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Pototan (Kinaray-a: Banwa ka Pototan, Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Pototan, Tagalog: Bayan ng Pototan), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 78,919 people.[5]

Key Information

In December 1997, it was declared as the "Christmas Capital of Western Visayas" because of its famed Christmas Festival of Lights.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

The first people of Pototan were the family of Datu Ramon, grandson of Datu Puti, a Malay from the town of Dumangas.[dubious – discuss] They first settled at Barangay Naslo, which was formerly the poblacion (town center). In that place was found a luxuriant growth of trees called "putat", after which the place was subsequently called "Kaputatan" or "place of many Putat trees." However, due to its hilly terrain and poor water supply, they decided to move nearer the bank of the Suage River, now called Pototan.

In the middle of the 16th century, the Chinese traders arrived in Pototan.

Spanish era

[edit]
St. Joseph's Church
Pototan Town Hall
Iloilo Provincial Hospital

The arrival of the Spaniards in 1593 sparked new changes in the socio-economic and political life of the natives. It was the start of a new era, the natives were converted to Catholicism through the efforts of Augustinian Friars. The settlement was subsequently made into a Parish. Education, though at the onset only for the privileged few, was introduced. The name "Kaputatan", which the Spanish have difficulty pronouncing, was changed to "Pototan".

The Spanish built roads and bridges. Don Tomas Sajen and Don Escribano supervised the construction of the Tribunal (municipal hall) with the natives contributing the labor. The Tribunal withstood World War II and in the early 50s was modified into what is now the Western Visayas Hospital.

In 1874, Pototanons began to run their own political affairs with the appointment of Don Juan Marcelo as the first Capitan Municipal. This form of government continued until the arrival of the Americans.

During the incumbency of Capitan Municipal Braulio Peñaranda in 1891, there was a cholera outbreak.

During the Philippine Revolution, Pototanons such as Teresa Magbanua (known as the Joan of arc of the Visayas[6]) and her two brothers, Elias and Pascual Magbanua took up arms and joined the revolution.

The Americans arrived after Spain ceded Philippines to the United States in 1898. The remaining Spanish population fled to the hills together with many Filipinos including the last Gobernadorcillio, Don Maurilio Mendoza. He was later held prisoner by the Americans but subsequently named the first Municipal President.

American era

[edit]

Under the Americans, the natives were granted the freedom of speech and worship. Education was liberalized; more and better roads and bridges were constructed. Improvements were also noticed in the economic, social and cultural life of the people.

During the incumbency of Mun. President Maurillo Mendoza, the Pototanons again witnessed another unforgettable event: the burning of the entire half of the poblacion in November 1914. The cause of the fire is unknown.

When the Philippine Constitution was ratified in 1935, another change in the town's local governance was introduced: the title of Municipal President was changed to Municipal Mayor. Santiago Puig was the first Municipal Mayor. He was succeeded by Mariano Peñaflorida in 1940. Peñaflorida served until September 16, 1942.

World War II

[edit]

The coming of the Japanese during World War II spread chaos and fear among Pototanons. Mayor Peñaflorida continued to act as Mayor under the Free Revolutionary Government of Tomas Confesor while the Japanese Imperial Forces designated Tomas Ferrariz as Puppet Mayor.

Geography

[edit]

Pototan lies on the banks of the Suage River, 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Iloilo City and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Janiuay. The town has an area of 94 km2, 85% of which is agricultural land.

Considered the rice granary of Panay, the town is bordered by Dingle to the north, Zarraga to the south, Barotac Nuevo to the east, New Lucena and Mina to the west.

Barangays

[edit]

Pototan is politically subdivided into 50 barangays. [7] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

  • Abangay
  • Amamaros
  • Bagacay
  • Barasan
  • Batuan
  • Bongco
  • Cahaguikican
  • Callan
  • Cansilayan
  • Casalsagan
  • Cato-ogan
  • Cau-ayan
  • Culob
  • Danao
  • Dapitan
  • Dawis
  • Dongsol
  • Fundacion
  • Guinacas
  • Guibuangan
  • Igang
  • Intaluan
  • Iwa Ilaud
  • Iwa Ilaya
  • Jamabalud
  • Jebioc
  • Lay-ahan
  • Primitivo Ledesma Ward (Pob.
  • Lopez Jaena Ward (Poblacion)
  • Lumbo
  • Macatol
  • Malusgod
  • Naslo
  • Nabitasan
  • Naga
  • Nanga
  • Pajo
  • Palanguia
  • Fernando Parcon Ward (Poblacion)
  • Pitogo
  • Polot-an
  • Purog
  • Rumbang
  • San Jose Ward (Poblacion)
  • Sinuagan
  • Tuburan
  • Tumcon Ilaya
  • Tumcon Ilaud
  • Ubang
  • Zarrague

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Pototan, Iloilo
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 28
(82) 		29
(84) 		30
(86) 		32
(90) 		32
(90) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		28
(82) 		30
(85)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23
(73) 		22
(72) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		25
(77) 		25
(77) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		23
(73) 		24
(74)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 57
(2.2) 		37
(1.5) 		41
(1.6) 		42
(1.7) 		98
(3.9) 		155
(6.1) 		187
(7.4) 		162
(6.4) 		179
(7.0) 		188
(7.4) 		114
(4.5) 		78
(3.1) 		1,338
(52.8)
Average rainy days 12.0 7.7 9.2 10.2 19.5 24.6 26.9 25.1 25.5 25.2 18.0 13.0 216.9
Source: Meteoblue (modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)[8]

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of Pototan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 20,964—    
1918 25,869+1.41%
1939 33,020+1.17%
1948 34,717+0.56%
1960 37,231+0.58%
1970 37,250+0.01%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1975 41,363+2.12%
1980 44,624+1.53%
1990 54,035+1.93%
1995 56,340+0.79%
2000 61,206+1.79%
2007 67,626+1.39%
YearPop.±% p.a.
2010 70,955+1.76%
2015 75,070+1.08%
2020 78,298+0.89%
2024 78,919+0.19%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[9][10][11][12][13]

In the 2020 census, the population of Pototan, Iloilo, was 78,298 people,[14] with a density of 810 inhabitants per square kilometre or 2,100 inhabitants per square mile. Karay·a is the primary language in the municipality.[15]

Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of Pototan

10
20
30
40
2000
35.15
2003
29.02
2006
18.80
2009
17.31
2012
18.90
2015
21.24
2018
15.35
2021
14.99

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]

Education

[edit]

Private Schools

[edit]
  • Adventist Academy - Iloilo, Inc. (West Visayan Academy)
  • Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción - Hijas de Jesús
  • EXEL Montessori de Pototan
  • First Bible Baptist Academy
  • Pototan Baptist Church Learning Center
  • Pototan Christian Learning Center
  • The Integrated Academy School System, Inc.

