ILOILO City has transformed remarkably from being a so-called sleeping metropolis to a dynamic hub of economic activity and cultural vibrancy.
The name Iloilo City originated from the native word irong-irong, meaning "nose," referring to the nose-like shape of the main settlement area, shaped by the Iloilo River during the pre-Spanish period. Chinese traders, pronouncing "r" sounds as "l" sounds, popularized the term "ilong-ilong," which eventually evolved into the current name, Iloilo.
Additionally, the name was believed to have been derived from a local fish of the same name — a staple in the early inhabitants' diets. In Spanish, Iloilo City was known as the la muy leal y noble ciudad de Iloilo or the most loyal and noble city of Iloilo.
It was recognized in the coat of arms from the royal decree of 1896, acknowledging the local people's loyalty to the Spanish crown.
Iloilo City has undergone a significant transformation into one of the country's most livable and progressive centers, attracting tourists and investors alike. No longer characterized as a sleeping metropolis, it now thrived as a vibrant and forward-thinking destination in the heart of the Philippines.
Since Mayor Jerry Treñas' inauguration in 2019, his vision has been to elevate Iloilo City to new heights.
"Through years of hard work and dedication, we have achieved significant progress, and our journey [toward] prosperity continues," Treñas said.
Iloilo was known for cultural richness and natural beauty. Home to the iconic Dinagyang Festival, stately mansions and century-old churches, visitors and even locals loved to explore the unspoiled countryside and savor exotic delicacies.
They all wanted to experience the breathtaking panoramic views of Iloilo's skyline, which showcased towering landmarks and meandering rivers and offered a glimpse into the city's majestic beauty from a bird's eye perspective. La Paz Plaza stood as a renowned sports and cultural hub while the Iloilo Esplanade provided a serene urban oasis, offering respite from the scorching heat.
They liked to step into the heart of Jaro Plaza and immerse themselves in a world where heritage and harmony converged. From the grandeur of the Jaro Cathedral to the vibrant atmosphere of the plaza, every corner told a story of a rich cultural heritage.
In the streets of Iloilo City, they were immediately struck by the architectural splendor that graced every corner. European-inspired buildings transported visitors and locals to a world of elegance and sophistication, where history intertwined with modernity.
From the serene ambiance of Molo Mansion to the panoramic vistas of the city skyline, Treñas' emphasis on preserving heritage while embracing progress has created an enchanting urban landscape.
Central to his agenda was the cultivation of a green ethos within Iloilo City. The city has witnessed a proliferation of green initiatives. From urban gardens to eco-friendly policies, sustainability was woven into the fabric of everyday life in Iloilo City, ensuring a vibrant and healthy environment for generations to come.
One cornerstone of Treñas' vision was the enhancement of public transportation infrastructure. Collaborating with representatives from the Swedish Government, the city embarked on a transformative rapid bus transit project.
This initiative promised to revolutionize the efficiency and accessibility of transportation for all residents, underscoring his commitment to sustainable urban development.
A thriving township
Megaworld's Iloilo Business Park epitomized the seamless fusion of visionary lifestyle and progress, serving as a dynamic gateway for business and leisure in Iloilo City and the broader Western Visayas region.
The Iloilo Business Park stood as Megaworld's monumental investment, totaling a staggering P35 billion and marking a significant milestone in urban development outside Luzon. This vibrant township boasted an array of impressive features, including state-of-the-art business process outsourcing buildings, comprising the largest Information Technology - BPO cyberpark in the region.
Moreover, the iconic 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center, luxury hotels such as Richmonde Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott, and lifestyle shopping center Festive Walk Mall added to its allure.
Visitors, locals and investors alike were invited to bask in the opulence of condominium towers such as One Madison Place, La Fayette Park Square, The Palladium, Saint Honore and Saint Dominique.
Exciting prospects also loomed on the horizon with upcoming property investments such as The Pinnacle, International Corporate Plaza and the Belmont Hotel Iloilo, promising unmatched luxury and sophistication.
Not stopping there, the Iloilo Business Park unveiled its highly anticipated Boutique Hotel and Commercial District, a sprawling 9.2-hectare expanse, envisioned to become the Visayas' next central business district.
