Banate, Iloilo
Encyclopedia
Banate is a coastal town in the northern part of the Province of Iloilo
, Region VI Western Visayas, Philippines
. It is primarily a fishing and agricultural municipality, which has a population of 27,263 inhabitants in 5,279 households (Cf. Philippine census of 2000). Banate is well known for Kasag (crabs), ginamos, and the fresh fish, which local entrepreneurs take to and sell in the capital of the province, in many of the non-coastal towns, and even in Manila
. The town has a port for boats that transport passengers and local products, like rice, mangoes, and sugarcane to the island of Negros
.
To the inhabitants, the town’s modern name is commonly attributed to the presence of many Bangate trees in the area. According to a local legend, when the Spaniards arrived, all the inhabitants of Banate fled away for safety. An old man, however, failed to escape because he was of advanced age and was already so weak. It was raining then. So, the old man took shelter under the Bangate tree where a Spanish officer found him later on. The white man asked the native; ‘Come se llama esto pueblo?“, The old man, uncertain what to say, merely said “Bangate” thinking that the Spaniard was asking him about the name of the tree. Unable to understand clearly what the old man mumbled, the Spaniard thought the native had said "Banate". While such legend sounds too absurd to be true, it is the only explanation often given by people when asked why their town is called Banate. Indeed, Bangate trees still abound within the territorial limits of the municipality until now.
Bobog, in the early part of its history as a Christian settlement and a Visita of Dumangas, was placed under the advocation of St. John the Evangelist. Fr. Juan Fernandez says that town was established in 1763. By then it acquired as its Visita the settlement of Sinaba-an. Fr. Alejandro Arias was appointed as the Vicar for the town on October 31, 1763. Later, many people left the town because of the frequent incursions and pillage of the Moros from Mindanao. Fr. Arias was captured by Moro pirates in 1764 at the Port of Tayabas, and was later executed.
Consequently after the Muslim pillage, Banate was re-annexed to Dumangas, then became to a Visita of Barotac Nuevo until 1843, when it was declared again as an independent parish with St. John the Baptist as its titular patron. Seven years later, Governor General Antonio Blanco, without doubt forgetting the earlier decree, declared Banate as an independent parish on 15 April 1850, at the same time as that of Anilao.
There is no extant document or act of legislation recording the date of the formal recognition and establishment of Banate as a municipality. It was, however, with the appointment of Felix Babiera as the first Governadorcillo in 1837 that Banate had been referred to as a town. Included within the territorial jurisdiction of the town of Banate were Barotac Viejo and Anilao. The original site of the Poblacion
of Banate was in what is now known as Bularan. The small Church there, around which the town grew, was then situated near the shore. Nearby towards the North was the town cemetery. For the market place, nipa and bamboo shacks were constructed near the area where the first Church used to be. During the later part of the 19th century the present Roman Catholic stone Church was constructed in the adjacent barangay which subsequently became the Poblacion
or the capital of the town.
The present Church of the parish was built in 1870 by Fr. Eustaqiuo Torés. It was made of stone and wood during the Spanish time. His successor, Fr. Manuel Santos, built the convent made of wood in 1883.
On 28 October 1898, during the Revolution for Philippine Independence, Banate (which remained loyal to Spain) was reduced to ashes by the rebels under the ill-mannered Maraingan.
During the American Regime, a Banatenhon - Ludovico Arroyo Bañas
- was chosen as one of the ten personnel of the American government telegraph service in the Philippines to compose the first and only group of Filipino pensionados who, in 1919, underwent advanced training in wireless telegraphy (radio), at the US Naval Radio School in Cavite. The training of the ten Filipinos was made possible through a special arrangement between the U. S. Naval Authorities in the Philippines and the Insular Government. To select the trainees, a special examination was conducted among the 398 students of the Post-Telegraph School. Later, Bañas (who is one of the prominent figures in the history of Philippine Telecommunications) became the Regional Superintendent of the Bureau of Telecommunications (BUTEL) in Region IV (Panay, Negros, Romblon, and Palawan), at the time of his retirement during the late 1950s.
The 1995 National Census on Population and Housing shows that Banate has a total population of 24,976 excluding those residing in Barangay Fuentes (a contested Barangay between Banate and Anilao). However, if Barangay Fuentes is included, the total population would be 25,597. Banate has average annual population growth rate of 1.21% based on the population change within the years 1990–1995.