Tertiary

[edit]

Secondary

[edit]
  • Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial NHS
  • Pototan National Comprehensive HS
  • Jamabalud NHS
  • Jose Facultad Memorial NHS
  • Palanguia NHS

Primary

[edit]
  • Barasan ES
  • Batuan ES
  • Cahaguikican ES
  • Cansilayan ES
  • Casalsagan ES
  • Danao ES
  • Dapitan ES
  • Doña Trinidad ES
  • Dolores P. Tirador ES
  • Edmundo Dayot Memorial ES
  • Guibuangan ES
  • Guinacas ES
  • Igang ES
  • Iwa-Macatol ES
  • Jamabalud ES
  • Juana Bolivar Peñaflorida ES (Amamaros ES)
  • Lay-ahan ES
  • Lumbo ES
  • Maravilla ES
  • Matias Yusay Memorial ES
  • Nabitasan ES
  • Naslo ES
  • Palanguia ES
  • Pototan Pilot ES
  • Rizal ES
  • San Juan ES
  • Sinuagan ES
  • Tuburan ES
  • Ubang ES

Government

[edit]
Pototan Town Hall with the "Visayan Joan of Arc"

List of chief executives

[edit]

Gobernadorcillos

[edit]
Order Name Years in Office
1 Juan Marcelo 1774
2 Juan Dato-on 1775
3 ? Mangungud 1776
4 Tomás Codese 1777
5 Esteban Balas 1778
6 Juan Figueroa 1779
7 Juan Marcelo 1780
8 Agustín Diego 1781
9 Pedro Suganag 1782
10 Diego Magbanua 1783
11 Juan Figueroa 1784
12 Salvador Fiharon 1785
13 Francisco Zabia 1786
14 Juan Figueroa 1787
Juan Figueroa 1788
15 Agustín Aliso 1789
16 Miguel Pérez 1790
17 Tomás Antesa 1791
18 Juan Figueroa 1792
19 Juan Cordero 1793
20 Silvestre Feliciano 1794
21 Antonio Mosquera 1795
22 Juan Faustino 1796
23 Miguel Jacinto 1797
24 José Amador 1798
25 Juan Macario 1799
26 Fulgencio Felipe 1800
27 Juan Miguel 1801
28 Alejandro Tingson 1802
29 Agustín Bolívar 1803
30 Nicolás Oberio 1804
31 Gregorio Mariano 1805
32 Julián Narciso 1806
33 Fernando Casumpang 1807
34 Fernando Macario 1808
35 José Belarmino 1809
36 Fulgencio Bernardo 1810
37 Mariano Fausto 1811
38 Miguel Jacinto 1812
39 Fernando Casumpang 1813
40 Fernando Macario 1814
41 Francisco Samas 1815
42 José Ynocencio 1816
43 Juan Faustino 1817
44 Juan Dionisio 1818
45 Juan Domingo 1819
46 Juan Faustino 1820
47 Juan Apolinario Delgado 1821
48 Juan Felipe Álvarez 1822
49 Francisco Pedro 1823
50 Francisco Luciano 1824
51 Mariano de la Cruz 1825
52 Juan Francisco 1826
53 Domingo Tecson 1827
54 Mariano de la Cruz 1828
55 Bernardo Macario 1829
56 Fernando Faustino 1830
57 Antonio Bolívar 1831
58 Agustín Bostrano 1832
59 Juan Bartolomé 1833
60 Francisco Luciano 1834
61 Castro Bolívar 1835
62 Domingo Nerio 1836
63 Lucas Bolívar 1837
64 Salvador Ortega 1838
65 Gregorio Marcelo 1839
66 Antonio de Padua 1840
67 Juan Ilisan 1841
68 Juan Franco 1842
69 Gregorio Casimero 1843
70 Juan Hipólito 1844
71 Mateo Remigio 1845
72 Fernando Casumpang 1846
73 ? Peñafort 1847
74 Blas ? 1848
75 Fernando Felipe 1849
76 Manuel Erarco 1850
77 José Tecson 1851
José Tecson 1852
78 Ambrosio Cordero 1853
79 Francisco Catequista 1854
80 Juan Apolinario 1855
81 Domingo Prudente 1856
82 Benito Ferrariz 1857
83 Nicolás Casumpang 1858
84 Antonio Tingson 1859
85 Bartolomé Magbanua 1860
86 Antonio Peremne 1861
87 Benito Ferrariz 1862-1863
88 Borromeo Penero 1864-1865
89 Esteban Peñaranda 1866
90 Dámaso Pineda 1867-1868
Dámaso Pineda 1869
91 Benito Ferrariz 1870-1871
92 Alejo Pineda 1872-1873
93 Nicolasito Paranga 1874-1875
94 Felipe Parreño 1876-1877
95 José Mendoza 1878
96 Cayetano Bolívar 1879
97 León Fernando Nograles 1880-1881
98 Vicente Parreñas 1882
99 Justo Nograles 1883
100 Barcelio Peñaranda 1884
101 Pedro Belasa 1885
102 Cayetano Bolívar 1886-1887
103 Vicente Peñaflorida 1888
104 Tomás Pulmones 1889
105 Cayetano Bolívar 1890-1891
106 Hilario Magbanua 1892-1893

Capitán municipal

[edit]

In 1893, the Maura Law was passed to reorganize town governments with the aim of making them more effective and autonomous. The law changed the title of chief executive of the town from gobernadorcillo to capitán municipal.[24]

