Iloilo City | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The skyline of theMandurriao district | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nicknames: City of Love andothers | |
| Motto(s): La muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloílo(transl. The Most Loyal and Noble City of Iloilo) | |
 A map of Western Visayas, particularly Iloilo, with Iloilo City highlighted | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
.svg)  Iloilo City Location within thePhilippines | |
| Coordinates:10°43′N122°34′E / 10.72°N 122.57°E /10.72; 122.57 | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Western Visayas |
| Province | Iloilo(geographically only) |
| District | Lone district |
| Founded | 1566(Spanish settlement) |
| Cityhood | October 5, 1889 |
| Reincorporated | July 16, 1937 |
| Highly urbanized city | December 22, 1979 |
| Barangays | 180 (seeBarangays and districts) |
| City geographical districts | |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Panlungsod |
| • Mayor | Raisa Maria Lourdes S. Treñas-Chu (NUP) |
| • Vice Mayor | Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda (Lakas) |
| • City Representative | Julienne L. Baronda (Lakas) |
| • City Council | Members
|
| • Electorate | 330,621 voters (2025) |
| Area | |
• City | 78.34 km2 (30.25 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 91 km2 (35 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 1,105.53 km2 (426.85 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 175 m (574 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | −1 m (−3.3 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[5] | |
• City | 473,728 |
| • Density | 6,047/km2 (15,660/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 574,000[3] |
| • Urban density | 6,300/km2 (16,000/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 1,039,935 |
| • Metro density | 940.666/km2 (2,436.31/sq mi) |
| • Households | 104,313[4] |
| Demonym(s) | Ilonggo (en),Ilonggo (f.-a) (hil/fil),ilongo (f.-a) (es) |
| Economy | |
| • Gross domestic product (GDP) | ₱145.05 billion (2022)[6] $2.563 billion (2022)[7] |
| • Income class | 1st city income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 3.3 |
| • HDI |  0.885 (Very High) |
| • Revenue | ₱ 4,143 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 11,768 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 3,294 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 2,713 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Monte Oro Resource Electric and Power Corporation (MORE) |
| • Water | Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 5000 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)33 |
| Native languages | Hiligaynon/Ilonggo |
| Catholic diocese | Archdiocese of Jaro |
| Patron saint | Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria (English: Our Lady of Purification and Candle) |
| Website | iloilocity |
Iloilo City, officially theCity of Iloilo (Hiligaynon:Dakbanwa sang Iloilo;Tagalog:Lungsod ng Iloilo;Spanish:Ciudad de Iloílo), is ahighly urbanized city in theWestern Visayasregion of thePhilippines, located on the southeastern coast of the island ofPanay. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 473,728 people, making it the most populous city in Western Visayas.[9] For theIloilo–Guimaras metropolitan area, the total population is 1,039,935 people.[10]
The city is aconglomeration of former towns, now organized intoseven geographical or administrative districts:the City Proper,Jaro,Molo,Mandurriao,La Paz,Arevalo, andLapuz.[11] It is the largest city and capital ofIloilo, where the city is geographically situated and grouped under thePhilippine Statistics Authority, but remains politically independent in terms of government and administration. Iloilo City is the regional center of Western Visayas and serves as the hub for trade, commerce, industry, education, religion, healthcare, tourism, culture, and culinary arts.
In 1566, the Spanish settled in Iloilo, establishing it as the second Spanish colonial center in the Philippines afterCebu. The city was bestowed with the honorific title "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad" (Most Loyal and Noble City) byQueen RegentMaría Cristina of Spain in recognition of its loyalty to the Spanish crown during thePhilippine Revolution.[12] Iloilo City served as the last capital of the captaincy general of theSpanish East Indies before the Philippines was ceded to theUnited States in 1898 through theTreaty of Paris.[13] At the turn of the 20th century, Iloilo City was considered the second most important city in the Philippines, next toManila, and was widely known as the "Queen City of the South."[14][15]
Recognized as aUNESCO CreativeCity of Gastronomy, Iloilo City is known for its signature dishes such asLa Paz Batchoy,Pancit Molo,Kadyos-Baboy-Langka (KBL),Laswa, andKansi. Iloilo City has several heritage sites from theSpanish andAmerican colonial periods, including theCalle Real Heritage Zone. Iloilo City is considered apilgrim city and is known as the center ofCandelaria devotion in the Philippines, as it home to theNuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Jaro, the first Marian image in Asia to be canonically crowned in person by a pope, nowSaint John Paul II. The city is known for theDinagyang Festival, a popular cultural and religious festival held every January, in honor ofSanto Niño.
Iloilo City is among the fastest-developing cities in the Philippines, experiencing significant annual growth since the redevelopment of theold airport in Mandurriao.[16] TheIT-BPM industry in the city continues to thrive and remains in high demand. It has been recognized as a top location for outsourcing expansion outsideMetro Manila and is the third-largest hub for the industry in the country.[17][18]
The name "Iloilo" is derived from the older name "Irong-irong" (Philippine Spanish:Ilong̃-ílong̃) meaning "nose-like", referring to thepromontory between two rivers (Iloilo andBatiano) where theFort San Pedro and the 17th-century Spanish port were located.[19][20][21][22]
The earliest written reference to Iloilo appears inYuan Dynasty records from the 1300s, identifyingOton—west of Iloilo City—as inHokkienChinese:啞陳;Pe̍h-ōe-jī:A-tân,[23] a bustling trade outpost in theVisayas.[24]
Although, little is known historically about the region prior to the arrival of the Spanish,Jesuit missionaryFrancisco Ignacio Alcina, in his 1668 workHistoria natural del sitio, fertilidad y calidad de las Islas e Indios de Bisayas, identifies theHiligaynon people originated fromLeyte, aligning withlinguistic subgrouping of theHiligaynon language.[25]
Local legends, notably the epicMaragtas by Pedro Monteclaro (published 1907), offer a different origin story. It describes how tendatus, led by Datu Puti, fledBorneo to escape the tyrant Sultan Makatunaw, arriving inPanay and purchasing its lowlands from theAti king Marikudo with a goldensalakot and a necklace for his queen, Maniwan-tiwan.[26] The transaction, followed by a pact of friendship, is said to have inspired theDinagyang Festival.[27][28]
Though once widely accepted and included in school textbooks,Maragtas (along with theCode of Kalantiaw) is now considered a 20th-centuryhoax, a view solidified by historianWilliam Henry Scott’s 1968 critique,[27] upheld by experts likeGregorio Zaide andTeodoro Agoncillo.[28] A 2019 thesis by Talaguit cites an earlier version of the story by Augustinian Friar Rev. Fr. Tomas Santaren (1902),[26] based on manuscripts he obtained in Iloilo after 1858. Though Santaren’s account supports Monteclaro’s, the manuscripts, written in romanized Hiligaynon during the colonial era, likely reflect oral folklore rather than pre-colonial history. Thus, whileMaragtas may reflect elements of local folk history, it is unlikely to be a pre-colonial document and is not regarded as authentic history but rather a blend of tradition and invention.[29][26]
Within the context of this folklore,Datu Paiburong is identified as one of the ten datus from Borneo who settled in Panay Island and is traditionally regarded as the first ruler of Irong-Irong, the area corresponding to present-day Iloilo. He is said to have established a polity that became a center of trade and agriculture, contributing to the early socio-political development of Western Visayas.
As the ruling datu of Irong-Irong, Paiburong is credited with organizing one of the earliest systems of local governance in the region, fostering alliances with other datus of Panay and codifying customary laws that promoted order and cooperation among early settlers. Although his existence is not corroborated by contemporary historical sources, Datu Paiburong remains a significant cultural figure in Iloilo’s precolonial heritage, symbolizing the region’s legendary beginnings and the enduring memory of Visayan leadership prior to Spanish colonization.