The 1995 Census of Population and Housing (which includes Barangay Fuentes) recorded a total of 4,761 households with an average household size of 6 person per household for the urban area, and 5 persons per household for the rural area. The urban area, comprising Poblacion, Barangay Alacaygan, Barangay Bularan, Barangay Carmelo, Barangay Talokgangan and Barangay Zona Sur, has a total household of 1653. The 12 rural barangays have a total of 2,908 households with Barangay San Salvador having the highest number households (480).
The 12 barangays belonging to the rural area has a population of 15,772 or about 62% of the total population of Banate. Of the 12 barangays, Barangay San Salvador has the highest population (2,380 or 9.31%, while Barangay Fuentes, (a disputed barangay between the Municipality of Banate and the Municipality of Anilao) has the least population of only 621 persons or 4% of the rural population, since some residents have considered themselves residents of Anilao.
Banate, along with Dumangas, is known for the unique way its people speak the Hiligaynon Language. Instead of the usual sing-song manner, the townsmen say it in a more straight slightly toneless mode. The said towns are also the only municipalities in Iloilo in which the dialect is less influenced by Kiniray-a.
Banate is known in the Province of Iloilo for its "lab-as" or savory fresh fruits of the sea. Sometime during the second week of December until the first week of January, the residents celebrate the "Kasag Festival". It is a celebration of thanksgiving for one of the many blessings that the town is endowed with- "Kasag" (crabs). For weeks, the residents hold a food festival every evening at the town's plaza, which features the different ways of how the Banatenhons cook crabs, fresh fish and other bounties from Banate Bay.
Previous Street Dancing Competitions were held every 24th day of June, as one of the highlights of the final day of the Annual Town Fiesta honoring and thanking St. John the Baptist for the fruitful year spent. However, the activities meant at integrating Kasag Festival with the Feast of St. John the Baptist proved to be such a tedious endeavor for Banatenhons, requiring much of their time and effort. Most often, this results to distractions, if not deviations, from the original essence and spirit of the religious fiesta which is about the devotion and thanksgiving to St. John the Baptist.
With the implementation of the DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP), Banate identified Kasag (Blue Crab) as the prevalent and flourishing fishery based industry thus making it Banate’s OTOP. Promoting the new product and incorporating the product with the festival was conceptualized by the people in charge of OTOP.
With positive response from the Local Chief Executive, all systems go for the First Kasag Festival Celebration; with “young blood” from the newly elected public officials and the desire to promote Banate’s One Town One Product as well as Banate’s Tourism Development the First Kasag Festival came into celebration on December 2007.
Food Courts of various mouth-watering and native delicacies were there to give justice to the ever-craving and discriminating taste of Ilonggos. A nightly Singing contest to entertain and showcase the singing prowess of Banatenhons was staged. Daily entertaining activities like Laro ng Lahi (old Filipino games), Basketball Tournament and search for Mutya sang Kasag were organized topped by the eagerly anticipated all new Street Dancing Competition based on the idea of Kasag’s preservation for future generation and Kasag’s nature and thanksgiving to the bountiful season of fishing.
held every April in Metro Manila. Both Tribu Kasag and the Kasag Festival have won several awards, including the Kasadyahan championship trophy in 2009 and 2010, and the second runner-up trophy at the Aliwan Fiesta in 2010.
Later and until the present, "Tribu Kasag" represents Banate at the Dinagyang Festival as well as at other festivals in the Province of Iloilo and national competitions of the same kind. This current "cultural ambassadors of Banate" are known for their merry and lively dance which depicts the townpeople's livelihood as fishermen, and the town's famed product: "Kasag" or crab(s).
Awards(of Tribu Kasag):
Held every Easter Sunday of the year, the Karera de Paraw is a sailboat racing competition participated by Banatenhon fisher folks. It is a four day activity, which includes the Pinta Layag (sail painting competition involving the out of school youths), Mutya sang Paraw (a beauty pageant competition), Rakustik (an acoustical jam competition), and capped by the Karera de Paraw on the fourth and final day.
It aims to help boost Banate tourism together with Kasag Festival, to encourage artistic ability of Banatenhon youth through the sail painting competition, and to give a good and fun-filled break for the fisherfolks while aiming to bag home prizes.
