Copyright © 2023 by FITZ JYRO CALISNAO

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FITZ JYRO T. CALISNAO
Purok 6, Jamog, Tigbauan, Iloilo 5021
jboycalisnao09@gmail.com

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Recommended entry:

Calisnao, Fitz Jyro T.

Local Icons of Leon : a culture-based materials /
Fitz Jyro T. Calisnao. -- Tigbauan, Iloilo : Fitz Jyro T.
Calisnao, [2023], c2023.
pages ; cm

ISBN 978-621-06-1100-7 (pdf)

1. Leon (Iloilo) - Philippines -- History. 2. Camando

(Iloilo) -- Philippines -- History. 3. Ilonggos (Philippine
people) -- Social life and customs. 4. Culture. I. Title

959.9514354 DS688.I46 2023 P320230278

Leon National High School is an institution that centers innovation and talents. But in the face of
the 21st century, the importance and values of knowing and preserving the culture of the place
where it rests has faced a lot of hindrances. Even though efforts have been made in order to in-
corporate the culture and in the educational framework, still it is very evident that most of its
student-population lacks information and knowledge on the local level. Local Icons of Leon is
an educational material developed by the Leon National High School – Senior Red Cross Youth
Council to promote and preserve the local icons in the town of Leon.
 In 1730 in the wilderness of West Central Panay, a group of villagers about 707 strong
men cleared a region and established a new “pueblo” called Camando under the leadership of
Bernabe “Bunkag” and he became the first captain of the town. The town was officially founded
in 1738. Don Gregorio Abayon was responsible for getting the new title “Lo Fundaron en 1738
bajo la advocasion de Sta. Catalina Martir.” The saint was made the patroness of the town. On
the same year, the pueblo became a prior and the permit was taken to Manila by Abayon but the
honor went to Bunkag as the Founder.

The approximately on hundred thirty-five years of existence of Camando, no one ever

breathed an idea of transferring the town. The danger of the flood was yearly occurrence. But
the inhabitants it was usual happening that could possibly be made to pass be forgotten. It was
not so with the new Cura Parroco, Fray Agustin Castro. It took him 3 years to deliberate on the
matter since his arrival in 1859. Other reason as the place being hemmed by the river and the
town pinioned to the hills which gave no allowance to future expansion abetted his plan to
transfer the town. He must have browsed
around places then pinned his choice on Ca-
pan as mentioned in the letter of application
for the transfer by the Principales of the
town.

Negotiations then ensued between

Don Melchor, the eldest child and adminis-
trator of the widest share of the vast rice re-
gion owned by Don Placido Capacillo and
the Principalla. Though unwilling to give up
the property, Don Melchor left by no choice.
The Spanish government took the property
by force and Sitio Capan was declared Insu-
lar property.

The day for the transfer was definitely set on 1865 from the first day of the month of Sep-
tember. Like the Israelites fleeing from Egyptians, the inhabitants hurried out of town with their
bags and baggers. Everybody moved out, for Camando was to be set on fire. It was an exodus.

So, each to his own belongings moved out to Capan. Sledges and carts shuttled their way
to heavy with household articles or produce of the family. Inspite of the ruling which fined
those who refused to transfer, there were still families who paid fines for every important rea-
sons. But all the same they moved out since the risk of fire could not be prevented. The order to
destroy the old town right away was explicit.
Standing on an elevation eighty-six feet, above sea level, a little higher than the plains of
Camando and on a wider area, without worry of the problems of expansion or the nightmare of
the flood, Leon could now promise with all resources abound from the future of her children.

History tells that the transfer of the town happened by force. There had been an order to
destroy the town of Camando upon the completion of the preparation of the new town, which is
Leon today.

LEON TODAY

Leon today is a thriving municipality ready to address the challenges of the changing
times. A combination of historical, topographic and cultural interest makes up its rural charm.
As a 2nd class municipality, it fosters growth to its more than 49, 875 population, majority of
whom engages in agriculture and trade considering that Leon is Iloilo’s fruit and vegetable bas-
ket.

