Balasan - The Origin

In 1847, Francisco Areola was granted permission by the military Governor of Capiz, Don Juan Silverio, to take fifty families from Navas, (now town in the Province of Aklan) to establish a settlement in Punat Bolocawi which is now a part of Carles. This place proved to be inadequate to satisfy the settlers for food, so moved to the lowland that became the present Municipality of Carles. The settlers grow in number and for food, so they become acute. In the latter part of 1852, Areola commissioned Vicente Navales to look for a place with a better food supply. As Vicente Navales moved Southward, he came upon a vast plain of level land that perfectly responded to their needs. Near the bank of the river where the Barangay of Maya is located the first settlement was formed.


How this municipality got its name could not be ascertained because of the many versions then prevailing. Some say that Balasan derived its name from "Balas" meaning sand which are still found in abundance along the Banks of Bangon River where the first settlement was founded. Others claimed that during the early years of the settlement there was a band of settlers from Abaca, Passi, all surnamed Balasa. This family formed the greatest number of settlers and that the settlement was named in their honor. Up to this time there are still inhabitants in Barangay Batuan with this family name.

Before Batad, Carles and Estancia became a separate municipality, they once formed part of the Municipality of Balasan, hence, the Municipality of Balasan became the origin of these municipalities in the northern most area in the province of Iloilo.

Attractions:

The municipality takes pride of Salvacion Falls located in Barangay Salvacion, one could enjoy the cool and refreshing waterfalls at no cost, a great interaction with nature can also be experienced as you treck the area, access roads will direct you right at the foot of the mountain.

The Municipality of Balasan celebrates the annual “ADOPT AND LIGHT A CHRISTMAS TREE” Project. Spearheaded by the local government since 1998 in cooperation with the NGO’s and the business sector, this project starts on the first week of December and culminates in the first week of January of the following year. The attraction of this annual Christmas Festival is the illuminated trees in front of the Municipal Hall and the trees surrounding the Municipal Plaza. The municipal building is likewise illuminated with different colored lights. This annual project includes a Food Festival catered by different stall owners.

After the December activity, comes the “FESTIVAL OF HEARTS” which starts first week of February and culminates on February 14-Valentine’s Day. This features hearts in glowing red colors, which are displayed in front of the Municipal Hall and around the public plaza, along with a food festival organized by the locals.

The municipality celebrates its Municipal and Religious Fiesta every 24th day of July in honor of Señora Santa Ana. The municipality likewise celebrates the annual May Flower Festival which culminates in the last day of May through the traditional Sagala and Reyna Elena procession.