Ilog, Negros Occidental


Ilog, officially the Municipality of Ilog, is a municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 63,444 people.

Etymology

The name Ilog was recommended by a Tagalog guide of the colonial Spaniards because the place was entirely surrounded by the longest river on the whole Negros Island, the Hilabangan River.

History

Founded by the Augustinian friars Gerónimo Marín and Francisco Bustos on May 16, 1584, it was the first capital of the historical military district/province of Negros in the late 18th century and is the second oldest settlement and town in the whole Negros Island, next to Binalbagan. The first inhabitants of Ilog are mostly migrants from Panay island.

Geography

Ilog is from Bacolod.

Barangays

Ilog is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
  • Andulauan
  • Balicotoc
  • Bocana
  • Calubang
  • Canlamay
  • Consuelo
  • Dancalan
  • Delicioso
  • Galicia
  • Manalad
  • Pinggot
  • Barangay I
  • Barangay II
  • Tabu
  • Vista Alegre

Tourism

The Kisi-Kisi Festival is celebrated every 25 March. “Kisi-kisi” is a Hiligaynon term for the fast movement of crustaceans such as fish, prawns, crabs and shrimps that is abundant in the municipality. The main attraction of the festival is the Kisi-Kisi streetdancing parade competition among barangays that pays tribute to its rich marine resources. The town fiesta also honors the Señor Santo Niño as their patron saint, that is why, before the dance parade a re-enactment of Sinulog is staged to show how their village was saved from the Moro pirates. Another exciting event to look forward to during the opening day of the Kisi-Kisi Festival is the "eat-all-you-can oysters" which is open to all visitors. Freshly steamed oysters are served on a long bamboo table for those who would like to savor the seafood. Kisi-Kisi was started by then-Councilor Mark G. Vargas to help promote Ilog's tourism.
In 2018, Ilog celebrated the annual Kisi-Kisi fiesta from March 20 to 25 showcasing giant oysters including crustacean seafood like fish, crabs, shrimps, and prawns.
On March 23, 2024, the 18th edition of the Talaba Festival featured the famous eat-all-you-can steamed 3,000 kilograms of oysters placed on a half-kilometer-long bamboo table and served free to visitors and residents. Bong Go and Phillip Salvador upon invitation of Mercedes Alvarez and Mayor John Paul Alvarez, also joined the residents in the annual fiesta.

Demographics

Languages

Hiligaynon is the major language of the town, with differences in tone and accent from the Hiligaynon used in Metro Bacolod. Cebuano is also spoken due to Ilog’s proximity to Negros Oriental. Tagalog and English are widely taught.

Religion

Majority of the people are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine Independent Church.

Notable personalities