| Type: | District of Iloilo City |
| Nickname: | Flower Capital of Iloilo |
| Pushpin Map: | Philippines Visayas#Philippines |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 220 |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in the Philippines |
| Coordinates: | 10.6858°N 122.5117°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Philippines |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Western Visayas (Region VI) |
| Subdivision Type2: | Province |
| Subdivision Type3: | City |
| Subdivision Name3: | Iloilo City |
| Established Title: | Founded |
| Established Date: |
|
| Established Title1: | Incorporated |
| Established Date1: | July 16, 1937 |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Jerry Treñas (Mayor of Iloilo City) |
| Area Total Km2: | 7.58 |
| Timezone: | Philippine Standard Time |
| Utc Offset: | +8 |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP code |
| Postal Code: | 5000 |
| Area Code: | 33 |
| Blank1 Name: | Festival(s) |
| Blank1 Info: | Paraw Regatta Festival – Third Weekend of February |
| Blank2 Name: | Patron saint |
| Blank2 Info: | Santo Niño de Arévalo |
| Arevalo | |
| Population Total: | 55,476 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 census |
| Population Demonym: | Arevaleño; Villahanon |
| Blank1 Name Sec2: | Native languages |
| Blank1 Info Sec2: | Hiligaynon |
| Population Density Km2: | 7316.80 |
| Other Name: | La Villa Rica de Arévalo |
| Seat: | 13 (see Barangays) |
| Seat Type: | Barangays |
| Blank3 Name: | Feast day |
| Blank3 Info: | Third Sunday of January |
| Subdivision Type4: | Congressional District |
| Subdivision Name4: | Lone district of Iloilo City |
| Founder: | Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa |
Villa de Arevalo (pronounced as /es/; in Tagalog pronounced as /ˈbiːljɐ dɛ ʔɐˌɾɛːbɐˈlo/), commonly known as simply Villa or Arevalo, is a district in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is the westernmost district of Iloilo City and shares its border with Oton to the west, in the province of Iloilo, on the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region.[1] According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 55,476 people.The district is known for its heritage and cultural landmarks, including the Camiña Balay nga Bato, a 19th-century heritage house,[2] and Villa Beach, which features several resorts and popular local restaurants and bars.
Notable landmarks in Arevalo include the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño de Arevalo, which houses the Santo Niño de Arévalo, the third oldest Santo Niño (Infant Jesus) image in the Philippines.[3] [4] Arevalo is often referred to as the "Flower Capital of Iloilo" due to the abundance of potted plants, flowers, bouquets, and wreaths sold in the district.[5] The district is also renowned for its firecrackers and fireworks.[6]
A Spanish settlement was established in 1566 when Spanish conquerors settled in the area between Villa de Arevalo and the neighboring town of Oton. Villa de Arevalo was formally founded as La Villa Rica de Arévalo by Gobernador Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa in 1581. The name Arévalo was derived from his hometown in Spain, making it one of the first places in the Philippines to be named in Spanish.
The initial population of Villa de Arevalo comprised 80 European colonists of pure Spanish descent,[7] who were joined by 169 Mexican soldiers from Latin America.[8] It became the capital of the province's settlement in 1582. In 1586, it welcomed 20 Spanish Households and the garrison was reinforced by 30 Spanish and/or Mexican soldiers.[9] However, the town faced numerous challenges throughout its history. It was invaded by the British in 1588, followed by raids by Moro pirates in 1600, and further attacks by the Dutch in 1609, 1614, and 1616. These constant threats led to the relocation of the capital near the mouth of the Iloilo River, which is the present-day location of Iloilo City Proper.
On July 16, 1937, Villa de Arevalo, along with the towns of Mandurriao, La Paz, and Molo, was incorporated as a district of Iloilo City. This integration solidified its position as an integral part of the expanding urban center.
Arevalo is the furthest district to the west in Iloilo City. It is located away from Iloilo City Proper. It shares its borders with the districts of Molo to the east, Mandurriao to the northeast, and the municipality of Oton to the north and west. To the south, the Iloilo Strait and Villa Beach provide natural boundaries. Traversing the district are the rivers of Iloilo and Batiano.
The district of Arevalo has a total of 13 barangays.
See main article: Santo Niño de Arévalo. The district's parish, the Santo Niño de Arevalo Parish, is home to the Santo Niño de Arévalo, third oldest Santo Niño figure in the Philippines. The church, located on Arevalo Plaza, was built in such a way that when seen from above it is shaped like a cross. Adjacent to the church is the Arevalo Convent, a heritage building in a Spanish colonial design. Residing parish priest is Rev. Fr. Jose Gerardo Classico Nufable.
In January, Arevalo celebrates its town fiesta in honor of the Santo Niño. The festivities take place during the month of January, Fiesta day is held every 3rd Sunday of January. During Fiesta Day households open their doors and prepare food for fiesta goers, friends, visitors, and distant relatives. A fireworks display contest is one of the highlights of the celebration held on the night of the town fiesta.
See main article: Paraw Regatta Festival. Arevalo hosts the annual Paraw Regatta, which is the oldest traditional craft event in Asia, and the largest sailing event in the Philippines. A paraw is a Filipino double-outrigger sailboat much like a pump boat which was used for transportation and fishing and still is in limited areas.
The main event is the paraw boat race along Iloilo Strait and also showcases Pinta Layag, a sail painting contest; Porma Balas, sand sculpting; Pintawo, a body painting contest; Miss Paraw Regatta, a local beauty pageant; Samba De Regatta, music & Mardi Gras contest; Luces by the Sea, a pyrotechnic exhibition; beach volleyball; and photo competition.
Transportation is mainly by jeepney which serves the district to the Iloilo City Proper. Metered taxi cabs also serve the traveling public. Tricycles and trisikads operate within the district. The Don Benito Acap Southern Iloilo Line Jeepney Terminal (Mohon Terminal) in the district serves the routes to and from southern Iloilo towns and the province of Antique.