The mountainside boasts of a topography that is suitable for tourist. The cool climate and
splendid sceneries are just about anywhere you point your sight on. Spectacular to see are the
rice paddies which are carved on the mountain to make up terraces hues of green and gold.
Dotting the landscape of this fascinating locale are flowers ranging colors and shapes that gives
the place even more radiance. The pine forest bestows a welcoming treat suitable for trekking,
camping and meditation, while the lush vegetation in the surrounding environment teem with
waterfalls and wild animals.

The vegetables and hers that emit varying aroma and the sweet tasting fruits do not only
fill the tables in every home but are brought for market to the city capital of Iloilo and the neigh-
boring towns and provinces of the region. Leon has a lot more to offer: warmth and hospitality
of its people, a heaven for those who wish to bask with nature…. that makes Leon an astound-
ing place to visit and a better place to live in.
 Leon is a municipality located of the west southwest part of the province of Iloilo. It is
bounded on the north by Municipality of Alimodian, on the east by Municipality of San Miguel,
on the south by Municipality of Tigbauan, and Municipality of Tubungan and Municipality of
San Remegio, Province of Antique on the west. It is located between 122°2413”west to 122°
24”east longtitude and 10°44”south to to 10°55”north latitude.

Leon is almost a terminal municipality which sets at the Maja-as mountain. The area of
the municipality is 14, 005 has. With rugged terrain. The town center is 28 km. from the City of
Iloilo.

Leon is a second-Class municipality. It belongs to the second congressional district of Iloi-

lo. It has 85 barangays consisting of one urban and 84 rural barangays.

The municipality of Leon has terrain ranging from plain to strongly hilly and mountain-
ous. Of the 85 barangays, only Omambong lies on the plain while the eastern, western and cen-
tral portions are hilly and the borders on Anitique are mountainous. The lowest elevation is 50
meters above sea level locates along Sibalom river from barangay Omambong to Poblacion. For-
est reserve is situated near Sitio Tabionan of Barangay Bucari with the height of 1, 200 meters
above sea level.

The climate in the Municipality of Leon is Type II with distinct wet and dry season. The
wet season is during the month of June to November while dry season during the month of De-
cember to May.

It has a varied temperature depending on the attitude. The temperature in the upland
(Bucari Area) is 6 to 7 degrees centigrade lower than the temperatures in the lowland which
ranges from 25.9 to 29.0 degrees centigrade. The municipality is considered as the Summer Capi-
tal of the Province of Iloilo due to tis cold climate.

The rainfall reached field capacity in the month of May, November, December and Janu-
ary. Full buns were reached in the months of June and July while rainfall overflowed in the
month of August to October. There might be some precipitation but the land could not be
plowed in the months of March of April. Typhoons normally occur in the month of June to De-
cember.
 The municipality is endowed with three (3) major river systems, the Aganan River,
Tacuyong River and Sibalom River.

Tacuyong River is the shortest river of the municipality which is located in the western
part. The Aganan and Sibalom Rivers are the major source of the irrigating system of the Na-
tional Irrigation Administration that provide water services to the agricultural areas not only in
the Municipality of Leon but the nearby and downstream municipalities.

The headwaters of the Aganan River is located in the Barangays of Bucari, Camandag
and Bobon in the Municipality of Leon and Barangays Manasa, Umingan and Dao in the Munic-
ipality of Alimodian, Iloilo. From the headwater, it snakes its way downstream and converges
with Tigum River at Ungka I, Pavia, Iloilo to form the Salog River now called as the Jaro River
which drains to the sea through Brgy Hinactakan, Lapaz, Iloilo City. Aganan River has a total
stretch of 65 kilometers and has eight (8) major tributaries and four (4) minor tributaries of creek
and brooks.