Originally conceived and financed by Alfonso “Nonong” Delicana III, the Annual AD3 Karera de Paraw & Pinta Layag competition is now on its 4th year. However, the expanding scope and number of activities of the event encourages at this point the involvement and participation also of supporters in and outside Banate. Organizers would now welcome donations for the activities of the coming year.
(Cf. Municipal Ordinance 2008-01 of 16 February 2009; and the Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 15.)
Composer: Mrs. Gremia G. Baclayanto.
I
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang Tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
II
Sa higad sang Bay-bay naayun sa Amin-han,
Sa Lab-as nga Hangin Ginahaluk-halukan,
Ini ang banwa nga amun Nahamut-an,
O Banate sang Langit, Ikaw guin Bugayan.
III
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
IV
Masadya, malinong kag malayo sa gutom,
Sa dagat dagaya ang isda kag pakinhason,
Sa uma, may humay, mais kag utanon,
O, Banate ang buwas damlag atun tamdun.
V
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
VI
Ikaw punung banwa nga sang-una guin Tukod,
Sitio pa lamang ang mga Kaingud,
Huwaran sang hilway nga Panghimanwa,
Talamdan sang Ilonggo nga Kultura.
VII
Abante Banate, sulong sa Kauswagan,
Padayuna ang naangkon nga Kadalag-an,
Itanum sa dughan sang mga Kabataan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
Iloilo
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province,...
, Region VI Western Visayas, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. It is primarily a fishing and agricultural municipality, which has a population of 27,263 inhabitants in 5,279 households (Cf. Philippine census of 2000). Banate is well known for Kasag (crabs), ginamos, and the fresh fish, which local entrepreneurs take to and sell in the capital of the province, in many of the non-coastal towns, and even in Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
. The town has a port for boats that transport passengers and local products, like rice, mangoes, and sugarcane to the island of Negros
Negros
Negros is an island of the Philippines located in the Visayas, at . It is the third largest island in the country, with a land area of 13,328 km²...
.
Barangays
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Banate during the Pre-conquest Period
The settlement in Banate is of ancient origin. It was known to the Spanish missionaries during the earliest dates of the colonization as Bobog. The Spanish Augustinian historian Fray Gaspar de San Agustin mentions it in an account about Dumangas, where during the ancient time, there was a Principality and trade center that had the most illustrious nobilities in the whole island of Panay. Bobog (Banate), Araut, Anilao, and Hapitan were among the ancient coastal civilizations in Panay.Banate during the Spanish Regime
At the beginning of the Christianization of Panay, Bobog was a visita of the Augustinian parish and monastery of Dumangas. Gaspar de San Agustin mentioned the existence of the town in his book Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas (1565–1615). Another Augustinian historian Fray Juan Fernandez, in his Monografias de los pueblos de la isla de Panay, affirms that Banate was known in the ancient times as Bobog or Bog-og, which is synonymous to catia, that is to say- glass. The Augustinian friar says that the modern name Banate might have been derived from some flora that abundantly thrive in the town. One possibility is the Butacea, named by Carl Linnaeus as Murraya exotica. If the spelling and the pronunciation are corrupted, and instead of Banate what is written or pronounced is Bangate, it would therefore be the leguminous papilionácea called in botany as Abrus praecatorius.To the inhabitants, the town’s modern name is commonly attributed to the presence of many Bangate trees in the area. According to a local legend, when the Spaniards arrived, all the inhabitants of Banate fled away for safety. An old man, however, failed to escape because he was of advanced age and was already so weak. It was raining then. So, the old man took shelter under the Bangate tree where a Spanish officer found him later on. The white man asked the native; ‘Come se llama esto pueblo?“, The old man, uncertain what to say, merely said “Bangate” thinking that the Spaniard was asking him about the name of the tree. Unable to understand clearly what the old man mumbled, the Spaniard thought the native had said "Banate". While such legend sounds too absurd to be true, it is the only explanation often given by people when asked why their town is called Banate. Indeed, Bangate trees still abound within the territorial limits of the municipality until now.