UnderPhilip II in 1565,Miguel López de Legazpi, tasked with expanding Spanish dominion in the Philippines, sent his grandsonFelipe de Salcedo, alongside Augustinian missionaries such asMartín de Rada, to explore theVisayas for resources. Landing onPanay, they established a temporary settlement inAraut, to secure food supplies amid scarcity inCebu. By 1566, a more permanent foothold emerged between Ogtong (Oton) andLa Villa Rica de Arevalo, formalized when Oton was established as a colonial outpost in 1572 under Legazpi’s command. This made Oton the second official Spanish settlement in the archipelago after Cebu. The city was founded by 80 pure Spaniards from Europe.[30] In 1586, it welcomed another 20 European SpanishHouseholds and the garrison was reinforced by 30 Spanish and Mexican soldiers.[31] This was reinforced by a consecutive number of 66, 50, 169, and then another 169Mexican soldiers from Latin America during the years 1603, 1636, 1670, and 1672.[32] Later in the 1700s, Iloilo was home to 166Spanish Filipino families and 29,723 native families.[33]: 113
The people of Panay, unlike the neutralCebuanos or the partiallyIslamizedTagalogs of Manila who resisted Spanish rule, embraced theIberians as allies. At the time, Panay was embroiled in a struggle against Muslim forces from theSultanate of Brunei and its vassals, theSultanate of Sulu and theKingdom of Maynila, which Spanish Governor-GeneralFrancisco de Sande described as kin to the locals.[34] The alliance proved pivotal, as Panay natives supplied a significant portion of the mercenary forces used to subdue Manila’s rulers, who were tied to Brunei. The rapid adoption ofChristianity among thePanaynons facilitated their integration into the Spanish colonial framework.[35] Before Spanish contact, Visayan groups, including those from Panay, were notorious for their piracy and slave-raiding expeditions, known locally aspanggubat.[36] The raids, often launched after harvests or during specific months like February to April, targeted coastal and inland settlements across the archipelago, striking fear into neighboring regions. Under Spanish influence, Christianization and Hispanization transformed these fierce raiders into disciplined soldiers and farmers, marking a significant cultural shift.[37][38]
In 1581, recurrent attacks byMoro pirates andDutch and English privateers forcedGonzalo Ronquillo de Peñaloza, the Spanish governor, to relocate the colonial center from Ogtong approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) eastward to La Villa Rica de Arevalo. Named in honor of Ronquillo’s hometown inÁvila, Spain, Arevalo became a hub for Spanish and Mexican settlers, who built residences and fortifications.[39][40] Chinese traders, vital to the colony’s economy, established a commercial district in the nearbyparian ofMolo, supplying goods to the growing settlement.[41] In 1700, escalating raids, particularly from Dutch forces and Moro pirates, necessitated another move toIrong-Irong, a village with a natural and strategic river-mouth location against raids. There, the Spanish erected the Fortificación de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en el Puerto de Yloylo, now known asFort San Pedro, to protect the burgeoning port.[42] Over time, Irong-Irong’s name evolved into Iloilo, and the site quickly rose as the administrative and economic center of the province.[39]
Iloilo’s demographic and economic landscape expanded with the arrival of Chinese migrants, who fueled local industries, andLatin American soldiers, who manned its defenses. In the late 18th century, the city became a center for large-scale textile production and was once referred to as the "textile capital" of the Philippines. Artisans wove sinamay,piña, andjusi fabrics, which were traded in Manila and exported to international markets.[43] The industry thrived until the mid-19th century, when competition from inexpensive British textiles and the shift to sugar production diminished its prominence. The opening of Iloilo’sport to global trade in 1855 marked a turning point, driven by British vice-consulNicholas Loney, who provided loans, built warehouses, and introduced modern sugar-farming techniques. The resulting sugar boom, centered on haciendas developed by Iloilo’s elite onNegros, transformed the city, attracting foreign consulates, banks, and recreational facilities while elevating the status of its upper middle class.
On October 5, 1889, a royal decree recognized Iloilo’s commercial and industrial ascent by granting it city status, formalized with the establishment of theayuntamiento in 1890 under Governor-GeneralValeriano Weyler.[44][45] Due to the steadfast loyalty of the Ilonggos, particularly evident during conflicts with neighboring Muslim polities and later revolutionary movements, Iloilo was honored with the perpetual title of "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad" (Most Loyal and Noble City). The distinction, bestowed by a Royal Decree signed on March 1, 1898, byQueen RegentMaria Cristina, underscored the city’s favored status under Spanish rule.[46][47] Over time, Iloilo became known as the 'Queen's Favored City in the South,' or simply 'Queen’s City in the South,' being the second-most significant Spanish port after Manila and its southern location relative to the capital.[48] Throughout the late colonial era, Iloilo rivaled Manila in importance, serving as a key economic and military hub.[49]
During thePhilippine Revolution, Iloilo initially remained loyal to Spain.[50] The city’s elite organized a 500-strong battalion of native volunteers, divided into two companies under predominantly Spanish officers, which departed for Manila on January 16, 1897.[51][52] The force distinguished itself in combat againstEmilio Aguinaldo’sKatipunan rebels inCavite,[53] returning to Iloilo in April 1898 after thePact of Biak-na-Bato amid public celebrations.[54] Following Spain’s defeat in theSpanish–American War in 1898, Iloilo briefly served as the capital of theSpanish East Indies under Governor-GeneralDiego de los Rios.[55]
Graciano López-Jaena, national hero and a brilliant orator born inJaro, Iloilo City, made his most crucial heroic contribution to thePhilippine Revolution not on the battlefield, but through his potent pen and fiery voice, by founding the influential newspaperLa Solidaridad inSpain, which served as the principal organ for the Propaganda Movement, uniting Filipino intellectuals and fiercely advocating for political reforms and an end to Spanish abuses in the Philippines. His indelible contribution to Philippine history is cemented by his role as one of the Triumvirate of Filipino Propagandists, alongsideJosé Rizal andMarcelo H. del Pilar, skillfully using his journalistic prowess and passionate essays, particularly his work Fray Botod, to awaken Filipino national consciousness and inspire the subsequent generation of revolutionaries by laying the intellectual foundation for the eventual quest for Philippine independence.
López Jaena died of tuberculosis on January 20, 1896, in Barcelona, just months before the Philippine Revolution officially began, yet his journalistic work and tireless advocacy ensured his legacy as a true pioneer of Philippine nationalism.
As revolutionary fervor against Spanish authority intensified across the archipelago,Emilio Aguinaldo dispatched Tagalog forces to Panay to support the burgeoning local uprising, aiming to unify the independence movement.[56] The insurgency was effectively led by the brilliant Ilonggo general, Martín Delgado, who organized and commanded the Visayan revolutionary troops. By October 1898, Delgado's relentless campaigns had proven largely successful, securing control over the vast majority of Panay Island and confining the remaining Spanish garrisons to the core urban centers: Iloilo City, Jaro, La Paz, and Molo.
The military situation reached its climax shortly after Spain's defeat in the Spanish-American War. On December 25, 1898, Christmas Day, just fifteen days after theTreaty of Paris formally ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million, the final Spanish troops in the archipelago capitulated. The Spanish forces, under the command of Governor-General Diego de los Ríos, formally surrendered at the historic Plaza Alfonso XII, now known asPlaza Libertad, to General Delgado’s victorious revolutionary forces. This momentous event marked the definitive collapse of Spanish sovereignty and the end of Spain’s final bastion inAsia and the Pacific,[57] concluding over 333 years of colonial rule in the Philippines. The surrender effectively transferred local authority to the newly establishedFederal State of the Visayas led by Delgado, although this hard-won independence was immediately threatened by the looming arrival of the American expeditionary forces.