On the other hand, the headwater of Sibalom River is located in Barangay Bucari, Leon,
Iloilo bounded in the northwest by the Municipality of Sibalom, Province of Antique. Its major
tributary is the Tacuyong River originating in the mountain ranges of the Municipality of Tub-
ungan dissecting the lowlands of the Municipality Tigbauan and joined the Sibalom River about
1 kilometer upstream if the Parara Bridge. Other tributaries supporting Sibalom Riber are
Ingwan Creek, Nawan Creek, Ticu-an Creek Panonan Creek, Oluangan Creek, Camando Creek,
Dumayaay Creek, Dacdacan Brook and 10 others unidentified tributaries.

The forestland area in Barangay Danao is also the headwater of Jar-ao River which is an-
other major river system that drains in the Municipality of Tubungan down to the Municipality
of Guimbal and empties in the sea.

The forestland of the Municipality of Leon is 90% highly vulnerable to landslide and 10%
of the total forestland is moderately susceptible which is characterized by steep to very steep
slopes.

Almost 90.84% of the population in the municipality is Roman Catholics out of 47, 648
individuals. Then Baptist has 5.50% and Protestants with 3.28% while Jehovah’s Witness ole had
0.12% and other riligions such as Iglesia ni Cristo, Born Again, Aglipay, Muslim and Seventh
Day Adventist has 0.27%. (POPCOM 2011)

Based on Inventory of religious establishment, 70 barangays had catholic churches, some

barangays has two or three place of worship composed of Catholic, Baptist, Protestants and only
Agboy Sur has a Seventhday Adventist Church.
 Karay-a is the native tongue of the residents although other dialects such as Cebuano,
Ilocano, Waray and Chavacanos are used by some residents who are not original inhabitants of
the town.

Leon is generally an agricultural area with approximately 76.69% or 11, 160.24 has of the
total land area planted to the crops. The soil is fertile and suitable to almost all types of agricul-
tural crops. It is irrigated by Tacuyong and Sibalom Rivers which a source of Irrigation for agri-
cultural land.

The riverbed of Sibalom River offer supply of sand, gravel and hard stone. In fact Leon
has been a major supplier of these aggregate materials for the booming construction industry in
the City of Iloilo and neighboring municipalities.

The Bukidnons are the registered and recognized indigenous people in Leon by the Na-
tional Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). A Datu or Chieftain is the political and spir-
itual ruler of the tribe. Per record of MPDC Office their present total population is 2, 841 broken
down per barangay as follows: Cabunga-an – 485; Ingay – 353; Cawilihan – 310; Maliao – 581;
Marirong – 403; Tagsing – 709.

The municipality is a total land area of 16, 397 has. with 11, 846 hectares are devoted to
agricultural and built-up areas or approximately 72%. Its fertile soil attributed to the suitability
of almost all types of agricultural crops. It also irrigated by Tacuyong, Aganan and Sibalom Riv-
ers which served as sources of irrigation for agricultural lands. In addition, Leon was known as
the “Vegetable Basket of the Iloilo Province” because it is the source of supply of high valued
agricultural products as asparagus, cabbages, baguio beans, sayote, eggplants, carrots and other
vegetables in the province of Iloilo.

The Bucari Pine Forest and Viewing Deck is the Municipality of Leon prime tourist desti-
nation, and is considered as the Little Baguio of Iloilo.
 The Handuraw festival is an annual dramatic cultural presentation in the Municipality of
Leon, 2nd District, Province of Iloilo, Philippines that commemorates the transfer of Pueblo del
Camando (old site of the municipality) to Sitio Capan (the present site of the municipality). It is
a week-long event that includes food festivals, trade fairs and a showcase of local agricultural
produce. It is held every first of September.

The Kaing Festival is an annual event held in the Municipality of Leon; It is celebrated in
line with their Patronal Fiesta every 25th of November.

What's Kaing?

1. Literally: A Basket Made of Bamboo Strips?

Kaing is basket or container made from bamboo strips handcrafted in Leon town to
contain its farm harvest of fruits and vegetables. Because of its pervasive use it can be de-
signed with different sizes in order to transport products from the plantation site to the
farm storage, from fresh harvest farmlands to the market, from wholesale centers to retail
distribution outlets.

