In 1760, the settlement near Tigum and Aganan rivers became a pueblo and the church became an independent parish. Saint Barbara was assigned to be the symbol of the parish which was headed by then-parish priest Father Juan Ferrer. The construction of Augustinian church which will last up to the present day began when Father Francisco Aguerria arrived in 1845. Construction of road networks that will connect the parish to Cabatuan, Maasin, Janiuay, Leon, and Alimodian also started at the same time. The funds for the church construction would be sourced out from the taxes of the parishioners that costs between 8 and 12 reales. Rich people can have their way out of slavery by paying a bigger amount to the Spanish occupiers. Under the laws of Repartamiento, males over 16 years of age shall have forced labors for 40 days doing works on Spanish-owned farms and public works. This slavery was seen through most religious construction projects and the Santa Barbara Church was no exception. This workforce came from distant towns to contribute to the project. Sketches of the plans and design of the church were drawn on the walls and columns of the church which was believed to not possess any formal plans for its buildability. Workers labored over both the quarried stones and mulawon and mangle wood-types that both came from the municipalities of Leon, Alimodian and Tubungan. In 1991, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared Santa Barbara Church and Convent as a National Landmark. The church was the site where General Martin Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government started the junta that resulted to the first Cry of Revolution against the Spaniards outside Luzon. It was also used as the general headquarters and military hospital of the revolutionary forces. The National Museum declared Santa Barbara Church as a national cultural treasure in 2013. A historical marker was unveiled in December 2015.
Architecture
The overall style of the church can be viewed as neoclassical with the unembellished front facade. Dividing the front facade plane are four sets of Tuscan pilasters. The central division contains the main entrance while the end divisions contain two niches accommodating the Blessed Virgin and Sacred Heart of Jesus icons. Three stained glass windows puncture the facade of the upper level. This fenestration indicates a choir loft located inside. The side windows are capped with crests of the Pope and the Augustinians. On the uppermost part of the front facade is a niche which contains a statue of St. Barbara. The convent resembles Moorish architecture.
Restoration
Santa Barbara Church and Convent was restored for the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day in 2015. President Benigno Aquino III celebrated the national event in Santa Barbara, Iloilo. The National Historic Commission of the Philippines supervised the restoration of the historic church and convent.