Following the Spanish withdrawal, revolutionary forces entered Iloilo with fanfare, establishing a provisional government. On January 17, 1899,Raymundo Melliza, a prominent figure from Molo’s elite, was elected mayor.[58] American forces arrived in 1900, downgrading Iloilo from a city to a township amid the transition to U.S. control. In 1903, Act No. 719 reorganized the region, incorporating the municipalities ofJaro,La Paz,Mandurriao, andMolo into the jurisdiction of Iloilo.[59]Pavia joined briefly in 1905 under Act No. 1333 but was separated in 1907 alongside Jaro, which became an independent municipality in 1908 via Executive Order No. 64.[60][61] La Paz regained its autonomy in 1920 through Executive Order No. 70, signed in 1919.[62]
American Protestant missionaries established some of the earliest Protestant institutions in the Philippines in Iloilo, includingJaro Evangelical Church (the first Baptist church in the country),Iloilo Mission Hospital (the first American and Protestant hospital in the country), andCentral Philippine University (the first Baptist and second American and Protestant university in the country). Other early infrastructure projects by the American administration included the construction of Baluarte and Arroyo streets, the extension of Delgado Street to Valeria, and the development of Fuentes and Jalandoni streets, reaching what is now theUniversity of the Philippines Visayas campus. Quezon and Mabini streets were paved and lined with sidewalks, and by 1921 the city was illuminated with streetlights. In 1926, authorities began widening key thoroughfares such asGeneral Luna,J.M. Basa, and Ledesma. In 1927, the improved Valeria-Ledesma street, formerly Weyler, was inaugurated.[63]
Commonwealth Act No. 57, enacted in 1936, restored Iloilo’s city status, swiftly amended by Act No. 158 to annex La Paz andArevalo. The re-established city was inaugurated on August 25, 1937. Jaro’s incorporation followed in 1941 under Commonwealth Act No. 604, with PresidentManuel L. Quezon issuing Proclamation No. 663 on January 7, setting January 16 as the effective date.[64][65][66]
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By 1942, the Japanese had invaded Panay, and the economy came to a standstill. DuringWorld War II, Iloilo was controlled by several Japanese battalions. Japan's ultimate goal was to entrench itself deeply in the Philippines so that, at the close of the war, it could occupy the country just as the Spanish and the Americans had years before. The Japanese built "comfort stations" in Iloilo in 1942, where they imprisoned Filipino "comfort women" who were routinely gang-raped, brutalized, and murdered for entertainment.[67][68][69]
Nevertheless, during the Japanese occupation,Macario Peralta Jr. freed most of Panay (with few exceptions) from Japanese imperialism. As a result, allied guerrillas from other provinces, includingRomblon,Palawan,Marinduque, and portions ofMasbate andMindoro, considered Panay, the "Primus inter pares" in their alliance network.[70]
When Iloilo was liberated by Filipino and American forces from Japanese military occupation on March 25, 1945, the remnants of these battalions were held inJaro Plaza, which was used as a makeshift detention facility.[71]
The aftermath ofWorld War II left Iloilo’s infrastructure heavily damaged. The situation worsened in 1966 when amassive fire destroyed nearly three-quarters of the city’s downtown area, further crippling its economy. Compounding these challenges were ongoing conflicts between labor unions in the port area, the decline of the sugar industry, and a deteriorating peace and order situation in the countryside. These factors prompted many Ilonggos to seek better opportunities elsewhere, leading to a significant exodus to cities likeBacolod, Cebu, and Manila. The migration contributed to Iloilo’s decline as a central economic hub in the Philippines. While rural agricultural areas continued to support the local economy, the loss of investors and skilled workers slowed Iloilo’s progress. For years, the city’s economy grew at a moderate pace, struggling to regain its former prominence.[72]
Change came slowly. The construction of afishing port and a new international sea port marked the beginning of Iloilo’s recovery. These infrastructure projects attracted commercial business firms, which began investing in the city one by one. The gradual influx of investment spurred Iloilo’s eventual economic revival, setting the stage for its resurgence as a key player in the region. Iloilo became a highly urbanized city on December 22, 1979, by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 51. As a result of the new status, its residents effectively lost their eligibility to vote for provincial officials.[73]
The late 1960s marked the beginning of a period of unrest in the Philippines, driven by the economic fallout fromFerdinand Marcos’ debt-driven projects. The projects, aimed at securing his re-election in 1969, led to abalance of payments crisis and soaring inflation.[74][75] By the time of his second inauguration on December 30, 1969, the peso had begun to crash, sparking widespread social unrest.[76][77] While major protests erupted in Manila, Iloilo City also became a center of resistance. Students fromCentral Philippine University and the nearbyWestern Institute of Technology inLa Paz played a pivotal role in organizing the protests. They formed the Federation of Ilonggo Students (FIST), with leaders like Vic Beloria, Renato Ganchero, Virgil Ortigas, and the brothers Napoleon and Rolando Lorca. These activists would later be forced into hiding after Marcos declared martial law in 1972. Many of them lost their lives resisting the dictatorship and were honored as martyrs, with their names inscribed on theBantayog ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Memorial).[78][79][80][81][82] Another prominent student activist, Edmundo Legislador of the University of the Philippines Iloilo, was similarly honored for his role in the resistance.
The declaration of martial law in 1972 marked the beginning of a 14-year period of authoritarian rule characterized by widespreadhuman rights abuses.[83][84][85][86] According to documentation by Amnesty International and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, the Marcos regime was responsible for 3,257extrajudicial killings, 35,000 cases of torture, and 70,000 incarcerations.[87][88][89] Iloilo was not spared from the repression, as it became home to one of the key detention centers for political prisoners, the Camp Delgado.
Among the prominent figures detained at Camp Delgado was Rodolfo Lagoc, a labor lawyer who was held without charges for six months.[90] Another detainee was Coronacion “Walingwaling” Chiva, a World War II heroine whose legendary status largely protected her from harm during her detention.[91] Other activists, such as Luing Posa-Dominado and Judy Taguiwalo, were subjected to torture, manhandling, and sexual assault. For their bravery and sacrifices, Lagoc, Chiva, and Posa-Dominado were later honored on the Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.[92] Taguiwalo, who survived the ordeal, went on to serve as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.[93]
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At the turn of the 21st century, Iloilo experienced a significant economic boom, driven by major infrastructure projects and investments. The acquisition of theold Iloilo Airport inMandurriao district and the construction of theIloilo Diversion Road spurred urban development, attracting major businesses and real estate developers to the area. The investments transformed Iloilo into one of the fastest-growing economies in the Philippines.[94]
In 2008,Lapuz gained its district status after separating fromLa Paz as a sub-district, making it the seventh district of Iloilo City. The resolution was passed to enable Lapuz to have its own dedicated police station and fire station.[95]
The city government in 2010, began the Iloilo River Cleanup and Rehabilitation as part its initiative to restore the ecological balance and improve the livability of Iloilo City. Led by then MayorJed Patrick E. Mabilog, the project involved the relocation of informal settlers, strict enforcement of environmental laws, mangrove reforestation, and the establishment of theIloilo River Esplanade, a scenic linear park that became a symbol of the city’s transformation. The rehabilitation significantly improved water quality, revived marine biodiversity, and reduced flooding in surrounding communities. The initiative gained both national and international recognition, earning awards such as theASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award (2015) and the LivCom Award from the International Awards for Livable Communities, cementing Iloilo City’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ cleanest and most livable urban centers.
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The city’s power distribution system underwent a major change in 2019.MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), owned by Spanish-Filipino billionaireEnrique K. Razon, took over operations from the long-standingPanay Electric Company (PECO).[96] MORE Power introduced modern power services, including the installation of an underground cabling system, starting withCalle Real indowntown Iloilo City.[97]
In 2021-2023, the city underwent a rehabilitation and beautification works for its public squares —Jaro Plaza,Plaza Libertad,La Paz Plaza,Mandurriao Plaza,Arevalo Plaza, andMolo Plaza; restoration of heritage structures likeJaro Belfry;[98][99] renovation of districts public markets; and upgrading ofIloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market into market malls through public-private partnership withSM Prime Holdings.[100]
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In 2023, Iloilo City was recognized as the Philippines' firstUNESCO Creative of Gastronomy.[101][102][103] In 2024, theCalle Real Heritage Zone collectively under the "The Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros and Panay Islands", has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.[104] In the same year on May 8, 2024, theHinilawod Epic Chant Recordings housed at theHenry Luce III Library ofCentral Philippine University has been inscribed in theUNESCOMemory of the World Register, which marked Iloilo City's 2nd UNESCO inscription after the UNESCO Creative of Gastronomy.[105]
In 2024, theIloilo Commercial Port Complex was granted toInternational Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) for development and management. Renamed the Visayas Container Terminal, the project aimed to modernize the facility and expand its international connectivity, further enhance trade and economic growth in the central Philippines.[106][107]
In the same year, international air routes fromIloilo International Airport toHong Kong andSingapore were re-opened, followed by the launching ofBangkok-Don Mueang route, this resulted for Iloilo opening to the global trade, commerce, and tourism.
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Iloilo City is situated on the southern shores ofPanay, facing theIloilo Strait andGuimaras to its south and east. The location forms a natural harbor and a safe anchorage for ships. The city is bordered by the municipality ofOton to the west,Pavia to the north, andLeganes to the northeast. Across theIloilo Strait, along its eastern and southern coastlines, lie the towns ofBuenavista andJordan in the island-province of Guimaras.
The city occupies a flat alluvial plain, largely reclaimed from swampy areas due to urbanization and industrialization from the late 19th century to the present. Several rivers traverse the city, including the Iloilo,Batiano, Jaro, and Dungon Creek. TheIloilo River, anestuary, separates the districts of City Proper, Molo, and Arevalo from the rest of the city. The Jaro River is fed by its tributaries, the Aganan and Tigum rivers.[108]
TheJaro Floodway was developed as a new escape channel to divert floodwaters from these two rivers into the Iloilo Strait. Iloilo City lies 337.6 nautical miles (630 km) fromManila, 116 kilometres (72 mi) fromRoxas City, 158 kilometres (98 mi) fromKalibo, and 97 kilometres (60 mi) fromSan Jose de Buenavista. It spans a total land area of 70.3 square kilometres (27.1 sq mi).[108]
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The city is divided into seven geographical districts:the City Proper,Jaro,Molo,Mandurriao,La Paz,Arevalo, andLapuz. All districts, except Lapuz, were once independent towns; Lapuz was a sub-district of La Paz until it gained separate status in 2008.[109] Each district features its own town center, equipped with a plaza, a Roman Catholic church, a fire station, a police station, and a public market. City Proper serves as the commercial hub and the political center of both the city andIloilo province, and the regional government center ofWestern Visayas.
