English: Guimaras, Navalas church

Guimaras, officially the Province of Guimaras is an island province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Jordan. The province is situated in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. The whole island is part of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras, one of the twelve metropolitan areas of the Philippines.

The province consists primarily of Guimaras Island, and also includes Inampulugan, Guiwanon (or Guiuanon), Panobolon, Natunga, Nadulao, and many surrounding islets. Geologists have concluded that the island once formed one landmass with Panay.

The province is basically agricultural with mangoes, palay, coconuts, livestock, poultry and fishing as major products. Its major industries are tourism, fruit processing, coconut processing, fish farming, handicrafts making, mining, quarrying and lime production.

Built in 1880, the Navalas Church is the oldest roman catholic church and the only existing heritage church on the Island of Guimaras. The architecture of this quaint church is reminiscent of the Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo, which is due to Guimaras being a vista of Jaro during the Spanish period.

The Navalas Church has a charming garden in its front yard and is enclosed by an old stone fence. Standing prominently in front is a watchtower, which served to make early warnings of impending attacks by pirates.

(sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guimaras and www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/navalas-church-living/)