Iloilo is a first-class province located at the heart of the Philippine archipelago. Known for its people and heritage, it is one of the country’s most notable provinces. It is the largest among the provinces in Panay Island under the Western Visayas Region. It has a land area of 466, 342 hectares categorized into disposable lands (agricultural, fishpond, private plantation and others) and timberland (upland and mangrove).
The province took its name from Irong-irong, the old name of the settlement of Iloilo, a tongue of land that sticks out like a nose on the south of Iloilo River. It occupies the southern and northeastern portion of the Panay Island. It is bounded by the Province of Capiz and Jintotolo Channel in the north; Panay Gulf and Iloilo Strait in the south; Visayan Sea and Guimaras Strait in the east; and the Province of Antique in the west.
Iloilo is comprised of 42 municipalities and one component city. These municipalities are further classified into 5 congressional districts. The towns in the 1st District are Guimbal, Igbaras, Miag-ao, Oton, San Joaquin, Tigbauan and Tubungan. Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara and Zarraga comprise the 2nd District. Badiangan, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Janiuay, Lambunao, Maasin, Mina and Pototan are part of the 3rd District. The 4th District covers Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Passi City and San Enrique. While Ajuy, Balasan, Batad, Barotac Viejo, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, Lemery San Dionisio, San Rafael and Sara are for the 5th District.
Rooted from its deep history, Iloilo is home to the country’s rich culture - a place where the past harmoniously coexists with the present - evident by the well-preserved churches, ancestral homes, historical landmarks, grand festivals, unspoiled coastal communities, and pristine beaches and islands.
Each district prides itself with the distinctive beauty of its culture and natural resources. If you are looking for a cultural experience, the 1st District, positioned as the Heritage Destination of the Province, is a go to place. The St. Thomas of Villanueva Parish Church, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Visayas and Mindanao, can be found in the town of Miagao. For an eco-cultural experience, the 2nd District offers incredible landscape and historical attractions. The natural beauty of Bucari, located in Leon, and the 7 Cities of Alimodian are a must-see. It also is a home to one of the oldest cultural celebrations, the Carabao-Carroza Festival of Pavia. The 3rd District is known for its ecoagri destination, the well-preserved colonial architectures, dramatic natural landscapes, vibrant indigenous community, and an extraordinary land where endangered fauna and unique for a reign supreme will definitely cater to your adventurous spirit. As the Historical-Adventure Destination, the 4th District is an area filled with misery, tradition and outdoor adventures. The Bulabog Puti-an National Park in Dingle; 16 caves in Passi City; the diversity of the coral in the Hibotkan Rok Marine Sanctuary in Banate; and the colonial Spanish towns of Dumangas, Dueñas, and Barotac Nuevo are definitely the places to be explored. The 5th District, recognized as the Resort Destination of the province, proudly presents its enchanted and preserved island beaches, clean water and the guarantee of bright sun. With its numerous island beaches, from sand to gravel to rock to pebble, there is definitely one that will suit your taste.
Iloilo is blessed with an abundance of arable land which makes agriculture its principal industry. As one of the country’s top agricultural producers, its main products include rice, corn, sugar and mongo. Fish and marine products also serve as the main source of livelihood in the southern and northern parts. The total population of Iloilo is 1,805,576 (based on the 2010 census), with an annual growth rate of 1.48. To promote the well-being of its people, the province has 11 district hospitals located at the towns of Alimodian, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Calinog, Dumangas, Guimbal, Lambunao, Janiuay, Passi City and Sara and one provincial hospital in Pototan. Ilonggos take pride in the beauty of their language. They are known for their charm and sweetness in the tone of their dialects, Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a.
Through the years, the province works its way to sustainable growth. Its progressive development is manifested through numerous business ventures, investments and infrastructures. Strategically located at the center of the country, it is a hub of trade, commerce and industry. The province itself is something to be proud of for Ilonggos. With its humble people, diverse and rich culture, progressive economy, and wide array of leisure activities,