I.

Historical Backround of Cabatuan In 1732, a molave cross was planted in the hills of Pamulogan to initiate the birth of a new Christian Town. In 1733, the poblacion was finally established with Rev. Father Antonio Lopez as the priest and Tan Tono as the first Gobernadorcillo. It was believed that Tan Tono originally planned the town. Early settlements were simultaneously established in the Northern bank of Tigum river where the present poblacion is now located. In the early years of 1800's a large brick church was built in the heart of town, and instant;y became the center of religion in Central Iloilo. It was said that the church became of the most beautiful churches built in the province. A spanish municipal town hall was then built beside the church. In the late years of 1880's, a cemetery was built along the main road to the poblacion. The cemetery is noted to be the only cemetery in the philippines which is a perfect square. In October 1898, when the American occupied Iloilo City, Gen. Martin Delgado made Cabatuan the Capital of the province. The American acknowledged Cabatuan as the capital of the Province and gave it a city status. Cabatuan, as the capital of province did not alst long when Iloilo City once again, became the leading city of Western Visayas. In 1942, when WWII in the pacific started to spark, much of Iloilo was destroyed and the city became an epitome of a wartorn land. Gov. Thomas Confessor, declared Cabatuan as the last defense of Western Visayas. the fall of Cabatuan resulted to the invasion of almost half of Panay. The Japanese troops constructed a landing feild in cabatuan which led to the fall of the Province. Though not much of Cabatuan was burned during the final years of WWII, the town survived the halocaust and once again thrived as one of the leading towns in the province. Cabatuan Church is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Iloilo. It is Tuscanic in Style with Baroque and nepclassic elements. Perhaps one might feel the Italian essence with Cabatuan Churchs architechtural designs. Again, Cabatuan proves that it is a place thriving with rich history. Aside from the towns Spanish Church (1734-1864), Spanish Town Hall(1734), Spanish Pilgrim Cross(1992) and Spanish-Filipino Cemetery(1889) ,another heritage site lies in one of the corners of the towns public square, the tree of Bondage which is believed to be as the towns, Brick Church and the town hall. It is believed that when the town hall and the church were being built, those who refused to work, or those who escaped from force labor were tied on this crooked Calachuchi Tree and whipped. Today, this strange tree exists like its gasping for the life though its blessedly living and for centuries, it has been there, lying on its nook like holding s mysterious tale. Worthy of its title, The Model of Churches Cabatuan is a grand Church that has built to satisfy

the European taste. In the 1948 earthquake, the church lost four beliefs belfries, the central dome and trhe pediments of the eastern and western facades. This legacy that we cabatuananon can be proud of. We should be proud that Cabatuan church is the Philippines Model of Temples.

II. The Towns Potential in Tourism Development Cabatuan One of the potential tourist spot is the Cabatuan Church. Cabatuan Church is one the most popular tourist destination in Iloilo. It is Tuscanic in style with baroque and neoclassic elements. Perhaps one might feel the Italian essence with Cabatuan Church's architectural design. Second, the Cabatuan Banana Leaf Arc, the Paklang or Banana Leaf are symbolizes the pride of the cabatuananons, Which is the tinuom dish. The banana Leaves are essential in cooking the Tinuom. Third, the Tinuom, A popular delicacy which is made up of chicken bits, tomatoes, tanglad, and chopped onions, wrapped in Banana leaves and cooked in a clay pot. Fourth, the Pamul-ogan Hill, a Historical Shrine of Faith. According to early documents, the discovery of Cabatuan in the heart of the province was initiated when a Molave Cross was planted on the highest peak of the locale. A year after the cross was planted , a town was established in the northern bank of Tigum river near the foot of the hill. Fifth, Capilla de Cabatuan: Uniquely Baroque. Capilla de Cabatuan is an ornate chapel located in the heart of the town's romanesque cemetery. The Chapel is built out of gray stones in Gothic, Roman, Byzantine, Baroque and Tuscan Architectures. Sixth, Baluarte Shrine. This picturesque shrine located in Balic Hill, is one of the places in Cabatuan that attract many tourists and pilgrims during lented season. On the peak is a cross, a replica of the one in Pamulogan Hill, and on the foot of the hill lies an art-deco chapel. The view at the cross offers an astounding view of the whole town. And the last The Town Hall. One of the earliest town halls built in Northern Iloilo is the Cabatuan Municipal Hall. It was built in 1734 along with the Church. Calamities and war, however, damaged the second level of this public house and many renovations had been done. On the other hand, the designs were still derived from the original plan of the Casa. The first level of the town hall is already centuries old and its interior is characterized by the art deco cubical columns and semi-arched tuscan windows adorned with capiz shells.

III. Weaknesses of Cabatuan and my proposal Statement 1. They have no goo