Tigbauan Church

Tigbauan Church, formally Saint John of Sahagun Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines. Founded by Augustinians in 1575, it is one of the oldest parishes in the country. The present church was built in 1975 after the 1948 earthquake destroyed the earlier 1867 stone church. It is notable for its Baroque facade with intricate stone carvings and religious reliefs.

Visitors can expect a historic stone church with an ornate Baroque facade featuring detailed floral and religious stone carvings and a prominent pediment. Inside is a single-nave interior with an altar dedicated to St. John of Sahagun, stained glass, and religious images. The church sits in the town center near the plaza, with a quiet courtyard and convent area. Visitors can explore the exterior, interior, and take photos of the facade.

Established as a visita in 1575 and as an independent parish in 1580 by Augustinian missionaries, Tigbauan Church is one of the earliest Christian settlements in Panay. The earlier stone church built in 1867 was destroyed by the 1948 Lady Caycay earthquake. The present church was constructed in 1975, preserving elements of the historic facade and continuing its role as a center of Catholic faith in southern Iloilo.

The church serves as the spiritual center for the Catholic community of Tigbauan under the Archdiocese of Jaro, dedicated to St. John of Sahagun. It is recognized as a heritage church for its Baroque architecture and stone craftsmanship, reflecting Augustinian missionary heritage and local artistry, and remains an important stop on the southern Iloilo heritage church circuit.