A piece of Kaing becomes a finished product after a weaving process using the strips
of a newly-felled bamboo. This local craft has been a mainstay in the life of the people in
the locality going back to the past centuries. When the Poblacion site was transferred from
Sitio Camando (1865) to Sitio Capan (the present-day town of Leon), it can be easily sup-
posed that people carried their belongings inside the Kaing during the short exodus. But it
still remains uncontested that the old folks of Brgy. Isian Norte were the original makers
mostly of the Kaings where it used to be that the villagers from the young to the old ex-
pertly indulge themselves in this kind of basket weaving industry.

2. Symbolically: A Collective Representation

The Kaing is our wealth basket and a symbol of our people's success and unity. It
represents a harvest of abundance, with abundant natural resources. However, alongside
these naturally bestowed gifts are efforts to maintain Leon's already well-known name as
the fruit and vegetable basket of the Province of Iloilo.

Kaing Festival will showcase our unique talent and culture, achievements and pro-
gress. The purely simple symbol is a rich speech by way of comparison because we cannot
go too far to remember that our ancestors allowed us to achieve education and a good life.
more beautiful thanks to their labors with Kaing humbly accompanying their noble farm-
 ing and farming efforts. reap, sow and reap, weave and fill baskets with their honest labor.
The local economy has quietly gone along with what Kaing has continuously contributed.
We realize that we are now proud of Kaing's beauty as an image of our people. Beauty is
innovation. It is also high time for Kaing innovation, whose scale, beauty and artistry give
insight into who we are.

Kaing doesn't discriminate on gratitude it Kaing contain. It is an instrument of peace.

In some sense, what we have, all the achievements we have achieved so far, our aspirations
and dreams can all be harnessed into the life of a united, loving people. love, deep grati-
tude and full spirit for what the Almighty has given us so far. Because of what surrounds
us, that Kaing cannot be useful and functional.

Indeed, the KAING FESTIVAL, is a name given as collective representation to that

simple but potent image, tangible and relevant of unique celebration in a community that
seeks to inform its people of its tradition, share knowledge of struggles, stories of progress,
identity of its own people amidst the vast humanity to the next generation. Beside you, an-
ywhere, one or many pieces, in big or small sizes... it seeks to inform you... if you can think
deeper and listen to its discourse... the KAING speaks as an embodiment of Leon, it's Peo-
ple and Culture!

Source: Rev. Fr. Emman G. Tuberrada, SCPS, 2012

KAING: LEON’S IDENTITY

Places can sometimes be connected to what they are known for, people tend to remember
something to what can be commonly seen or be observed. This can be sometimes called identity,
this could be plant, animal, person, dish, tourist spot, or even a product. In the municipality of
Leon, that’s the Kaing.

Even though it is recognized as the Summer Capital and the Fruit and Vegetable Basket of
Iloilo because of its Bucari, the Kaing is also one of the aspects where Leon is known for. Kaing
is a handmade container from bamboo strips, a lot of the craftsman of this product can be found
in Barangay Isian Norte, on the outskirts of the town.

It is mostly used to carry and transport farm-harvest fruits and vegetables from the differ-
ent farms mostly in the Barangay Bucari area. You can find multiple sizes of it because of its
broad use as well. Roaming around the town of Leon, you can sometimes spot a Jeep full of
Kaing with either vegetable and fruits in it bound to Iloilo City to be sold. It is a very common
scenario for the most people of Leon, but it serves a significant image on how this product is be-
ing used in our daily lives.

Depending on the sizes, Kaing can be bought in bulk at a average price of 50-60 pesos each.

KAING FESTIVAL ON THE REGIONAL LEVEL

Tribu Kaing is one of the active competing tribes in the Regional Kasadyahan Festival each
year. It does not always fail to bring an award to the Municipality of Leon. But due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, it was not able to perform to the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival
2023 which made its comeback after the its last physical celebration in 2019. In addition, the larg-
est Kaing ever made was for this purpose.

