The Municipality of Concepcion is a third class,[2] coastal municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. As of 2010, it had a population of 39,617.
Geography
Concepcion is located on the northeastern part of Panay Island (known as the mainland), together with some 16 other, smaller, associated islands. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of San Dionisio, in the south by the municipality of Ajuy, in the west by the municipality of Sara, and in the east by the Visayan Sea. It has a total land area of 9,702.04 hectares.
The largest of the 16 islands is Pan de Azucar Island (1840 hectares) which has 573 metres (1,880 ft) high Mount Manaphag rising from its center.[5]
Barangays
Concepcion is politically subdivided into twenty-five barangays, eleven of which are island barangays, and fourteen of which are on the mainland (Panay Island).
- Aglosong
- Agnaga
- Bacjawan Norte
- Bacjawan Sur
- Bagongon
- Batiti
- Botlog
- Calamigan
- Dungon
- Igbon
- Jamul-awon
- Lo-ong
- Macalbang
- Macatunao
- Malangabang
- Maliogliog
- Nińo
- Nipa
- Plandico
- Poblacion
- Polopińa
- Salvacion
- Talotu-an
- Tambaliza
- Tamis-ac
Economy
Fishing boat at low tide, Concepcion, Iloilo
The primary industry of the people of Concepcion is in fishing.[4] The Visayan Sea, where Concepcion is situated, is one of the most prolific in fish production and provides a significant proportion of fish in the region. As of 2007, the number of registered fishermen stands at 7,957.[7] Fishing is followed second by farming, with much of it being subsistence farming. The principle cash crops are rice, corn and vegetables,[4] along with bamboo and coconuts. Poultry and livestock are raised for local consumption.
Poverty incidence was extremely high in the early 21st century, with 87% of the population being below the government poverty line in 2000,[4] with a reduction to 47% in 2004. A contributing factor was the rapidity of population growth in the municipality, with a growth rate of 2.76% (as of 2002), or four babies being born every day in the municipality.
Education
There is one institution of higher learning in the municipality, Concepcion Polytechnic College, which offers bachelor’s degrees in fisheries and agriculture, as well as a masters in public administration.
Culture
The annual Tampisaw Festival, held the fourth week of April[9] on four of the islands, attracts tourism.[8]