Iloilo City Proper
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
Iloílo | |
|---|---|
From top, left to right: Iloilo City Proper skyline; E. Villanueva Building; Iloilo City Hall; Old Iloilo City Hall; S. Javellana Building; Iloilo Customs House; Casa Real de Iloilo | |
| Nickname(s): Old Iloilo, Heart of Iloilo | |
| Motto(s): La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad (The Most Loyal and Noble City) | |
Location within Iloilo City | |
Iloilo City Proper Location in the Philippines Iloilo City Proper Iloilo City Proper (Philippines) | |
| Coordinates: 10°41′42.7194″N 122°33′52.92″E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Western Visayas (Region VI) |
| Province | Iloilo (geographically only) |
| City | Iloilo City |
| Congressional District | Lone district of Iloilo City |
| Established | 1602 |
| Cityhood | October 5, 1889 |
| Reincorporated (as district) | July 16, 1937 |
| Barangays | 45 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jerry Treñas (Mayor of Iloilo City) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.75 km2 (1.45 sq mi) |
| Population (2020 census) | |
| • Total | 46,350 |
| • Density | 12,360/km2 (32,000/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Ilonggo |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time) |
| ZIP code | 5000 |
| Area code | 33 |
| Patron saint | Santo Niño (district patronal saint) |
| Feast day | Fourth Sunday of January in honor of Señor Santo Niño or Holy Child Jesus (coincides with Dinagyang Festival) |
| Native languages | Hiligaynon |
| Website | www |
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The district's name, Iloilo City Proper, derives from its historical reference to Irong-Irong, which eventually influenced the name of the entire city and province.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.