Bobog, in the early part of its history as a Christian settlement and a Visita of Dumangas, was placed under the advocation of St. John the Evangelist. Fr. Juan Fernandez says that town was established in 1763. By then it acquired as its Visita the settlement of Sinaba-an. Fr. Alejandro Arias was appointed as the Vicar for the town on October 31, 1763. Later, many people left the town because of the frequent incursions and pillage of the Moros from Mindanao. Fr. Arias was captured by Moro pirates in 1764 at the Port of Tayabas, and was later executed.
Consequently after the Muslim pillage, Banate was re-annexed to Dumangas, then became to a Visita of Barotac Nuevo until 1843, when it was declared again as an independent parish with St. John the Baptist as its titular patron. Seven years later, Governor General Antonio Blanco, without doubt forgetting the earlier decree, declared Banate as an independent parish on 15 April 1850, at the same time as that of Anilao.
There is no extant document or act of legislation recording the date of the formal recognition and establishment of Banate as a municipality. It was, however, with the appointment of Felix Babiera as the first Governadorcillo in 1837 that Banate had been referred to as a town. Included within the territorial jurisdiction of the town of Banate were Barotac Viejo and Anilao. The original site of the Poblacion
Poblacion
A Poblacion or Población, literally "town" or "Population" in Spanish, is the name commonly used for the central barangay or barangays of a Philippine city or municipality. Common features of the poblacion include a town plaza, church, market, school and town hall. It is sometimes shortened to...
of Banate was in what is now known as Bularan. The small Church there, around which the town grew, was then situated near the shore. Nearby towards the North was the town cemetery. For the market place, nipa and bamboo shacks were constructed near the area where the first Church used to be. During the later part of the 19th century the present Roman Catholic stone Church was constructed in the adjacent barangay which subsequently became the Poblacion
Poblacion
A Poblacion or Población, literally "town" or "Population" in Spanish, is the name commonly used for the central barangay or barangays of a Philippine city or municipality. Common features of the poblacion include a town plaza, church, market, school and town hall. It is sometimes shortened to...
or the capital of the town.
The present Church of the parish was built in 1870 by Fr. Eustaqiuo Torés. It was made of stone and wood during the Spanish time. His successor, Fr. Manuel Santos, built the convent made of wood in 1883.
On 28 October 1898, during the Revolution for Philippine Independence, Banate (which remained loyal to Spain) was reduced to ashes by the rebels under the ill-mannered Maraingan.
Banate during the American Regime
When the Revolution broke out in 1898, Ciriaco Fuentes was the Gobernadorcillo. He seems to have become also the first local President, when shortly after, the town became part of the United States territory (1900) upon the arrival and takeover of the American soldiers under the command of Commander Brunnel, who established the American Regime in the town. During this period, Barotac Viejo and Anilao were reduced as districts under Banate. On 1 January 1918, Barotac Viejo was separated through the Executive Order No. 84 of the American Governor General. On that occasion, the majority of the town Officials of Banate were Barotacnons. As a consequence, there came about a succession of appointed Presidents in Banate, until the time of the next election. During the term of Benjamin Buyco as President of the town (1936–1939), Anilao was separated from Banate. Afterwards, Benjamin Buyco also became the first Mayor of Anilao.During the American Regime, a Banatenhon - Ludovico Arroyo Bañas
Ludovico Arroyo Bañas
Ludovico Arroyo Bañas was one of the pioneers in the history of Telecommunications in the Philippines who, through his professional specialization and expertise, made an important contribution in the liberation of the Philippines during the World War II, in the field of communications.-Service in...
- was chosen as one of the ten personnel of the American government telegraph service in the Philippines to compose the first and only group of Filipino pensionados who, in 1919, underwent advanced training in wireless telegraphy (radio), at the US Naval Radio School in Cavite. The training of the ten Filipinos was made possible through a special arrangement between the U. S. Naval Authorities in the Philippines and the Insular Government. To select the trainees, a special examination was conducted among the 398 students of the Post-Telegraph School. Later, Bañas (who is one of the prominent figures in the history of Philippine Telecommunications) became the Regional Superintendent of the Bureau of Telecommunications (BUTEL) in Region IV (Panay, Negros, Romblon, and Palawan), at the time of his retirement during the late 1950s.
