The territorial expansion of Iloilo City with its seven districts.
Arevalo was the first municipality in the area to be formally settled and established by the Spanish. It initially served as the capital of the province of Oton (now Iloilo province) before the seat of power was moved to a location near the mouth of the Iloilo River known as La Punta and later became Iloilo. The new capital gradually developed into a thriving business center and, by the 19th century, had emerged as a significant trading port. Iloilo gained cityhood on October 5, 1889, and as the city expanded, nearby municipalities were considered for incorporation.
Jaro officially became a city in 1891. In 1903, Jaro (including Leganes), La Paz, Mandurriao, and Molo were merged with the city of Iloilo. Pavia was also incorporated into Iloilo in 1905, but on February 15, 1908, both Jaro and Pavia were separated from Iloilo, with Pavia being re-established as part of Jaro. La Paz also regained its autonomy in 1920.
On July 16, 1937, Iloilo was officially re-chartered by the American government, and the surrounding municipalities of Arevalo, La Paz, Mandurriao, and Molo were consolidated into the city.[1] Jaro, following the separation of Leganes and Pavia in the 1920s, was formally absorbed into Iloilo City on January 7, 1941.
On December 17, 2008, Lapuz, which had been a sub-district of La Paz since the Spanish colonial period, was officially separated and recognized as Iloilo City’s seventh and newest district. For several years prior to its formal separation, Lapuz had already functioned as a de facto district, even having its own district president, similar to the other districts of the city.[2]
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Description and list of barangays
Summarize
Perspective
Iloilo City has a total of 180 barangays throughout its seven districts.
City Proper is the second-most densely populated district and is considered the heart of Iloilo City.[3][4] It serves as the civic center, housing the offices of both the city and provincial governments, as well as various local and regional government agencies for the Western Visayas.[5] For much of Iloilo's history, economic activity was centered in this district. However, in recent years, development has gradually shifted toward Mandurriao and Jaro, mainly due to limited space for new infrastructure in the old downtown area.[6]
The district is also known for its well-preserved commercial buildings from the late 19th to early 20th century, such as the Eusebio Villanueva Building, Javellana Building, and the Aduana Building, which can be found along many of its historic streets.
City Proper has the most barangays among all the districts, with a total of 45, and has a population density of around 13,000 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the city.
Molo Mansion in Molo, the city's most densely populated district
Molo is the most densely populated district in Iloilo City, with a population density of 14,000 people per square kilometer, and is the second-most populated district overall. It is known for the gothic-renaissanceMolo Church and several heritage houses, including the Yusay-Consing Mansion, popularly known as the Molo Mansion.[9][10]
The district is the origin of Pancit Molo, a pork dumpling soup made with wonton wrappers.[11] Historically, Molo was recognized as the Chinese district of Iloilo, where many Chinese Filipino residents lived. It is also referred to as the "Athens of the Philippines" for being the birthplace of several prominent Filipino philosophers and political leaders.[12]
Molo is composed of 25 barangays. The barangay of Calumpang is the most populous in Iloilo City, with a population of 15,568 (2024 census).
Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, the city's most modern and commercially developed district
Mandurriao is the second-largest district in Iloilo City by land area and the third-most populous. It is known for its modern, large-scale mixed-use developments, such as Iloilo Business Park, Atria Park District, SM Iloilo Complex, and Smallville Business Complex, where many of the city’s high-rise buildings are located. The district is also home to numerous upscale restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, condominiums, and business process outsourcing (BPO) offices. It houses SM City Iloilo, the largest mall in the city.[13]
Ferry port in Lapuz, the smallest and least populous district in the city
Lapuz is the smallest district in Iloilo City in terms of land area and population. It is considered the gateway to the city, as it is home to key transport hubs including the Iloilo International Port, the Iloilo Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) Port, and the Iloilo Fastcraft Terminal.[15]
The district of Lapuz is composed of 12 barangays.
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