This upcoming Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan 2024, the Tribu Kaing will make its come-
back that will be represented by Tribu Parokyal of the Saint Catherine Parochial School which
won the 2019 Kaing Festival Cultural Dance Competition. It will commence on January 27, 2024,
a day before the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival 2024 on January 28, 2024.

Leon National High School (Tribu Ilog-Ilog) also represents the festival in the said competi-
tion, the latest was on the 2019 celebration.
 Local Icons of Leon was created to promote and to preserve the cultural images of the Municipality of Leon.
It can offer a lot of things to the sceneries, to cousins and even its talents, Leon is gifted with a lot of resources to
utilized. SIMBOLO LOKAL is one of the brandings incorporated in the Local Icons of Leon which depict what Leon
could offer. It can be translated to English as “Local Symbols”. Its was made in order to be used in a lot of ways but
with the emphasis in the educational sector to show that the material being made was localized and it reflects how
is this being implemented, used or showcased in the Municipality of Leon.

Simbolo Lokal Logo (Text Edition)

Simbolo Lokal Logo (Leon Logo Edition)

Sample Allocation
Local Icons of Leon Logo featuring the Saint Catherine of
Alexandria Parish Church
This section is a compilation of images and graphical illustrations of the Local Icons of Leon.

Photos by: Lapsus Lentis TV

 Photo by: Focus Creative

This year’s celebration was rescheduled to September 6-8, 2023 from the supposed
to be August 30, 31 and the main event of September 1, 2023 due to a bad weather.
 Photo by: mybeautifuliloilo

Historical sites will also make more sense. One such example is the church of St.
Catherine of Alexandria, which at the time was believed to be the largest stone structure
in Panay. Measuring 100 feet high and 300 feet long, it nearly filled two streets. The
stones that were used were cut into one-by-two-foot parallelogram slabs by hillside quar-
ries. Following the town of Camando's relocation to its current location in 1863, the cur-
rent church was built circa 1876. In 1885, the convent was built. After being destroyed by
fire in World War II, the church was used as a Japanese Imperial Forces garrison. After
the war, the Mill Hill Fathers restored it. For many visitors, the church is the most visited
location.

Camando was a visita of Tigbauan as early as 1719, it became an independent par-

ish in 1738 through the advocation of Santa Catalina Virgen Y Martir. The church of Ca-
mando was built in 1773, but when the town was relocated to its present site, the church
was also transferred. The name Camando was changed to Leon as a regard to a Spanish
City with the same name. The construction of the present church was started by Fr. Mel-
quiades Arizmendi and continued by Fr. Serapio Gonzalez. Its architectural motif is
Romanesque proven by a overpowering combination of Roman and Byzantine features.
The main portal is flanked by two smaller doors with multi-layered arches. There is no
existing cornice which separates the first and the second levels of the facade, thus it ap-
pears to be a one-storey-church, however it is very obvious that the church is of huge
symmetry. The overall impression is massiveness. The church was planned to be a three-
nave temple which was supposed to be the largest in Panay Island. It was so huge that it
can be at par with the Cathedral of Leon in Spain. Unluckily, the church was never fin-
ished, the apse and the transepts were ruined and the size of the church was shortened.
However, the facade of the church is still very remarkable; here, one might notice the
carvings of the coat of arms of Leon City (Spain). History says that there were 12 images
of apostles in the old church of Camando. When the church was transfered to Leon, the
tweleve images were also transfered. Today, not even one of these images still exists.

