal Library. US navy pilot, Ensign William G. Shackleford was safely brought in Alimodian after his forced landing in Barrio Bangkal, Tigbauan, Iloilo due to engine trouble during an air raid of Iloilo City on September 13–14 and 24, 1944. He was saved by the guerillas and able to dismantle six machine guns and hundreds of ammunitions. He also burned his plane by firing a tracer bullet before the Japanese arrives. Shackleford was brought by Lt. Marcelo Tolentino to the command post in Inocencio St. He was welcomed cheerfully and treated like a hero and offered a sumptuous meal by the Segovia sisters, Luisa, Carolina and Maria who were evacuees from the city and signed autographs in emergency notes by those present. In turn he distributed chewing gums and candies.

Post-war reconstruction And developments

Alimodian was a no man's land after the war. Houses were burned and demolished. When the people returned to the town after the war, they have to contend to live in makeshifts houses made of bamboo and nipa for their shelter. The American government has its fair share of damages during the war. The American government paid the people in the form of reparation. In addition, guerilla notes issued during the war were also redeemed. Mayor Felix Altura who was the town's mayor before and after the war came back to office in March 1945 to have a responsive government immediately act on the people's needs. The military government appointed Simeon Cañonero as municipal mayor on May 15, 1946. The vice mayor was Anacleto Amparo and the councilors were Gelacio Allones, Wenceslao Anino, Teodosia Amarra, Pablo Albeza and Clara Alegrado. Mayor Simeon Cañonero is the longest-serving mayor of the town. He served for two years as a military-appointed mayor after the war and was elected for three terms of four years. Many buildings and structure in the town were destroyed and ruined during the Japanese occupation mostly from Japanese attracks, arson attempts of retaliating Filipino forces and series of lootings by deprived citizens and evacuees. During the term of Mayor Cañonero, roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure ruined by the war were reconstructed and made completely functional. School buildings in the town and barrios were rebuilt funded from the Philippine War Damage Claim. Rehabilitation of school buildings were given importance and priority due to an increase of enrollment after the war. Alimodian High School was founded in 1947 paving the way for secondary education for the young citizens of the town.

Street lighting system was first introduced in the town after the war provided by Alimodian Electric Light Service, an electric plant owned by the prominent family of Mrs. Natalia Amparado. On November 9, 1966 a boundary dispute between Alimodian and Cabatuan was resolved. The popular Holy Week pilgrimage site Agony Hill was blessed and inaugurated at 3:30 in the afternoon of May 3, 1967 by then Jaro Auxiliary Bishop, most Reverend Jaime L. Sin, D.D.. This project was initiated and completed by Reverend Father Nicolas Caberoy. Rural Bank of Alimodian Inc. was established in 1973 during the incumbency of Mayor Miguel Anas. It was inaugurated on December 31, 1974. ALEOSAN (initials of Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel being serviced by the hospital) hospital was founded in April 1968 through Republic Act No. 4854 authored by late Congressman Ramon Tabiana. The town was first energized on May 5, 1975 by Iloilo Electric Cooperative I with its main office in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Three hundred fifty households in the town proper and forty-two households in the barangays of Balabago, Bancal, Buhay and Lanot were the first recipients of the electrification. Aganan River flood control was constructed.

Five policemen, patrolmen Silvio Amaguin, Bernardo Alinday, Agustin Alitre, Romeo Alipat and Florencio Aligor, were killed on the spot by an ambush of the anti-government forces while on their way home after performing their mission in Barangay Tarug on the tragic day of August 20, 1978.

Demographics

Population census of Alimodian
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	7,274	—
1939	13,638	+1.76%
1948	16,886	+2.40%
1960	18,121	+0.59%
1970	19,751	+0.86%
1975	21,886	+2.08%
1980	22,906	+0.91%
1990	27,203	+1.73%
1995	29,179	+1.32%
2000	31,494	+1.65%
2007	34,035	+1.08%
2010	37,484	+3.58%
2015	38,408	+0.46%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority ^[3]^[6]^[7]^[8]

In the 2015 census, the population of Alimodian, Iloilo, was 38,408 people,^[3] with a density of 270 inhabitants per square kilometre or 700 inhabitants per square mile. It is the 22nd most populous municipality in the province of Iloilo.

