A Work Stop That Turned Into a History Walk — Barangay Sta. Ana, Estancia

I didn't plan to stay long in Sta. Ana today. It was just a work visit — one of those quick barangay stops in northern Iloilo where you check in, get what you need, and go.

But I ended up walking the whole compound.

The first thing you see from the road is the big "I ❤️ STA ANA" sign. Behind it there's a small playground with swings and a red heart sculpture. It’s hot and quiet at midday — the kind of place you know fills up with laughter and children as soon as the sun softens in the late afternoon.

I walked in past the blue fence, and the walls started talking.

On one side hangs the board of current officials: Punong Barangay Erlina T. Jandonero, with Kagawads Mary Jane P. Lacrite, Mellie S. Kalal, Ruben L. Asis, Bernaldo M. Dalida, Rey B. Castillo, Joebert E. Castillo, and Roberto D. Tupas Jr. SK Chairperson is Jhon Mark R. Besa. Brgy. Secretary Marife S. Francisco, Treasurer Rosalia D. Francisco.

Right beside it, the old plaques. 1997 to 2002, Captain Editha V. Lamigo. 2007 to 2010, Editha V. Lamigo again. The same surnames keep appearing: Lacrite, Dalida, Tupas, Castillo, Sulam, Jandonero. This isn’t just a list of names — these are families who have kept this barangay moving forward, decade after decade.

One small marker stayed with me: “Lot donated by Luisa Golingan and Family.” Because of that one act of generosity, this barangay now has its chapel, hall, plaza, stage, tanod outpost, day care center, and health center — all standing together in one place, serving everyone.

I walked under the covered court. The floor is painted red and blue, faded from years of basketball games, assemblies, and gatherings. A pink motorcycle sat parked before the mint-green two-story barangay hall. Across the court stands the yellow building with the red roof — the chapel and day care. Stand in the center, and you can see the heart of the whole barangay all at once.

I also noticed the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS marker for the streetlights. Total project cost: ₱492,200 — mostly from the KALAHI grant, with small support from the municipal LGU and barangay funds. On paper it’s just infrastructure. Here, it means brighter evenings, safer walks home, and a plaza that stays alive after dark.

From Ranch to Seaside Town

Estancia wasn’t always a fishing hub. Local history tells us it began as a cattle ranch owned by a Spaniard named Rodrigo, who married into a local family. What made it grow wasn’t rice or corn — it was its location beside the rich fishing grounds of Carles. Today, it hosts one of the most developed fish ports in Northern Visayas, tying even inland barangays like Sta. Ana to the work and life of the sea.

The Families Behind the Land

Standing at the hall, reading land records and official names side-by-side, you see the same story: deep roots. Families like Golingan, Leonidas, Bacalangcos, Tupaz, Sulam, Dalida, Bernal, Arim, Apolonio, Rosario, Thahar, Zapanta-Fernandez, and Ilego built and still care for this place.

Luisa Golingan’s gift gave Sta. Ana its center. Anita Golingan Leonidas still holds parcels across the barangay. Dalidas, Bernals, Sulams, Tupaz — their names appear on land titles and official lists alike. Here, public service and stewardship run in families.

That’s what makes these visits matter. You come for work — a signature, a quick check — but you leave carrying a story. Sta. Ana is small, but its history is alive on those walls. The continuity, the families staying, the land given freely — it’s quiet strength.

I left before noon. The court was empty, the sun high and bright, and that sign — I ❤️ STA ANA — stood clear against the blue sky. A reminder: every place has a story. You just have to slow down enough to read it.