San Rafael is a Fifth-Class municipality located in the eastern portion of the province. It is 72 kilometres or almost two hours drive from the provincial capital, Iloilo City. It is bordered by Dumarao, Capiz in the north: Lemery in the east: Barotac Viejo in the south; and, Passi City in the west. It has a land area of 14, 578 hectares that is politically subdivided into nine (9) barangays.

It is populated by 16, 532 (2015 Census on Population) San Rafaelnons. Market day is every Sunday. It annually celebrates its Religious Fiesta every 24th of October in honour of St. Rafael the Archangel.

To get to the town, one can take a bus or van at the new Ceres Terminal in Barangay Camalig, Jaro, Iloilo City.

HISTORY

From more than a century, San Rafael remained a barangay of Barotac Viejo. However, in June 21, 1969, all or part of the 16 barangays of Barotac Viejo were separated from the town and consolidated into a new municipality. It was in 1971 via Republic Act No. 6267 that decreed the five barangays be restored to Barotac Viejo, with Barrio Omio becoming part of the municipality of Lemery.