The Spanish Augustinian Friars who served Banate as Parish Priests
- P. Alejandro Arias (1763)
- P. Bartolome Villa (1843)
- P. Nicolas Calvo (1854)
- P. Julian Alonso (1859)
- P. Eustaqiuo Torés (1870)
- P. Manuel Santos (1882)
- P. Lazaro Ramirez (1890)
- P. Agapito Lopez (1893)
- P. Bernardo Arquero(1893)
Gobernadorcillos of Banate since 1837
- Felix Babiera (1837)
- Alfonso Arroyo
- Eustaquio Fuentes
- Apolinario Juanico
- Pasqual Baylon (1844–1845)
- Ricardo Baban
- Tomas Juanico (1855–1856)
- Apolinario Arroyo
- Mariano Fuentes
- Martin Balderas
- Nepomuceno Fuentes
- Mateo Baban
- Julian Bactung
- Sotero Fuentes (1889–1891)
- Feliciano Espinosa
- Ciriaco Fuentes (1898–1900)
Presidents elected for Banate during the American regime
The local political leaders of the town during the American Regime were the following:- Eugenio Badilla (1901–1903)
- Mauricio Tupas (1903–1905)
- Florencio Villaluz (1905–1907)
- Victorio Vargas (1907–1909)
- Juanito Balleza (1910–1912)
- Alejandro Baban (acting/appointed-1918)
- Felix Tarrosa (acting/appointed- 1918)
- Elpidio Padilla (1918–1920)
- Fernando Banaria(1921–1923)
- Elpidio Baylen (1924–1926)
- Paulo Badilla (1927–1929)
- Fortunato Perez (1930–1932)
Mayors of Banate during the U.S. commonwealth government.
- Manuel Bacabac (1933–1935)
- Benjamin Buyco (1936–1939), during whose term Anilao was separated from Banate. Afterwards, Benjamin Buyco also became the first Mayor of Anilao.
- Paulo Badilla (1939–1940)
Mayors of Banate during the Japanese occupation and after the liberation
- Exequiel Palec (1941)
- Simeon Balladares (1941-liberation)
- Exequiel Palec (liberation – 1947)
Mayors of Banate during the time of the republic
- Exequiel Palec (1948–1951)
- Jose Babayo (1952–1955)
- Nicolas Tarrosa (1955–1959)
- Exequiel Palec (1959–1963)
- Marcelino Bacabac (1964–1967)
- Antonio T. Seyan (1968–1982)
- Leonardo A. Cabangal (1982–1986)
- Jonathan V. Sanico (1986–1988)
- Jonathan V. Sanico (1988–1992)
- Mayor Vicente V. Bacos (1992–2001)
- Carlos O. Cabangal, Jr. (2001-30 June 2010)
- Renerose B. Caborubias (1 July 2010–present)
Population
Banate has a land area of 118.86 km². It is a beautiful coastal town which is about as big as Iloilo City and is 50 kilometers away from the Capital of the Province of Iloilo. The town has large areas planted with rice, sugarcane, vegetables, beans, coconut and bananas. Banate is composed of 18 barangays, seven (7) of which are along the shorelines (coastal) and the rest are in the uplands. According to the latest National Census Count (1995), Banate has a total population of 25,597 (this includes barangay Fuentes).The 1995 National Census on Population and Housing shows that Banate has a total population of 24,976 excluding those residing in Barangay Fuentes (a contested Barangay between Banate and Anilao). However, if Barangay Fuentes is included, the total population would be 25,597. Banate has average annual population growth rate of 1.21% based on the population change within the years 1990–1995.
Municipal income
Being a very versatile town with livelihood income both coming from the sea and the farmlands, the Municipality of Banate has generated actual income from calendar year 1995 to calendar year 1999 reaching up to P82,167,999.30. The increase of the town's income was mainly due to the increase in revenue allotment, tax, and operating revenue of the municipality. It could be observed that Banate is increasingly growing in commerce and industry.Household
The 12 barangays belonging to the rural area has a population of 15,772 or about 62% of the total population of Banate. Of the 12 barangays, Barangay San Salvador has the highest population (2,380 or 9.31%, while Barangay Fuentes, (a disputed barangay between the Municipality of Banate and the Municipality of Anilao) has the least population of only 621 persons or 4% of the rural population, since some residents have considered themselves residents of Anilao.
