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Heritage Location

Iloilo: Living Heritage and Champion of Progress

Fun, Foodie, Friendly Iloilo

Iloilo, located in the heart of Panay Island in Western Visayas, is a province that beautifully blends rich history and modern progress. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo is known for its mouthwatering dishes like La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and Biscocho. The province is also famous for its vibrant festivals, especially the Dinagyang Festival, which draws visitors from around the world to experience the lively celebrations. Iloilo’s charm doesn’t end with its food and festivals. The province is home to stunning Spanish colonial architecture, with must-see sites like Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the old buildings in downtown Iloilo reflect exceptional architecture, showcasing the region’s rich past as well as its drive for progress.

Mapped Cultural Heritage in Iloilo

PRECIOSO TABAY TUERES

Significant Personalities

Precioso Tueres grew up working on farms in Tubungan but discovered his talent for art and fashion during high school … Read more

PUYOY

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

The Phuyoy also known as the Philippine Worm Eel, is a type of fish found mainly in the brackish waters … Read more

RELICS OF SAN VICENTE FERRER OF THE ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF ST. VINCENT FERRER IN LEGANES

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The relics of San Vicente Ferrer in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Leganes include a piece of nail and a piece … Read more

REMNANT OF THE 1852 ESCUELA DICTADA IN LEON

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The 1852 coral stone remnant from the old Escuela Dictada in Leon is a rectangular carved marker made of grayish-white … Read more

ROBUSTA COFFEE

Natural Heritage, Plants (Flora)

Kape or robusta coffee thrives in tropical climates and can be found in certain areas in Lambunao, mainly Cabatangan, Panuran, … Read more

RODOLFO BALDOZA HECHANOVA

Significant Personalities

Rodolfo Baldoza Hechanova served as a commanding officer in the 552nd Engineer Construction/Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army, completing many … Read more

ROGA MINA

Cultural Institutions

Roga Mina is a church, retreat house, and discernment center located in Barangay Capul-an, Mina, Iloilo, offering a place for … Read more

ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JARO

Cultural Institutions

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro, established in 1865, is one of the oldest in the Philippines and was elevated … Read more

ROMEO D. DEMETILLO

Significant Personalities

Romeo Demetillo, born in 1961 in Leganes, Iloilo, is the seventh of ten siblings in a family known for boatbuilding. … Read more

ROSENDO MEJICA

Significant Personalities

Rosendo Mejica, born in 1873 in Iloilo City, was a pioneering Ilonggo journalist, public servant, and educator who founded Makinaugalingon, … Read more

ROY BABAS

Significant Personalities

Roy B. Babas was a 12-year-old Boy Scout from Estancia, Iloilo, who became a hero during a tragic pier accident … Read more

RYMER GENGONI

Significant Personalities

Rymer Gengoni is an artist from Guimbal, Iloilo, recognized for creating art that expresses deep emotions and connects with viewers. … Read more

RYSTELLE’S MINI-MART

Cultural Institutions

Rystelle’s Mini-Mart in Sara, Iloilo, opened in 1985 as a small store owned by Jonella Salcedo Zerrudo and her husband. … Read more

SAN NICHOLAS DE TOLENTINO SCULPTURE OF THE BONILLA FAMILY

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The San Nicolas de Tolentino sculpture, estimated to be created in the early 1960s and now over 60 years old, … Read more

SANDUKO KANG LOMA FAMILY (BRGY. PANURAN, LAMBUNAO)

Ethnographic Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The sanduko owned by Roger Loma is a traditional bolo with a single-edged, curved blade with a wooden mahogany hilt. … Read more

SANTO ENTIERRO SCULPTURE OF THE DIASNES FAMILY IN DUMANGAS

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The Santo Entierro Sculpture in Dumangas is a life-sized image of the Dead Christ or Santo Entierro Sculpture (Holy Burial), … Read more

Featured Cultural Heritage in Iloilo

Madge Cafe

CUltural Institution

The famous Madge Cafe is dubbed as the oldest coffee shop in Iloilo City offering a community hub and bringing pride to the people of Iloilo.

Rafflesia

Natural Heritage

Known as one of the largest flowers in the world, the Rafflesia is a rare and striking plant species found in Iloilo’s forests, attracting botanists and nature lovers with its unique beauty.

Jaro Belfry

Tangible Immovable Heritage

The historic Jaro Belfry is a centuries-old bell tower that stands as a testament to Iloilo’s rich colonial past and religious heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s architectural legacy.

Oton Death Mask

Tangible Movable Heritage

An ancient gold burial artifact discovered in Iloilo, the Oton Death Mask reflects the region’s pre-colonial history and its sophisticated artistry, preserved as a symbol of its cultural heritage.

Dinagyang Festival

Intangible Heritage

A vibrant annual festival celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño, Dinagyang Festival features colorful street parades, dance performances, and a display of Iloilo’s deep devotion and cultural pride.

Graciano Lopez-Jaena

Significant Personalities

A national hero from Iloilo, Graciano Lopez-Jaena was a revolutionary journalist and orator, recognized for his contributions to the Philippine reform movement during the Spanish colonial period.

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