Brgy. Bito-on Jaro, Iloilo City 3.33

HISTORY OF BARANGAY BITO-ON



Where did the Brgy. Bito-on got its name?
“BITO-ON” is a hiligaynon or an Ilonggo word of STAR.


Many old folks of the said Barangay cannot recall the exact history of the said barangay. The only story that they can recall is that before people notice in the sky above the place that there are groups of star, also seen by the neighboring barangays along seashore, especially in that area.

During the Japanese Regime people in that village engaged in fishing, one evening some fishermen while preparing to go fishing were ask by a Japanese army who happened to passed by in the area in their language asking what is the name of the place coz they noticed that people looking in the sky, because the villagers cannot understand they assumed that they are asking what they are looking they answered, “a Bito-on”, that’s why every time Japanese passed by in that area they call Bolo Bito-on that was the first name of the place. As time goes by, the people name the barangay instead of using the name Bolo Bito-on they use the name Barangay Bito-on.


The first leader or the first Tenyente del Barrio is Emiliano Acosta, then followed by Luis Hernia. Then came the first Barangay election, Barangay Capt. Luis Hernia was challenged by Domiciano Hernia and it was won by Brgy. Capt Domiciano Hernia and become the first elected official of the said barangay. In 1989 election, which is the highest vote Brgy. Capt Domiciano Hernia seek re-election but the result is that he only got 2nd highest vote and then Brgy. Capt. Nelson Lopez got the highest vote. Then come 1994 Barangay Election and it was then Brgy. Capt Luis Hernia become the Barangay Captain . After a year Luis Hernia died then the first councilor who happens to be his daughter Elma Hernia assumed the position. Barangay Captain Elma Hernia serve for almost 15 years as Barangay Captain, last 2007 Barangay and SK Election in a three corner fight in the position of Punong Barangay Raymundo V. Juntado emerge as a winner.


A heartfelt thanks to Lola Consejo Lopez Acosta a 94 year old and one of the oldest in the barangay for the story in the collaboration of Brgy. Sec. Connie A. Sulpico and Brgy. Treas. Marie Jean H. Hiponia for the additional inputs.