Population projection
With the annual growth rate of 1.21, from a population of 26,858 for CY 1999 and 28,182 by year 2003, within the 5 – year period, Banate will have a population increase of 1,324. By year 2010, the population is expected to number about 30,656. This projection was based primarily on the 1995 Census Population and Housing results including Barangay Fuentes using the geometric growth of the municipality and did not consider fertility, mortality and migration trends.Population density
Banate has an A & D area of 5,240.849 and a population of 25,597 as of CY 1995. The municipal gross density is 500 people/km². Urban density is 1600 people/km², of which Barangay Bularan is the highest having a density of 15,700 people/km². In the rural area, population density is 300 people/km². As projected, within the twelve (12) year period (1999–2010), the municipal gross population density will increase from 500 to 600 people/km².Age-sex distribution
Of the 25,597 (as of CY 1995), the male population has numbered 12,949 or 50.59% with those in the age bracket of 5 – 9 years old having the highest population (1,743 or 13%. The age bracket with the lowest percentage are those with the age ranging from 85 years old and above (30 or 0.23 %).On the other hand, female population has reached to 12,648 or 49.41% with those in the age range of 5 – 9 years old having the highest number (1,649 or 13%). The female residents with age range of 85 and above number 48 or 0.38%. The date of the census of CY 1995 shows that the ration of male and female residents is 102:100.Religion
Based on the 1990 record, the majority of the Banatenhon’s are Roman Catholics (16,338 or 70%); the next religious denomination with the second highest number of adherence are the Aglipayans or the members of the Philippine Independent Church (5, 057 or 22%); there are 750 Protestants who comprise 3% of the population; Iglesia ni Kristo has 203 churchgoers or 1% of the population; and members of other religious sects like United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist, Muslims, etc. number 1,012 or 4% of the local population.Statistics on marriage
A greater percentage of the population 10 year’s old and over are single (49.32 %) than married (45.75 %). About 3.73 % are widowed; 0.37 % are separated; and 0.82 % are common law partners and unknown. The number of unmarried persons is higher among the adult males (4,840) as compared with those who are married (4,174). Among adult females the proportion of married persons is higher (4,253 or 23.09 %) than those who are unmarried(4,245 or 23.05%).Language distribution
Majority of the people living in Banate speaks Hiligaynon or 99.54 % and 0.46 % of the population speaks other dialects like Cebuano. Aklanon, Chavacano, etc. English and Talalog is commonly understood and spoken, and are also use in school, business and government day to day transactions.Banate, along with Dumangas, is known for the unique way its people speak the Hiligaynon Language. Instead of the usual sing-song manner, the townsmen say it in a more straight slightly toneless mode. The said towns are also the only municipalities in Iloilo in which the dialect is less influenced by Kiniray-a.
Economic dependency ratio
As of Census Year 1995, a total of 10,711 persons with ages below 15 and over 64 years old are considered dependents; 14,625 belong to the working population with ages 15–65 years old. Hence, there are 7 dependents out of 10 working persons.Labor force
As of 1990 the labor force numbered 13,643 persons or 57% of the total population. Of these, there are 6,747 or 49.45% male and 6,896 or 50.55% female ranging the age 15 years old and above. Of the 13,643, 7,886 have stable employment. 5,239 of these are male and 2,647 are female.Labor force projection
Population projection shows that from 1995 to the year 2010, the population growth rate is 1.21%. This means an additional potential work force for the municipality, which when properly exploited will generate a maximum income to the town of Banate. The labor force within the twelve (12) year period (1999–2010) will reach to 18,683 and 11,527 of these, will be economically active labor force (15 years old and over).Banate-Negros Occidental Bridge
The most recent and promising note for the future economic growth of Banate is the projected Banate-Negros Occidental Bridge. In the midst of the year 2006 (July 30, 2006, Governors from 16 provinces of the Visayas met at the Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental in Bacolod City to discuss the construction of bridges linking Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Leyte and Panay. They call these bridges the Trans-Visayas Friendship Bridges. Among these bridges would be the Banate-Negros Occidental Bridge, which would link the Island of Negroes to the Island of Panay. Located at the spot nearest to Negros, Banate is the most logical and ideal place for the construction of the connecting bridge between the two islands of the Visayas.San Juan Fiesta