Iloilo City anchors the onlyofficially recognized metropolitan area in Western Visayas.[a] Themetropolitan area encompasses Iloilo City and the surrounding municipalities of Leganes, Pavia,Santa Barbara,Cabatuan,San Miguel, and Oton, along with the island-province of Guimaras and its five municipalities:Sibunag,San Lorenzo,Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, and Jordan.
Iloilo City constitutes oneat-large congressional district. It is divided intoseven administrative districts, each of which is subdivided into barangays. There are 180barangays across the city.
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Iloilo City has a tropical wet and dry climate within theKöppen climate classification system. The wet season is from June to November. The dry season is from December to May.[108]
| Climate data for Iloilo, Philippines (1961–1990, extremes 1903–2012) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 34.7 (94.5) | 35.5 (95.9) | 39.0 (102.2) | 37.5 (99.5) | 37.8 (100.0) | 37.5 (99.5) | 35.2 (95.4) | 34.8 (94.6) | 37.8 (100.0) | 35.4 (95.7) | 34.8 (94.6) | 34.5 (94.1) | 39.0 (102.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 29.7 (85.5) | 30.2 (86.4) | 31.7 (89.1) | 33.1 (91.6) | 33.1 (91.6) | 31.6 (88.9) | 30.7 (87.3) | 30.4 (86.7) | 30.8 (87.4) | 31.1 (88.0) | 30.9 (87.6) | 30.2 (86.4) | 31.1 (88.0) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 26.1 (79.0) | 26.5 (79.7) | 27.6 (81.7) | 28.9 (84.0) | 29.1 (84.4) | 28.1 (82.6) | 27.6 (81.7) | 27.5 (81.5) | 27.6 (81.7) | 27.7 (81.9) | 27.5 (81.5) | 26.8 (80.2) | 27.6 (81.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.7 (72.9) | 22.7 (72.9) | 23.5 (74.3) | 24.6 (76.3) | 25.1 (77.2) | 24.7 (76.5) | 24.4 (75.9) | 24.5 (76.1) | 24.4 (75.9) | 24.2 (75.6) | 24.0 (75.2) | 23.4 (74.1) | 24.0 (75.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 16.5 (61.7) | 16.7 (62.1) | 18.6 (65.5) | 20.0 (68.0) | 20.2 (68.4) | 21.0 (69.8) | 19.5 (67.1) | 20.0 (68.0) | 19.8 (67.6) | 19.2 (66.6) | 19.4 (66.9) | 18.3 (64.9) | 16.5 (61.7) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 39.9 (1.57) | 19.1 (0.75) | 27.1 (1.07) | 47.7 (1.88) | 117.9 (4.64) | 255.2 (10.05) | 313.2 (12.33) | 363.7 (14.32) | 266.8 (10.50) | 264.1 (10.40) | 174.8 (6.88) | 64.2 (2.53) | 1,953.7 (76.92) |
| Average rainy days(≥ 0.1 mm) | 11 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 170 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 82 | 80 | 75 | 73 | 77 | 82 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 84 | 84 | 83 | 81 |
| Source 1: Climate Charts[110] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2:Deutscher Wetterdienst (rainy days),[111]PAGASA (records)[112] | |||||||||||||
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Iloilo City’s geographical and architectural features have significantly influenced its centuries-long role as a trading hub, blending colonial heritage with modern development. Situated on a plain along the southeastern coast ofPanay, the city is bordered by theIloilo Strait and the island ofGuimaras, which together form a natural harbor. TheIloilo andBatiano rivers flow through its districts, eventually emptying into the strait, while bicycle paths, ornamental trees, parks, gardens, and open spaces contribute to its well-planned urban landscape. The city is a conglomerate of former towns, including the once-independent city ofJaro, with each district maintaining its distinct character. Civic centers in each district often feature Spanish colonial layouts, characterized by plazas, churches, and municipal halls. Modern developments are strategically concentrated inMandurriao, ensuring the preservation of the city’s skyline, heritage zones, and environment, while also extending into neighboring towns within itsmetropolitan area.
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Iloilo City’s architecture reflects a profound combination of Spanish and American colonial influences, layered over indigenous foundations, creating a rich historical urban landscape. In 1930, architect Juan Arellano created a schematic plan for the city based onEbenezer Howard’s "Garden City" concept, shaping the city’s layout as an amalgamation of former towns, each centered around plazas surrounded by churches and administrative halls.[113]
During the Spanish colonial period, the sugar industry boom led to the construction of over 240 ancestral homes, 30 of which are considered grand mansions built by elite Ilonggo families.[114] Iloilo has the most restored heritage buildings outside Metro Manila and is often referred to as the "City of Mansions."[115][116]
As the center of Christian faith in Western Visayas, Iloilo showcases significant Spanish Catholic influence, most notably inJaro Cathedral, a National Historical Landmark and National Shrine, which serves as the seat of theArchdiocese of Jaro. The Cathedral's unique features include the free-standing and detachedJaro Belfry and the shrine ofNuestra Señora de la Candelaria, whose image is uniquely perched at its facade—the first Marian image crowned by a pope (John Paul II) and saint in Asia.
InVilla de Arevalo, notable bahay na bato structures include the Camiña Balay Nga Bato and the Convento de Arevalo. Grand Beaux-Arts and Spanish colonial mansions, such as theLopez Heritage House (Lopez Mansion) and Lizares Mansion (houses theAngelicum School Iloilo of theUniversity of Santo Tomas), are located in Jaro, which also features the Art DecoJaro Municipal Hall. In Molo, landmarks include the Gothic-styleMolo Church. TheCasa Real de Iloilo (Royal House of Iloilo), Iloilo's old provincial capitol, exemplifies the bahay na bato style and is declared an Important Cultural Property. Furthermore,Calle Real in the City Proper features contiguous rows of beaux arts, neoclassical, and Art Deco commercial buildings, currently listed in theUNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative List.
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The American colonial period introduced new civic, educational, and healthcare institutions, leaving behind architectural styles influenced by neoclassical, Art Deco, and early modernist design. Americans, especially Protestant missions from the United States, established key centers that still define parts of the city’s educational and religious landscape. These includeCentral Philippine University (CPU), founded by theAmerican Baptist Foreign Mission Society in 1905, featuring heritage structures like Franklin Hall, Valentine Hall, Weston Hall, and Stuart Hall, many of which are Registered Cultural Properties.
TheJaro Evangelical Church, Doane Baptist Church, and theIloilo Mission Hospital are prominent Protestant-built institutions. A notable structure within CPU is theCentral Philippine University Church, distinct for its Malay motif design. Other significant institutional architecture includes the neoclassical and Art Deco buildings of theUniversity of San Agustin (USA) and the century-old Quezon Hall atWest Visayas State University (WVSU).
Recent decades have brought significant urban development and the rise of contemporary architecture, specifically in Mandurriao. TheIloilo Convention Center, designed by architect William Coscolluela, integrates modern design with cultural motifs inspired by the Dinagyang Festival and Paraw Regatta.
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Restoration initiatives continue across the city, with projects such as the reconstruction of Fort San Pedro, described as a 17th-century Spanish military fortress, and the rehabilitation of the Iloilo Central Market, notable for its Art Deco façade. Most modern buildings are concentrated in the economic triangle formed by Atria Park District, Iloilo City Center, SM City Iloilo Complex, and Megaworld's Iloilo Business Park, featuring structures like the SM Strata twin towers, Injap Tower Hotel, and the Festive Walk Parade leisure strip.
The seamless coexistence of these Spanish, American, and contemporary structures offers a compelling, tangible timeline of the city's evolution as a regional center. This unique architectural heritage solidifies Iloilo City's status as a premier cultural and historical anchor in the Philippines. The city’s adaptive reuse projects successfully preserve historical character while accommodating the demands of a rapidly modernizing economy. This commitment to heritage preservation, evident from ancestral homes to colonial fortifications, distinguishes Iloilo from many other urban centers in the archipelago.
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Iloilo City stands out as a model of sustainable urban development, blending green initiatives, recreational spaces, and smart city innovations. Recognized with the 2017 Clean Air City Award and the 2020 ASEAN CleanTourist City Award, the city has implemented policies such as banning plastic straws, mandating wastewater treatment along the Iloilo River, and enforcing biodegradable waste segregation.[117][118] The Iloilo Batiano River Development Project, a two-time Galing Pook Award winner (2018 and 2022),[119][120] showcases replicable environmental practices, while tree-planting programs and expanded mangrove forests enhance biodiversity and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.[121][122][123]
TheIloilo River Esplanade, the Philippines’ longest linear park, exemplifies the city’s commitment to green spaces. Designed by Filipino architect Paulo Alcazaren, it features 22 of the country’s 35 endemic mangrove species, serving as a vital marine breeding ground. Historic plazas with ornamental gardens, the revitalizedSunburst Park, theFreedom Grandstand atMuelle Loney with mini-gardens, and the landscapedIloilo Provincial Capitol complex—home to theNational Museum Western Visayas. Additionally, all of the city’s plazas—Plaza Libertad,Jaro Plaza,Molo Plaza,La Paz Plaza,Mandurriao Plaza, andArevalo Plaza—have also undergone rehabilitation.
The Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project, launched in 2010, marked a major environmental initiative aimed at restoring the river’s ecosystem and enhancing the overall quality of life in Iloilo City. Under the leadership of then Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, the program implemented measures such as the relocation of informal settlers along the riverbanks, enforcement of environmental regulations, extensive mangrove reforestation, and the creation of theIloilo River Esplanade, a riverside park that has since become one of the city’s key landmarks.
The project resulted in cleaner waterways, improved marine biodiversity, and reduced flooding in nearby areas. Its success has been recognized both nationally and internationally, with the Iloilo River receiving multiple honors, including the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable City Award (2015), the International Awards for Livable Communities (LivCom Award), the Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (Gawad Lingkod Bayan) from the Civil Service Commission, and recognition as a “Waterfront Development Model” by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). These achievements helped establish Iloilo City as a model for sustainable urban development and environmental management in the Philippines.
Iloilo is also advancing as asmart city, integrating technology to improve livability and sustainability. Initiatives include free public Wi-Fi, electric public transport vehicles, flood-prevention pumping stations, and air quality monitoring systems that meet international standards.[124][125] Taxis usenavigation systems, andbarangays employCCTV for traffic and safety management.[126][127] The city’s bike-friendly programs, such as the I-Bike Program, have earned awards like the 2018 Most Bike-Friendly City citation and Gold Awards in the 2021 and 2022 National Bike Day Bike Lane Awards.[119] In 2024, Iloilo was ranked 6th among the world’s top 18 fitness-friendly cities by Headline Bulletin.[128]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 52,472 | — |
| 1918 | 77,925 | +2.67% |
| 1939 | 116,277 | +1.92% |
| 1948 | 110,122 | −0.60% |
| 1960 | 151,266 | +2.68% |
| 1970 | 209,738 | +3.32% |
| 1975 | 227,027 | +1.60% |
| 1980 | 244,827 | +1.52% |
| 1990 | 309,505 | +2.37% |
| 1995 | 334,539 | +1.47% |
| 2000 | 366,391 | +1.97% |
| 2007 | 418,710 | +1.86% |
| 2010 | 424,619 | +0.51% |
| 2015 | 447,992 | +1.03% |
| 2020 | 457,626 | +0.45% |
| 2024 | 473,728 | +0.83% |
| Source:Philippine Statistics Authority[129][130][131][132][133] | ||
In the2020 Philippine census, Iloilo City had a population of 456,626, making it the25th most populous city in the Philippines and the fourth most populous city in the Visayas. The population consists of 224,203 males (49.1%) and 232,423 females (50.9%). It has a population density of5,842/km2 (15,130/sq mi).[134]
Hiligaynon is the predominant language spoken in Iloilo City.[135]English serves as the primary language for business and education. Other local languages, such asKaray-a (also known as Kinaray-a or the outdated term Haraya), are spoken by a minority from certain parts of Iloilo province.Spanish, once widely used during the colonial era and into the 1980s, is now fading, though a broken Spanish creole persists among a few families of Spanish descent and elderly sugar barons who concentrate around the districts of Jaro and Arevalo where the Spaniards and Mexicans historically settled. Chinese, specifically the dialect ofHokkien is often spoken in the district ofMolo, the city'sChinatown whereas IndianHindi can be found in Mandurriao.
Hiligaynon, part of theVisayan language family within theMalayo-Polynesian languages, is prevalent across Panay, Guimaras, and Negros islands. It is also the main language inSoccsksargen, Mindanao, where most residents trace their ancestry to Hiligaynon speakers. Due to Iloilo’s 300-year history as a Spanish colony, Hiligaynon incorporates numerous Spanish loanwords, such asguerra (war),puerta (door),golpe (strike),aguanta (endure),puerto (port),calle (street), andedificio (building).
The language is concentrated in the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. In Iloilo and Negros Occidental, it is often referred to as "Ilonggo" (Spanish:Ilongo/Ylongo), a term that also denotes the ethnolinguistic group and cultural identity of native Hiligaynon speakers in Iloilo. The distinction between "Hiligaynon" and "Ilonggo" remains ambiguous, with many locals describing Hiligaynon as the language and Ilonggo as the identity or culture tied to Iloilo.
Iloilo City is a significant religious center in the Philippines, shaped by 300 years of Spanish colonization that established a predominantlyCatholic population. Over 90 percent of residents adhere to the Roman Catholic Church, with Protestant denominations (5 percent), Iglesia ni Cristo (2 percent), and the Philippine Independent Church orAglipayans (1 percent)—a form of EpiscopalAnglo-Catholicism—representing notable minorities.[136]
The city's district ofJaro has long been a hub of Christian institutions. The Spanish introducedRoman Catholicism, establishing theArchdiocese of Jaro, while American colonial rule brought Protestantism, leading to the founding of key institutions. TheJaro Metropolitan Cathedral, designated a National Shrine—the second in the Visayas and Mindanao and the second Marian-dedicated shrine outside Luzon—is the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro and a focal point for devotion to Our Lady of Candles (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), the patroness ofWestern Visayas,Negros Occidental andRomblon, alongsideSaint Elizabeth of Hungary. The archdiocese, one of the country’s oldest and largest, began as a parish in 1587, covering the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique in Western Visayas, and Negros Occidental in Negros Island.Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria holds the distinction of being the first Marian image in the Philippines to be canonically crowned in person by a pope and saint—Pope St.John Paul II—in 1981. This recognition further solidified Iloilo, particularly Jaro, as the center of Candelaria devotion in the Philippines, drawing pilgrims and devotees from across the nation each February 2.
It became a diocese in 1865 under Pope Pius IX, with jurisdiction over suffragan bishops inMindoro,Palawan,Zamboanga,Iloilo Province,Negros Oriental,Guimaras,San Jose de Buenavista,Capiz,Bacolod,San Carlos, andKabankalan. Elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese byPope Pius XII, it later ceded territory to form the dioceses ofZamboanga (1910),Bacolod (1932), Mindoro (1936),Capiz (1951), and theTerritorial Prelature of San Jose de Antique (1962), though the latter remains partially under its purview.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage inLa Paz serves as the episcopal seat of theDiocese of Iloilo for theIglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipayan Church). Protestantism, introduced by Americans after the 1898 Treaty of Paris, grew due to Iloilo’s economic prominence in the early 1900s and the religious freedom upheld by the American colonial government.Presbyterians established theIloilo Mission Hospital in 1901, the first American and Protestant hospital in the Philippines. Baptists founded theJaro Evangelical Church in 1900 (the country's oldest Baptist church and first Protestant church outside Manila),Central Philippine University in 1905 (the first Baptist and second American university in the country and in Asia), and theConvention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Seventh-day Adventists, arriving later outside the early Protestant comity agreement, established the Jaro Adventist Center, the first organized Adventist church outside Manila.
Other Christian groups, such asIglesia ni Cristo andThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have a presence, alongside non-Christian communities includingMuslims from southern Philippines,Sikhs from Indian immigrants, andTaoists andBuddhists from Chinese immigrants.e to theSanto Niño de Arevalo, the third oldest image of the Holy Child in the Philippines.
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Iloilo City has the third-largest economy in the Visayas, after Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, with agross domestic product (GDP) of ₱171.57 billion in 2024,[137] and the third-fastest growth amonghighly urbanized cities (HUCs) in the Philippines. It serves as the economic hub of Western Visayas for trade, commerce, finance, technology, medical tourism, hospitality, real estate, tourism, education, and industry. Key sectors include port management, telecommunications, utilities, banking, retail, real estate, tourism, andbusiness process outsourcing (BPO).
Historically, Iloilo’s economy thrived during the Spanish colonial period, when sugar was its primary export. The opening of its port to international trade in 1855 fueled a sugar boom, generating immense wealth and establishing affluent families—such as Lacson, Locsin, Ledesma, Montinola, andLopez—who built manyhaciendas in the city. It positioned Iloilo as the Philippines’ second-most important economic center after Manila. Post-World War II, the sugar industry declined, diminishing the city’s economic stature.
Iloilo City has one of the Philippines' busiest ports.[138] TheVisayas Container Terminal, formerly Iloilo International Commercial Port, which was privatized and now managed and operated byInternational Container Terminal Services, Inc., handles international sea cargo with destinations likeShanghai andXiamen inChina. ThePort of Iloilo which operates the Iloilo Domestic Port in City Proper, Lapuz Fastcraft Terminal and Lapuz Roro Wharf in Lapuz, the and Guimaras-Iloilo Ferry Terminal generates revenue and has become the inter-island gateways linking the city and province withGuimaras,Palawan,Negros,Mindanao, andCebu islands.