The citizens of Alimodian are called Alimodiananon. The local dialect is Kinaray-a but Hiligaynon, English, and Filipino are also widely spoken. The dominant religion is Roman Catholicism. Alimodiananons are known to be happy, resilient, hardworking, productive, peace-loving, concerned and cooperative people.

Geography

Alimodian is 39 kilometres (24 mi) from Iloilo City. The rugged terrains of the Seven Cities in the northwestern hinterlands or upland communities of the town is part of the Bucari mountain ranges which lies mostly in the town of Leon. Bato Dungok of Mount Agua Colonia in the seven cities is the highest point in Alimodian. Aganan river the main tributary which passes through and serves several barangays is the longest and only river in the town.

Climate

Alimodian has three pronounced seasons: summer or hot dry season from March – May, rainy season from June – November and cold dry months from December – February.

Climate data for Alimodian, Iloilo, Philippines — NOAA Station Id: PH98637
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	29.7 (85.5)	30.2 (86.4)	31.7 (89.1)	33.1 (91.6)	33.1 (91.6)	31.6 (88.9)	30.7 (87.3)	30.4 (86.7)	30.8 (87.4)	31.1 (88.0)	30.9 (87.6)	30.2 (86.4)	31.12 (88.02)
Daily mean °C (°F)	26.1 (79.0)	26.5 (79.7)	27.6 (81.7)	28.9 (84.0)	29.1 (84.4)	28.1 (82.6)	27.6 (81.7)	27.5 (81.5)	27.6 (81.7)	27.7 (81.9)	27.5 (81.5)	26.8 (80.2)	27.59 (81.66)
Average low °C (°F)	22.7 (72.9)	22.7 (72.9)	23.5 (74.3)	24.6 (76.3)	25.1 (77.2)	24.7 (76.5)	24.4 (75.9)	24.5 (76.1)	24.4 (75.9)	24.2 (75.6)	24.0 (75.2)	23.4 (74.1)	24.02 (75.24)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	39.9 (1.57)	19.1 (0.75)	27.1 (1.07)	47.7 (1.88)	117.9 (4.64)	255.2 (10.05)	313.2 (12.33)	363.7 (14.32)	266.8 (10.50)	264.1 (10.40)	174.8 (6.88)	64.2 (2.53)	1,953.7 (76.92)
Average relative humidity (%)	82	80	75	73	77	82	85	85	85	84	84	83	81.25
Source: "Climate (Average Weather) Data". Climate-Charts.com. Retrieved March 13, 2011.

Land Use

Alimodian is still mainly an agricultural town. For the most part, since the soil is fertile agriculture and farming used vast tracts of land in the town. Other portion of the land is used for residential and commercial purposes. Below is the data of land use for agricultural based resources.

1. Rice, Irrigated – 300 hectares
2. Rice, Rain feed – 1,400 hectares
3. Corn – 700 hectares
4. Vegetables / Fruits – 150 hectares
5. Fruit Trees – 30 hectares
6. Root Crops – 35 hectares
7. Mango – 45 hectares
8. Legumes – 250 hectares
9. Bamboo – 80 hectares
10.High Value Crops – 75 hectares
11. Coconut – 120 hectares

Geographic division

Alimodian is bounded on the north by the municipality of Maasin, northeast by the municipality of Cabatuan while to the south is the town of Leon. Southeast of the town is the town of San Miguel while to its west is the Municipality of San Remigio in the province of Antique. Alimodian is geographically divided into 51 barangays and subdivided into eight (8) administrative districts. ^[2]