During the 24th of June, every year, the town celebrates the feast of St. John the Baptist. Masses are held, in both Roman Catholic and Aglipayan Churches after which, devotees’ carry in procession a decorated carroza containing the statue of the Patron saint through the main streets of the town. The townspeople cook typical delicious dishes for the guests to eat and, later in the afternoon, children as well as teenagers go to the plaza to enjoy the fun at the "peryahan." During the evening, a “search” for Miss Banate is held in the municipal covered gymnasium. Hundreds of crowds pack up the gym just to cheer and clap for their bets.Semana Santa Celebration
Banate has, for centuries, also observed the Holy Week celebration in the traditional Catholic custom. The town boasts of antique ivory religious images, which are only seen displayed during the Easter Triduum celebrations and processions. Both the Roman Catholic and the Aglipayan Communities in this town have preserved the Western and Catholic way of making the memory of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alive through the heritage received from the Spaniards, who evangelized the town for centuries. The meditation on the seven last words of Jesus and the re-enactment of his last moments on calvary attract devotees from neighboring towns on Good Fridays.Banate is known in the Province of Iloilo for its "lab-as" or savory fresh fruits of the sea. Sometime during the second week of December until the first week of January, the residents celebrate the "Kasag Festival". It is a celebration of thanksgiving for one of the many blessings that the town is endowed with- "Kasag" (crabs). For weeks, the residents hold a food festival every evening at the town's plaza, which features the different ways of how the Banatenhons cook crabs, fresh fish and other bounties from Banate Bay.
Kasag Festival
For over 17 years in the making, Kasag festival came as an offshoot of the Annual Street Dancing Competition as highlight of the Annual Town Fiesta, and the promotion of the town's famed product, the Blue Crabs, through as the Municipality’s One Town One Product (OTOP)project.Previous Street Dancing Competitions were held every 24th day of June, as one of the highlights of the final day of the Annual Town Fiesta honoring and thanking St. John the Baptist for the fruitful year spent. However, the activities meant at integrating Kasag Festival with the Feast of St. John the Baptist proved to be such a tedious endeavor for Banatenhons, requiring much of their time and effort. Most often, this results to distractions, if not deviations, from the original essence and spirit of the religious fiesta which is about the devotion and thanksgiving to St. John the Baptist.
With the implementation of the DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP), Banate identified Kasag (Blue Crab) as the prevalent and flourishing fishery based industry thus making it Banate’s OTOP. Promoting the new product and incorporating the product with the festival was conceptualized by the people in charge of OTOP.
With positive response from the Local Chief Executive, all systems go for the First Kasag Festival Celebration; with “young blood” from the newly elected public officials and the desire to promote Banate’s One Town One Product as well as Banate’s Tourism Development the First Kasag Festival came into celebration on December 2007.
Food Courts of various mouth-watering and native delicacies were there to give justice to the ever-craving and discriminating taste of Ilonggos. A nightly Singing contest to entertain and showcase the singing prowess of Banatenhons was staged. Daily entertaining activities like Laro ng Lahi (old Filipino games), Basketball Tournament and search for Mutya sang Kasag were organized topped by the eagerly anticipated all new Street Dancing Competition based on the idea of Kasag’s preservation for future generation and Kasag’s nature and thanksgiving to the bountiful season of fishing.
Participation in Other Festivals
Selected Kasag performers regularly compete in other festivals. Banate is represented by Tribu Kasag in the Kasadyahan portion of the Dinagyang Festival every January in Iloilo City. The Kasag festival also competes in the Aliwan FiestaAliwan Fiesta
Aliwan Fiesta is an annual event that gathers different cultural festivals of the Philippines in Star City Complex in Pasay City wherein contingents compete in dance parade and float competitions, as well as in a beauty pageant...
held every April in Metro Manila. Both Tribu Kasag and the Kasag Festival have won several awards, including the Kasadyahan championship trophy in 2009 and 2010, and the second runner-up trophy at the Aliwan Fiesta in 2010.
Nota Bene: History of "Tribu Kasag" and its antecedent Tribes.