The city ranks third in bank savings deposits and accounts in the country and has the third highest GDP per capita amonghighly urbanized cities (HUCs) outside Metro Manila. It is also has one of the lowest crime rate nationwide,[139] the highest life expectancy in Visayas and Mindanao, a significant middle-class population, tops the national happiness index,[140] and is recognized as one of the most business-friendly city in the Philippines.[141]
A resurgence began in the early 21st century, catalyzed by the opening of theIloilo International Airport in 2007, which replaced theold Mandurriao airport. It spurred development, includingMegaworld Corporation’s transformation of the decommissioned airport site into abusiness park.[150] This, alongside investments from other developers in the nearby area, revitalized the economy.[138]
The service sector dominates with an 87.7 percent GDP share, led by wholesale and retail trade (contributing 2.3 percentage points to growth), alongside banking and IT-BPO, while industry accounts for 9.9 percent and agriculture, forestry, and fishing 2.4 percent. Key industries include accommodation and food services (48.3 percent growth) and transportation and storage (18.9 percent).[151][152][153]
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The banking sector, tracing back to the Spanish-era sugar boom when Banco Español-Filipino (nowBank of the Philippine Islands) andPhilippine National Bank opened their first branches outside Manila, ranks third nationally in deposits, fueled byOFW remittances, local industries, andIT-BPO growth; it hostsLifeBank MFI, the country’s third-largest microfinance institution, andQueen City Development Bank, both headquartered in the city.
The IT-BPO, Shared Services, andknowledge process outsourcing (KPO) sectors thrive, leveraging high literacy and English proficiency, with Megaworld’sIloilo Business Park and SM Investments' SM Strata Twin tower hosting firms like Transcom Asia,Carelon Global Solutions ofElevance Health, Asurion, iQOR, Medrisk, Nearsol (now CXPerts), Xtend OPS, Crawford and Co., WNS GLobal, Reed Elsevier ofRELX, Stealth Monitoring (now Ecam), Atento, Connectys,Telus Digital,EXL,TTEC, Sagility,Concentrix,HGS, supported by annual IT, business, and medical graduates from universities in the city.[151][154][153]
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Tourism significantly boosts Iloilo’s economy, with the city serving as the gateway to Western Visayas. Festivals likeDinagyang,Kasadyahan,Paraw Regatta (Asia’s oldest sailing event), and theFeast of Our Lady of the Candles draw millions of visitors annually. Tourism slogans such as "Where the Past is Always Present" are coupled with the city's numerous centuries-old houses and buildings that coexist with its modern architecture. Attractions include heritage landmarks, museums, art galleries, parks, and a vibrant nightlife centered atSmallville Complex.
Iloilo’s Spanish-era heritage is showcased through its centuries-old churches, historic buildings, and mansions of prominent families. The city is also a gastronomic hub which has been hailed as the country's firstUNESCOCreative City of Gastronomy, is renowned for dishes likeLa Paz batchoy,pancit Molo,kansi,laswa,KBL (kadyos, baboy kag langka),chicken inasal, tinuom, andKMU (kadyos, manok, kag ubad).
In 2018, Iloilo recorded 1,242,087 tourist arrivals—the highest in Western Visayas—including 1,154,550 domestic visitors, 70,787 foreigners, and 16,750 overseas workers. This rose by 11.59 percent in 2019,[155] reaching approximately 1.39 million, and hit 1.4 million in 2020 despiteglobal challenges.[156] In 2024, Iloilo City's tourist arrival breached a 1 million mark. A total of 1,001,028 local and foreign tourists visited the city during the said year, higher by 12.95 percent compared to 2023’s 886,283 visitors.[157]
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Iloilo City is the shopping hub of Western Visayas since colonial times and has experienced a retail boom in the post-independence era.Hoskyn's Department Store, opened in 1877 onCalle Real, was the Philippines’ first department store,[158] introducing fixed pricing and offering diverse goods from English wool to machinery.[159][160] Acquired by the Que family post-World War II, it becameWashington Supermart.[161] Marymart Shopping Center opened in 1972, followed bySM Delgado in 1979—the first SM outside Manila—and The Atrium in 1993, a hotel-retail mix.
Modern malls includesSM City Iloilo, opened in 1999, which is the city's largest mall, Robinsons Iloilo,Robinsons Jaro, Gaisano Capital La Paz, Gaisano Capital Iloilo City Center, and Megaworld’sFestive Walk Iloilo and Festive Walk Parade—the latter the country’s longest dining strip.[162][163][164] Additional shopping centers include CityMall Tagbak, CityMall Parola, Jaro Town Square, GT Mall Molo, City Times Square, and The Shops at Atria byAyala Malls.
Upcoming mall developments include SM City Jaro, Sta. Lucia Mall, and Atria Gardens. Beyond the city center, malls on Iloilo City’s outskirts cater to growing suburban demand. Vista Mall Iloilo, part of the 500-hectare Vista Estate township, is located inOton. Other malls, including Robinsons Pavia, GT Plaza Pavia, and CityMall Ungka, are situated inPavia.
Culture and tradition play a significant role in shaping Iloilo City’s heritage. Home to numerous cultural institutions, including national museums, heritage houses, and mansions, Iloilo is sometimes referred to as the "museum city" and "city of mansions."
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Iloilo City hosts a wide variety of museums that cover ancient and contemporary art, cultural and economic history, and science. Artifacts predating the Spanish era—such as pottery, porcelain, gold, and plates—unearthed across Iloilo are displayed in these museums, alongside works by notable Filipino artists with roots in the region. TheWestern Visayas Regional Museum of theNational Museum of the Philippines, housed in the restored formerIloilo Provincial Jail, showcasing artifacts from different parts of the region. Its regional headquarters is located in the refurbished oldJaro Municipal Hall. Other museums feature memorabilia of prominent figures and families, artworks, and artifacts.
Among the notable museums in Iloilo City areMuseo Iloilo, the first government-built museum outside Manila, and theMuseum of Philippine Economic History, housed in a restored building once owned byYnchausti y Compania. The museum narrates the evolution of the Philippine economy and features 13 galleries with artifacts such as looms fromMiag-ao,T’nalak from Mindanao, and gold accessories fromPampanga.
TheMuseum of Philippine Maritime History, located at theIloilo Customs House, showcases the history of maritime trade in the Philippines. TheIloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) at Casa de Emperador inIloilo Business Park isMegaworld Corporation’s first museum project and the first in Visayas and Mindanao dedicated to modern and contemporary art.[165]
It includes five exhibit rooms, such as The Hulot Exhibit, featuring works by local and international artists likeSalvador Dalí,Marc Chagall, andJoan Miró.[166][167]
Other significant institutions include theHenry Luce III Museum and Library atCentral Philippine University, which houses the region’s largest library and collections like the Meyer Asian Collection,Second World War documents, andUNESCO-inscribedHinilawod Epic Chant recordings.[168] Other museums located within universities include theUniversity of San Agustin Museum,UPV Art Gallery,John B. Lacson Foundation Museum of Maritime Culture and Craft, and Rosendo Mejica Museum.
Heritage house museums, such asCamiña Balay Nga Bato, a 19th-century ancestral home inArevalo, andCasa Mariquit, Iloilo’s oldest-existing heritage house inJaro, are preserved ancestral houses. Other unique museums include the Agatona 1927 Museum Café, a heritage mansion transformed into a museum café, and theBrandy Museum, the first and only museum in the Philippines dedicated tobrandy, showcasing the histories of five brands underEmperador, Inc. Science XPdition Iloilo, located at theFestive Walk Mall, is Iloilo City's first museum focused entirely on science and interactive learning.
Iloilo’s cultural celebrations are deeply influenced byHispanic traditions and are sometimes referred to as the "festival capital" in the Philippines. TheDinagyang Festival, held every fourth Sunday of January, honors theSanto Niño de Cebu, is one of the largest and most popular festivals in the Philippines, while theKasadyahan Festival, the preceding Saturday, features a competition of regional festivals.
TheJaro Fiesta or the Feast of Our Lady of the Candles, held February 2, is the largest Marian festival outsideLuzon, honoring theVirgin of Candelaria, patron ofWestern Visayas,Negros Occidental, andRomblon, with pageantry, a carnival queen from wealthy Spanish-Filipino families, cockfighting at Iloilo Coliseum, and an agro-industrial fair atJaro Plaza. The IloiloChinese Lunar New Year, celebrating the city’s centuries-old Chinese community, is the largest such celebration outside Manila’sBinondo, rooted inMolo’s history as the second-oldestChinatown after Binondo.
