Molo () is a district in Iloilo City, in Iloilo Province, on Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the most densely populated district of all the seven districts of Iloilo City. It was originally a separate municipality before it became part of Iloilo through Act No. 719 of 1903. Molo's historical significance stems from its role as the Parián or Chinatown of Iloilo, where the Chinese residents of the city resided.
Molo is often referred to as the "Athens of the Philippines" due to its association with influential Filipino intellectuals and political leaders. Many renowned Philippine Ilustrados, philosophers, and political figures were born in Molo. The district has produced numerous chief justices, senators, governors, generals, congressmen, and cabinet officials throughout history.
Molo is home to the iconic Molo Church, a centuries-old church located in front of the Molo Plaza. The church is a notable landmark and holds cultural and religious significance. Molo is also famous for its local culinary delight, Pancit Molo, a popular dish named after the district where it originated.
With a population of 76,393 people according to the 2020 census, Molo is the second-most populous district in Iloilo City, following Jaro.
Etymology
The name "Molo" came from the word "moro", the name of the Islamic group called Moro that frequently raided the town. The town's population had a predominance of Chinese, who had difficulty pronouncing the "r" and kept pronouncing molo instead of moro.
History
Molo was founded as a Chinese district or Chinatown in 1637. Chinese traders supplying the colonists settled in the area, and it was formally recognized by the Spaniards as Parián. Throughout the 1800s, Molo flourished as a center of learning in the Visayas region, earning the nickname "Athens of the Philippines" for its intellectual and cultural prominence.
In 1896, José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, visited Molo on his way to Manila from exile in Dapitan. He was captivated by the beauty of the Molo Church and exclaimed, "La iglesia bonita!" (The beautiful church) in admiration.
During the same period, a group known as the "Conspirators' Committee" or Comite Conspirador was formed in Molo. This committee played a significant role in planning an uprising against the Spanish colonial authorities. In August 1898, the revolution spread throughout Panay Island, with Molo at its forefront. The revolutionaries established a temporary revolutionary government, which became known as the Provisional Government of the District of Visayas.
On July 16, 1937, Molo was incorporated into Iloilo City as a district, alongside the towns of Arevalo, La Paz, and Mandurriao, through Act No. 719 of 1903. This consolidation brought together these distinct areas under the administration of Iloilo City, further contributing to the city's growth and development.
Geography
Molo is the third-smallest district in Iloilo City, with an area of . It is away from Iloilo City Proper. Molo shares borders with Arevalo to the west, Mandurriao to the north, La Paz to the northeast, and City Proper to the east. The district is the location of the mouth of the Batiano River, which then empties into the Iloilo Strait in the southeast part of the district.
Barangays
The district of Molo has a total of 25 barangays.
Calumpang
Cochero
Compania
East Baluarte
East Timawa
Habog-Habog Salvacion
Infante
Kasingkasing
Katilingban
Molo Boulevard
North Avanceña
North Baluarte
North Fundidor
North San Jose
Poblacion
San Antonio
San Juan
San Pedro
South Baluarte
South Fundidor
South San Jose
Taal
Tap-oc
West Habog-Habog
West Timawa
Economy
The district of Molo is one of the major commercial areas in Iloilo City. It is home to various government agencies, including regional offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). These agencies play crucial roles in providing social services and ensuring tax compliance in the region.