Badiangan’s economy have expanded and developed in many unique ways. Its backyard industries, in particular, have accelerated, fueled by its own culture and a better accessible capital market.

This 4th class town is located in the northwest central portion of Iloilo Province and is 40 kilometers from the city. It is bounded in the north by the municipality of Dueñas; in the northwest by the municipality of Lambunao; the municipality of Pototan in the east; in the southwest by municipality of Janiuay; and the municipality of Mina in the southeast. Badiangan has a total land area of 7, 750 hectares politically subdivided into 31 barangays.

Badiangan is populated by 27,005 (2015 Census on Population) Badianganons. It annually celebrates its Religious Fiesta every June 24 in honor of St. John the Baptist.

HISTORY

It was in June 17, 1967 that Badiangan became an independent town. According to folklore, the name Badiangan came from the word kabadiangan, meaning a place where badiang plants grew. Badiang belongs to the gabi (taro) family abundantly growing in the area. Kabadiangan was later shortened to Badiangan.

During the Spanish era, Badiangan had its share of rebellion and uprising led by local babaylanes (native shamans), mostly from Tamocol and Ilongbukid, part of the present-day Badiangan. The Filipino-American War saw the death of one of Badiangan’s most revered heroes, Capitan Agustin TIrador, who died a hero’s death in Barangay Tamocol where today a monument stands at the very spot where he was felled.

ATTRACTIONS

BOLO-MAKING. Many in Barangay Bingawan are expert blacksmiths or “panday” and have mastery of the trade using manual and improvised equipment. The Barangay of Bingawan is the most popular source of fine crafted-bolos in Iloilo.

The most important bolo type manufactured by the Badiangan blacksmiths are 1) Binakuko for chopping wood; 2) Sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs and smaller trees; 3) Ginunting having the same function as the Sinuwak; 4) Pinuti for slicing meat; 5) Tangkap for kitchen use; 6) Linamay, Surot, and Balintawak are used in gardening; 7) Kayog is used to harvest rice; and 8) Wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees. Bolos are made by hand with blades made from recycled steel.

WEAVING traditional fabrics is a skill that has been passed from one generation of women to the next for centuries. It has traditionally been, and still is, important in this municipality. Today, the cloth provides a valuable source of income for women in an area where unemployment is prevalent. The fabrics are especially valued because they are used in traditional cultural events and festivities. In Barangay Cabayogan, around three kilometers from the poblacion, the production of hablon and patadyong is done almost on a full-time basis.

FESTIVAL

PANDAYAN is celebrated every 3rd week of June and honors the town’s backyard traditions that had been the main sources of livelihood of its people. It is highlighted with the tribal performance of contesting clustered barangays showing informative presentations that normally focus on the town’s local industries such as bolo-making, taho, and loom- weaving. This is an annual event that showcases and celebrates the best of Blacksmithing or Pagpamanday. It highlights its historic roots and its relevance and place in today’s society. This important event includes demonstrations on how bolo is made.