Since 1987, the Municipality of Banate has participated the well-known Kasadyahan Festival which takes place before the Iloilo City's Dinagyang Festival. Tribu Kasway has represented the town from the year 1987 to 1993. After then, from 1995 to 1999, the town changed the group's name to Tribu Hugyaw. They won 2nd Place in 1999. Tribu Panagat, the newly adapted name, was Kasadyan Festival's winning groups in the year 2000. It continued to represent the town of Banate until 2003. From 2004 to 2005, the name "Tribu Hugyaw" was re-adapted by the group.Later and until the present, "Tribu Kasag" represents Banate at the Dinagyang Festival as well as at other festivals in the Province of Iloilo and national competitions of the same kind. This current "cultural ambassadors of Banate" are known for their merry and lively dance which depicts the townpeople's livelihood as fishermen, and the town's famed product: "Kasag" or crab(s).
Awards(of Tribu Kasag):
- Kasadyahan Competition 2008 - 1st Runner-up, Best in Demonstration, Best in Choreography.
- Kasadyahan Competition 2009 - Grand Champion, Best in Production Design, Best in Choreography, Best in Performance.
- Aliwan Festival 2009 (National Competition)- 2nd Place.
- Kasadyahan Competition 2010 - Grand Champion, Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best in Music, Best in Costume.
Annual AD3 Karera de Paraw & Pinta Layag Comnpetition
A mixture of art, entertainment and skills enhancement: that is Banate’s Karera de Paraw.Held every Easter Sunday of the year, the Karera de Paraw is a sailboat racing competition participated by Banatenhon fisher folks. It is a four day activity, which includes the Pinta Layag (sail painting competition involving the out of school youths), Mutya sang Paraw (a beauty pageant competition), Rakustik (an acoustical jam competition), and capped by the Karera de Paraw on the fourth and final day.
It aims to help boost Banate tourism together with Kasag Festival, to encourage artistic ability of Banatenhon youth through the sail painting competition, and to give a good and fun-filled break for the fisherfolks while aiming to bag home prizes.
Originally conceived and financed by Alfonso “Nonong” Delicana III, the Annual AD3 Karera de Paraw & Pinta Layag competition is now on its 4th year. However, the expanding scope and number of activities of the event encourages at this point the involvement and participation also of supporters in and outside Banate. Organizers would now welcome donations for the activities of the coming year.
Official Municipal Hymn
Abante Banate(Cf. Municipal Ordinance 2008-01 of 16 February 2009; and the Philippine Constitution, Article XIV, Section 15.)
Composer: Mrs. Gremia G. Baclayanto.
I
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang Tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
II
Sa higad sang Bay-bay naayun sa Amin-han,
Sa Lab-as nga Hangin Ginahaluk-halukan,
Ini ang banwa nga amun Nahamut-an,
O Banate sang Langit, Ikaw guin Bugayan.
III
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
IV
Masadya, malinong kag malayo sa gutom,
Sa dagat dagaya ang isda kag pakinhason,
Sa uma, may humay, mais kag utanon,
O, Banate ang buwas damlag atun tamdun.
V
Abante Banate, Sulong sa Kauswagan,
Sa ulihing tubo ini ang Panawagan,
Ang duna tang Manggad atun guid pag Tipigan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
VI
Ikaw punung banwa nga sang-una guin Tukod,
Sitio pa lamang ang mga Kaingud,
Huwaran sang hilway nga Panghimanwa,
Talamdan sang Ilonggo nga Kultura.
VII
Abante Banate, sulong sa Kauswagan,
Padayuna ang naangkon nga Kadalag-an,
Itanum sa dughan sang mga Kabataan,
Abante apang ang tagtuga dili guid kalimtan.
Town Tagline
"Abante Banate!" This is the municipality's tagline and is courtesy of the Cabangal Administration. The saying reflects the towns progressiveness and its readiness for development. It also shows the colorful economic growth of the town through the years. It shows the undying dreams of the Banatenhons, as they strive to stand out not just locally but also in the world.Business & Establishments
Banking & finance
- Rural Bank Of MarayoRural Bank of MarayoRural Bank of Marayo , Inc. is a bank in the Philippines. It is organized and incorporated in accordance with the provisions of the Rural Banks Act of the Philippines for the purpose of providing the people of rural communities with credit facilities on reasonable terms and encourage...
- Palawan Pawn Shop
- RD Pawnshop
Restaurants & resorts
- Villa Francisca
- Kites Place
- Ecopark
- Tabing Dagat
- Tito Pap's Food Place
- Kuzena
- C.R.C.I