Iloilo, located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, is known as the Heart of the Philippines due to its central location and historical importance in trade, culture, and governance. It is also called the City of Love, reflecting the warmth of its people, the melodious Hiligaynon language, and its tradition of romantic serenades. From its earliest settlers to its time as a major Spanish colonial port, Iloilo has been a center of commerce, agriculture, and resilience, shaping its identity over thousands of years.
Origins and Early Settlements
Before 5000 BCE – Earliest Inhabitants
- The first settlers in what is now Iloilo were hunter-gatherers.
- Lived in caves and forests, surviving by hunting, fishing, and gathering.
- Used stone tools and moved frequently in search of food.
5000 BCE – 1500 BCE – Arrival of the Austronesians
- Migrants from Taiwan and southern China brought farming, fishing, pottery, and weaving.
- Built villages near rivers and coastlines, growing rice and domesticating animals.
- Used balangays (large wooden boats) for exploration and trade across Southeast Asia.
1500 BCE – 1000 CE – The Ati of Panay
- The Ati, a Negrito group, settled in Panay, including Iloilo.
- Lived in small, nomadic communities, relying on hunting, fishing, and foraging.
- Preserved oral traditions, passing down stories and spiritual beliefs.
1212 CE – The Barter of Panay and the Confederation of Madja-as
- Ten datus (chieftains) from Borneo fled Sultan Makatunaw’s oppressive rule.
- Led by Datu Puti, they sailed across the Sulu Sea with their families and warriors.
- Upon landing in Panay, they met the Ati chieftain Marikudo.
- In exchange for gold, jewelry, silk, and weapons, the datus were allowed to settle in the fertile lowlands.
- The Ati relocated to the mountains, and the datus formed the Confederation of Madja-as, one of the first governing alliances in the Philippines.
- Datu Sumakwel ruled from Irong-Irong (now Iloilo), establishing governance, laws, and defense systems.
Growth of Early Settlements (1200s–1500s)
1200s – Establishment of Barangays
- The datus divided their settlements into barangays, each ruled by a datu.
- These barangays were small, self-sufficient communities with distinct social structures:
- Datu (chiefs and rulers)
- Timawa (warriors and freemen)
- Oripun (servants and laborers)
1300s – Expansion of Trade
- Iloilo became a hub for regional trade.
- Chinese merchants brought porcelain, silk, and metal tools, while Indian traders introduced cotton textiles and spices.
- Local traders exported gold, pearls, rice, and woven fabrics.
1400s – Increased Foreign Interaction
- More barangays engaged in trade with Southeast Asian and Chinese merchants.
- Chinese and Indian influences were seen in textiles, pottery, and commerce.
1500s – Influence of the Brunei Sultanate
- The Sultanate of Brunei extended its influence over parts of Iloilo.
- Introduced trade practices, shipbuilding techniques, and governance systems.
- Some local rulers allied with Brunei, but Spanish colonization later reshaped the region’s culture and religion.
Spanish Colonization (1565–1898)
1565 – Arrival of the Spanish
- Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the Philippines, expanding Spanish control.
1566 – Founding of Villa de Arevalo
- One of the earliest Spanish settlements outside Cebu.
- Became a center for Catholic missionary work, with Augustinian friars converting locals.
1581 – Iloilo Under Spanish Rule
- Officially incorporated into the Spanish colonial government, ruled from Manila.
Economic Growth and Urbanization
- The Spanish promoted large-scale farming of rice, tobacco, and sugarcane.
- 1855 – The Port of Iloilo opened for international trade, boosting the economy.
- 1688 – Molo Church was built, one of the oldest churches in Iloilo.
- 1865 – Jaro Cathedral was built, solidifying Iloilo’s religious importance.
- 1869 – The Suez Canal opened, allowing faster sugar exports to Europe.
1889 – The Most Loyal and Noble City
- During the British occupation of Manila (1762–1764), Iloilo remained loyal to Spain.
- In 1889, Queen Regent Maria Cristina of Spain awarded it the title "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad" (The Most Loyal and Noble City).
Revolution, War, and Independence (1896–1946)
1896 – The Philippine Revolution
- The revolution against Spain spread to Iloilo, led by General Martin Delgado.
- 1898 – Iloilo became Spain’s last stronghold before surrendering to Filipino revolutionaries.
1899 – American Annexation
- Following the Treaty of Paris, the United States took control of the Philippines.
- 1901 – American forces occupied Iloilo, introducing public education and infrastructure improvements.
1942 – Japanese Occupation of Iloilo
- Japanese forces occupied Iloilo, imposing martial law.
1945 – Liberation of Iloilo
- Iloilo was liberated by Allied forces after intense fighting.
1946 – Philippine Independence
- The Philippines gained independence, and Iloilo focused on rebuilding.
Modern Iloilo (1946–Present)
Economic and Urban Development
- 1983 – The Iloilo International Port opened, strengthening trade.
- 2010s – Iloilo underwent modernization projects, including the Iloilo River Esplanade.
Cultural and Global Recognition
- 2017 – UNESCO recognized Iloilo as a Creative City of Gastronomy for its culinary heritage.
- 2020 – Iloilo became a center for education, healthcare, and business outsourcing (BPOs).
Significance of Iloilo in Philippine History
- A major center for trade and agriculture since pre-colonial times.
- Played a vital role during Spanish, American, and Japanese colonial rule.
- Demonstrated resilience through the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and modernization.
- Preserves Spanish-era architecture, religious sites, and cultural traditions like the Dinagyang Festival.
- Iloilo remains one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the Philippines.
Iloilo’s evolution from early settlements to a thriving cultural and economic center reflects its resilience and adaptability. As the Heart of the Philippines and City of Love, it has preserved its traditions while embracing modern progress. With its deep historical roots, strong sense of identity, and continuous growth, Iloilo remains a vital force in the country’s past, present, and future