Abang-abang
Agsing
Atabay
Ba-ong
Baguingin-Lanot
Bagsakan
Bagumbayan-Ilajas
Balabago
Ban-ag
Bancal
Binalud
Bugang
Buhay
Bulod
Cabacanan Proper
Cabacanan Rizal
Cagay
Coline
Coline-Dalag
Cunsad
Cuyad
Dalid
Dao
Gines
Ginomoy
Ingwan
Laylayan
Lico
Luan-luan
Malamhay
Malamboy-Bondolan
Mambawi
Manasa
Manduyog
Pajo
Pianda-an Norte
Pianda-an Sur
Poblacion
Punong
Quinaspan
Sinamay
Sulong
Taban-Manguining
Tabug
Tarug
Tugaslon
Ubodan
Ugbo
Ulay-Bugang
Ulay-Hinablan
Umingan

Economy

Alimodian is a third class municipality in the province of Iloilo. It has an annual income of P57,574,977 pesos making it the 20th largest economy in the province. The town and its people has access to excellent healthcare, banking, communication, transportation and commercial services. Below is the socio-economic support services provided for the citizens and people in the municipality.

Socio-economic support services

1. 95 kilometers of national, municipal and barangay roads
2. Domestic water supplied by ILECO I in the Poblacion and adjacent barangays by Alimodian Water District
3. Electric power supplied by ILECO I in the Poblacion and all of the 50 barangays 100% energized
4. Communication facilities operated by PLDT, wireless communication services such as Globe and Smart, Philippine National Police and Icom Handheld Transceiver
5. Internet broadband and wireless services provided by PLDT, Globe and Smart Wireless Networks
6. Direct broadcast satellite providers by Cignal Digital TV, Dream Satellite TV, G Sat and Sky Direct
7. Educational facilities
- a. 8 primary and 20 elementary schools with 8 kindergarten classes
- b. 4 secondary schools
- c. 47 day care centers
8. Health and social services facilities
- a. ALEOSAN District Hospital
- b. 1 municipal health center
- c. 8 health stations
- d. 47 Day Care Centers
- e. Community based rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities (CBRS)

Multi-curpose Cooperatives

Kooperatiba Sang Alimodian
ALGEMCO (Alimodian Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative)
Alimodian Bamboo Craft Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Alimodian Dairy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Alimodian Veterans Multi-Purpose Cooperative
ANCHS Teachers & Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Baguingin-Lanot Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Buhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Binalud Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Ban-ag Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Bancal Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Bagsakan Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Bagumbayan – Ilajas Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Bulod Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Coline-Dalag Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Coline Kaisahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Dao Sikat Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Kooperatiba Kang Pianda-an
Manguining Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Manduyog Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Mambawi Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Pilucca Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Rosario Hills Home Owners Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Sinamay Multi-Purpose Cooperative
St. Thomas Van Owners and Drivers Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Sulong Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Ubodan Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Ulay Hinablan Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Banking

Banking and providing the citizens of Alimodian financial assistance for different purposes started when the Rural Bank of Alimodian was inaugurated on December 31, 1974 and the book accounts were opened to formally start business on February 6, 1975. Alimodian Kilusang Bayan for Credits and Kooperatiba sang Alimodian were also established and opened to cater to the financial needs and other assistance provided for the people of Alimodian. Today there are at least 28 multi-purpose cooperatives serving various barangays, communities and associations in the town.

Energy

Electricity first came to Alimodian after the war in 1946 with the first street lighting system provided by Alimodian Electric Light Service of Mrs. Natalia Amparado. The commercial and public use of electricity in the town was first available on May 5, 1975 bringing lights and improving the lives of the people. In the beginning three hundred fifty households in the town proper and another forty-two households in Barangay Balabago, Bancal, Buhay and Lanot were serviced by ILECO I, the main energy provider of the town. Today, the town is 100% completely energized as all the fifty-one (51) barangays have access to electricity.

Trade

The Alimodian Public Market has various stores that sells different products and other dry goods, some food stalls and other services like barbershop, internet cafe and beauty salons. Market days in the town takes place every Tuesday and Friday but some stalls and stores most especially vegetables, fruits, other dry goods, medicines and hardware are open everyday.

