Miagao: Our Hometown by Jerome Molejona

Miagao is located in the southwestern coast of lloilo province in Panay Island. Chartered as a town in 1716, the name Miagao evolved from Miagos, a plant found in abundance in the area during the time. With a land area of more than 15, 700 hectares, approximately 60,000 individuals living within its 119 baranggays (barrios) populate Miagao. Conveniently situated just 40 kilometers southwest of lloilo City, the town is less than an hour's drive from the city. The local dialect spoken by Miagaowanons, the town's people, is called Kinaray-a.

Just like in any typical small Philippine town, life in Miagao is quite slow paced and seems relaxing. Miagaowanons are generally hospitable, friendly and fun loving. Religious fiestas and other observations are celebrated almost all year long. The center of the town, which is occupied by the church, municipal hall, cultural center and town plaza hosts most of the activities. On sunny weekends, Miagaowanons and guests can be seen enjoying the beaches along the town's seashore.

Miagaowanons traditionally derive their income from the agriculture and fishing industries. In the 1960's and 1970's, Miagao became popular for the hand loom weaving industry, which produced mosquito nets, "patadyong " and "hablon". In recent years, Miagao has caught on with the modern times. The town now enjoys the benefits of modem day amenities such as telephone service, cable TV and Internet access. The establishment of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) just in the outskirts of the town proper created economic opportunities and better education for deserving Miagaowanon youths.

Miagao is best known for the Miagao Fortress Church. Built in 1786 and completed in 1797, it boasts of a unique designed facade of a sculpted image of St. Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus. The church was declared as a national shrine by the Philippine National Historical Institute and is currently on UNESCO's World Heritage List. After more than 200 years, Miagao Church has truly passed the test of time, surviving earthquakes, fires, typhoons and pirate attacks.

However, the best Miagao has to offer is its people. Due to limited opportunities in their hometown, Miagaowanons are never afraid of venturing outside Miagao or the Philippines to seek a better life. Over the years, the town produced numerous individuals who excelled in their respective fields of expertise within and outside of the Philippines. Despite finding success elsewhere, Miagaowanons do not fail to look and give back to their roots in their beloved hometown of Miagao. And despite living elsewhere, Miagao remains in the Miagaowanons' heart and becomes a bond amongst them. Surely, "you can take a Miagaowanon away from Miagao but you can never take Miagao away from a Miagaowanon".

JAM

11/13/00