Elias and Pascual Magbanua took up arms and joined the revolution. The Americans arrived after Spain ceded Philippines to the United States in 1898. The remaining Spanish population fled to the hills together with many Filipinos including the last Gobernadorcillio, Don Maurilio Mendoza. He was later held prisoner by the Americans but subsequently named the first Municipal President. American era Under the Americans, the natives were granted the freedom of speech and worship. Education was liberalized; more and better roads and bridges were constructed. Improvements were also noticed in the economic, social and cultural life of the people. During the incumbency of Mun. President Maurillo Mendoza, the Pototanons again witnessed another unforgettable event: the burning of the entire half of the poblacion in November 1914. The cause of the fire is unknown. When the Philippine Constitution was ratified in 1935, another change in the town's local governance was introduced: the title of Municipal President was changed to Municipal Mayor. Santiago Puig was the first Municipal Mayor. He was succeeded by Mariano Peñaflorida in 1940. Peñaflorida served until September 16, 1942. World War II The coming of the Japanese during World War II spread chaos and fear among Pototanons. Mayor Peñaflorida continued to act as Mayor under the Free Revolutionary Government of Tomas Confesor while the Japanese Imperial Forces designated Tomas Ferrariz as Puppet Mayor. Geography Barangays Pototan is politically subdivided into 50 barangays. Abangay Amamaros Bagacay Barasan Batuan Bongco Cahaguikican Callan Cansilayan Casalsagan Cato-ogan Cau-ayan Culob Danao Dapitan Dawis Dongsol Fundacion Guinacas Guibuangan Igang Intaluan Iwa Ilaud Iwa Ilaya Jamabalud Jebioc Lay-ahan Primitivo Ledesma Ward (Pob. Lopez Jaena Ward (Poblacion) Lumbo Macatol Malusgod Naslo Nabitasan Naga Nanga Pajo Palanguia Fernando Parcon Ward (Poblacion) Pitogo Polot-an Purog Rumbang San Jose Ward (Poblacion) Sinuagan Tuburan Tumcon Ilaya Tumcon Ilaud Ubang Zarrague Climate Demographics In the 2020 census, the population of Pototan, Iloilo, was 78,298 people, with a density of . Karay·a is the primary language in the municipality. Economy Education Private Schools Adventist Academy - Iloilo, Inc. (West Visayan Academy) Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción - Hijas de Jesús EXEL Montessori de Pototan First Bible Baptist Academy Pototan Baptist Church Learning Center Pototan Christian Learning Center The Integrated Academy School System, Inc. Tertiary West Visayas State University - Pototan Campus Secondary Alberto Sorongon Sr. Memorial NHS Pototan National Comprehensive HS Jamabalud NHS Jose Facultad Memorial NHS Palanguia NHS Primary Barasan ES Batuan