Iloilo City Proper
Iloilo City Proper ("City Proper") (also locally known as Downtown, Ciudad, Iloilo Poblacion, or simply Iloílo) is one of the of Iloilo City in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the second-most densely populated district, after Molo. The City Proper has a population of 46,350 residents as of the 2020 census. It is known as the heart of Iloilo, as it is the seat of the city and provincial government, as well as other local, provincial, and regional government offices. The district is also home to the majority of the city's financial  institutions, where banks and other firms can be found on every corner of the streets. Iloilo City Proper is the current economic and financial center of Iloilo. The City Proper received its present name from the province's original "Irong-Irong" reference. It was founded as "La Punta" and inhabited in 1602 when Spanish and Chinese residents from Jaro and Molo expanded their territorial area. During its heyday, it was called Yloylo or Iloilo. In current modern times, old 19th and 20th-century buildings can still be found across the district, particularly along the entire street of J.M. Basa, popularly  known as Calle Real. History. The town was once invaded by the Dutch in the 17th century, who were later driven away, and later emerged as a trading port in the 19th century. Its geographical and economic significance eventually evolved when China, Norway and the United Kingdom opened up their consulates to conduct trade and commerce in the town, especially during its foundation as an international port in the 1850s. Plaza Libertad, the city's historical square, was the site where the Philippine flag was raised for the first time in the island of Panay on December 25, 1898 during  the Philippine Revolution when local troops led by Gen. Martin Delgado defeated the Spanish army. In the 20th century, all economic activities shifted from Jaro and Molo to the town of Iloilo when businesses aggressively flourished here. It was later transformed into a chartered city and absorbed the old towns of Molo, Arevalo, Mandurriao and La Paz as well the city of Jaro. Main sights. The district is the home to the main government building of the Province of Iloilo, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, and the seat of the city government, the Iloilo City Hall. Other main agencies of the  government is also located at the City Proper. Its main thoroughfares are J.M. Basa St. (Calle Real), Iznart St., Gen. Luna St. and Ledesma St. It has the most service and commercial establishments among all districts. Barangays. Iloilo City Proper has the most barangays in Iloilo City with a total of 45 barangays. City Proper is the second-most densely populated Iloilo City district with a population density of 12,435 people per square kilometer.