Iloilo City
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| City of Iloilo Lungsod ng Iloilo Ciudad sang Iloilo |
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| Nickname: Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad ("Most Loyal and Noble City") | |||
| Motto: The Next Big Thing! | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | Philippines | ||
| Region | Western Visayas (Region VI) | ||
| Congressional Districts | Lone District of Iloilo City | ||
| Sub-Districts | Jaro, La Paz-Lapuz, Mandurriao, Villa de Arevalo, Molo, City Proper | ||
| Barangays | 180 | ||
| Incorporated (town) | 1700s | ||
| Incorporated (city) | July 16, 1937 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Jerry P. Treñas (Lakas-CMD) | ||
| - Vice Mayor | Jed Patrick Mabilog (Lakas-CMD) | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 70.3 km² (27.1 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 12.0 m (39.4 ft) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| - Total | 418,710 | ||
| - Density | 5,981/km² (15,490.7/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP code | 5000 | ||
| Area code(s) | 55 | ||
| Website: www.iloilocity.gov.ph | |||
The City of Iloilo (Filipino: Lungsod ng Iloilo, Hiligaynon: Ciudad sang Iloilo) is the capital of, but independent from, the province of Iloilo. It is the regional center of the Western Visayas region, as well as its economic center.
Iloilo was historically one of the major agricultural centers of the Philippines, exporting sugar, copra, bananas, mangoes and other natural resources during the Spanish and American colonial periods.
In the 2007 census, Iloilo City had a population of 418,710 households with a 2.0% annual growth rate. It is the ninth most populous city in the Philippines. Average population density is 5981 people per square kilometer, one of the most dense in the country.
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[edit] History
Even before the Spanish colonizers came, Iloilo had a flourishing economy. Lore has it that in the 13th century, ten Bornean datus came to the island of Panay and bartered a gold hat (salakot) for the plains and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, named Paiburong, was given the territory of Irong-Irong.
In 1566, as the Spanish conquest of the Philippines was underway and moving north toward Manila, the Spaniards under Miguel López de Legazpi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero, a position which would later become governor in later years.
In 1581 Ronquillo moved the town center approximately 12 km east due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates and Dutch and English privateers, and renamed the area La Villa de Arevalo in honor of his hometown in Ávila, Spain.
In 1700, due to ever-increasing raids especially from the Dutch and the Moros, the Spaniards again moved their seat of power some 25 km eastward to the village of Irong-Irong, which had a natural and strategic defense against raids and where, at the mouth of the river that snakes through Panay, they built Fort San Pedro to better guard against the raids which were now the only threat to the Spaniards' hold on the islands. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong was shortened to Iloilo and with its natural port quickly became the capital of the province.
In the late 18th century, the development of large-scale weaving industry started the movement of Iloilo's surge in trade and economy in the Visayas. Sometimes referred to as the "Textile Capital of the Philippines", the products were exported to Manila and other foreign places. Sinamay, piña and jusi are examples of the products produced by the looms of Iloilo. Because of the rise of textile industry, there was also a rise of the upper middle class. However, the introduction of cheap textile from UK and the emergence of the sugar economy, the industry waned in the mid-19th century.
The waning textile industry was replaced however by the opening of Iloilo's port to world market in 1855. Because of this, Iloilo's industry and agriculture was put on direct access to foreign markets. But what triggered the economic boom of Iloilo in the 19th century was the development of sugar industry in Iloilo and its neighboring island of Negros. Sugar during the 19th century was of high demand. Nicholas Loney, the British vice-consul in Iloilo developed the industry by giving loans, constructing warehouses in the port and introduced new technologies in sugar farming. The rich families of Iloilo developed large areas of Negros, which later called haciendas because of the sugar's high demand in the world market. Because of the increase in commercial activity, infrastructures, recreational facilities, educational institutions, banks, foreign consulates, commercial firms and much more sprouted in Iloilo. Due to the economic development that was happening in Iloilo, the Queen Regent of Spain raised the status of the town into a city, honored it with the title La muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloilo, and in 1890, the city government was established.
