Carles, Iloilo

Carles was heavily damaged by Typhoon Haiyan. Buildings were destroyed and more than 1,200 people were displaced by the storm.[7]

Carles is politically subdivided into 33 Barangays.

Eighteen of Carles's barangays are spread out over fourteen islands and minor islets.[9] The islands under Carles's political jurisdiction are:

Carles is a significant center for commercial fishing, so much so that it carries the name 'Alaska of the Philippines' - reference to the area's marine resources. The reason for this is that Carles' water territory lies in the Visayan Sea triangle where the islands of Gigantes are located. As part of the Coral Triangle, these islands contain some of the most biologically diverse marine resources, and one of the most productive fishing grounds in the country.[14] The imaginary triangle extends from the provinces of Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Masbate. This triangle is a part of the "Sulu-Sulaweisi Triangle" of the Sulu Sea and neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms coupled with climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem. Various commercial species are harvested along Carles' waters, including mackerel, barracuda, sardines, shad, pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, shells, seaweed and others.

'Bancal Fish Port' is the main fish-landing port in the municipality and is where fish catches from Iloilo, other Panay provinces, Masbate and Romblon are unloaded daily.[15][16]

One tourist destination in Western Visayas is the Islas de Gigantes or Higantes Group of Islands located in the second class municipality of Carles in northern Iloilo. [17] The Gigantes group of islands in Carles, Iloilo are endowed with limestone forests, caves, and white-sand beaches. It is classified as a high urgent conservation priority under the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priority-Setting Program (PBCPP). It is home to a variety of species, two of them endemic: the Gekkonid Lizard (Gekko gigante) and the Island Forest Frog (Platymantis insulatus). [14]

Sicogón is an island in northern Iloilo, which is part of the municipality of Carles. It is named after cogon, a type of grass found in abundance on the island. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 5,238.[18]

Sicogon was a popular tourist destination[19] during the 1970s, known for its clear waters and white sand beach lined with coconut trees.[20] However, due to the situation caused by martial law, development stalled and Sicogon's popularity faded in favor of Boracay Island.

Located at Bancal Port, Carles Iloilo is a Tourist assistance, boat reservation, registration and payment center, they also regulates the rates and accredited the boats for the Gigantes tours. souvenir items can also be found in the center.[21]

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  Old Spanish lighthouse in Naburot Island
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  One of Carles islets -visited by island-hopping tourists in the summer season
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  A typical resort in the islands of Carles
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  Bantigue Island's Sandbar during low tide.

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  Hidden lagoon, locally known as 'Tanque/Tangke'
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  Infinity pool in one of Barangay Guinticgan's resort
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  North and South Gigante Islands seen from the Visayan Sea
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  Tumaquin Island from the beach of Sicogon Island