Republic of the Philippines

Iloilo Science and Technology University

Burgos St., La Paz, Iloilo City, 5000 Philippines
Trunkline: (+6333) 320-7190 | Telefax: (+6333) 329-4274
https://www.isatu.edu.ph/
mail@isatu.edu.ph

Annex J
LEARNING JOURNAL

Journal Entry #: __________________________ Date of Visit: April 28,2023

Place/Destination: Iloilo City to San Joaquin Time of Visit:7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Description of the Activity:

The activity is all about the tour on the historical sites and monuments in Iloilo City Southern
Countryside happened last April 28, 2023. The field trip was consonance with our subject G.E. 2
SS (Readings in Philippine History) which aims to expose the students to Iloilo’s countryside
architectural and heritage sites to enhance their awareness of local history and cultural heritage.
Moreover, a completely fresh perspective on travel is offered by heritage tourism, which made an
excursion both entertaining and enlightening.

Specific Learnings Achieved:

Iloilo City is home to so much historical and architectural heritage: historical houses with rich
stories, folklore, and all forms of art are found nearly everywhere. Not to mention the history and
the architecture. The Spanish buildings in Chinatown, old names and old money infrastructures
mingling with common folk, the markets, Downtown Iloilo is the true heart of city. The progress
of Iloilo is not only centered in the City Proper area but is also equally dispersed throughout the
other five districts, demonstrating to the world that each sector of Iloilo City is progressive and
excellent in its own manner. Several noteworthy historical locations include Molo Church which
is considered as one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Iloilo. Calle Real, which is located
in the heart of Iloilo City and is a historic street known for its preserved colonial-era buildings.
Casa Mariquit which is a heritage house built in the 18th century. It serves as a museum
showcasing Iloilo's rich cultural heritage and features antique furniture, religious artifacts, and
other historical items situated in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Fort San Pedro which is a Spanish-era fort
that played a significant role in protecting the province from pirate attacks during the colonial
period. Lastly, the Jaro Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles,
is where the Archdiocese of Jaro is located. It is noteworthy for its Spanish-era Romanesque
architecture and the miraculous figure of the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria.

On the other hand, the Iloilo countryside is a province rich in culture and history, as evidenced by
the old churches and historic homes that dot the landscape. The Miag-ao Church or the Church of
Santo Tomas de Villanueva, which is regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just one of
several noteworthy historical and architectural locations. The Guimbal Church which known as
the iconic Iloilo's Yellow Stone Landmark because of the yellow-colored limestone blocks and
coral powder used. The four-story-high belfry serves as a watchtower against Moro pirates during
the Spanish era. Moreover, the Garin Farm which is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist
destination in San Joaquin, Iloilo.
Reflection of the Learning Experiences:

A historical tour can provide numerous opportunities for learning about the past. First, it helped
me understand historical events and their significance in a more profound way than simply reading
about them in a book or online. When I walk in the footsteps of those who lived through those
events, I gain a greater appreciation for the impact they had on people's lives. Also, it helped me
appreciate different architectural styles and their significance. For example, a tour of an ancient
Roman city provided insight into the layout and design of ancient cities and the unique
architectural features that made them significant. In addition, the tour helped me connect with the
past on a personal level. Walking through the same streets or buildings as people did in the past
created my sense of connection and empathy for those who lived before us. Hence, it is undeniably
that through historical and architectural sites we were able to gain deeper understanding about
history, learn about different cultures, experience different cultural styles, and connect with the
past.
Some of the cultural heritage sites in Iloilo City may be frequented by us when we go through
our daily motions quite frequently. We seldom ever recognize them, guilty as charged. Less than
what we know, these are in fact the proof and unseen signs of the city of Iloilo's development
over time. Therefore, these historical and architectural sites should be preserved and maintained.
These sites serve as valuable links to our past, showcasing the cultural, artistic, and technological
achievements of previous civilizations.
A historical tour can, in general, be a fascinating and instructive experience that offers a special
perspective on the past and aids in our understanding of the society we live in now.

Prepared by: Attested by:

KRIZA MAE C. TORMON DR. CORAZON P. PAMA-FERNANDEZ

(Student Participant) (Personnel-in-Charge)