Iloilo - Definition and Overview

Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Iloilo City and is located at the southeast portion of Panay island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is the island-province of Guimaras and across Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Province of Iloilo

Ph_seal_iloilo.png
Image:Ph_seal_iloilo.png

Region: Western Visayas (Region VI)

Capital: Iloilo City

Founded: —

Population:
2000 census—1,925,002 (7th largest)
Density—408 per km² (11th highest)

Area: 4,719.4 km² (22nd largest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—1
Component cities—1
Municipalities—20
Barangays—1,901
Congressional districts—6†

Languages: Ilonggo

Governor: Niel D. Tupas (2001-2004)

† Includes the district of Iloilo City

People and Culture

Economy

Geography

Political

Iloilo is subdivided into 42 municipalities and 2 cities.

Cities

• Passi City
• Iloilo City

Municipalities

Physical

History

(Taken from the Official Iloilo City Website)

Irong-Irong appears in the Maragtas legend of the coming of ten Bornean datus (Chieftains) to Panay who bartered gold for the plain s and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, Paiburong by name, was given the territory of Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). For 300 years before the coming of the Spaniards, the islanders live in comparative prosperity and peace under an organized government and such laws as the Codes of Kalantiaw. In 1566, the Spaniards under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton, Iloilo). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero who in 1581 moved the seat of Spanish power to La Villa de Arevalo, a sitio named in honor of his hometown in Avila, in Spain. By 1700 due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates, Dutch and English privateers, the Spaniards moved to the village of Irong-Irong where close to the mouth of the river they built Fort San Pedro. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong whose name the Spaniards shortened to "Iloilo" later became the capital of the province. The Maragtas, a set of ancient documents, is a popularly accepted chronicle of ancient Panay. According to the documents, Datu Puti and his fellow datus, together with their families, warriors and slaves, fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunao of Borneo, and landed at now known as the town of San Joaquin. At that time, Panay was inhabited by native aboriginal people, the small, dark-skinned "Atis" who were ruled by King Marikudo and Queen Maniwangtiwang. King Marikudo sold the lowlands of Panay for the price of a golden hat (saduk), a long golden necklace (manangyad) and other assorted items. After the sale, the Atis retreated to the highlands and newcomers settled in their new home. In 1566, when the Spaniards set foot on the land they later renamed Iloilo, they discovered an affluent land bustling with trade and commerce. Its flourishing economic activities and excellent port made Iloilo the premier province of the country.

External links

• http://www.meanwebmachine.com/index.php - For more articles about Iloilo and Ilonggo Culture
• [Iloilo City Official Website (http://www.iloilocity.cjb.net/)]