Iloilo City

Iloilo City, officially the City of Iloilo, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, located on the southeastern coast of the island of Panay. It is the capital city of the province of Iloilo, where it is geographically situated and grouped under the Philippine Statistics Authority, but remains politically independent in terms of government and administration. It is one of the UNESCO Creative Cities in Gastronomy. In addition, it is the center of the Iloilo–Guimaras Metropolitan Area, as well as the regional center and primate city of the Western Visayas region. According to the 2020 census, Iloilo City has a population of 457,626 people. For the metropolitan area, the total population is 1,007,945 people. The city is a conglomeration of former towns, now organized as geographical or administrative districts. These districts include Villa de Arevalo, Iloilo City Proper, Jaro (an independent city before), La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, and Lapuz (declared a separate district in 2008). Iloilo City holds historical significance as one of the earliest Spanish colonial centers in the Philippines, settled in 1566. It was recognized as one of the royal Spanish cities in the country and received the honorific royal title "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad" (The Most Loyal and Noble City). Iloilo played a significant role in the Spanish Empire's presence in Asia and the Pacific, serving as its last capital in the region. It was also the capital of the short-lived Federal State of the Visayas. Today, the city remains prominent in the country, exerting influence over its history, culture, politics, and economy. Iloilo City serves as a regional hub for education, culinary arts, religion, healthcare, tourism, culture, industry, governance, and the economy in Western Visayas. Central Philippine University (CPU), a university established by American Protestants, is a prominent academic institution that attracts students from various parts of the Philippines and abroad. The university has been ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds and Times Higher Education, two renowned global university ranking agencies. The city's urban planning, real estate development, and demand for business process outsourcing (BPO) have contributed to its reputation as one of the most livable cities in the country.