Located in the northern part of the Iloilo Province is famous for its impressive marine resources. It is known around the country as a center for commercial fishing, so much so that it carries the name “Alaska of the Philippines” as a testament to its bountiful marine resources. The reason for this is that Estancia lies in the Visayan Sea triangle, an imaginary triangle extending from the provinces of Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Masbate. This triangle is a part of the “Sulu-Sulaweisi Triangle” of the Sulu Sea and neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms coupled with climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem. Commercial species such as mackerel, barracuda, sardines, shad, pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, shells, seaweed and others are harvested along Estancia’s waters. It has a fishing port and a pier known to be one of the most developed in northern Visayas and quality accommodations where one can enjoy at a great vacation value.

Estancia is a Second-Class municipality situated in the northeastern portion of the province. It is 135.5 kilometers away or a three-hour drive from Iloilo City. It is bordered in the…It has a total land area of 3, 197 hectares that is politically subdivided into 25 barangays.

Estancia is populated by 48, 546 (2015 Census on Population) Estancianons. Market day is every Tuesday. It annually celebrates its Religious Fiesta every 15th to 16th of May in honour of Ma. Reyna Sto. Rosario.

To get to Estancia, one can take the bus at the New Ceres Terminal in Barangay Camalig in Jaro, Iloilo City.

HISTORY

Don Felipe Aguilar, a rich Spaniard, owned a property that was converted into a ranch in the northern portion of Iloilo Province. It was named Estancia, a Spanish word meaning a large estate or cattle ranch.

It became a pueblo in 8162. Being coastal in location, Pueblo de Estancia developed into a prominent fishing port and became known as the “Alaska of the Philippines” because of its very rich fishing grounds. Because of plentiful catch, Talagog and Waray fishermen and fishbrokers settled in the town and contributed much to the development of the fishing industry and boosting the economy of the town.

FESTIVAL

PANAGAT celebrated every last week of April is a tribute to Fishermen. It is a call for unity among the people who thrives near the municipal water or sea. It is a celebration that calls for full cooperation among the neighboring towns.The festival shows the creativity of the people through its festive tribal dance competition that incorporates traditions in fishing and showcases costumes inspired from the living creatures found under the sea.