MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES

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BRIEF HISTORY 

Sometime in 1846, Francisco Ariola, son of the datu from Jolo, together with his men, found themselves in the shores of Carles. He immediately organized the early settlers who later mingled with his men at Punta Bulakawe, a plateau just 330 meters north of the Poblacion (town proper). The settlers extended their clearing up the jungles and virgin lands for development. The Provincial Governor of Capiz commissioned Ariola to facilitate transportation of families recruited from Antique and Aklan. Soon afterwards, more settlers came. The Punta Bulakawe settlement, thus formed was included under the Pueblo de Pilar, Capiz. 

Towards 1856, as the general clearing progressed, Francisco transferred Bulakawe to the lowland south of the settlement. The settlement was named BADIANG, which means "wild giant gabi variety" because of the abundance of this plant in the vicinity of the new site. As streets were laid out Ariola, caused the equal distribution of the home lots to settlers along side the new created streets. Some settlers however, built their homes near farms. This later led to the formation of other barrio settlements. 

On January 1860, the leaders of the Barrio Badiang headed by Francisco Ariola went to Capiz to petition the provincial government to make Barrio Badiang a municipality. The governor denied the petition on the ground that Barrio Badiang was only newly created and was not yet capable of becoming a pueblo. Not discouraged by their first failure, the petitioners traveled for days to Iloilo City, to bring this petition to Governor Jose Maria Carles, a Spanish Governor. After studying the case, Governor Carles approved the petition and thus, Barrio Badiang became a "pueblo". 

The jubilant people of Badiang, in gratitude to Governor Carles for his approval of this petition, presented another petition to change the name Badiang to Carles in honor of the Governor. This petition was approved and on July 1, 1862, Carles was inaugurated as a new Pueblo with Alenjandro Buaya as the first Gobernadorcillo del Pueblo made Carles. 

On January 1, 1904, the Municipio de Carles was demoted from a status of a Barrio to the status of a Barrio Balasan. This incident disheartened some Carleseños who migrated to other towns and provinces. But among those who stayed on were the strong willed ones who struggled hard to make Carles an independent municipality. Headed by Casimero Andrada, the Carles Separation Movement succeeded in getting the approval of he Carleseños petition for separation from Balasan on January 1, 1920. Federico A. Ramos was appointed as the first Municipal President of Carles. It was during the incumbency of Municipal President Enrico Ilanga that he title of the municipal head was changed to Municipal Mayor and continued to be such until today.

• How Carles and Its Islands got its Name
• The Legends of Gigantes Islands
• The Legend of Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur Islands
• The Legend of Langub Cave
• The Legend of the Golden Ship
• Many other stories about the enchanted caves and places of Gigantes Islands

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY 

Carles is the northernmost town of Iloilo. It is located in the northeastern tip of the triangular shaped Panay Island. It lies in the coordinates of 11 01’30" latitude and 128 ’01’00" longitude. 

It is bounded on the north by Jintotolo channel; on the northeast by the Visayan Sea. On the west by Municipality of Pilar, Capiz; and in the south by the Municipality of Balasan, Iloilo. It is 146 km away from Iloilo City and 13 km away from Balasan, Iloilo, the nearest town to Carles.

 RESOURCE PROFILE

Land Area - 11,202 hectares 

Land Classification Status 

Though 49.94 percent of the total land area of Carles is classified under agricultural land, principal source of livelihood of the people is the fishing industry which extend not only within the 2,086.24 hectare of fishponds, but also to the open sea that is teaming with marine life.

Topography  

The land topography of Carles is mostly plain specifically in the mainland barangays. Island barangays specifically Gigantes, Sicogon and Calana-an have a slope of 15.5 to 30 percent. 

Of the municipality's total land area of 11,202 hectare, 5,112.1083 hectare has 3-8 percent slope; 2,475.0811 hectare have 3.5-8 percent slope, 3,228.9356 hectares have slopes of 8.5-15 percent and 385.875 hectare has a 15.5-30 percent slope.