Order Name Years in Office
107 Julián Ubaldo 1894
108 Maurilio Mendoza 1895-1900

Presidentes & vice presidentes municipal

[edit]
Order Presidente municipal Years in Office Order Vice presidente municipal Years in Office
109 Mariano Peñaflorida 1900-1904 1
110 Rafael Parcon 1904-1906
111 Magdaleno Silva 1906-1907
112 Ceferino Palabrica 1907-1908
113 Matias Yusay 1908-1909
114 Ceferino Palabrica 1909-1913
115 Generoso Solinap 1913-1916
116 Tomás Peñaflorida 1916-1919
117 Primitivo Ledesma 1919-1922 Paulino Pérez
118 Manuel Mendoza 1922-1925
119 Generoso Solinap 1925-1928
120 Sofronio Daguay 1928-1931
121 Nemesio Cordero 1931-1933

Municipal Mayors

[edit]
Order Mayor Years in Office Order Vice-mayor Years in Office
122 Fernando Parcon 1933-1936 Silverio Quesaba
123 Mariano Peñaflorida 1936-1945
Tomás Ferrariz (Japanese Puppet Mayor) 1942-1945
124 Fortunato Camarista 1946-1951
125 Roque Mosquera 1951
126 Fortunato Camarista 1952-1955
127 Florentino Perez 1956-1960
128 Santiago Puig 1960-1962
129 Manuel Parcon 1963-1998
130 Licurgo Tirador 1998-2001 Peter Parcon
131 Manuel Parcon 2001-2002 Pablo Perez
132 Pablo Perez 2002-2013
133 Tomas Peñaflorida 2013-2019 Joselito Romualdo Ilisan
134 Rafael Enrique Lazaro 2019–present

Municipal officials

[edit]

The elected municipal officials of the local government unit of Pototan, Iloilo for 2022-2025.

Local Government Unit of Pototan
Representative
Lorenz R. Defensor (NUP)
Mayor
Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro (NUP)
Vice Mayor
Tomas M. Peñaflorida (NUP)
Sangguniang Bayan Members
Paolo Lorenzo L. Tirador (NUP) Donnabelle S. Mendoza (AKSYON)
Romualdo Joselito M. Ilisan (AKSYON) Ma. Concepcion Q. Dayot-Sumergido (NUP)
Kirk P. Pedrajas (AKSYON) Nonito Q. Pasuelo Jr. (AKSYON)
Grace P. Abul-Lim (AKSYON) Eugenio Rodrigo J. Palu-ay (NUP)
ABC President
Sherwin S. Peñaranda
SK Federation President
Verna Angelique G. Pastolero

Notable personalities

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pototan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Pototan is a first-class landlocked municipality in the province of Iloilo, Western Visayas region of the Philippines, situated approximately 30 kilometers north of Iloilo City and covering an area of 97.10 square kilometers with a population of 78,298 as of the 2020 census. Known locally as the "Rice Granary of Iloilo" due to its extensive agricultural lands dedicated to rice production, the municipality derives its economy primarily from farming, with 85% of its territory oriented toward agriculture. The town's historical roots trace back to pre-colonial times, with the first settlers believed to be the family of , a grandson of the legendary who migrated from , establishing Pototan—originally called Kaputatan—as a settlement that evolved into a formal by 1863 during the Spanish colonial era. Pototan's cultural prominence is highlighted by its designation as the "Christmas Capital of ," stemming from the annual IWAG Festival, a dazzling display of lights in the grand Pototan Plaza featuring an , lagoon, and skating rink, which draws visitors during the holiday season. Additionally, the Parayan Festival celebrates the rice harvest, underscoring the community's agricultural heritage through traditional rituals and festivities. Governed by Mayor Rafael Enrique P. Lazaro, Pototan comprises 50 barangays and maintains infrastructure supporting its role as a regional hub, including the notable St. Joseph's Parish Church and proximity to key facilities like the Iloilo Provincial Hospital outpost, while ongoing developments focus on enhancing local services amid its steady population growth.

Geography

Location and Administrative Divisions


Pototan is a landlocked located in Province, region, on Panay Island in the , with geographic coordinates of approximately 10°57′N 122°38′E. Positioned about 30 kilometers north of , it serves as an inland hub accessible via major roads to the provincial capital. The municipality shares boundaries with Mina to the west, to the north, to the east, and Zarraga to the , delineating its territorial extent within the province's central plains. Pototan covers a total land area of 97.10 square kilometers, predominantly flat terrain suitable for agricultural expansion but constrained by its inland position without coastal access. Administratively, it is divided into 50 barangays, the smallest units, which manage community-level affairs and reflect the municipality's decentralized structure for governance and service delivery. This subdivision supports localized administration over its expanse, with barangays varying in size and based on proximity to the town center.

Topography and Hydrology

Pototan exhibits predominantly flat to gently sloping , with some portions featuring rolling hills, facilitating widespread paddy cultivation across its 94.15 square kilometers. Elevations in the municipality average around 27 meters above , with variations typically modest and ranging up to approximately 50 meters in higher areas, promoting alluvial deposition that enhances agricultural productivity. Hydrologically, Pototan is positioned along the banks of the Suage River, a key that traverses the area and supports systems critical for local farming. This river functions as a significant to the larger Jalaur River system, channeling and that sustain the flat lowlands but also create dynamics influencing patterns. The interplay of gentle and riverine results in fertile, sediment-rich soils along the Suage's course, though low-elevation zones near the river remain vulnerable to overflow from upstream drainage, underscoring the causal link between water flow and terrain stability for empirical agricultural planning.