Communications

The municipality of Alimodian has access to every communication facilities and medium available to keep abreast with the latest news and developments and stay informed as well as get connected to the rest of the world most especially getting families, relatives and friends stay connected wherever they are in the world.

Telecommunications

Telephone services in town is provided by PLDT since 1996. PLDT has a sub-station in Barangay Bancal and services three towns of ALEOSAN (Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel). Wireless mobile services in the town were started in 2003 and were provided by Globe Telecom and Smart.

Radio and television

The town receives almost every radio wave frequency (am / fm) from all radio stations in the province.

Free-to-air channels were accessible to households with television with excellent reception except in the remote barangays and communities where there are good reception of some of these free viewing channels. Direct-to-home satellite providers such as Cignal, Dream, G Sat and Sky Direct offers optional subscription to fine tune the reception quality of channels and program as well as provide additional channels and entertainment to families enjoying television viewing.

Newspaper

Alimodian Iloilo Today is the official news publication of the municipality.

Internet and connectivity

Internet broadband network services is offered by PLDT and Globe to the people of Alimodian to get wired and connected to the rest of the world and stay in touch with their families, friends and other people through social media and VoIP apps. Wi-fi network services were also made available by PLDT and Globe. Other options include pocket wifi and mobile Internet powered by Globe and Smart.

Transportation

The town is accessible by several land vehicles. Jeepneys, tricycles and motorcycles were the main transportation. Jeepneys and motorcycles ply daily or several times a week to several barangays most especially to the remote upland villages and in the Seven Cities transporting farm produce to the town's public market and sometimes delivering it to Iloilo City's public and supermarkets and other good as well as means of public transportation. There are also weekly regular stops of Roro bus vehicles loading and unloading passengers to and from Roro ferry ships. Taxis occasionally pass by to load and unload passengers to and from the city but picking up a taxi in the town is made easier by taxi booking app Grab.

Sports

The people of Alimodian love sports as a mean of recreation, hobby or as a form of exercise to remain fit and maintain wellness and a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Basketball is the favorite sports played by men of all ages and watched by the people during the summer basketball league sponsored and supported by the local government. Other sports being played by the people are tennis, sepak takraw, volleyball, softball and football. The people of the town are also a huge fan of boxing, FIFA World Cup and NBA. Some of the town's youth are perennial champions in sepak takraw and softball while they also reap gold medals in athletics and tennis in Palarong Pambansa through the years.

Culture

The annual patronal town fiesta is celebrated every 22 September in honor of Saint Thomas of Villanova. There are several week long activities and shows prior to the highlights of the celebration and a feria is put up to entertain and celebrate with the people. Since the town is a deeply Catholic municipality, religious practices and customs are being observed during the Lent, the Flores de Mayo and Christmas. Pilgrims flock to the popular Agony Hill to make the Way of the Cross during the Holy Week.

There are lots of activities, programs and food festival around the town plaza during Christmas including Christmas tree and lantern competition.

Places of interest

Alimodian is a small picturesque farming town of 38,000 people. It is known for its rugged cloud-capped mountains, fertile vast lands, majestic hills and a clean, beautiful and tidy environment to picture a distinctive central Iloilo town. Its colorful but meaningful past contributed a lot to shape the course of history not only in the province of Iloilo but also the entire Western Visayas region.

Alimodian Public Plaza

The charming plaza once won first place in the National Beautification Contest.

Agony Hill

Pilgrims, devotees and tourists from all over Western Visayas region flock to this majestic hill during the Holy Week to reflect and make the Way of the Cross.

St. Thomas Of Villanova Parish Church and Convent

This Augustinian church was first built in 1859 and completed in 1864. It was opened to public on December 22, 1864. It was partially destroyed during the strong 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake causing its biggest bell to fell on the ground. The church undergone major restoration and renovation during the late 1990s and early 2000. The beautiful convent with a large statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was built and completed in early 2000s.

Alimodian Municipal Building

The first permanent municipal hall was constructed in 1872 only to be replaced with a newer building sometimes in the 1960s. The modern municipal building today was completed in 2016.