Carles has four types of soil namely: 
• Hydrosol - 8.64 percent
• Sara Sandy Loam - 19.19 percent
• Sara Silt Loam - 30.58 percent
• San Rafael Loam - 41.59 percent

Mineral Resource  

Soil analysis revealed that the municipality is also rich in non-metallic resources. Ceramics or white clay is abundant in the islands of Barangcalan, Punta Batuanan, Talingting and Tinigban. Marble, Guano and rock phosphate are also abundant in Gigantes Norte and Sur. Granite also abound in the mainland, especially in the barangays Poblacion, Nalumsan, Cawayan, and Guinticgan. Coral reefs and rare shell are collectors item which Carles has plenty. 

Another physical features the people of Carles are proud of are its white sand and beaches which covers the shores of the barangay.

Flora and Fauna 

The majestic Mt. Opao. Locate at the Sicogon Island is home to the legendary Pitcher plant and diminishing number of bald eagles. The pitcher plant is said to be so precariously rooted in a cliff, making it then safe from human intrusion. Wild boars are still scouring the forest for food in defiance to the danger posed by game hunters. The stately trees that have endured the onslaught of "Kaingeneros" have provided homes to the aeries of the bald eagles and still a number of Narra, Naga and trees of commercial value are dotting the area. 

Gigantes Islands, is site of majestic marble walls or cliffs that the locals call the "pader". These cliffs offer the last and futile resistance to mountain climbers and game hunters who explore the area for the legendary "White" monkey and the foot-long yet fat snake. The legendary "White" monkey and the foot-long yet fat snake are said to be visible only to those gifted with séance. 

Yucca  plants dominate the forested and steep areas. These plants grow abundantly and commonly especially in the crevices of the cliffs.

Due to the onslaught of El Niño circa 1997, many species of plants and animals perished. It is a fact that the bald eagles homing in Sicogon and Gigante Islands are diminishing as a result of competition posed by the Kaingeneros and game hunters in addition to the effects of "El Niño" to the vegetation that provide food. The same is supposed of the wild boars. The status of the famed pitcher plants is also uncertain 8 Proposed National Parks. 
 
A tree park is proposed at the Gigantes Island especially at Barangay Lantangan to augment the current tree population and to provide more refuge to the fauna. 

With the needed advocacy from the legislators and residents of respective barangays, the caves locates at Gigante Islands could give spelunkers the adventure and excitement they are seeking. The enchanting caves house in them the unique stalactite and stalagmite information's; "Panaderia", harp, cathedral, and "lungon-lungon" to name a few. 

The hidden lagoon, locally known as "tanke", needs special attention. The enigma that it presents the visitors is a challenge to fathom. It seems that an invisible hand is working to keep the lagoon clean of fallen leaves and other rubbish. 

Trekking and island hopping could be quite an experience.

 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Population – 46,918 as of 1995

 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Major Industries  

Fishing  

As presented earlier the fishing industry employs the largest number of household heads (3,969 out of 9,068) and even the household male workers (4,446 of 8,822). The territorial waters of the municipality take a large portion of the Visayan Sea. All but 2 of the 33 barangays of the municipality are coastal. Furthermore, 18 of the 33 barangays are located in the islands.

In addition to this marine resource, the municipality also has 1539.0516 hectares of fishpond for the culture of bangus (milk fish), tilapia or prawns and the Cara-ay River which is suitable for oyster and mussel culture. 

Fishing Vessel - Baroto de Bugsay 

Fishing Method  

1. Hook-and-line ("taga" and nylon) were the most commonly used fishing method
2. "Palubog"
3. "hulbot"."zipper".

 
Livestock and Poultry 


Livestock and poultry (products) in the municipality are not generally produced in commercial scale. Most are grown in the backyard and mainly for household consumption. 

Among the animal grown, poultry leads in number at 25,217 heads, followed by dogs, with 7,896 heads, and then by Muskovy ducks, with 4,435 heads. The least number of animals grown in the municipality are horses which are regarded as a fading novelty.

INTERESTING PLACES / EVENTS

Cultural Attractions 

Sitio Barosbos, Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Norte, Carles, Iloilo - The area is identified by the National Museum (as per letter of Wilfredo P. Ronquillo, Chief, Archeology division dated October 1997 which was addressed to Hon. Arthur Defensor) as an archeological site, due to the discovery of abundant archaeological material, notably earthenware ceramics that were dated somewhere between ca. 500 B.C. up to A.D. 500.

