[3] In 1969, all or part of 16 barrios (barangays) of Barotac Viejo were separated from that town and consolidated into the new municipality.

Typhoon Haiyan passed over Panay Island on November 8, 2013,[8] affecting San Rafael along with several other coastal cities.

San Rafael is located 74 kilometres (46 mi) from the provincial capital, Iloilo City.

It is bordered by Dumarao to the north, Lemery to the east, Barotac Viejo to the south, and Passi City to the west.

Poverty Incidence of San Rafael Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] In 2013, Beboy Belleza was re-elected as mayor by an almost 2-1 margin.

The subjects for Grade 1 students are English, Mathematics, Pilipino, and Sibika at Cultura (History and Culture).

Grade 2 students take English, Mathematics, Science, Sibika at Kutura, Agriculture.