Calinog, which according to legend Datu Marikudo chose to settle, is strategically located in the central part of the Island of Panay.
The most significant was annexing Calinog as part of the Municipality of Passi (now a component city of Iloilo) from 1904 to 1920.
Through intense lobbying by prominent leaders, Calinog was restored to its original status as a separate Municipality in January 1921.
It was in the late 1960s when Calinog stepped on the springboard of development as a progressive Municipality bustling with business and economic opportunities.
Among the founders of the old communities in the uplands were the descendants of the families who fought the abusive Spanish colonizers in the settlements of Bugasong and Lawaan, Province of Antique, in the 16th Century (their colorful folklore and the oral tradition of their historical journeys became a part of the timeless epic, “Hinilawod”).
Dila Dila in Barangay Alibunan is best remembered as a strong hold of Filipino guerillas and soldiers during World War II under the command of a Calinognon Major Julian C. Chaves where the fiercest battles in the annals of war in the Island of Panay were fought against the Japanese Imperial Army.
Calinog as its main source and one back-up pumping station at Barangay Simsiman along the Jalaur River.
In July 2024, President Marcos, Jr. with Franklin Drilon launched the PHP19 billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II in Calinog.
[6] Calinog falls under the third type consisting of seasons, which are not very pronounced relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.
The climate is influenced by the southeast monsoons, one of the principal air streams affecting the country.
From a Visayan term for "jubilation" or "rejoicing," "Hirinugyaw" was inspired by the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City and has become a feast with success for the people Calinog through a festivity showing the town's devotion to the Child Jesus and highlighted as it turns out in celebration for the feast of Santo Niño.
People make effort to perform colorful cultural dances and other festive commemorative rites in His honor.
However the presentation becomes highly complex with the incorporation of a Sugidanon---traditional stories on a town's history and culture narrated through chanting.