In 1896, the initial reaction of Ilonggos in the outbreak of the Revolution in Manila was hesitant. Yet because of the Spanish colonizers blow by blow defeat by at first with the Katipunan and later by the Americans, Ilonggos later on got involved with the fight for independence. On the other hand, after surrendering Manila to the Americans, the Spanish colonial government moved their seat of power to Iloilo.
In October of 1898, the Ilonggo leaders agreed to revolt against the Spaniards. By December 25, 1898, the Spanish government surrendered to the Ilonggo revoltionaries in Plaza Alfonso XVII (Plaza Libertad today). Although the Ilonggos were victorious, the American forces arrived in Iloilo in late December 1898 and started to mobilize for colonization by February 1899. Resistance was the reaction of Ilonggos upon the invasion which went up until 1901.[1]
The Americans reverted the city's status into a township again, yet because of the continuous commercial activities and because it was an important port of call in the Visayas-Mindanao area, it gained cityhood status once more in July 16, 1937 incorporating the towns of Molo, Jaro, Mandurriao, La Paz and Villa de Arevalo. During the Commonwealth era, Iloilo was prosperous and was popularly known as The Queen City of the South.
However, prosperity did not continued as the sugar's demand was declining, labor unrests were happening in the port area that scared the investors away and the opening of the sub-port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental, has moved the sugar importation closer to the sugar farms. By 1942, the Japanese invaded Panay and the economy moved into a standstill.
During World War II, Iloilo was controlled by several Japanese Battalions, Japan's ultimate goal was to entrench itself deeply into the Philippines so that at the close of the war they could occupy it just as the Spanish and the Americans had years before. However, when Filipino & American forces liberated Iloilo from Japanese military occupation on March 25, 1945 the remnants of these battalions were held in Jaro Plaza as a make-shift detention facility.
By the end of the war, Iloilo's economy, life and infrastructure were damaged. However, the continuing conflict between the labor unions in the port area, declining sugar economy and the deteriorating peace and order situation in the countryside and the exodus of Ilonggos to other cities and islands that offered better opportunities and businessmen moved to other cities such as Bacolod and Cebu led to Iloilo's demise in economic importance in southern Philippines.
By the 1960s towards 1990s, Iloilo's economy progressed in a moderate pace. The construction of the fish port, international seaport and other commercial firms that invested in Iloilo marked the movement of the city making it as the regional center of Western Visayas.
[edit] Language
Hiligaynon is the language spoken in Iloilo City. It is also called Ilonggo. English is used as the language of business and education. In addition, English, Tagalog and other local languages such as Kinaray-a are spoken.
[edit] Government
Mayor: Jerry P. Treñas Vice Mayor: Jed Patrick Mabilog
City Councilors:
- Jose Espinosa III
- Lyndon Acap
- Eldrid Antiquiera
- Arman Parcon
- Jeffrey P. Ganzon
- Neil Lex Tupas
- Ely Estante
- Erwin Plagata
- Antonio Pesina
- Perla Zulueta
- Juliene Baronda
- Eduardo L. Peñaredondo
Ex-officio Councilors:
- ABC President: Irene Ong
- SK President: John Melchor Mabilog
District Representative: Raul Gonzalez, Jr.
[edit] Political Subdivisions
Iloilo City is politically subdivided into 180 barangays. The barangays are grouped into six districts [1]:
- Arevalo (13 barangays)
- City Proper (45 barangays)
- Jaro (42 barangays)
- La Paz (37 barangays)
- Mandurriao (18 barangays)
- Molo (25 barangays)
All of the districts of Iloilo City were once individual towns. They were incorporated into Iloilo when it became a city in 1937. All districts have their own churches, which are part of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
[edit] Economy
The strategic location of Iloilo City at the heart of the Philippines, makes it an ideal hub for trade, commerce and industry. Its universities and colleges provide the skilled and talented labor which together with its port facilities, telecommunications infrastructure and utilites have a major impact in attracting businesses and industries focused mainly in banking and finance, retail trading, and customer service - BPO.
The city draws on the region's extensive range of raw materials and its large consumer market. The local government has provided incentives to business in preferred investment areas, such as income tax holidays and free issuance of permits and licenses.
[edit] Trade and industry
There are 8,407 business establishments as of December 2003 in Iloilo City,[2] of which 1,182 are new. Total capital investments for new business establishments is P365,506,020.92. However, both new and renewed capital investments for the year 2003 amounted to Php 13.02 billion.