Approximately an hour and half pump boat ride from Barangay Bancal, mainland of Carles, one can take pleasure watching the long stretch of white coastline of Barangay Buaya, Sicogon Island lined by coconut trees forming a refreshing divide between the lush forest and the blue waters. The view is really a continuous tapestry of scenic beauty. Formerly the site of Sicogon Beach Resort Club House, the are still accepts tourists/excursions who would like to have the taste of its tranquil beaches. 

Fronting the white sand beach of Barangay Buaya is Tumaquin island known for its aura of fantasy. This uninhabited island has crystal clear waters and creamy beach. Identified as a potential scuba diving site, it holds the elusive qualities of undersea world. 

Trekking farther on the north east of Barangay Buaya, approximately two kilometers, in the majestic Mt. Opao, the pride of Sicogon Island. Standing at the top,  one can have a breathtaking view of the island and the neighboring islands. Its forested slopes are acclaimed to be the haven of wild boars, bald eagles, pitcher plant and various species of flora and fauna. 

The whole of Sicogon Island depends on a water system by natural spring coming from Mount Opao. 

Beyond sunlight horizons and 15.376 nautical miles of sea from Barangay Bancal await dreamers and adventures a world of soothing island vista distinct of the enchanted Gigantes Islands and its islets. 

A tableau of granite monoliths, both the Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur are like imposing facades of time and wind carved stone mammoths with forested slopes. Some rocks are balanced in impossible ways, tipped up on their small ends, wedged in suspension between two walls, teetering a top each other seemingly poised for disaster. Like ancient monuments lost in green luxuriance, these remote islands promise hidden coves with chronicled features. 

Known for historical discoveries and abundant archaeological materials, Sitio Barosbos, Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Norte, possess a locale endowed with an image of ideal "tame and comforting" nature. With its austere beauty, mythical and enigmatic, one will surely have an enjoyable a sojourn. 

Just half a kilometer walk westward, on the jagged coastline of Sitio Barosbos reveals another breathtaking scene of shifting sand and sea, crag and coast which remained unmarred. Situated beneath the foot of a seemingly impregnable fortress is Langub Cave, Sitio Langub, Barangay Granada, Gigante Norte. With residents eager to narrate the enchanted fairy tales, one could not resist being drawn into the vortex of another world, world of the famed Golden Ship and a generous cave. The Golden Ship is said to be the royal inter island carrier of the unseen friends while the cave is said to be a storehouse of regale wardrobe and utensils ready for lending to those with the intent of returning them after use. 

Approximately a fifteen (15) minute pump-boat-ride east Sitio Langub could bring one to the famous and ever sought hidden lagoon, locally known as "Tanque/Tangke". This lagoon located on the southern side of Barangay Gabi, Gigante Sur is best accessed via a climb on the steep rocky wall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress from any intrusion. The climb from the pump boat docked alongside the wall is shorter and easier once done on a high tide. The rocky borders of the lagoon still offer spelunkers and trekkers a greater number of caves with one-of-a-kind stone formations. 

Barangay Lantangan, Gigante Sur is another site of archaeological finds of the same kind as those found in Barangay Asluman. A view from the pump boat ride along the coast of the barangay could tell one of the potentials of the beaches for development, a long sandy white stretch with a canopy of coconut groves for a real cool shade. 

Strewn in the blue sea nearby and adjacent to the bigger islands of Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur are the Gigantillo, Gigantona, Bulubadiang, Batigue, Cabugao Daku and Cabugao Gamay Islets with "a last place on earth" beauty. Carefully thought of as the Isles of sanctuary and solitude these granite islets offer as unusual combination of undersea environments, coral reefs and marine rock formation. In the fading light of day, these islets form a frame of rugged, wave lashed "under a magic spell" promontories. 

Balbagon Island, Barangay Lantangan Gigantes Sur - Sailing west, approximately twenty minutes pump-boat-ride from Barangay Lantangan is the famous Coral Cay Beach Resort. Its creamy beach fanned by coconut palms and crystalline waters is prize for solitude seekers and daydreams. The enchantment of the place lies in its tranquil settings. 

