Part 1

History

Background

Part2

Intro for part 2

 Churches
 Heritage
 Landscapes
 Beaches
 Hotels
 Food

Part 3

Reyella

Part4

Intro

Challenges

Resolution

Part5

Conclusion

Iloilo City is a tourist hub where the best restaurants, museums, hotels, shopping
districts, and nightlife in the province await. It is most known for the annual Dinagyang
Festival, exquisite heritage sites, deliciously fresh seafood, and signature Ilonggo
dishes. The city is also home to many Spanish-colonial churches, grand vintage
houses, and old commercial and institutional buildings dating back to its heyday as the
“Queen City of the South.”

Venture outside the city to experience Iloilo’s friendly countrysides and hidden gems.
Iloilo Province is filled with many natural and cultural spots worth exploring.

Apart from its own collection of tourist attractions, Iloilo serves as a gateway to Western
Visayas region and a favored stopover for tourists heading to the beaches of Boracay
and nearby Guimaras, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Bacolod, and Negros Occidental.

Iloilo is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and churches in the Philippines.
But the province’s beauty doesn’t end with these sites. There are so much more places
to visit and things to do in this culturally rich province. From natural saltwater lagoons to
having its own Christmas village, there’s a diverse variety of Iloilo tourist spots to enjoy!

2.
Iloilo city is often called as the "Heart of the Philippines." This is especially true in its
multifaceted collection of tourist spots and attractions. Iloilo’s rich heritage is showcased
in its delicious cuisine, treasured historical buildings, cultural traditions, captivating
natural landscapes, and in many exciting festivals celebrated throughout the province.
Intrepid travelers who come to visit often discover that all the best reasons, why
travelers love to visit the Philippines, can be experienced in Iloilo.

 Dinagyang Festival

The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo

City, Philippines held on the 4th Sunday of January, or right after
the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Dinagyang was also
voted as the Best Tourism event three times in a row among any other festivals in the
Philippines. It is also the most awarded festival in the country because of its legacy,
popularity, and innovation. Dinagyang received honors and regarded as a World Class
Festival and dubbed as the "Queen of all festivals" in the Philippines.

Dinagyang is one of the most-awaited festivals in the Philippines because of its

fun, lively, and colorful celebration. Here are some of the fun activities you should
experience at the Dinagyang Festival:

1. Floats Parade of Lights

2. Festive Parade Sponsors Mardi Gras
3. Dinagyang 360° Tribe Competition
4. Ilonggo Dinagyang Arts Festival
5. Miss Iloilo Pageant
6. Ilonggo Food festival
7. Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika

 CHURCHES

A. Molo Church
Molo Church is a famous Spanish-
colonial church and heritage site in
Molo District. It known for the
prominent red spires that crown its
tall bell towers and as “the feminist
church” because of the all-women
ensemble of saints represented in
16 statues perched on the aisle
pillars. Built in neogothic style, the
church is one of the Iloilo City’s
most familiar landmarks and top
tourist attractions.

This magnificent structure can be best photographed during the late afternoon
hours when the coral stone facade of the church reflects the soft golden rays of the
sunset. While you are there, take a stroll in and around Molo Plaza. Also within an easy
walk are a couple of remarkable heritage houses and the Iloilo Esplanade.
 B. Jaro Cathedral
The Jaro Cathedral is one of Iloilo's oldest
churches with a long, colorful history. Also
known as the Church of St. Elizabeth of
Hungary and National Shrine of Our Lady
of the Candles, locals lovingly call it
merely as Jaro Cathedral. It first started
as a small parish back in 1587. As the
years went by, it became a cathedral, and
today, it is a national shrine that serves as
the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro.
The church was destroyed by an
earthquake back in 1948 and was rebuilt in 1956. In 1976, the Jaro Cathedral was
declared a historical landmark. Interestingly, the Jaro Cathedral is called the “male
church,” while the Molo Church, which is also in Iloilo, is called the “female church.” The
churches got their nicknames because of the saints displayed there.

C. Miag-ao Church

Miagao Church along Zulueta

Avenue in Miagao is probably the
most visually appealing, age-old
church in the province of Iloilo.
Also known as the Church of
Saint Thomas of Villanova, its
construction was completed in
1797.Today, it is one of the most
unique Iloilo tourist spots and is a
UNESCO’s World Heritage Site,
listed as one of the top examples of a Baroque-style church. It is also famous for the
detailed, artistic sculptures that adorn its facade, showcasing a unique mix of Spanish,
Muslim, and Chinese traditions, influence, and elements.

 HERITAGE HOUSES
A. Molo Mansion

This prominent mansion belonged to

a noble and wealthy family in Iloilo.
Built-in the 1920s, the Yusay-
Consing Mansion, which is
commonly known as the Molo
Mansion, was once thought to be
beyond repair. But today, it’s open to
the public as a heritage attraction.
Spend an afternoon here and marvel
at the details of Filipino colonial
architecture.
 B. Nelly Garden

The Lopez Heritage House or Mansion

de Lopez (or otherwise known as
the Nelly's Gardens) is a national
heritage house built in 1928 located
at Jaro, Iloilo by an Ilonggo statesman
Don Vicente Lopez and his wife, Doña
Elena Hofileña. The mansion was named
after the couple's eldest daughter, Nelly
Lopez y Hofileña. Due to its grandiose
architecture highlighting the province's
aristocratic past, it is regarded[by
whom?] as the Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo.[citation needed] On March 28, 2004,
it was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute.
The house and its 4 hectares (9.9 acres) property are open for public tours and events.

 LANDSCAPES

CHALLENGES CONQUERED

Iloilo City government encountered some challenges that once hindered the success of
the said city. These challenges are the following:

CHALLENGES IN CITY PLANNINING & MANAGEMENT

Limited availability of public land to absorb projected growth in population and

economy.
Gaps in integrated planning and local legislation to regulate urban expansion and
infill’s.
Need to find a way to influence or regulate landowners and developers in following a
guided in city extension process when development is largely driven by the private
sector.
Limited financial and technical capacity of city in planning and implementation.
Lack if implementation mechanisms for insisting planning tools like the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Unmaximized participation of the urban poor in development planning.
Need to strengthen the city’s overall urban fabric and the old and existing town
centers.
Uncontrolled sprawling development
Absence of comprehensive transport plan
Absence of land speculation management
These challenges were successfully conquered by the Iloilo City and they achieved their
goals with flying colors. It was all thanks to the unity, cooperation and support to the
programs, projects and services that contributed by the Ilonggos to the continued
development of this peaceful, progressive and livable metropolis.