San Rafael is a fifth class municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. It is bordered by Dumarao to the north, Lemery to the west, Barotac Viejo to the south, and Passi City to the east. The current mayor is Roel Tupas Belleza. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 14,655 people. The town fiesta is held annually on October 24.
Geography
History
In 1969, all or part of 16 barrios (barangays) of Barotac Viejo were separated from that town and consolidated into the new municipality.[5] However, in 1971 Republic Act No. 6267 decreed that 5 barrios be restored to Barotac Viejo, with the barrio of Omio becoming part of Lemery.
Barangays
San Rafael is politically subdivided into 9 barangays.
- Aripdip
- Bagacay
- Calaigang
- Ilongbukid
- Poscolon
- San Andres
- San Dionisio
- San Florentino
- Poblacion
- Demographics
Education
The exterior gate of San Rafael National High School, 2009.
San Rafael has elementary schools in almost all barangays. There is a primary school in Bagacay. San Rafael Central School is located in Poblacion.[8] Children spend 2 years in kindergarten and 6 years in elementary.
San Rafael has two high schools: San Rafael National High School was established in 1983,[9] while Ilongbukid National High School was created in 2000.[10] Students spend 4 years in hi gh school. There are 4 grading periods each school year, from 1st to 4th grade. The 4th Grading is the most important because it determines if the student will advance a grade in the next school year.
Secondary school starts with 1st Year and ends with 4th Year. The subjects for Grade 1 students are English, Mathematics, Pilipino, Sibika at Cultura (History and Culture). English language is used in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. Grade 2 students has English, Mathematics, Science, Sibika at Kutura, Agriculture.
In Grade 3 – Grade 6 students have more subjects such as Music, Art, P.E. and Hekasi (it contains 5 subjects but graded as one subject).