Private building constructions totaled 822 in 2003 with a total construction cost of P 1,005,443,542.74 Business names registered at Dept. of Trade & Industry (DTI) totaled 1,911 with the total investment of P 4,116,492,305.95.
Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is 66.0 % (April, 2003). 79.5 % of the Labor Force are employed where 20.5 % constitute unemployment rate; while visible underemployed rate is 11.9 %. Of the employed person by type of industry from primary occupation 82 % belongs to service sector, 14 % belongs industry sector and only 4 % are in agriculture (as of April 2003 FIES, NSO).
Average Annual Family Income (at current prices) is P 283,604 or a percentage increase of 32.3 between 1994 to 1997 while Average Annual Family Expenditures is P 226,887 or a 25.6% increase (2000 FIES). Average per Capita Income is P 65,036 and Average Per Capita Expenditures is P 51,557 (FIES 2000). Average Inflation Rate is 3.2, the Average Purchasing Power of the Peso is 0.62 and the Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) is 162.6 in 2003. (Source: NSO, Prices Section).
Volume of Fish Unloaded and Auctioned at Iloilo Fishing Port Complex is 28,037,695 kg While Volume of Finished Fish Products shipped out is 241,863 kg in 2003. Also a total of 345,335 kg of materials was also processed at Iloilo Fishing Port Complex (IFPC).
[edit] Infrastructure
The city is readily accessible by air via the Iloilo International Airport, the fourth busiest airport in the country located just 19 km north in the suburbs of Sta. Barbara. Regular direct transfer flights via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila readily connects the city to other other cities worldwide. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines fly regular daily domestic flights from Manila and Cebu. Domestic flights to Davao and international flights to Hong Kong and Incheon, South Korea are being studied.
The city mostly gets its power from Panay Power Corporation and through an interconnection to the local Visayan grid with the Negros and Leyte Geothermal Power Plants. Power is distributed by the Panay Electric Company, Inc.
The city is served by a domestic and international port, a river wharf for regional shipping and a much smaller inter-island wharf, all in or at the vicinity of the Iloilo River. These are all handled by the Philippine Ports Authority.
Telecommunication facilities, broadband and wireless internet connections are readily available and are provided by some of the country's largest telecommunication companies.
Mass transportation throughout the city is provided by the popular jeepneys.
The city has few major roads, none wider than four lanes and traffic congestion can be rather nasty during rush hour on classdays. A single vehicular fly-over has been constructed to alleviate traffic at the intersection of General Luna Street and Aquino Avenue, the main east-west and north-south thoroughfares. There are very few traffic lights directing traffic and none of them are in any way coordinated centrally.
There are two government hospitals: Western Visayas Medical Center and West Visayas State University Medical Center; and six private hospitals: St. Paul's Hospital, Iloilo Doctors' Hospital, Amosup Seamen's Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Saviour International Hospital, and St. Therese-MTCC Hospital; providing healthcare facilites to the residents of Iloilo City.[3] There are also several privately owned condo-clinics.
[edit] Education
Iloilo City has one of the highest literacy rates in the country and is an educational center in the Western Visayas region.[citation needed]
It is the home of two highly respected government-run universities, University of the Philippines, Visayas and West Visayas State University.
Secular universities like the University of San Agustin and the Central Philippine University are known for degrees in law, engineering and the liberal arts. The non-secular University of Iloilo is also known for its law courses and its criminology department. St. Paul University Iloilo is renowned for its health service courses while the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University is at the forefront of maritime education.
There are also 16 other colleges and numerous specialized educational institutions like english-language schools for Korean nationals.
[edit] Youth
The Iloilo City Government joins H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation with its founding Chairman and city Vice Mayor Hon. Jed Patrick Mailog and other major sponsors like ABS-CBN Iloilo and the Iloilo (Host) Lions Club in conducting the annual Search for "Ang Batang Lider" - The Outstanding Student Leaders of Iloilo City (TOSLIC).
Now on its 6th year, TOSLIC recognizes secondary schools student leaders around the city who have achieved exemplary leadership performance in promoting projects and activities geared towards students development and welfare which has significant impact in the lives of the youth; for spearheading and promoting the ideals of the young people in their desire to render community service to the Ilonggos.
