Ibaan, officially the Municipality of Ibaan (Tagalog: Bayan ng Ibaan), is a municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 58,507 people.[3]
Temperature is moderate both in its rainy and dry seasons, conducive to farming, agricultural and livestock production, which are the most common occupations. There are fewer farmers each year as residents switch to hog-raising, which provides better income.[citation needed]
Ibaan is known as the home of the "kulambo" (mosquito net), as its production and trading has become one of the most profitable businesses in the locality. Ibaan is also known for its tamales that are wrapped in banana leaves.
The town celebrates its foundation day every February 11, with a simple festival called "Les Kuhliembo Festival", featuring their products: tamales, kulambo, habi, liempo, and tubo (sugar cane).
Etymology
Ibaan is derived from a Tagalog word which means "the town where Iba flourishes." According to historians, the present-day municipality was greatly forested with Iba trees (Averrhoa bilimbi).[5]
History
Ibaan is originally a barrio part of the then-town of Batangas. Its present-day barangay Matala was the first municipal seat (poblacion) of Batangas beginning in 1780. Ibaan was established as a distinct town on February 11, 1832, separating it from the then-town of Batangas.[5]
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 68.99 square kilometers (26.64 sq mi)[6] constituting 2.21% of the 3,119.75-square-kilometer (1,204.54 sq mi) total area of Batangas.
Barangays
Ibaan is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.[7] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
In the 2020 census, Ibaan had a population of 58,507.[3] The population density was 850 inhabitants per square kilometer (2,200/sq mi).
Language
Tagalog is the local language in the Batangueño dialect; however, English is included in its educational curriculum and is often used in official dealings and transactions.
It is a predominantly Roman Catholic community, with small percentages of Protestants and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo. The indigenous Iglesia ni Cristo has several locales in the town, including the chapels in Coliat and Matala. Other than this, non-denominational full gospel churches are also established to name a few like Jesus the Anointed One Church, United Pentecostal Church and Jesus is Lord Church.
Ibaan main products include tamales, kulambo (mosquito net), lomi, panutsa (sweet peanut), and sugarcane.
Culture
Festivals
Ibaan celebrates civic and national holidays. The Ibaan Foundation Day is celebrated every December to commemorate the city's founding. Each barangay also has its own festivity guided by their patron saint. The town is host to the Feast of Saint James, held every 25 July, which draws hundreds of Catholic devotees. Another religious feasts held in Ibaan was the Procession Feast of Holy week. Non-religious holidays include the New Year's Day, National Heroes' Day, Bonifacio Day, and Rizal Day.
Sports
Most barangays have a makeshift basketball court, with court markings drawn on the roads. Larger barangays have covered courts where interbarangay leagues are held every summer (April to May).
The town has several well-known sports venues, such as the Bro. Medrano Plaza and Recto Gymnasium, the home of the now defunct Ibaan Basketball Team. The Bro. Medrano Plaza, which houses the basketball and volleyball courts, had hosted several multi-sport events and games.
Other well-known sports facilities include the Recto Gym, operated by the local government, and the Fr. Guido Colletti Gym, a private venue owned by Saint James Academy.
Education
Elementary schools and high schools include:
Dr. Juan A. Pastor Memorial National High School
Maximo T. Hernandez Memorial National High School
Bungahan Elementary School
Balanga Elementary School
Coliat Elementary School
Ibaan Central School
Lucsuhin Elementary School
Mabalor-Catandala Elementary School
Malainin Elementary School
Munting Tubig Elementary School (Gregorio Sison Memorial Elementary School)
Palindan Elementary School
Quilo Elementary School
Sabang Elementary school
San Agustin Elementary School
Santo Niño Elementary School
Talaibon Elementary School
Tulay-Calamias Elementary School
Ibaan has private schools, mostly Catholic or Christian:
Acts Christian Academy
Ibaan Nazareth School
Marfeben Academy
Our Lady of Grace Formation School
Ibaan Saint James Academy, Inc.
St. Jude Science and Technological School of Ibaan, Inc.