The town of Pavia is located 10 km. away from Iloilo kilometer-zero which is the Arroyo Fountain in front of Casa Real (Old Provincial Capitol Building). It is the first town in Iloilo Province from Iloilo City and it shares a long boundary with Jaro district and short boundary with Mandurriao district.
It may be the smallest town in Iloilo Province in terms of land area but it’s not the case when it comes to development. Pavia is one of the most progressive towns in Iloilo with all the commercial and residential development. It houses several malls and business centers, a couple of hotels, and a new hospital.
Pavia is part of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras along with the whole island of Guimaras, Iloilo City, and the towns of Leganes, Oton, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Cabatuan.
Basic Information
| District | 2nd |
| Area | 27.15 km² |
| Population | 55,603 |
| Industry | Agriculture and industrial |
| Products | Baye-baye, pots |
| Known For | |
| Zip Code | 5001 |
| Area Code | +63 (033) |
| Electricity Provide | ILECO 1 |
| Internet Provider | PLDT, Globe, Smart |
| Municipal Officials | Mayor: Laurence Anthony G. Gorriceta Vice Mayor: Edsel G. Gerochi |
How To Get There
From Iloilo City
It’s fairly easy to get to Pavia from Iloilo City, even via jeepneys. From Jaro Plaza, you can take a Jaro CPU Ungka jeepney, however, it can only take you up to Ungka Terminal and Pavia People’s Terminal in Ungka. To get to Pavia town proper, you can take the routes Pavia Hi-way and Sta. Barbara Hi-way. Both jeepneys pass by Benigno Aquino Avenue (popularly referred to Diversion Road) and have loading/unloading area there.
Taxis can take you from any part of the city to Pavia. The rate is fixed though starting from Php300.
From Central Towns
Jeepneys, vans, and buses bound for Central towns (Sta.Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, Janiuay, Lambunao, and Calinog) and Tapaz in Capiz all pass by Pavia.
From Southern Towns
Getting to Pavia and its neighboring towns from Molo, Villa Arevalo, and southern towns such as Oton is now convenient with Metro Express (modernized jeepney). From Mohon Terminal in Villa Arevalo district, you can take a Metro Express bound for Vista Mall. From Vista Mall, take the Metro Express bound for Pavia People’s Terminal.
Getting Around
The most common types of transportation to get around Oton are jeepney, tricycle, and pedicab.
What to See
Pavia Catholic Church
Popularly referred to as the red church, the Byzantine-styled church is built using red bricks for its interior and exterior. It is actually the only church in the island of Panay that is covered in red bricks. The church, built in 1862, has rectangular structure with stained glass windows.
It is currently going through restoration.
Events and Festivals
Carabao-Carroza Race
Started in 1973, Carabao-Caroza Race is the oldest festival in Iloilo. It takes place every 3rd of May wherein the highlight of the festivity is the race featuring the carabaos each pulling a carroza (bamboo sled) on a 400-meter course.
Carrozas adorned with native ornaments are also paraded as part of the festival.
Tigkaralag Festival
This festival takes place every 30th of October, in observance of All Souls Day. “Tigkaralag” comes from the root word “kalag” which means “soul”. “Tig” on the other hand translates to “season of”. During this festival, participants in costumes parade the streets and compete in a dance-drama with Tigkaralag theme/storyline.
Baye-baye Night was recently included as a side event to highlight the town’s product, the baye-baye.
Where to Stay
Iloilo Gateway Hotel
Brgy. Mali-ao, National Highway, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
+63 915 251 9983
Price range: Php 2,100 – Php 9,600
JECA MJC Hotel
Brgy. Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Price range: Php 1,700 – Php 1,800
Where to Eat
(The restaurants listed are those that are located outside the malls.)
Liz-E Kitchen Homestyle Cuisine | DLE Industrial Complex, Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Albok’s Seafood and Bulalo Haus | Iloilo Circumferential Road 1, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Carlitos Restaurant | Iloilo R-3 Road, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Alicia’s Garden | Cabugao Sur, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Nami Japanese Restaurant | Road 10, Felix Gorriceta Jr. Avenue, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Lils Paellas | Felix Gorriceta Jr. Avenue, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Papisik Native Restaurant | Iloilo R-3 Road, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Golden Treats | Iloilo R-3 Road, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Cabugao Seafood Haus | Iloilo R-3 Road, Pavia, Iloilo 5001
Where to Shop
Malls, Grocery and Commercial Centers
Robinson’s Place Pavia | Sen.Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, Brgy. Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo
Mall hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
City Mall Pavia | Vice President Fernando Lopez Avenue, Brgy. Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo
Mall hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
GT Town Center | Vice President Fernando Lopez Avenue, Brgy. Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo
Mall hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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