The Festival of Lights and Music at Central Philippine University, the region’s longest-running university-based Christmas festival since 1991, illuminates its 24-hectare (59-acre) Jaro campus from December to January 6 with lights, carnival rides, and bazaars. TheParaw Regatta in February, Asia’s oldest traditional sailing event, includes competitions and festivities inArevalo. Recent additions like the Iloilo Summer Arts Festival (April–May since 2020) and the Iloilo Arts Festival (December since 2021) highlight Ilonggo visual and performing arts.[169]
Iloilo’s local government promotes the city as the "art capital" by transforming public spaces into canvases for murals and paintings depicting its history and culture, with support from local artists and real estate developers.[170] A notable example is the 3D mural ofDinagyang warriors atIloilo River Esplanade.
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Teatro Malhabour, recognized as the first cinema or movie house outside Manila, opened in July 1908, in Iloilo. The city also houses other prominent cinema houses including Cine Palace, the oldest still-existing and operating movie theater in Iloilo, and the now-defunct Cine Eagle, both built in 1928 and located onCalle Real. Modern cinemas in the city screen a wide array of present-day films, both national and international. TheFilm Development Council of the Philippines has also established acinematheque theater in the city.
The annual Iloilo Film Festival, held during Dinagyang, features a plethora of films screened during the festival. TheIloilo Convention Center is hosting international and local musical, band, and solo performances or concerts.[171] TheRose Memorial Auditorium atCentral Philippine University, the region’s largest theater, hosts events like theBombo Music Festival and is designated as aCultural Center of the Philippines Regional Art Center.[172][173]
Universities in Iloilo have established cultural and art groups gaining recognition for performances held nationally and internationally, some of which are sponsored by national cultural government agencies. TheUniversity of San Agustin has established the USA Troubadours, while Central Philippine University is home to theCPU Bahandi Singers, theCPU Handbell Choir (the first 8-octave handbell choir in the Philippines), and the CPU Sari-Saot Dance Troupe.[174][175]
Iloilo City is recognized as aUNESCOCreative City of Gastronomy and is widely regarded as the "Food Haven of the Philippines."[176][177] Its cuisine has Eastern and Western influences, shaped by the city’s central location and its historical role as a major port. Over three centuries of Spanish colonization have deeply influenced Ilonggo cuisine, introducing dishes shared with other Hispanic-influenced countries, such asmenudo,afritada,lechon,adobo, andestofadong baboy. Rooted in Asian traditions, rice remains a staple, typically served plain alongside these dishes. The city is renowned for dishes likeLa Paz batchoy,pancit Molo,kansi,KBL (kadyos, baboy kag langka),KMU (kadyos, manok kag ubad),chicken inasal, tinuom, andlaswa.[178]
A diverse range of restaurants in Iloilo also offers international cuisines, such asItalian,American,Japanese,Chinese,Vietnamese,German, andThai, while the growth of luxury hotels has introduced high-end buffets and exclusive dining experiences. Iloilo City is also the birthplace ofMang Inasal, the country’s first fast-food chain serving chicken inasal, founded in 2003 byEdgar Sia. From its origins in Iloilo, Mang Inasal has expanded nationwide.[179]
Spanish influence also introduced baking traditions to Iloilo, leading to the establishment of historic bakeries still operating today, including Panaderia ni Paa, established in the 1900s, and Deocampo: The Original Barquillos, founded in the 1800s, both located in Jaro, as well as Panaderia de Molo, also founded in the 1800s, in Molo. The bakeries are known for sweet delicacies such asbarquillos, thin rolled cookies, andbiscocho, hardened baked bread slices coated with milk and margarine.[180]
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The Iloilo City Sports Office oversees sports activities in Iloilo City, organizing competitions among itsseven districts. The Iloilo City Inter-District Basketball Tournament includes teams fromArevalo,Molo,Mandurriao,City Proper,La Paz,Jaro, andLapuz. The Iloilo City Basketball Club (ICBC) organizes basketball for organizations and companies in the city. TheIloilo Sports Complex in La Paz has a 7,000-seat stadium, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a running track, a football field, and courts for volleyball, basketball, tennis, and badminton, with an indoor gymnasium. The Iloilo City Sports Center at Jalandoni Memorial National High School in Lapuz, began development in 2021 for the Iloilo City Sports Academy.[181]
Iloilo City has three professional sports teams.Kaya F.C.–Iloilo competes in thePhilippines Football League (PFL),AFC Champions League, andAFC Cup, using the Iloilo Sports Complex as its home venue.D'Navigators Iloilo competes in theSpikers' Turf.Kaya Women's Futbol competes in thePFF Women’s League.
Iloilo City’s media include English tabloids like Panay News,The Daily Guardian, News Express, andSunstar Iloilo, with Hublas of Panay News as the soleHiligaynon tabloid, and Cream Magazine, a glossy lifestyle publication since 1989.Bombo Radyo Philippines, one of the largest radio network stations, was founded in Iloilo City in 1966.
Television began withDYAF-TV in 1964, evolving intoABS-CBN’sTV Patrol Panay on Channel 10 by 1998.GMA’s TV-6 Iloilo (now Channel 7) started in 1967, upgrading in 1998. Other stations includePTV (1992),IBC (1977),GMA News TV (2010), andTV5 Iloilo (2012).RMN’s BEAM TV 26, relaunched in 2010, with digital broadcasting in 2012.
Iloilo City serves as both the regional capital of Western Visayas and the provincial capital ofIloilo Province, functioning as a key economic center in the Philippines. Classified as a first-income-class,highly urbanized city (HUC), it hosts regional and provincial offices of national government agencies and operates independently from the province of Iloilo, meaning its residents cannot vote for provincial officials.
The city is governed by theMayor of Iloilo City, the chief executive, assisted by a vice mayor, and represented by alone congressman in theHouse of Representatives. The Iloilo City Council, a 15-member legislative body, is elected during general elections alongside the mayor and vice mayor, convening monthly atIloilo City Hall in sessions open to the public, with decisions typically prepared by various boards and committees.[182] The city is subdivided into 180 barangays, each led by a barangay captain elected in national barangay elections.[183]
Each of thecity's seven districts has a district president elected from among its barangay captains for theAssociation of Barangay Captains (ABC).[183] In 1955,Rodolfo Ganzon became the first popularly elected mayor, notable for authoring the Iloilo City Freedom Law, which restored residents’ rights to elect their mayor, vice mayor, and 10 councilors across the seven districts.[184][185]
| City Government of Iloilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | |||
| Raisa Maria Lourdes S. Treñas-Chu (NUP) | |||
| Vice Mayor | |||
| Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda (Lakas) | |||
| Sangguniang Panglungsod Members | |||
| Sedfrey L. Cabaluna (NUP) | Mandrie T. Malabor (NUP) | ||
| Jose Maria Miguel S. Treñas (NUP) | Johnny Y. Young (PFP) | ||
| Rex Marcus B. Sarabia (NUP) | Romel D. Duron (PFP) | ||
| Alan A. Zaldivar (PFP) | Rudolph Jeffrey O. Ganzon (NUP) | ||
| Lyndon V. Acap (NUP) | Sheen Marie S. Mabilog (Lakas) | ||
| Jose Maria B. Dela Llana (PFP) | Frances Graces V. Parcon-Torres (PFP) | ||
| ABC Presidents | |||
| Jaro – Rodel Mamon | Mandurriao – Ariel Mirar | ||
| La Paz – Ruby Ann Geanga | Molo – Lee Quimsing | ||
| City Proper – Madonna Martin | Lapuz – Arniel Asturias | ||
| Arevalo – Rico Francis Acap | |||
| SK Federation President | |||
| Jelma Crystel Implica | |||
Major roads in Iloilo City includeBenigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road), McArthur Drive,General Luna Street, Avanceña Street, E. Lopez Street, Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Avenue (Circumferential Road 1),Iznart Street, andMuelle Loney Street. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue, an eight-lane main road with a protected bike lane and two-lane service road, connects Iloilo City toPavia,Santa Barbara, andIloilo International Airport. Passengerjeepneys—distinctive for their sleek, sedan-like "passad" design—white metered taxis, and tricycles dominate city travel.
Jeepneys serve fixed routes on major and secondary roads and tricycles cover community streets. Large passad jeepneys, buses, and mini-shuttle vans link Iloilo City to the broader province,Panay, and beyond viaroll-on, roll-off (RO-RO) ferry services of theStrong Republic Nautical Highway, reachingMetro Manila,Mindoro,Batangas,Cebu,Negros andMindanao.