With 80 percent of its commercial lots already sold to esteemed financial and bank institutions, the district was poised to redefine business excellence in the region.
In addition to its urban splendor, Iloilo City embraced its rich maritime heritage through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Museum of Philippine Maritime History. Housed in the historic Iloilo Customs House, the museum offered a comprehensive journey through Western Visayas' seafaring legacy from ancient times to the present day.
With a wealth of artifacts, interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum served as a captivating destination for enthusiasts that were eager to delve into the region's maritime past and its profound impact on its cultural and historical heritage.
Strategic partnerships for progress
The recent collaboration between Treñas and Enrique Razon, owner of Monte Oro Resources and Energy Inc. or MORE Electric and Power Corp., marked a significant milestone in Iloilo City's journey toward progress and development. Razon's strong support and commitment to the city's advancement have paved the way for transformative projects that promised to enhance the quality of life for all Ilonggos.
Treñas expressed his gratitude for Razon's visit to their office, where they discussed groundbreaking initiatives, aimed at propelling Iloilo City into a new era of prosperity.
Among the key projects discussed were the implementation of an underground distribution system at Calle Real and port developments designed to slash shipment costs by a staggering 80 percent. These initiatives were poised to revolutionize the city's infrastructure and logistics industry, positioning Iloilo City as a regional leader in efficiency and innovation.
Razon's efforts have not gone unnoticed as they had already begun to positively impact the lives of Ilonggos. By addressing critical infrastructure needs and driving down logistical costs, these projects had the potential to significantly enhance the city's economic vitality and create new opportunities for growth and development.
From improved transportation networks to enhanced access to essential services, Razon's contributions were set to uplift communities and improve the overall well-being of residents.
Treñas expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with Razon and MORE Electric and Power Corp., highlighting their shared vision for a more prosperous future for Iloilo City.
With a steadfast commitment in collaboration and innovation, they were ready to bring these transformative projects to fruition, ushering in a new era of progress and opportunity for the city and its people.
New port to drive economic growth
Iloilo's Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) wasn't just a maritime facility; it was a symbol of opportunity, empowerment and progress for the city and the wider region.
By driving economic growth, fostering social development and promoting environmental sustainability, the VCT served as a vital link in the global supply chain, facilitating trade and commerce domestically and internationally.
At the heart of Iloilo's economic engine, the VCT played a pivotal role in creating job opportunities, stimulating entrepreneurship and fueling the expansion of local industries. Its activities rippled throughout the community, generating wealth and prosperity for residents and businesses alike.
Beyond economics, the VCT acted as a catalyst for social empowerment by empowering individuals through job creation and skill development programs. It also strengthened the fabric of the community by investing in local infrastructure and social services, enhancing the quality of life and fostering social cohesion.
As a key gateway to the Western Visayas region, the VCT unlocked new opportunities for growth and innovation. By facilitating trade and commerce, it stimulated investment in ancillary industries and infrastructure, driving broader regional development.
Christian Gonzalez, International Container Terminal Services executive vice president, said: "The [VCT] is poised to become a catalyst for Iloilo's economic and social growth. We're thrilled to begin operations and transform the Iloilo Port into a world-class gateway for the Central Philippines. Our significant investments in modern infrastructure, cargo handling equipment and operational efficiency will drive this transformation."
Crucially, the VCT was committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through eco-friendly practices and technologies, it minimized its environmental footprint while maximizing efficiency and productivity, preserving the natural beauty and resources of Iloilo City for future generations.
Under the leadership of Treñas, Iloilo City continued its journey toward inclusivity, sustainability and prosperity. Through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership, the mayor was shaping a brighter future for generations of Ilonggos to come.
Iloilo boasted one of the country's most competitive economies. Iloilo City served as the gateway to Western Visayas due to its strategic location and modern infrastructure, ensuring efficient mobility.
In the Western Visayas region, which achieved a 6.1-percent growth rate, Iloilo ranked as the fifth largest economy outside of the National Capital Region.
Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing were key drivers of Iloilo's economy, contributing 17.2 percent to regional output in 2018. Additionally, industry accounted for 24.7 percent while services made up 58.1 percent of the provincial economy.
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