400 years ago, in the Spanish era, nobody lived in Arobo.

In fact, there
was no place called Arobo in the province of Antique. Its current location used
to be a vast wilderness.

When the Philippines won its independence from the Spaniards,
Pedro Cabanero, a native of Barangay Igdanlog, started to till the land.
Believed to be the oldest "Arobian," he frequented the place to farm using the
"kaingin"system. He, later on, built a barong-barong or a nipa hut for shelter.

Then, Mateo Perfas, who is a resident of San Joaquin, Iloilo, also
discovered the land. He, too, built his own hut and became its second resident.

The two farmers eventually settled in the land and, thus, became the
pioneers of Arobo. But even so, the place wasn't called Arobo.

The term "Arobo" orginally referred to the huge tree found in the farm of
Pedro Cabanero. Despite the hard work of the pioneer residents, food was
scarce. The fruits of the tree satisfied their needs. And so, they cared greatly
for the benevolent tree. However, the tree died of old age. But its memory as
the provider in times of great need lived on.

When residents from nearby communities started to settle in the location,
the "fathers" called for an assembly to propose a name for their community.
It was suggested that the place be christened Arobo in honor of the tree that
has indulged when there was little. Thus, Arobo, as a reference to a place, was
born.

However, Arobo was not a barangay then. It was, in fact, a sitio of
Barangay Masayo. In 1963, the "Arobians" passed a resolution to become
independent and be recognized as a bona fide barrio of Tobias Fornier.
And so, since then, Barangay Arobo was what it was known.

The residents of Arobo are devotees of the patron, Saint Joseph.
And the first Barangay Fiesta was celebrated on March 19-20, 1965.

The history of the Barangay Arobo very much reflects the residents.
The Arobians work hard to provide for their needs. They remain in commune
with each other in caring for the place that has given them so much.
And they wholeheartedly share when the community calls for generosity.

This is the spirit of Arobo - one that has succeeded the test of times... and
one that is bound to live forever.