Seven Cities

It composed the seven barangays or villages located in the upland hinterlands of the town of Alimodian and is linked to the Bucari mountain range of the town of Leon. It is composed of the barangays Cabacanan (Proper and Rizal), Dao, Lico, Manasa, Tabug and Umingan. It is called the "Little Baguio of Iloilo" because of its cool climate. They produce high yielding crops such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and even strawberries. It is also known for its lush vegetation, thick jungle forest, diverse wildlife and plants such as wild berries and fruits, caves, steep cliffs and boulders, waterfalls and rice terraces.

Local government

The newly elected public officials of Alimodian for 2016 – 2019 took their oath last June 27, 2016 and their inauguration last July 1, 2016. Here are the government officials of the municipality of Alimodian whose tenure of office starts from 2016 and ends in 2019:^[9]^[10]

Mayor: Geefre Alonsabe

Vice Mayor: Julie Salarda

Councilors:

1. Flor Kenneth Alobin

2. Joe Amarillo

3. Job Almacen

4. Larriette Altubar

5. Ian Kenneth Alfeche

6. Emanuel Adricula

7. Eric Tamayo

8. Charles Buenavides

List of Past Municipal Presidents and Mayors

At the turn of the century during the American civil government, Alimodian was a former arrabal of the municipality of Leon. These are the elected officials during that time.

1904 - 1906 - Evaristo Capalla

1906 - 1907 - Gelacio Tabiana

1908 - 1909 - Nicolas Cambronero

1910 - 1911 - Raymundo Canillas

1912 - 1915 - Justo Puga

1916 - 1918 - Gregorio Alvior

On January 1, 1919, the Municipality of Alimodian separated from Leon becoming an independent municipality through Executive Order No. 45 signed by then American governor-general Francis Burton Harrison. These were elected municipal presidents (equivalent to municipal town mayor today) during that time.

1919 - 1920 - Gregorio Alvior

1920 - 1922 - Ramon Liboon

1922 - 1925 - Gregorio Alvior

1925 - 1928 - Tomas Algallar

1928 - 1931 - Gelacio Allones

1931 - 1934 - Ruperto Rodriguez

1934 - 1937 - Jose G. Alvior

In 1937, the name Municipal President was changed to Alcalde.

1937 - 1940 - Cipriano Cabaluna

1940 - 1945 - Felix G. Altura

The town is under the Japanese Imperial Puppet Government from 1942 - 1945 and the present name of town mayor began during these period.

1942 - 1945 - Anacleto Amparo (Puppet Government Mayor)

1942 - 1945 - Felix Altura (Civil Resistance Government Mayor)

After World War II appointed officials were designated to assess the damage of the war for rebuilding efforts.

1946 - Simeon Cañonero (Appointed)

1947 - 1951 - Simeon Cañonero

1952 - 1955 - Simeon Cañonero

1956 - 1959 - Simeon Cañonero

1960 - 1963 - David Alfeche

1964 - 1967 - Simeon Salarda

1968 - 1971 - Miguel Anas

1972 - 1974 - Miguel Anas

1974 - 1980 - Antonio Anibigno*

1980 - 1987 - Salvador Altura

1987 - 1992 - Juanito Alipao

1992 - 1995 - Juanito Alipao

1995 - 1998 - Juanito Alipao

1998 - 2001 - Bernardo Ambut

2001 - 2004 - Marylou Alipao

2004 - 2007 - Marylou Alipao

2007 - 2010 - Marylou Alipao

2010 - 2013 - Juanito Alipao

2013 - 2016 - Geefre Alonsabe

2016 - present - Geefre Alonsabe

Vice Mayor Antonio Anibigno succeeded the mayoralty post after the death of the incumbent mayor Miguel Anas who was the first mayor of the town who died while in office.

Notable people

There are quite a number of notable personalities from Alimodian who brought fame and honor to the municipality.

Alimodian firsts

These are the men and women achievers in their respective fields – the sons and daughters of Alimodian who were the town's first in their chosen fields. They brought immense pride and honor to the town as they enlist themselves in the list of Alimodian pioneering achievements.