Climate and Natural Hazards

Pototan experiences a (Köppen classification Am), characterized by high year-round temperatures, elevated humidity, and abundant without a pronounced dry season. Average annual temperatures range from lows of approximately 23°C in and to highs exceeding 32°C in May, with an overall annual mean around 27-28°C. Annual rainfall totals approximately 2,000 mm, distributed relatively evenly but peaking during the wet season from to October, when monthly averages can reach 250 mm or more in August. The municipality faces significant vulnerability to tropical cyclones and associated flooding, exacerbated by its as a catch basin for the Jalaur and Suage river systems. The averages 20 typhoons annually, with including frequently in their path, leading to heavy rainfall that overwhelms local drainage. Notable events include Frank in June 2008, which devastated province with extreme winds and flooding, and multiple 2023 incidents where Pototan declared a state of calamity: in May due to river overflows affecting agricultural lands, and in September when 19 of 50 barangays flooded, impacting over 3,000 families. Southwest monsoon (habagat) rains compound these risks, contributing to prolonged inundation even outside peak months, as seen in July 2025 when widespread flooding persisted across low-lying areas. assessments classify Pototan as highly vulnerable to cyclones and floods, with historical data indicating recurrent disruptions to production and from water levels rising rapidly during intense events.

History

Pre-Colonial and Early Settlement

The pre-colonial settlement of Pototan traces its origins to the family of Ramon, identified in local historical accounts as a grandson of the legendary Puti, a Malay chieftain associated with the ancient migration of ten datus from to Island around the 13th century. Ramon established the initial habitation in an area corresponding to present-day Barangay Naslo, drawn by the fertile lands and abundant resources suitable for early Visayan communities. These settlers, part of the broader Austronesian Visayan groups, relied on , , and riverine along waterways like the nearby Jalaud , which facilitated sustenance and exchange with neighboring settlements. The name "Pototan" derives from the proliferation of putat trees (Reutealis trisperma), noted for their dense growth in the settlement area upon Ramon's arrival, reflecting the natural environment that supported early habitation. This period predates Spanish contact, with communities organized under datu leadership, practicing animistic beliefs and inter-island typical of pre-Hispanic Visayan . Archaeological evidence specific to Pototan remains sparse, but regional patterns indicate continuous indigenous occupation since the medieval era, grounded in oral traditions and migration sagas preserved in ethnolinguistic records.

Spanish Colonial Era

Pototan was formally established as a pueblo (municipality) in 1863 under Spanish colonial administration, marking its transition from a mere settlement to an organized local government unit within the province of Iloilo. This formalization aligned with broader Spanish efforts to consolidate control over Visayan territories through structured pueblos, each governed by a gobernadorcillo selected from the local principalía—the elite class of native landowners and former datus. The gobernadorcillo handled municipal administration, including tax collection via the tributo system, maintenance of public works, and enforcement of Spanish laws, while remaining subordinate to the provincial alcalde mayor. The exerted substantial influence over Pototan's social fabric, with friars from the Augustinian or Recollect orders establishing a dedicated to Saint Joseph, which served as the community's moral and educational hub. campaigns integrated native practices with Catholic rituals, fostering community cohesion but also enabling clerical oversight of daily life, including land disputes and moral conduct. , initially limited to elite boys in doctrina cristiana, was introduced through the parish, emphasizing literacy in Spanish and to support administrative needs. Agriculturally, Spanish rule reinforced Pototan's reliance on as the primary crop, with policies encouraging intensified wet- (palay) cultivation via communal labor drafts (polo y servicio) and basic improvements, though large-scale haciendas were less prevalent in this inland area compared to coastal Iloilo's estates. New introductions like and supplemented traditional farming, but subsistence production dominated, sustaining the economy that funneled resources to .

American Colonial Era

Following the Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris in 1898, American forces assumed control over the , with their arrival in Pototan documented in 1899. This marked the transition from Spanish to American administration in the municipality, which was integrated into the broader U.S. colonial framework for province. Local governance saw the appointment of Tan Anoy as the first presidente municipal, reflecting early efforts to incorporate Filipino elites into the administrative structure while maintaining oversight through American officials. Key reforms emphasized and modernization. Natives were granted freedoms of speech and worship, diverging from prior Spanish restrictions and fostering greater local participation in . was liberalized under the U.S. system, which prioritized schooling in English to promote assimilation and practical skills, though specific enrollment data for Pototan remains limited; this aligned with provincial trends where primary instruction expanded post-1899. Infrastructure development accelerated, with construction of improved roads and bridges enhancing connectivity to and facilitating agricultural transport, contributing to economic uplift in rice-producing areas. These changes yielded measurable advancements in Pototan's economic, social, and cultural spheres by the early , though challenges persisted, including a major fire in November 1914 that destroyed half of the under presidente Primitivo Ledesma. Administrative evolution continued, with the position retitled municipal in following the Philippine Constitution's ; Parcon served as the first such mayor, succeeded by Mariano Penaflorida in 1940. Local responses varied, with elite cooperation aiding integration into export-oriented markets, but underlying resistance to full colonial dependency echoed broader Visayan sentiments.

