Iloilo City Proper (City Proper) (also locally known as Downtown, Ciudad, Iloilo Poblacion, or simply Iloílo) is a district in Iloilo City, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It holds great historical significance as the birthplace of modern-day Iloilo City and serves as a civic center, hosting the city and provincial government offices, as well as various local, provincial, and regional government establishments. The district also serves as the primary hub for financial institutions, with banks and other firms dispersed throughout its streets.
Iloilo City Proper stands as the present-day economic and financial center of Iloilo, playing a vital role in the region's commerce and trade. According to the 2020 census, it is home to a population of 46,350 people, making it the second most densely populated district after Molo.
The district's name, Iloilo City Proper, derives from its historical reference to Irong-Irong, which eventually influenced the name of the entire city and province. In the past, it was known as Yloylo or Iloílo, reflecting its original name.
In the present era, Iloilo City Proper still retains the charm of its 19th and 20th-century architecture. The district showcases a collection of well-preserved old buildings, particularly along J.M. Basa Street, popularly referred to as Calle Real. These historic structures add to the city's cultural and architectural richness.
Etymology
The name "Iloilo" is derived from the older name "Ilong-ilong" (Philippine Spanish: Ilong̃-ílong̃) meaning "nose-like", referring to the promontory between two rivers (Iloilo and Batiano) where the Fort San Pedro and the 17th-century Spanish port in the district were located.
History
Spanish colonial period (1600s–1800s)
Early colonial period
Iloilo City Proper, or simply Iloilo, was founded and inhabited as La Punta in 1602 when Spanish and Chinese residents from Jaro and Molo, respectively, expanded their territorial areas. In 1700, it became the capital and the seat of power of the Spaniards in the province, which they transferred from La Villa Rica de Arevalo due to continuous attacks by Moros and Dutch.
Late colonial period and economic boom
Iloilo emerged as a trading port in the 19th century. Its geographical and economic significance eventually evolved when China, Norway, and the United Kingdom opened up their consulates to conduct trade and commerce in the town, especially during its foundation as an international port in the 1850s. As a result, the commercial activity in Iloilo increased, as well as the infrastructures, recreational facilities, education institutions, banks, foreign consulates, and commercial firms.
Cityhood
On October 5, 1889, due to the economic development in Iloilo, making it the most important port in the Philippines next to the capital, Manila, Iloilo was raised from the status of a town to a city through a royal decree, and in 1890, the city government was established.
Revolutionary period (1896–1898) Due to the loyalty of the Ilonggos, the city of Iloilo was honored with the perpetual title of La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad (The Most Loyal and Noble City). The royal decree granting this title was signed on March 1, 1898, by Queen Regent Maria Christina of Spain. Over time, this title earned for Iloilo the reputation of being the Queen's Favored City in the South or simply Queen's City in the South, which later evolved into the Queen City of the South, being the second Spanish port of importance next to Manila and being located south of the archipelago's capital city.
On December 25, 1898, the Spanish government surrendered to the Ilonggo revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado at Plaza Alfonso XII (now Plaza Libertad). It was site where the Philippine flag was raised for the first time on the island of Panay.
American colonial period (1900–1941)
Iloilo City consolidation
In the 20th century, all economic activities shifted from Jaro and Molo to the city of Iloilo when businesses aggressively flourished here. It was re-chartered by the American government on July 16, 1937, and absorbed the old towns of Molo, Arevalo, Mandurriao, and La Paz. On January 7, 1941, the city of Jaro was also incorporated into greater Iloilo City.
21st century
Iloilo City Proper, as a district, remains the economic and political center of the city and the whole province.