First bishop – Msgr. Ireneo Amantillo
First parish priest – Rev. Fr. Valente Alpane Alegro
First nun – Sr. Ma. Clemencia
First doctor – Dr. Benjamin Alderete
First lawyer – Atty. Rafael L. Almacen
First assemblyman – Atty. Jesus P. Amparo
First president¹ – Gregorio Alvior²
First master of arts degree holder – David Rodriguez
First female councilor – Teodosia Andutan Amarra
First elementary school principal – Patrocinio Gaerlan
First district supervisor – Casimiro Allones
First female district supervisor – Remedios Anam
First female BSE graduate – Dolores Soberano
First aeronautical and mechanical engineer – Engr. Arturo Amarra
First chemist – Josefina Gimeno Villar
First dentist – Dr. Jose Altura
First optometrist – Dr. Emmanuel Anico
First pilot – Capt. Mauricio Alcon
First Philippine Navy Finance Officer – Jacob Alzate Alger
First Philippine Military Academy graduate – Juan A. Alger
First accountant – Francisco A. Alger
First female nurse – Olivia Alloguines Leaño
First male nurse – Salvador Salarda
First military town officer during World War II – Lt. Marcelo Amarra Tolentino
First marine mngineer – Custodio Alicer
First journalist and newspaper editor – Esteban A. Amparo
First photographer and watch repairer – Paulino Tolentino Amargo
First historian – Rito Tolentino
First agriculturist – Felix Amparado
First chairman of Alimodian Historical Society – Cornelio Alejo
First director of Moro-Moro plays – Simeon Arensol
First veterinarian – John Amarra

Note:

¹ Today it is equivalent to municipal town mayor.

² Gregorio Alvior is the first municipal president after separating from Leon and gaining independence in 1919 as a full-fledged municipality.

References

↑ "Municipality". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
1 2 "Province: Iloilo". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 12 November 2016.
1 2 3 4 Census of Population (2015). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA . Retrieved 20 June 2016.
↑ "Province: Iloilo". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 2013-05-10. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
↑ "Alimodian Church". Explore Iloilo. Retrieved 17 Nov 2007.
↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO . Retrieved 29 June 2016.
↑ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
↑ "Province of Iloilo". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
↑ "Eleksyon 2016 Election Results". GMA News Online. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
↑ "2016 Election Results: Councilor, Lone District, Alimodian". Rappler. Retrieved 19 May 2016.

External links

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[1] "Municipality". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 31 May 2013.

[nscb-area-2] 1 2 "Province: Iloilo". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 12 November 2016.

[PSA15–06-3] 1 2 3 4 Census of Population (2015). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA . Retrieved 20 June 2016.

[nscb-4] "Province: Iloilo". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 2013-05-10. Retrieved 26 February 2013.

[5] "Alimodian Church". Explore Iloilo. Retrieved 17 Nov 2007.

[NSO10–06-6] Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO . Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[NSO07-06-7] Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.

[LWUA-PopulationData-8] "Province of Iloilo". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

[9] "Eleksyon 2016 Election Results". GMA News Online. Retrieved 18 May 2016.

[10] "2016 Election Results: Councilor, Lone District, Alimodian". Rappler. Retrieved 19 May 2016.

v t e Province of Iloilo
Iloilo (capital)
Municipalities	Ajuy Alimodian Anilao Badiangan Balasan Banate Barotac Nuevo Barotac Viejo Batad Bingawan Cabatuan Calinog Carles Concepcion Dingle Dueñas Dumangas Estancia Guimbal Igbaras Janiuay Lambunao Leganes Lemery Leon Maasin Miagao Mina New Lucena Oton Pavia Pototan San Dionisio San Enrique San Joaquin San Miguel San Rafael Santa Barbara Sara Tigbauan Tubungan Zarraga
Component city	Passi
Highly urbanized city	Iloilo (Administratively independent from the province but grouped under Iloilo by the Philippine Statistics Authority.)