World War II and Japanese Occupation

Japanese forces occupied Iloilo Province, including Pototan, in early 1942 as part of the broader invasion of the , following the fall of American-Filipino defenses on Island. Local administration shifted under Japanese control, with Caram replacing the retreating Maria Confesor, leading to disruptions in governance and economy amid forced resource extraction and conscription. Pototan hosted a Japanese garrison staffed by the Tanabe Platoon of the Fukutome Unit's 1st Company, which faced repeated guerrilla attacks starting in mid-1942, contributing to ongoing low-intensity conflict in the region. Guerrilla forces, drawing from local Filipino units, ambushed Japanese patrols approximately five to six kilometers east of Pototan, employing hit-and-run tactics amid forested terrain to harass supply lines and outposts. Teresa Magbanua, a native of Pototan known for prior revolutionary activities, supported resistance efforts against the occupiers through non-combat means, such as aiding insurgents despite her advanced age. From July to December 1943, Japanese anti-guerrilla campaigns across escalated into widespread atrocities targeting civilians suspected of collaboration, resulting in mass killings and village burnings to suppress support for insurgents; these operations, documented in military records, aimed to dismantle local networks but fueled further resistance. By late 1944, organized guerrilla elements under the 6th relocated their headquarters to Pototan, approximately 34 kilometers northeast of , where they constructed an airfield to facilitate Allied coordination. Liberation began on March 18, 1945, when the U.S. 40th Infantry Division, led by the 185th Infantry Regiment, landed at Parara Beach in nearby , , overcoming Japanese defenses within two weeks of preliminary aerial bombardments; this advance, supported by guerrillas, extended to Pototan and facilitated the rapid collapse of remaining occupation forces in the province. Post-liberation, Pototan experienced initial recovery challenges from wartime destruction, including infrastructure damage and population displacement, though guerrilla-held areas minimized some Japanese reprisals compared to more contested zones.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following Philippine independence in 1946, Pototan underwent rapid reconstruction from damages concentrated in the area, with residents promptly resuming cultivation and establishing small-scale enterprises in , fruits, , and cottage industries like and , bolstered by national government rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring agricultural productivity. This recovery effort aligned with broader initiatives, leveraging the municipality's fertile Jalaud River valley to contribute to regional amid postwar shortages. Educational institutions also rebounded swiftly; for instance, religious schools such as the Hijas de Jesus institution resumed operations in temporary nipa-bamboo structures by 1945, transitioning to permanent buildings by 1947, reflecting a commitment to development in the new republic. Administrative adjustments marked the mid-20th century, including the 1968 separation of Mina as an independent municipality under Republic Act No. 5345, which carved out former barrios from Pototan and reduced its land area while spurring localized governance focus on remaining 26 barangays. These changes facilitated more targeted development, as Pototan's retained core supported expanding non-farm activities tied to its agrarian roots, such as trading hubs along improved post-independence road networks. Into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Pototan embraced cultural initiatives to foster community cohesion and attract visitors, earning designation as the "Christmas Capital of " in December 1997 for its Festival of Lights, an annual event originating from local traditions that evolved into a major regional draw by integrating illuminations with religious processions. This milestone underscored a shift toward service-oriented growth, with expansion—evidenced by steady increases documented in national censuses—indicating gradual urbanization through poblacion densification and commuter ties to , 30 kilometers south, without displacing the causal primacy of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods.

Demographics

Population Statistics

According to the of and by the , Pototan recorded a total of 78,298 persons. This figure reflected a growth from 70,955 in the 2010 and 61,206 in 2000, indicating steady demographic expansion driven by natural increase and limited migration patterns typical of rural municipalities in province. The annual growth rate between 2015 and was 0.89 percent, lower than the provincial average, suggesting moderating fertility rates and some out-migration to urban centers like . Historical census data illustrate long-term trends:
YearPopulation
190320,964
200061,206
201070,955
202078,298
These enumerations, conducted by Philippine authorities, show a accelerating post- but stabilizing in recent decades amid broader national shifts toward elsewhere. Pototan's land area spans 98.50 square kilometers, yielding a population density of 794.9 persons per square kilometer as of 2020—higher than the Iloilo provincial average of 532.3 but indicative of concentrated settlement along the Jalaud River valley rather than uniform distribution. Urban-rural splits reveal a predominantly rural character, with only 8.17 percent (approximately 6,400 persons) classified in urban barangays per PSA urbanization criteria, which prioritize infrastructure density and economic activity; the remaining 71,898 resided in rural areas focused on agriculture. This distribution underscores Pototan's role as an agribusiness hub rather than an urban commuter node.

Ethnic and Linguistic Composition

The population of Pototan is predominantly composed of Ilonggo people, an ethnolinguistic subgroup of the native to province and surrounding areas in the . This group traces its origins to Malay settlers, with minor historical admixtures from Spanish, Chinese, and other influences in small segments of the population. A minor indigenous presence exists in the form of the Ati () tribe, primarily in Ubang, though their numbers remain limited relative to the overall municipal population of 78,298 as of the 2020 census. Hiligaynon serves as the dominant native language, aligning with the Ilonggo ethnic majority and standard usage across northern and eastern Iloilo. Some residents may also speak Kinaray-a, a related Visayan language with variants documented in Pototan, particularly in transitional areas between Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a speaking zones. Filipino (standardized Tagalog) functions as the national language for official and educational purposes, while English is employed in government, commerce, and schooling, consistent with national bilingual policy.

Religion and Social Structure

The religious landscape of Pototan is dominated by Roman Catholicism, reflecting the broader patterns in province and the , where approximately 78.8% of the national household population identified as Roman Catholic in the 2020 Census of Population and Housing. The Patronage of St. Joseph Parish serves as the central religious institution, operating under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro and facilitating community worship, sacraments, and festivals tied to Catholic traditions. Catholicism was introduced during the Spanish colonial period, integrating with local practices and solidifying its role in social cohesion. Minority religious groups exist but constitute a small fraction, consistent with national figures showing Protestants at around 10% and at 6.4%, though these are less prevalent in rural Visayan areas like Pototan. Local parishes, such as , indicate additional Catholic foci, with no significant reports of large non-Catholic communities. Social structure in Pototan aligns with the bilateral kinship characteristic of Ilonggo (Hiligaynon) society, tracing descent and obligations through both paternal and maternal lines using a generational terminology framework. This emphasizes networks, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, which provide mutual support in agricultural communities and enhance resilience against economic or environmental challenges. The compadrazgo (godparenthood) practice further expands kinship ties beyond blood relations, incorporating ritual kin into daily social and economic exchanges, thereby strengthening communal bonds. Historical clans, descending from early datus like , continue to influence local leadership and , though modern structures prioritize nuclear families within broader clan affiliations for and . This kinship-oriented framework promotes collective labor in farming—Pototan's economic mainstay—and fosters informal welfare systems amid limited formal safety nets.

Economy

Agricultural Base

Pototan's agricultural sector is predominantly -oriented, forming the foundational economic activity with paddy fields occupying the majority of its across 58 barangays. The municipality's flat facilitates extensive cultivation, with approximately 85% of its 9,710-hectare land area—equating to over 8,000 hectares—dedicated to farming, primarily . This land use pattern reflects the causal primacy of as a staple , driven by suitability, historical planting traditions, and market demand in . Irrigation infrastructure, managed by the National Irrigation Administration via the Jalaur-Suague River System, is critical for productivity, covering a Pototan-inclusive of 14,600 s and enabling two annual croppings in serviced areas versus one in rain-fed zones. Water control mitigates risks, which otherwise constrain yields through reduced cropping intensity (historically around 130%) and variability in rain-fed output. Dependence on such systems underscores vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, as evidenced by yield gaps between irrigated (2.4–2.7 tons per hectare historically) and non-irrigated fields (1.8 tons per hectare). In top rice-producing barangays, farmers typically manage plots under 1 , employing direct seeding of varieties like RC 222, hand tractors for land preparation, and inorganic inputs for fertilization and , yielding over 100 sacks (approximately 5 metric tons of palay) per per season. Provincial initiatives, such as the 2023 distribution of 970 bags of hybrid to Pototan beneficiaries, target yield enhancements to 6 tons per , building on the area's reputation for leading outputs despite a 2023 provincial average of 3.4 tons—below the national 4.2 tons—due to input and constraints.

