Leganes, officially the Municipality of Leganes, is a 4th class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 34,725 people. It is located 11 km north of the capital Iloilo City. Like most Philippine towns that sprawl outward from the capital, is made up of houses, farms and light agricultural industry. The major thoroughfare runs right through the center of the town. Leganes is a part of the Metro Iloilo–Guimaras area, centered on Iloilo City.

History

Leganes has a history closely intertwined with the neighboring town of Jaro. For many centuries, Leganes was considered an unremarkable area, primarily consisting of wetlands, marshes, and swamps. The upper part of the region was inhabited by wild animals, and it was known as Guihaman. In 1903, through Act No. 719, Leganes was incorporated into the municipality of Santa Barbara. However, this arrangement was short-lived. In 1915, by virtue of Executive Order No. 97, Leganes was removed from Santa Barbara and merged with Jaro, effective from January 1, 1916. Further changes occurred in 1939 when Executive Order No. 241 was issued on December 23. This order separated the "arrabal de Leganes" from the municipality of Jaro, establishing it as an independent municipality. This change officially took effect on January 1, 1940, marking the formation of the municipality of Leganes. Leganes has now been designated as one of the locations for light industries in the province. Restia Agro-Industrial Estate Park in Barangay Calabao, is the province's first agro-industrial economic zone, accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

Geography

Barangays

Leganes is politically subdivided into 18 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2020 census, the population of Leganes, Iloilo, was 34,725 people, with a density of undefined PD/km2. Hiligaynon is the most dominant language used by the residents. English and Tagalog are also spoken. Roman Catholicism is the most dominant religion in this municipality.

Economy