Naburot Island, Barangay Buenavista - This ovoid shaped island located east off the northern tip of the mainland is also a potential for development. The island which is midway from the mainland to Balbagon (Coral Cay Resort) is located at 11 degrees 35.5’ latitude and 123 degrees 11.5’ longitude is blessed with a long stretch of white sandy beach on the south-eastern side, with a thicket of mangroves to provide shade. The strip is luckily unpopulated which could be a plus factor for a real private respite. The northern portion of the island could give a welcome anchor for large vessels since it is just adjacent to the navigation canal. 

Sitio Cambalatong, Barangay Bancal - The strip, which is located on the northeastern side of the mainland, is also blessed with white sandy beach and is easily accessible by land via Bancal, which is also its mother barangay. The area, per plan of the developer who has also purchased Naborot Island, Barangay Buenavista is he jump off point for the latter. Once completed it could also provide a welcome stopover for the sojourn. For the moment, however, the place is already a favorite haven for picnickers and swimmers. 

Barangay Punta - An area at the northern end of the beach located at Sitio Cambalatong, Barangay Bancal is actually part of Barangay Punta. Its uneven yet gentle natural elevation can be compared to man made, contoured slopes of a first class golf course. Currently it offers a real haven for picnickers and swimmers courtesy of the famous Andrada Beach Resort. The place could really offer the silence and the comfort that city or urban dwellers crave. It is one real place away from the doldrums and the humdrum of the city, a place for a communion with nature. 

Sitio Luyo, Barangay Poblacion - Sitio Luyo, Barangay Poblacion is home to Betita Beach Park, a slightly elevated area overlooking Pilar Bay. One can have a chance to watch the beautiful sunset, Carles edition via this property which is also open to the public for occupancy. Wandering further north along the white sand beach is an idyllic village, a typical fisher folk community.

Barangay Barosbos - home to a line of beach resorts most amicable to family gatherings. It has a long stretch of white sand shoreline with an offshore area which is generally a flat seabed which gives a feeling of security for parents on watch over kids enjoying time in the waters. In the fading light of sunset, viewing of various gaily painted boats rested on the white sand can be a glowing experience.  

Barangay Guinticgan and Barangay Dayhagan - Waiting to be developed are the two adjacent barangays with creamy texture of white sand shoreline. It possess the same features as the beaches of Barangay Barosbos. Aside from these, the area is secluded.

Events

Summertime for the people of Carles means a time for festivities. Aside from a dip on the cool waters of Carles, one will have the best of times during barangay fiesta celebration where fluvial parade is a common tradition among residents of the coastal areas. During this festivities, gambling matches where bets are made in a raucous frenzy are famed regale to those who are fond of raising trained roosters.

Tourist Facilities

Resorts and Accommodations 

The famous Coral Cay Beach Resort, Balbagon Island, Gigantes Sur has 15 air-con and 21 non-air-con cottages, a clubhouse and reception hall. To visitors who would like to experience the bliss of being in touch with nature the resort offers free transportation from Iloilo City to Balbagon Island via the municipality of Estancia, Iloilo. Included in their package is a trip to the famous "tangke" or the hidden lagoon and the island called "little Boracay." An island hopping spree could also be arranged with the management.

Sicogon Beach Resort located at Barangay Buaya can still vouch to visitors of its previous glory. It offers a large area for picnic goers which can be accommodated in the three big open huts, and a pavilion facing Tumaquin Islet. To those who would like to stay overnight and experience the serenity of rural life, there are lodging houses in the area. 

The Andrada Beach Resort, Barangay Punta which is approximately 2 km from Poblacion, offers among others; 2 air-con and 3 non-air-con cottages with toilet and bathroom facilities, 16 open beach cottages for bathers, two bathrooms that can accommodate eight persons each and a pavilion or a mess hall for a gathering of dinners or conference. 

Betita Beach Park, Sitio Luyo, Barangay Poblacion has the following line of amenities to offer: a triplex building and two single room cottages for overnight occupancy, five open beach cottages and a pavilion for meetings and dining. A children’s playground is also established in the area for children who would rather enjoy fun on land rather than the sea. 