Commerce, Industry, and Services

Pototan's commerce primarily revolves around local retail trade facilitated by the Old Public Market, a key commercial hub situated along T. Magbanua Street in San Jose, where vendors offer fresh agricultural , , , and essential to residents and surrounding communities. This market serves as the central venue for daily transactions, supporting small-scale traders and contributing to the municipality's economic circulation, though it remains traditional in structure without noted large-scale expansions as of 2025. Small industries in Pototan are limited and largely informal, with no major or processing facilities documented beyond ancillary activities tied to , such as basic milling or handicrafts, reflecting the municipality's rural character and focus on over heavy industrialization. The local government's vision positions Pototan as an emerging for industry, but concrete developments in this area remain aspirational, as evidenced by modest rankings in national competitiveness indices; for instance, in the 2022 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index by the Department of and Industry, Pototan scored 355th in cost of doing and 31st in financial deepening, suggesting potential for growth in micro-enterprises but highlighting constraints in (ranked 346th). Services in Pototan encompass basic retail, administrative, and community-based offerings, including market supervision and municipal permitting, with post-2020 trends showing gradual to regional pushes for MSME resilience amid economic recovery, though specific local innovations like digital services or expanded remittances channeling remain underdeveloped compared to urban centers. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers play a supplementary role in economies, aligning with provincial patterns where such inflows bolster consumption in sectors, but Pototan lacks dedicated on their volume or impact on services expansion.

Economic Challenges and Growth Initiatives

Pototan's economy remains heavily reliant on , particularly production, rendering it susceptible to environmental disruptions such as flooding from the southwest and s, which have repeatedly damaged crops and reduced yields in farming communities. In July 2025, enhanced rains and tropical cyclones inflicted over ₱2.2 million in agricultural losses across , including impacts on Pototan's low-lying farmlands, exacerbating income instability for farmers dependent on rain-fed cultivation. Similarly, Odette in December 2021 caused ₱14.5 million in provincial crop damages, with fields in areas like Pototan suffering and that diminished productivity. These recurrent disasters contribute to broader economic vulnerabilities, including limited diversification beyond and challenges in sustaining household incomes amid seasonal droughts and affecting up to 65% of during rainy periods. Local efforts to mitigate such risks include community-based strategies, though persistent data gaps on flood mapping hinder effective and uptake. To counter these challenges, the Pototan unit (LGU) has pursued infrastructure-led growth initiatives, such as the 2025 groundbreaking of a ₱49 million bridge linking Barangays Cato-ogan and Cau-ayan to enhance farm-to-market access and reduce post-harvest losses. Complementing this, a ₱2 billion project by , announced in October 2025, aims to improve reliability and , supporting agricultural resilience and broader economic activities in Pototan. Poverty alleviation features prominently in development plans, with the LGU's donation of 21,684 square meters of in Barangay Batuan for the 4PH Housing Project, targeting over 1,200 affordable units for low-income families to stabilize labor mobility and reduce vulnerability to disaster-induced displacement. These initiatives, funded partly through national appropriations and public-private partnerships, seek to foster non-agricultural employment opportunities, though their long-term impact depends on integration with provincial climate adaptation measures like promotion.

Government and Administration

Local Governance Structure

Pototan functions as a first-class under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which establishes the framework for local governance in the . This classification, based on average annual income exceeding PHP 50 million, grants Pototan enhanced fiscal capacity and administrative autonomy compared to lower-class municipalities. The local government unit (LGU) comprises the executive branch led by the municipal mayor and the legislative branch, the . The serves as the legislative body, responsible for enacting municipal ordinances, approving the annual budget, and reviewing executive actions to ensure alignment with local needs and national laws. It consists of eight regularly elected councilors, with additional ex-officio members including the president of the Association of Barangay Captains and the federation president, facilitating representation from the 58 . The vice mayor presides over sessions and assumes the mayor's duties in cases of vacancy or incapacity, promoting checks and balances within the structure. Elections for the mayor, vice mayor, and Sangguniang Bayan members occur every three years during synchronized national and local polls, overseen by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The process adheres to the Omnibus Election Code and related laws, with the most recent held on May 9, 2022, and the next on May 12, 2025. Terms are limited to three consecutive years, barring recall or impeachment mechanisms to maintain accountability.

Historical Chief Executives

The governance of Pototan evolved from Spanish colonial structures, where local leaders known as cabezas de managed s, transitioning to appointed capitan municipales by the late . Juan Marcelo served as the first recorded capitan municipal, appointed in 1874, initiating formal local political administration under Spanish rule. Braulio Peñaranda later held the position of capitan municipal and oversaw the municipal response to the devastating outbreak of 1891, which severely impacted the population. Following the American occupation after , the title shifted to presidente municipal. Tan Anoy was the first to hold this office, reflecting the new administrative framework emphasizing elected local officials. Primitivo Ledesma succeeded in the role during the American era and managed recovery efforts after the November 1914 fire that destroyed half of the poblacion. The 1935 Philippine Constitution formalized the position as municipal mayor. Fernando Parcon became the inaugural holder, serving from 1935 and marking the transition to constitutional local governance. He was succeeded by Mariano Peñaflorida in 1940, who led under the Free Revolutionary Government until September 16, 1942. During , Japanese Imperial Forces designated Tomas Ferraris as mayor in the puppet administration, paralleling Peñaflorida's resistance-aligned leadership.
LeaderTitleTenureNotable Actions
Juan MarceloCapitan Municipal1874First formal local executive under Spanish rule, establishing political for Pototan.
Braulio PeñarandaCapitan MunicipalSpanish era (late 19th century)Directed response to 1891 epidemic.
Tan AnoyPresidente MunicipalPost-1899 (American era)Inaugural leader under U.S. administration.
Primitivo LedesmaPresidente MunicipalAmerican era (early )Oversaw rebuilding after 1914 poblacion fire.
Fernando ParconMunicipal 1935–1940First mayor under 1935 Constitution.
Mariano PeñafloridaMunicipal 1940–1942Served amid wartime transitions.
Tomas FerrarisMunicipal (Japanese appointee)1942–1945Administered under occupation forces.

