Oton, officially the Municipality of Oton ([ɔˈtɔn]; Kinaray-a: Banwa kang Oton, Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Oton, Tagalog: Bayan ng Oton), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 98,509 people making it as the most populous town in the province and the entire Panay island.

It is the second oldest Spanish settlement in the Philippines after Cebu, founded in 1566.

Oton is a part of the Metro Iloilo–Guimaras area, centered on Iloilo City.

History

Oton, formerly known as Ogtong, has a rich history dating back to the settlement of Malays in the area. Evidence of this early settlement includes the discovery of a gold death mask in Barangay San Antonio during the 1960s. The town's name, Oton, was mentioned in records from the Yuan Dynasty in the 1300s, referred to as in Hokkien Chinese: 啞陳; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: A-tân.

The arrival of the Spanish in the mid-16th century marked a significant turning point in Oton's history. The Spanish designated Oton as the capital of the Panay, Negros, and Romblon. Spanish missionaries used Oton as a base to spread Catholicism to neighboring settlements, including Jaro, Iloilo, Tigbauan, Cordova, Alimodian, Igbaras, Tubungan, Camando, Damilisan, and Tiolas.

Oton played a vital role in the Manila galleon trade, as new agricultural products from the trade route arrived in the town. Many ships traveling from Cebu would dock in Oton before continuing on to Manila. However, Oton's location made it vulnerable to pirate attacks, prompting the Spanish colonial authorities to relocate the capital a few kilometers away to La Punta, which is now known as Iloilo City Proper, in the 1600s. This move was intended to enhance the town's defense against pirate raids.

In the 21st century, Oton is not only an agricultural town but it is also booming and slowly becoming a commercial center with investments by Vista Land. The company is investing in a mega-project township that will house the largest central business district in Iloilo.

Geography

Oton is 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) west from Iloilo City. Oton is bordered by the municipality of Tigbauan to the west, San Miguel to the north, Pavia to the northeast, Panay Gulf to the south, and the district of Arevalo, Iloilo City to the east. The town is a part of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras which encompasses the whole island province of Guimaras with its municipalities, the Iloilo City, and the Iloilo provincial towns of Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Cabatuan.

Barangays

Oton is politically subdivided into 37 barangays.  Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

The Municipality of Oton belongs to the 1st District of Iloilo.

Listed below are the respective population of each barangay as of 2020 census.

Climate

Demographics

Population census of Oton

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	14,464	—
1918	15,396	+0.42%
1939	20,577	+1.39%
1948	21,306	+0.39%
1960	27,246	+2.07%
1970	32,862	+1.89%
1975	36,566	+2.17%
1980	41,044	+2.34%
1990	52,125	+2.42%
1995	56,821	+1.63%
2000	65,374	+3.05%
2007	77,621	+2.40%
2010	82,572	+2.28%
2015	89,115	+1.46%
2020	98,509	+1.99%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2020 census, the population of Oton, Iloilo, was 98,509 people, with a density of 1,100 inhabitants per square kilometre or 2,800 inhabitants per square mile.

Religion

As a Catholic Dominant Municipality, Oton has two parishes.

Parishes:

• Immaculate Concepcion Parish (Town Parish)
• Sta. Monica Parish (Sta. Monica, Oton)

Language

Kinaray-a is the main language of the people in Oton. Hiligaynon is spoken as a secondary language. There is a fairly unnoticed linguistic division of the town between the two aforementioned languages; the eastern part, or the urban part bordering Iloilo City, primarily speaks Hiligaynon, while the western part bordering the other 1st district municipalities generally speaks both Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Oton

5 10 15 20 2006 18.00 2009 15.80 2012 10.52 2015 15.28 2018 11.65 2021 9.52 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Oton's economy is experiencing significant growth, driven by several factors. The town benefits from its geographic advantage, being in close proximity to Iloilo City. This advantage has led to a surge in real estate developments, with a growing number of residential and commercial properties being established in the area.

The increasing demand for retail services has resulted in the construction of prominent retail establishments in Oton. Gaisano Oton, Puregold Oton, and Vista Mall Iloilo have been established to cater to the growing retail needs of the town and its surrounding areas. The presence of these retail centers provides convenience for residents and contributes to the local economy.

Oton also hosts a number of banking institutions, ensuring accessibility to financial services for its residents and businesses. This availability of banking services supports economic activities and facilitates transactions within the town.

In terms of agriculture, rice production and fruits play a significant role in Oton's economy. These agricultural sectors contribute to the local food supply and support the livelihoods of many residents. Additionally, the town boasts a number of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, catering to the needs of tourists and visitors, further enhancing its economic potential.

An important development in Oton is the Vista City Iloilo. Spanning 500 hectares (1,200 acres), this flagship master-planned city by Vista Land in the Visayas stretches from Barangay Polo Maestra Bita to Barangay Abilay Norte. Alongside existing residential areas, Vista City Iloilo will feature a 100-hectare (250-acre) central business district. This planned urban development is poised to become a major economic center, attracting investments and providing opportunities for businesses and residents alike.