Iloilo City is among the first cities to adopt mini-bus-like modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in contrast to the national phase-out of older jeepneys under PresidentRodrigo Duterte’s administration.[186][187] In March 2019, theLand Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched aPremium Point-to-Point (P2P) Bus Service, offering express routes to airports inCabatuan,Kalibo, andCaticlan (Boracay).[188] Abus rapid transit (BRT) system is also being proposed for travel between Iloilo City and theinternational airport, as well as other parts in themetropolitan area.[189][190]
There are six integrated transport system (ITS) terminals in the city: the Iloilo North ITS Terminal (North Ceres Bus Terminal) in Tagbak,Jaro, serves northwestern Iloilo,Passi City, and northwestern Panay (Capiz,Aklan,Boracay). The Iloilo Central Line ITS Terminal (Pavia People's Terminal) in Ungka, Jaro, connects central Iloilo. The Aleosan ITS Terminal in Hibao-an,Mandurriao, links upland areas likeSan Miguel,Alimodian, andLeon, includingBucari.
The Iloilo South ITS Terminal (South Ceres Bus Terminal) in Mohon,Arevalo, covers southern Iloilo andAntique. The Iloilo North Coast ITS Terminal in Ticud,La Paz, reaches northern coastal towns likeCarles,Sicogon Island,Islas de Gigantes. The Festive Walk Transport Hub in Mandurriao, withinIloilo Business Park, provides a modern transit point for passengers within the city and nearby areas.
Iloilo City is widely known as the "Bicycling Capital of the Philippines" through the collaborative efforts of local and national governments, as well as stakeholders, to promote bike-friendly infrastructure. The city boasts nearly 100 kilometres (62 mi) of bicycle lanes, with the longest alongDiversion Road. Most sections of theIloilo River Esplanade also serve as dedicated bicycle lanes.[191][192][193] In 2019, the Dutch government partnered with Iloilo City to improve its cycling infrastructure.
Iloilo International Airport, the fifth-busiest in the Philippines, is the major airport serving Iloilo City. It is 19 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the city inCabatuan on a 188 hectares (460 acres) site. It was opened to commercial traffic in June 2007, replacing theold Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao. The new airport inherited its IATA and ICAO airport codes. It is linked to the city throughBenigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue and served by metered taxis, airport shuttle vans, multicabs, and P2P buses. The privatization of the airport is in the pipeline, with Filipino billionaireManny Villar’s Prime Asset Venture Incorporated (PAVI) as the proponent with the largest proposed budget at ₱20 billion.[194]
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ThePort of Iloilo, a primary seaport in the central Philippines, is located on Panay’s south coast along thePanay Gulf. It comprises several major facilities, including the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC), which occupies 20.8 hectares of reclaimed land. In 2024,International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) secured a 25-year deal to develop and manage the ICPC, renaming it the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT).
The Iloilo Domestic Port Complex (IDPC), nearFort San Pedro, handles ferries to other islands. Muelle Loney, opened in 1855, now accommodates smaller ships and fast ferries to nearby islands. The Port of Iloilo ranks third in ship visits (11,853), fourth in cargo volume (491,719 million metric tons), and fourth in passenger traffic (2.4 million) annually.
The ferry port in Parola, City Proper, uses small boats to connect to Guimaras.Roll-on, roll-off (RO-RO) ferries also serve nearby islands. TheIloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) in City Proper, spanning 21 hectares, is the main fish trading hub in the Visayas, supplying stores, hotels, and markets locally and internationally. In March 2022, it received ₱570 million to develop a fish plant, canning area, and new energy source.[195]
The railway system on the island of Panay, operated byPanay Railways, originally ran fromMuelle Loney Wharf along theIloilo River toRoxas City inCapiz.[196] It operated for nearly 80 years, beginning in 1907, but ceased operations in the 1980s due to mounting losses and cash flow problems. Since its closure, there have been multiple proposals to revive the railway system. In 2022, Panay Railways announced its openness to foreign ownership as part of efforts to reconstruct its former train lines. The proposed revival aims to reconnect major cities in Panay, including Iloilo City, Roxas City, and potentially extend the system to Caticlan (Boracay) inMalay, Aklan.[197]
Iloilo City gets its power from two big plants in Ingore, La Paz. The Panay Power Corporation runs a 72 megawatts (MW) diesel fuel power plant. The Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) runs a 164 MW coal power plant.[198][199] PEDC plans for a third coal plant to the existing 164 MW setup, which will make an extra 150 MW, bringing the total to 404 MW for Panay and Guimaras islands.[200]
ThePanay Electric Company (PECO) handled power distribution in Iloilo City since 1923, making it one of the oldest private electric power companies in the Philippines.[201] In 2019,MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), owned by Spanish-Filipino billionaireEnrique K. Razon became the new sole power distribution company in the city. Since then, it introduced modern power services in the city, including the installation of an underground cabling system.
Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) is the city’s sole water supplier.[202] It was established as a joint venture of Metro Pacific Water (MPW) and Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to improve clean water supply for Iloilo City and as well as the wholeIloilo metropolitan area.[203][204] In 2025, MPW began construction of theIloilo Desalination Plant, which is set to become the largest desalination facility in the Philippines.[205] The city has also begun constructing a new integrated solid waste management facility in Ingore, La Paz as the sanitary landfill in Calahunan, Mandurriao, which has served Iloilo City for years, is nearing the end of its lifespan and is expected to reach full capacity by 2026.[206]
The Iloilo City Health Office, in collaboration with theDepartment of Health (DOH), oversees the planning and implementation of city government healthcare programs, including free immunizations for children targeting seven major diseases: smallpox, diphtheria, tetanus, yellow fever, whooping cough, polio, and measles. The city operates health centers in its barangays under the City Health Office’s supervision.
Three government-run hospitals serve the city:West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC),Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), and the under-construction Iloilo City Hospital (ICH). Some of the private and church-affiliated hospitals in the city areIloilo Mission Hospital (IMH) and St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo (SPH Iloilo), both are heritage healthcare institutions.
Other private facilities includeThe Medical City-Iloilo (TMC Iloilo), Healthway QualiMed Hospital Iloilo (HQHI), Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center (MIHMC), Medicus Medical Center (MMC), Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital (IDH), Medicus Cancer Institute (MCI), Asia Pacific Medical Center–Iloilo (APMC Iloilo), Seamen’s AMEOSUP Hospital, and the under-construction Supercare Medical Services/Center. Notable maternity centers include the La Paz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center (LMRHC) and CPU Birthing Center.
The Iloilo City Government has introduced an ordinance to position the city as a medical tourism hub. Iloilo has already drawn international patients for follow-up consultations. Local plastic surgeons have also started expanding into aesthetic procedures, though much of their practice remains focused on reconstructive surgeries for conditions such as burns, cleft lips, and palates.[207] Western Visayas region as a whole also continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for healthcare technology service providers.[208] In July 2025, the first-ever awake brain surgery in the region was successfully performed atWestern Visayas Medical Center.[209]
Iloilo City serves as the primary educational hub of the Western Visayas region, with the city and province of Iloilo collectively hosting ten prominent universities. The city itself is home to eight higher education institutions.
Three government-owned universities operate in Iloilo City:
Beyond these, a new campus ofNational University (1900) is under construction next toSM City Iloilo inMandurriao. TheAteneo Graduate School of Business, part ofAteneo de Manila University (1859), operates a satellite campus atAteneo de Iloilo (1958), offering a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program as a step toward establishing a full university.Philippine Christian University (1946) andGuimaras State University (1964) also maintain smaller extension programs in the city.
The Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), administered by the city government in collaboration with CHED. Additionally, Iloilo City hosts numerous private colleges and schools, includingIloilo Doctors' College (1972), Westbridge School for Boys (PAREF),St. Therese – MTC Colleges,Western Institute of Technology (1964), and religious institutions such as Ateneo de Iloilo,Angelicum School Iloilo (1978), andColegio de San Jose (1872)—the oldest girls’ school in Western Visayas. Religious training centers include St. Joseph Regional Seminary,St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary (1869), and Mill Hill Formation House. TheDepartment of Education – Division of Iloilo City oversees 88 private schools and 52 public schools.[212][213]
Iloilo City is twinned with:[214][215][216]
Iloilo City also has friendly relations with:[214]
In the Bisayas were the Cities of the Holy Name of God (Cebu), and on the island of Panay, Arévalo (or Iloilo). The first maintained something of the importance attaching to the first Spanish settlement. It had its stone fort and was also the seat of a bishopric. It was visited by trading-vessels from the Moluccas, and by permit of the king enjoyed for a time the unusual privilege of sending annually a ship loaded with merchandise to New Spain. Arévalo had about eighty Spanish inhabitants, and a monastery of the Augustinians.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.Iloilo City, dubbed as the "City of Mansions," is an ideal venue as it is a home to well-preserved heritage structures during the Spanish and American period such as churches, ancestral houses, and commercial buildings.
| Preceded by | Capital of theSpanish East Indies 1569–1571 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Capital of theSpanish East Indies 1898–1899 | Independence declared |
Places adjacent to Iloilo City | |
|---|---|
La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloílo | ||
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