Current Officials and Policies

The Municipality of Pototan is led by Mayor Rafael Enrique "Adi" Parcon Lazaro, who was elected in the May 12, 2025, local elections and serves as the chief executive for the 2025-2028 term. Vice Mayor Romualdo Joselito "Lito" Ilisan presides over the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council), which held its inaugural session on July 7, 2025, comprising eight elected councilors responsible for legislative matters. Under Mayor Lazaro's administration, key priorities include expanding access, evidenced by the Iwagville Social Housing project in Batuan offering 27-square-meter units with low monthly payments and a September 17, 2025, application deadline. The local government signed a memorandum of agreement with the to support such initiatives, aiming to address housing needs near the town proper. Disaster resilience features prominently in policies, with Pototan hosting the Regional Rescuelympics 2025 to enhance response capabilities amid frequent flooding risks. On July 25, 2025, the municipality declared a state of calamity, likely due to impacts, prompting coordinated relief and infrastructure support. Ongoing projects, such as the of a multi-purpose building funded through local support, underscore commitments to facilities and . Community health efforts, including sustained voluntary blood donation programs recognized in 2025 and observance of the , reflect additional focal areas.

Education

Primary and Secondary Schools

Primary and secondary education in Pototan operates under the national K-12 managed by the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Schools Division Office of . Public institutions predominate, offering free tuition from to grade 12, with emphasis on foundational , , and core like mathematics, science, and Filipino. Private schools supplement public options, often incorporating religious or specialized curricula. Public elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 6) are distributed across Pototan's barangays, with notable examples including Pototan Pilot Elementary School, recognized for effective practices in earlier DepEd evaluations, and Igang Elementary School serving rural communities. Secondary education (grades 7-12) is provided by public national high schools such as Pototan National Comprehensive High School, which offers junior and senior high programs including technical-vocational tracks, and Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial National High School, recently supported for infrastructure upgrades like a multipurpose gymnasium. Other public secondary institutions include Palanguia National High School. Private providers, like Adventist Academy-Iloilo in Barangay Bongco, deliver elementary through senior high education with a Christian emphasis. DepEd data indicates ongoing efforts to improve facilities and performance, with allocations for maintenance and operations in Pototan schools as part of national budgeting. Enrollment aligns with regional patterns, contributing to Western Visayas' 1.7 million learners in school year 2024-2025, though municipality-specific figures reflect local population dynamics of approximately 78,000 residents. Challenges include ensuring equitable access in rural areas, addressed through programs like school-based feeding and career guidance for senior high students.

Tertiary Institutions

The Pototan Campus of (WVSU) functions as the principal public tertiary institution in the municipality, delivering programs tailored to regional demands in education and technology sectors. Integrated into the WVSU system in 2000 via the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, the campus evolved from a CHED-supervised , enabling localized access to state-funded higher education for residents avoiding travel to City's main campus. Core offerings span bachelor's degrees in , business and management, , and , supported by dedicated schools such as the , School of Business and Management, and School of Information and Communications Technology. These programs prioritize practical, industry-aligned training, with enrollment drawing primarily from Pototan and adjacent rural areas to address workforce needs in teaching, administration, and technical fields. Vocational and technical training elements are embedded within WVSU's industrial and curricula, fostering skills in areas like management technology and digital systems, though no standalone private vocational institutes operate exclusively within Pototan boundaries. This setup enhances tertiary access by minimizing geographic and economic hurdles, allowing students to pursue credentials while remaining in their communities.

Educational Attainment and Challenges

In Province, encompassing Pototan, the basic rate stood at 88.6 percent and functional at 68.4 percent as of the 2024 Functional , Education, and Mass Media Survey, marking the lowest rates in and reflecting persistent gaps in comprehension and application skills among those aged 10 to 64. These figures indicate that a significant portion of the , particularly in rural municipalities like Pototan, struggles with advanced reading and problem-solving abilities essential for economic participation. Historical data from Pototan's Pototan (now Pototan National ) show early patterns of student withdrawals and failures linked to socioeconomic factors, with similar issues persisting into modern contexts. Key challenges include high dropout rates driven by economic necessities, where students from agricultural families often leave school to assist in farming or seek employment, exacerbating cycles of low attainment in a region where poverty influences 41.9 percent of primary entrants failing to reach secondary completion nationally. In Pototan, recurrent flooding disrupts schooling, damaging access and forcing closures that compound learning losses, as seen in recent inundations affecting student safety and continuity. Additional barriers encompass teenage pregnancy, which hinders female retention and economic mobility, and inadequate funding for remedial programs amid provincial classroom shortages and reading deficits. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these issues in Iloilo, widening youth well-being gaps through remote learning inequities and mental health strains. Initiatives like the Iwag Teen Center in Pototan aim to mitigate these by supporting social and emotional development to boost retention, though systemic underinvestment in rural areas limits broader progress. Overall, attainment remains constrained by causal links to , disasters, and family labor demands, underscoring the need for targeted interventions beyond infrastructure to address dropout root causes.

