Oton is a first class municipality in the 1st district of Iloilo. It lies 11 kilometers west from Iloilo City and shares a boundary with Villa Arevalo district of Iloilo City.
Due to its proximity to the city, Oton has become one of the most progressive towns in the province of Iloilo. Oton is part of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras along with the whole island of Guimaras, Iloilo City, and the towns of Leganes, Pavia, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Cabatuan.
Basic Information
| District | 1st |
| Area | 86.44 km² |
| Population | 89,115 |
| Industry | Agriculture, fishing, trade, and tourism |
| Products | Vinegar, hablon |
| Known For | Nang Palang’s Buko Pie |
| Zip Code | 5020 |
| Area Code | +63 (033) |
| Electricity Provide | ILECO 1 |
| Internet Provider | PLDT, Globe, Smart |
| Municipal Officials | Mayor: Sofronio Fusin Jr. Vice Mayor: Jose Neil Olivares |
How To Get There
From Iloilo City
Getting to Oton from Iloilo City is easy. You can hail Oton jeepneys passing by R.Mapa St, Donato Pison Avenue, and Benigno Aquino Avenue (Diversion Road) in Mandurriao. In Molo, you can catch one along M.H. del Pilar St., or better yet, you can wait at Molo Terminal in San Pedro or Shell gasoline station beside Iloilo Supermart Molo.
Taxis can take you from any part of the city to Oton. The rate is fixed though starting from Php300.
From Central Towns
If you are traveling from towns like Pavia, Sta. Barbara or even Lambunao and Calinog, you can catch a Metro Express bound for Vista Mall. Then at Vista Mall, transfer to a Metro Express bound for Mohon Terminal in Molo. From there, you can ride a jeepney plying the Iloilo City – Oton route.
From Southern Towns
Getting to Oton from southern towns (Guimbal, San Joaquin, etc.) and Antique province shouldn’t be a problem since all jeepneys and buses heading to the city pass by Oton.
From Northern Towns
From Ceres Terminal in Jaro, ride a Metro Express bound for Vista Mall. Then at Vista Mall, transfer to a Metro Express bound for Mohon Terminal in Molo. From there, you can ride a jeepney plying the Iloilo City – Oton route.
Getting Around
The most common types of transportation to get around Oton are jeepney, tricycle, and pedicab.
What to See
Oton Catholic Church
This once grandiose church and one of the biggest in the province was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. What is left is a small part of its walls which was transformed into a charming grotto we can still see up to this day.
A new church stands beside the grotto.
Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort
(formerly Anhawan Beach Resort)
Now going by the name, Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort, Anhawan is one of the oldest resorts in town. From a simple resort with minimal facilities, Anhawan Beach Resort has been re-developed to become a first-class resort that is now called Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort. It offers several facilities for everyone’s entertainment. Aside from the beach which is overlooking the island of Guimaras, the resort has swimming pools, pavilion for big events, high-end villas and rooms for overnight stay, and camping sites for rugged travelers. Being at the resort will never be boring since they offer several fun activities like horseback riding, kayak, jet ski, and banana boat ride.
Sheridan Boutique Resort
Sheridan Boutique Resort is a Balinese-inspired luxury resort in Oton. It boasts of its location which is away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but not too far away that’ll require you to travel for hours. It has an infinity pool and several types of deluxe accommodations for guests with discriminating taste.
Events and Festivals
Katagman Festival
This annual festival takes place starting from the last week of April up to the first week of May to showcase the town’s rich history. It features music, dance, theater competition, and street dancing competition. The festival’s icon is the Chinese Golden Death Mask, a 14th or 15th century relic unearthed in a graveyard in San Antonio, Oton. It’s been declared a national treasure and is currently being kept at the National Museum in Manila.
Sandiya Festival
Derived from the local term “sandiya” or watermelon in English, Sandiya Festival is organized to honor the several watermelon farmers of the town. Oton is one of the top producers of watermelon in the province hence a festival to celebrate the bountiful harvest is definitely a good idea.
Where to Stay
Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort
JC Zulueta St., Poblacio South, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Sheridan Boutique Resort
Brgy. Buray, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Balai Vittorio
Zone 2, Brgy. Cagbang, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Top Star Hotel Iloilo
JC Zulueta St., Poblacio South, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Cecille’s Catering and Pension House
Brgy. Buray., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Nes and Tats Beach Resort
Brgy. Botong, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Pugad Art Hub Bed and Breakfast
Lambuyao, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Book here!
Where to Eat
(The restaurants listed are those that are located outside the malls.)
Cucina de Oton | Mabini St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Allan’s Talabahan | Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Nanay’s Kitchen | Lambuyao, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Mang Inasal | Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Glor’s Kitchen | Gen. Luna St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Nat’s Original Batchoy | Santa Monica, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Nena’s Manokan | J.C. Zulueta St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Decong’s Delights | Urdaneta St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Immaculada Bakeshop | Mabini St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Bong’s8 Arroz Caldo | Rada St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
A&J’s Talabahan | Rada St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Popoy’s Original Lapaz Batchoy | Bonifacio St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Where to Shop
Malls, Grocery and Commercial Centers
Gaisano Capital Oton | J.C. Zulueta St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Puregold Oton | J.C. Zulueta St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
CPT Mart | J.C. Zulueta St., Oton, Iloilo 5020
Specialty Stores
Citi Hardware | National Highway, Brgy. San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo 5020
Audiodrive Iloilo | National Highway, Brgy. San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo 5020
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