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Located at the southern part of Panay Island in Western Visayas, Iloilo City is
one of the highly urbanized cities of the Philippines. In fact, it used to be the queen
city of the south until it was overtaken by Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan De oro
in terms of development. Its many colonial mansions and ancient churches is testament to its glorious past which was largely
anchored on the sugar industry and its deep natural harbor. It was made the capital of the whole Panay Island and part of
Negros Island in 1688 and was opened to foreign trade in 1855.
The city is accessible air, sea or land transportation. A new expanded airport was recently inaugurated to replace the old one
in Mandurriao. By air, the city can be reached in one hour from Manila, 35 minutes from Cebu, and 2 hours from Davao. Its domestic and
international seaports are one of the finest and busiest in the Philippines. It is the principal port of entry to the Western Visayas Region
and interisland shipping is available from Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, and Cagayan De Oro ports.
Travelling to Iloilo City by land is possible using the western nautical highway roll-on roll-off service.
Total land area of the city is only 70.2 square kilometers, almost twice the size of Manila but more than four times
smaller than Cebu. It is now almost fully built up and building expansion will have to be vertical. In fact, neighboring towns of Pavia
in the north, Leganes in the northeast, Oton and San Miguel in the west are now experiencing the overflow of residential as well as
commercial development.
Iloilo City is home to a busy fish port. It is also home to the only flour mill in the Western Visayas.
Iloilo City is the 20th largest in terms of population but taking all the suburbs into consideration, Metro Iloilo
becomes the 8th largest. One of the most popular and colorful festivals in the Philippines is the Dinagyang Festival held in the city. Another
festival celebrated is the Paraw Regatta Festival.
Shopping and Leisure
Major shopping centers include SM Mall, Robinson's, and Gaisano.
The city has two golf courses namely: Iloilo Golf and Country Club and Presidio Royale Golf and Country Club.
Business Opportunities
With all its infrastructure facilities and sizable population, Iloilo City is a convenient location for a regional
or provincial branch. Tourism, real estate, and business process outsourcing in addition to export and import trading are
the most important industries with a bright future in the city.

Places of Interest / Tourist Attractions in Iloilo City
- Museo Iloilo
- Jaro District is where colonial edifices are located including Jaro Church
- Molo district - another area where old mansions and a Gothic-Renaissance church are found
- La Paz Church and Plaza
- Plaza Libertad
- Lighting of Molo Plaza
- Plaza Libertad
- Rotary Park
- Fort San Pedro
- Museo Iloilo
- La Villa de Arevalo - a flower village
- Lizares Mansion
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