Infrastructure and Development

Transportation Networks

Pototan is linked to , approximately 30 kilometers to the south, via the national highway (part of the Iloilo-Roxas City route), which serves as the primary arterial road for vehicular traffic and goods transport across northern province. This highway facilitates daily commuter flows and the shipment of local agricultural outputs, such as and , toward urban markets and ports. Secondary roads branch off the main highway, connecting rural areas within the municipality's 50 s to central Pototan for intra-local movement. Public transit options primarily consist of buses operated by Ceres Liner, which ply routes from terminals northward through Pototan en route to , , and beyond, with fares around ₱40-50 for the Iloilo-Pototan leg and travel times of 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Jeepneys provide affordable local and short-haul services, including routes to nearby towns like and Passi, typically costing ₱10-20 per trip and accommodating both passengers and small cargo. Tricycles dominate intra-barangay travel, offering on-demand rides for short distances at negotiated rates, while taxis are available for direct connections at ₱500-600. These networks, reliant on road infrastructure without rail or dedicated mass transit, support economic linkages by enabling efficient passenger and freight mobility to regional hubs.

Utilities and Public Services

Pototan's electricity distribution is managed by the (ILECO), specifically under its franchised areas covering the , with ongoing efforts to stabilize rates amid national supply fluctuations. is primarily handled by the Dingle-Pototan Water District, which draws from sources including the Morobo Spring established in the 1930s, serving residential and municipal needs across Pototan and neighboring . Recent enhancements include a 2025-launched ₱2-billion New Earth Iloilo Project by , featuring an initial 37.5 million liters per day treatment facility in Barangay Bongco to augment regional supply and address shortages. Localized systems, such as Level III setups in barangays like Gibuangan (completed 2022) and Sinuagan (extended to 75 households in 2018), have expanded access to potable water in underserved areas. ![Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan][float-right] Sanitation efforts have achieved zero status for Pototan, certified by the Provincial Health Office of in June 2019, reflecting community-wide adoption of improved toilet facilities and hygiene practices that eliminated across all barangays. This milestone aligns with broader provincial goals under the Department of Health's initiatives to reduce waterborne diseases. Public health services are anchored by the Provincial Hospital in Rumbang, a key facility serving Pototan and surrounding areas, which received a ₱6.8 million installation in April 2022 to ensure reliable energy for medical operations amid grid dependencies. The hospital functions as the first in the to implement such a DOE-supported solar system for healthcare resilience.

Recent Projects and Flood Management

In 2025, Pototan launched key infrastructure initiatives to enhance public services and address developmental needs. A new bridge, designed to decongest primary thoroughfares and improve connectivity, progressed toward completion in the fourth quarter, alongside multi-purpose buildings intended to expand facilities. These structures, supported by local and national funding, aim to bolster administrative efficiency and emergency preparedness in a flood-vulnerable area. The multi-purpose building project, funded via the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) under the Department of Budget and Management's Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU), advanced through the third quarter of 2025, with reports confirming ongoing construction aligned with quarterly milestones. Housing development also accelerated, exemplified by the April 26, 2025, for the Iwagville Housing Project at the Pototan Government Center in Barangay Batuan, targeting residential expansion for local residents. On June 17, 2025, the Pototan local government unit donated 21,684 square meters of land in Barangay Batuan to the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to facilitate the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, enabling construction of over 1,200 affordable units for low- to middle-income households. This initiative, part of national efforts to reduce informal settlements, encountered no reported delays by mid-2025, though long-term outcomes depend on sustained funding and beneficiary uptake. Flood management in Pototan has relied heavily on reactive measures amid limited dedicated . On July 25, 2025, the municipality declared a state of calamity following habagat-enhanced southwest rains, which caused localized inundation along the Jalaur River basin. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assessed impacts as of August 7, 2025, reporting five affected families (25 individuals) across two barangays, with aid distribution focusing on immediate relief rather than structural mitigation. Provincial data from 2020–2025 reveal uneven flood control allocation, with Pototan receiving minimal targeted interventions compared to urban centers; of over 160 Iloilo-wide projects, rural third-district municipalities like Pototan often prioritized general drainage over comprehensive riverbank reinforcements, leading to persistent exposure despite national Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocations for Jalaur repairs. This gap, evidenced by recurrent declarations without proportional structural gains, underscores causal vulnerabilities from upstream and inadequate dike maintenance, though the 2025 bridge may indirectly support evacuation upon completion.

Culture and Society

Local Traditions and Festivals

Pototan's local traditions are deeply rooted in Catholic religious observances and agricultural practices, reflecting the municipality's position as the "Rice Granary of ." The annual town fiesta honors St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of the , typically celebrated around May 1 with processions, masses, and a foot featuring floral floats and costumes that showcase creativity. This event draws residents and visitors to the town center for solemn rituals followed by festive gatherings emphasizing family and faith. The Iwag Festival, held from December 16 to January 1, serves as Pototan's premier celebration and earned the municipality the title of "Christmas Capital of " in 1997. Originating in the late , it features elaborate displays of , lanterns, and decorations crafted by local artisans, transforming public spaces into illuminated spectacles that highlight communal artistry and holiday spirit. The festival culminates in and cultural performances, fostering tourism and preserving traditions of light symbolizing hope and renewal. Agricultural rituals tied to rice cultivation underscore Pototan's farming heritage, including spiritual practices invoking nature spirits for bountiful harvests and specific lexical terms for each growth stage. Traditional rice cake preparation, such as pagluto ka aripahol in barangays like Tuburan, involves generational knowledge of fermentation and steaming techniques using local rice varieties, often performed during harvest seasons to mark abundance. These non-material customs blend pre-colonial animistic elements with Catholic influences, ensuring crop protection through prayers and offerings before planting and reaping.

Notable Personalities

Teresa Magbanua, born on October 13, 1868, in Pototan, Iloilo, emerged as a prominent military leader during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and later in the Philippine-American War. Initially trained as a school teacher, she organized and led her own troops, earning the moniker "Visayan Joan of Arc" for her combat prowess and strategic command in battles across Panay Island. Her contributions included raising a personal battalion and participating in key engagements, such as the defense against American forces in 1900. Manuel Peñaflorida Parcon, commonly known as "Quedo" Parcon, served as of Pototan multiple times, beginning in 1963, and is credited with initiating infrastructure developments and annual traditions that shaped the municipality's modern growth. He later represented Iloilo's third congressional district in the , focusing on local economic and civic projects during his tenure from the 1960s through the early . Parcon's administration emphasized agricultural advancement and public festivities, including the precursor to Pototan's , contributing to the town's reputation as a hub for rice production and community events.

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