The competition was first launched last school year 2002-2003 with only ten awardees. It was formerly called, Ten Outstanding Student Leaders of Iloilo City.
The competition is now divided into three categories namely Public and National High Schools, Private High Schools, State Universities and Colleges as it gives honour and recognition to 5 student leaders per category who have surpassed their screning procedures like the passing of scrapbooks containing their conducted activities, programs and other achievements and the interview portion that have been held at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Ed Tech Center.
Among its top annual winners include the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Western Visayas College of Science and Technology Laboratory School, Colegio de San Jose, St. Joseph School, Sun Yat Sen High School, and Iloilo Central Commercial High School.
After being informed as winners, they undergo TV and Radio interviews such as in Sikat Ka Iloilo! of ABS-CBN and in the three top local radio stations.
The Awarding Ceremony is usually held at the Activity Center of Robinson's Place Iloilo. The awardees first have deliver their speeches before the actual awarding together with their school administrators and parents.
TOSLIC has become one of the prestigious competitions and have inspired other cities and municipalities in the country to give due credit and recognition to efforts done by secondary school student leaders as contribution of benefits and positive change for the students, school, organization and the society.
Every school year, most secondary schools in the city are looking forward to excel in this competition.
[edit] Landmarks
- Molo Church
- 3 kilometers from the city proper; Gothic renaissance church of coral rock; completed in 1800s. The church was visited by Jose Rizal along the way to his exile in Dapitan, Mindanao.
- Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral
- 3 kilometers from the city proper; seat of Jaro Archbishopric embracing Western Visayas. The church contains the "miraculous" Our Lady of Candles, which the feast day is celebrated every 2nd of February.
- Jaro Belfry
- Ruined in 1948 earthquake, but now restored. One of the few belfries in country that stands apart from the church.
- Calle Real (Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District)
- Old buildings that were constructed in the Commonwealth era in J.M Basa (Calle Real), Iznart, Aldeguer and Guanco were declared as a heritage site of Iloilo. It showcases the unique architecture of the downtown area.
- Museo Iloilo
- Repository of Iloilo's cultural heritage.
- Distrito Jaro
- 3 kilometers from the city proper; old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand, seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas.
- La Villa de Arevalo
- 6 kilometers southwest of city proper; 2nd capital of the Alcaldia of Panay; flower and firecracker district of Iloilo City.
- Muelle Loney
- The River Port of Iloilo named after British Consul Nicholas Loney, who is considered the father of sugar industry in Panay and Negros. Considered one of the safest harbours because Guimaras protects it from winds. It was opened to international market in 1855.
- Arroyo Fountain
- The regional kilometer zero point.
[edit] Malls and Shopping Centers
Being the regional capital and the regional transportation hub, Iloilo City has a number of malls serving it, among them: SM City Iloilo (at 101,000 sqm floor area, it is the largest mall in the region), SM Delgado, SM Jaro (which houses Iloilo City's first Hypermart), Robinson's Place Iloilo (the city's second largest mall and the largest Robinson's Mall outside Metro Manila, Iloilo City Hall is currently temporarily located on its 3rd level), Gaisano City Iloilo (it is the largest Gaisano Mall in the region with a floor area of 72,000 sqm), Marymart Mall, The Atrium, Amigo Mall, Times Square.
[edit] Sister cities
Iloilo has one sister city worldwide:
[edit] References
- ^ Funtecha, Henry. "Iloilo Through Time". Iloilo Yearbook 2005. Iloilo City. 2005,
- ^ http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2007/economy/economy.php Official website City Government of Iloilo
- ^ Stockton Sister Cities Association - Iloilo City, Philippines
[edit] External links
- Iloilo City Government Official Website
- Iloilo Provincial Government Official Website
- Iloilo Online Community
- More photos and information on Iloilo City
- Iloilo Photos and Information from an Expat
- Abs-Cbn Interactive, 6,000-strong force to secure revelers in Dinagyang Festival
- www.gmanews.tv, Iloilo's Dinagyang goes into full swing
- www.gmanews.tv/video, GMA stars grace Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo - 01/29/2008 (in Filipino)
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