Buendia Beach Resort, Barangay Barosbos greets first the incoming out of town visitors. This beach property claims of at least 20 visitors weekly. Available is one big cottage good for 15 persons and three small cottages good for 10 persons each. 

Alvarez Beach Resort, Barangay Barosbos greets next. This beach property has just a fence dividing it from Buendia Beach Resort. It accommodates a larger party as it has the following line of amenities, 30 open picnic huts, a pavilion for a bigger crowd which also serve as a reception/mess hall, and four non-air-con rooms complete with toilet and bathroom. 

The Holtz family operates the next and adjacent property. This Filipino-German development is a hundred meter from Alvarez Beach Resort. It has six open cottages and one non-air-con room with toilet and bathroom facilities. 

Farther North is Shangri-La Beach Resort. This four hectare resort has a pavilion, a KTV bar where visitors can show off their talent in singing, open cottages for picnic goers, one air-con and 2 non-air-con rooms each with toilet and bathroom. To complete the visitors sojourn every weekend, a ballroom dancing is held every Saturday night. 

Some 50 meters North of Shangri-La Beach Resort is Sto. Niño Beach Resort. Available are 7 open cottages and the number is still growing . An octagon-shaped and family-sized cottage for private and momentary public occupancy is under construction. 

Carles Beach Resort is adjacent and is North of Sto. Niño. The property has temporarily ceased developing but the site is still available for occupancy for those who simply looks for a space and an access to the sea front.

Existing Tourism Related Projects 

Identified as a potential tourist destination, the municipality appropriated an amount of eighty thousand pesos (80,000.00) for the inventory of at least four historical caves of Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. Moreover, to inculcate cultural awareness among the residents of various barangays of the municipality, an amount of fifteen thousand was set aside for the cultural show and exhibit.

Proposed Tourism Development Projects 

Proposed tourism development project for 1999 are: Creation of municipal tourism council to help the LGU in the promotion of potential tourist destination so as to attract local  and foreign investors; promotion of existing beach resorts which include the conduct of photo exhibits, distribution of brochures, the conduct of annual municipal fluvial  parade and aqua/agro-industrial fair and improvement of barangay roads; initiation of "Save the Caves of Gigantes Islands" -an awareness and fund raising program and massive information dissemination program on cleanliness and beautification.

 INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

Roads and Bridges 

• The national road that cuts through the municipality measures 14.71 kilometers, 14.46 kilometers of which is  asphalted, while a quarter of a kilometer (.25 km) is concrete.
• The provincial and municipal roads are mostly gravel, and 35 kilometers of the barangay roads are all earth-filled and unpaved.

In Carles there are two existing bridges:

• Barosbos and Guinticgan bridges - connecting the Poblacion to five (5) barangays, each with a capacity of 10 tons.
• Cabilao bridges - Concrete

Considering the present condition of the bridges, rehabilitation is definitely required to make it more safe. 

At present, an on-going causeway project is being undertaken at barangay Bancal, Mainland Carles. Identified as the best jump off point to the island barangays of the Municipality, the structure will be a good start for the benefit of the tourism industry.

Post Offices and Communication Facilities  

Post Office - 1 
Telephone Facilities - PLDT and PT&T telegraphic telephone system 
Radio / TV - Radio Communication and Private Radio Handsets

Medical Facilities  

The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Carles, also called the Main Health Center is located at the Poblacion. The Rural Health Unit taked charge of the delivery of basic health services, particularly in the primary Health Care of the municipality. It is manned by a Municipal Health Officer, a Rural health Nurse, a Dentist, two (2) Sanitary Inspectors, twelve (12) Rural Health Midwifes and a driver. Three of the Rural health midwives are being sponsored by the Philippine health Development Program (PHDP). Scattered in different barangays are 13 Barangay health Stations and 3 barangay health Clinics.

Schools  

• Public Primary Schools - 16
• Public Elementary Schools - 19
• Public National High Schools - 5
• Kindergarten School - 3
• Daycare - 33

[ brief history ]  [ location and accessibility ] [ resource profile ]
[ demographic profile ] [ economic profile ] [ interesting places ]
[ infrastructure and utilities ] [ gallery ]