Estancia, known today as the “Alaska of the Philippines,” began as a humble fishing village and has grown into a vital center for commercial fishing in the country. Originally a part of the pueblo of Carles during the Spanish era, Estancia was settled by fishing families from Capiz, notably the families of Latinu Rodriguez and Juan Magbanua. In 1847, additional settlers from Pilar (Capiz), Balasan, and Sara arrived and contributed to the town’s development.

The name “Estancia” is derived from the Spanish word for “ranch,” as the area once formed part of a vast ranch owned by Don Felipe Aguilar. In 1846, Lt. Governor Esteban Pavon of the Concepcion sub-province established a ranchería in the area, and Fray Ricardo Sanchez built a church. A year later, in 1847, Estancia was officially declared a pueblo.

Though it flourished during the Spanish period, Estancia was reduced to a barrio of Balasan under American rule. However, local leaders such as Venancio Cudilla and Antonio Somes, through the organization Pahiliusa, spearheaded efforts for Estancia’s independence. With the support of Governor Gregorio Yulo and Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo, Estancia regained its status as a municipality. Antonio Somes served as its first municipal president.

Estancia is not widely recognized for agriculture or livestock, but it is famed for its rich marine resources. Located within the Visayan Sea triangle—an area bordered by the provinces of Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Masbate—Estancia forms part of the larger “Sulu-Sulawesi Triangle,” a marine biodiversity hotspot shared with the waters of Indonesia. This region supports one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world due to its favorable climate and oceanographic conditions.

Its waters yield a diverse array of commercial fish species, including mackerel, barracuda, sardines, shad, pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, seaweed, and various shellfish. The predominant fishing methods include purse seining, trawling, and gill netting, all suited for the relatively shallow waters—up to 60 fathoms—of the Visayan Sea.

Estancia boasts one of the most developed fish ports and piers in Northern Visayas. It also hosts a growing banking industry, cable television services, a hospital, and several resorts. The town’s coastal advantage is enhanced by surrounding offshore islets such as Islas de Gigantes, Isla de Zapatos, Loguingot, Bayas, Manipulon, Sicogon, and Magalumbi, which not only serve as rich fishing grounds but also attract tourists with their white-sand beaches and natural beauty.

However, in recent years, challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices have significantly depleted local fish stocks. These environmental issues, along with the impact of climate change and unpredictable weather, have prompted action from both the government and private sector. Initiatives such as the installation of an artificial reef off the coast of Brgy. Paon aim to provide habitats for juvenile fish, with the hope of restoring the area’s once-abundant marine biodiversity.

Over time, Estancia has become a cultural melting pot, with settlers from various regions including Tagalog and Waray-speaking communities. Its natural harbor, protected by nearby islets, makes it an ideal port and a strategic location for both fishing and tourism.

From its humble beginnings as a ranch and fishing village, Estancia has evolved into a thriving municipality that remains an essential hub for the fishing industry and a symbol of resilience and identity in Northern Iloilo.