Just as I thought! Before coming here, I really thought I would find something worth a second look in this little town that actually is now a suburb of the city proper (Iloilo).
This municipal hall is 60 years old. And there is a National Historical Commission marker describing the significance of Oton in Philippine History. See?!
Let me attempt to translate what that marker says.
One of the centers of Trade and Commerce in the Visayas during the 12th Century until arrival of the Spaniards. Previously the capital of the province of Ogtong (now Iloilo Province) 1570-1581. Served as a seaport, shipyard and a supply source of the Spanish military camps in Moluccas and Mindanao, during the 16th century. Considered as the 3rd mission of the Augustinian Missionaries outside of Manila and Cebu, 03MAY1572. Heavily damaged during Spain's war against England?, 1593. Raids and burning by the Dutch, 1630, and the assaults of Moros who were against Spanish colonization of Mindanao in 1662.
Makasaysayan. Masalimuot din ang pinag-daanan, 'no?! Just like the many other places in this country. While Oton is a happy place now, even getting to be an 'urban jungle' as extension of the city (Iloilo), it is good to sometimes see these markers, and remember the historical facts. Perchance we not forget, the hard and perilous ways our forebears had to endure, so that we the present generation get to enjoy our freedoms. Di ba?!
Oh, inside this oldish building is a usual 'munisipyo' with all the modernities needed, like this imposing shiny information booth that has taken almost all of the lobby space!
Okay, let's move further south. In my next story!
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Click these numbers for a chronology of my notes:
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Thirty six stories
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