Heritage Tourism has been a part of Iloilo's identity. Amongst her heritage attrac-
tions, Iloilo is known for her beautiful churches which have been noted for their remark-
able and outstanding beauty. Their architectural designs are impressive works of arts
that will always demand adorations and amazement. Discovering Iloilo's heritage
churches is more than unfolding the province's deep rooted history but once these places
had been visited, one will surely appreciate Iloilo's real beauty.
 Photo by: mybeautifuliloilo

Parks are crucial to the happiness of a community. It adds a decorative touch to the
neighborhood. When we need to be with other people, it is a popular location. It's uti-
lized for fun, leisure, sports, and gatherings. Our parks influenced our communities' so-
cial, political, cultural, and even religious identities. Many people in Leon have explored
the meaning and significance of the park's monuments and other buildings built in
different regions over its history. The two roaring lions protecting the park's main en-
trance on both sides. Park seats with lion sculptures on the armrests. Rizal's right arm is
pointing skyward at the monument, which was built on October 22, 1936.
 Photo by: mybeautifuliloilo

Leon Central Elementary School, which was erected in 1942, is an integral element
of Leon's heritage treasures. Filipino educators helped uncover the potentials of pupils,
many of whom were underprivileged, in the rooms and libraries of the Gabaldon build-
ing, which was elevated eight steps from the main ground. The Jose Rizal statue in front
of the main building was constructed by the Parent-Teacher Association during the 1957-
1958 school year.
 Photo by: mybeautifuliloilo

The Municipal Hall, which was built on July 1, 1955, when Benito Tabiana was Mu-
nicipal Mayor, is one of the town's most important historical structures. The Municipal
Police Station, dominated by American aesthetics, is today inhabited by DSWD, PESO,
and COA.
 Photo by: Alfrence Salanatin

Bucari, set among the beautiful emerald highlands of central Iloilo, was designated
as the Summer Capital of Iloilo, spanning 500 hectares of Leon's forestlands. It is a rural
treasure located 21 kilometers from town. It is a popular and distant tourist attraction in
the province. Getting here might be difficult, since tourists are generally unaware of the
charm that lies beyond its tremendous mountain range. It primarily serves as a base for
exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding highlands. Tourists are drawn to the re-
gion all year round to see the panoramic panoramas, particularly at the Mansiga Viewing
Deck, which is positioned 863 meters above sea level and commands a spectacular per-
spective of 773 meters above sea level. There are cottages for overnight stays, as well as
camping places, and several walking and cycling routes to provide guests another reason
to stay longer.
 As the town of Leon evolves and is competing with other municipalities in the Province
of Iloilo when it comes to economic and social performance, it has brought some consequences
in its way. We have observed that the consciousness of the people in the town and in the Munic-
ipality when it comes to their own places have been slowly degrading, and one of the reasons
behind that is there was a barrier on how we’re sharing and passing down information. We
have been lacking the resources and the medium in which we use to preserve and promote the
beauties of where we came from.

Under the Bugána, the goal of developing a Culture-based material is beneficial in order
to preserve and promote the culture of our own locality. This is also our effort to fortify the
younger generation with the incorporation of local cultural values of the town of Leon. This
could be related to a motto “Act Globally, Think Locally”. It is envisioned that by incorporating
the values of our culture in simple things such as reading and educational materials, we can
produce a generation of young individuals with the consciousness and interest to where they
came and resides.

We also envisioned that this material could be helpful someday in looking back to how
we give importance to our culture. May we preserve and be proud of what we are known for
and what is truly ours.

This material is still uncertain on how

it will be utilized. But this is only our starting
point to the greater plans for Culture-based
materials. The creation of this materials is still
considered as experimental due to the lack of
information about its application in the gen-
eral public. As to how we envisioned the ef-
fect of this material to its readers, we are en-
visioning also a Leon that is surrounded by
its good people with consciousness and inter-
est of preserving and promoting what it can
offer and what is truly the Leonian’s identity.

We are yet to release the final plan

for the Bugána’ but it is certain that we will
be releasing more materials that is inline with
its objectives.
 For inquiries regarding this material, please contact:

FITZ JYRO T. CALISNAO

Leon National High School
Special Program in Scienc, Technology, and Engineering
F. Cabarles St., Poblacion, Leon, Iloilo

Contact No. 09691015453 (Smart) / 033-335-6331 (PLDT)

Email: jboycalisnao09@gmail.com
FB: Fitz Jyro Calisnao