The municipality of San Dionisio is an ideal get-away from the hustle and bustle of Iloilo City. It offers a different kind of adventure. It is situated in an area with a panoramic site which makes it an interesting place to visit. Viewed from its Municipal Hall, the town is a combination of beauty and tranquility as it is set against a backdrop of blue seas, clear skies and lush landscapes. The town remains as the undiscovered gem of Iloilo.
The Fourth-Class municipality of San Dionisio is situated in the eastern side of the province. It is 111.8 kilometers away or around two hours and thirty minutes drive fro Iloilo City. It is bounded in the north by the town of Batad; in the west by the town of Sara; in the south by the town of Concepcion, and; east by San Dionisio Bay. It has a total land area of 12, 677 hecatres that is politically subdivided into 29 barangays.
San Dionisio is populated by 38, 775 (2015 Census on Population) San Dionisionons. Market day is every Friday. It annually celebrates its Religious Fiesta every 5th of May in honour of St. Voincent Ferrer.
To get there, visitors can take can take the bus at the new Ceres Terminal, Barangay Camalig, Jaro Iloilo City.
HISTORY
In 1877, the Spanish recorded a settlement called Lakdayan. A native leader of the community was identified as a sertain Dionisio. After this modest and humble fisherman the Spaniard changed the name of Lakdayan to San Dionisio. However the Patron Saint indicated by the Spaniards was St. Vincent Ferrer, the town’s patron up to the present.
The Spaniards established a seat of government in Concepcion and San Dionisio was part of the said municipality along with Sara. The head of the local government of Concepcion was called Kapitan while the subordinate leaders in San Dionisio were called Teniente and Cabezas de Barangay. Later, when Sara separated from Concepcion, San Dionisio became a part of Sara.
Prominent citizens from San Dionisio and Concepcion worked hard for the separation of San Dionisio from Sara. In 1920, the officials endeavoured in Manila to make San Dionisio a separate municipality.
ATTRACTIONS
SUA BEACH in Barangay Sua is known for its scenic shoreline measuring about 1,500 meters. It can be a popular spot for water and jet-skiing, wind surfing, sail-boating and swimming. It is protected by the mountains of Malpal in the north and Opao in the south-western side. It has a string of accommodation establishments where visitors can dine and stay overnight.
LACDAYAN and MATAGDA ISLANDS are formed during high tides. Lacdayan is about 14, 311 square meters in area and has some perennial trees cooling its surrounding; while Matagda is round in shape and is about 10, 816 square meters in area.
FESTIVAL
PANAAD is celebrated every frist week of May. Derived from a Hiligaynon word Panaad or pledge or vow, it is a celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings received from God through the intercession of St. Vincent Ferrer, the town’s patron. The community became witness to the many miracles brought about by the intercession of their Patron Saint especially during the colonial period. The centrepiece is the tribal dance presentation that focuses on the rich culture of the town.