Iloilo City Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) began in 1947 as UP Iloilo College and became a full university in 1983, known for its programs in fisheries and marine sciences. Its main campus is in Miagao, with the historic Iloilo City campus housing cultural and administrative offices, including the Center for West Visayan Studies. UPV has expanded its academic programs and remains active in education, research, and public service, especially in environmental and regional development. The university is also a symbol of cultural preservation and social advocacy, playing a key role in promoting civic engagement and political awareness. Despite challenges ...

Cultural Institutions

ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF JARO

Iloilo, Iloilo City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro, established in 1865, is one of the oldest in the Philippines and was elevated to a metropolitan archdiocese in 1951. Initially covering vast regions, its territory was reduced as new dioceses emerged. Its episcopal seat is the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, home to the revered image of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, famously crowned by Pope John Paul II in 1981. It ecently established its 95th parish and adopting a mission parish in Kenya. Despite challenges like an aging clergy and growing secularism, it counters these through vocations promotion and youth ...

Significant Personalities

ROSENDO MEJICA

Iloilo, Iloilo City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Rosendo Mejica, born in 1873 in Iloilo City, was a pioneering Ilonggo journalist, public servant, and educator who founded Makinaugalingon, the longest-running Hiligaynon newspaper, and translated Rizal’s novels into the local language. After becoming the first certified public accountant in Iloilo, he served briefly as Bacolod’s municipal treasurer before returning to Iloilo, where he established the first public school building under American rule in 1905. He formed the Mga Baybayanon (The Seaside Dwellers), making learning more accessible to underprivileged children. Mejica also founded Union Obrera to protect workers’ rights and served on the Iloilo city council for 30 years, contributing ...

Significant Personalities

PATROCINIO V. GAMBOA

Iloilo, Iloilo City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Patrocinio Gamboa, born in 1865 in Jaro, Iloilo, was a revolutionary heroine best known for secretly delivering the Philippine flag to General Martin Delgado in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo in 1898, evading Spanish forces by disguising it under her clothes. Coming from a wealthy, educated family, she was inspired by nationalist literature and became active in the revolution as a Red Cross nurse, fundraiser, and key member of underground revolutionary committees. Gamboa played a major role in organizing the Visayan revolutionary movement and later led women in supporting war efforts through caregiving, gathering supplies, and message delivery. Her legacy is commemorated ...

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

ANG ILOY: STATUE OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CANDELARIA OF THE JARO CATHEDRAL(JARO, ILOILO CITY)

Iloilo, Iloilo City, Jaro

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, also known as “Ang Iloy,” is a limestone sculpture of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, traditionally said to have been discovered by local fishermen in the Iloilo River. It stands about 60 inches tall and exudes a regal appearance, with both figures crowned and the Virgin adorned with doce estrellas or twelve stars and a finely embroidered cape. It has been serving as a major pilgrimage site, with devotees visiting for prayers, healing, and requests for blessings. In 1981, the image was crowned by then-Pope John Paul II, making this Marian image ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

Iloilo, Iloilo City, Iloilo CIty Proper

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City, is a vibrant celebration blending religious devotion, cultural expression, and artistic performance in honor of the Santo Niño. Originating in 1967 and officially named in 1977, the festival features events like the Pamukaw, Ati Tribe Competition, Fluvial Procession, Dinagyang Float and Lights Parade, Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition, Miss Iloilo Pageant, Sadsad Ritual, and Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika. It is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January but preparations and events span several weeks in advance. Cultural transmission occurs through family traditions, community mentorship, and formal training, with performers, choreographers, religious devotees, and the ...

Natural Heritage, Protected Area

MANGROVE FOREST

Iloilo, Iloilo City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Mangrove Forest in Iloilo City is a 38-hectare mangrove reserve situated along the Batiano and Iloilo Rivers, dedicated to conserving native mangrove species and promoting sustainable urban ecology. The reserve serves as a haven for biodiversity which has experienced regrowth through natural processes and, unexpectedly, through flood management efforts like the Jaro Floodway. The protected area holds ecological, economic, cultural, and historical significance for the City of Iloilo, as it provides storm protection, serving as fish nurseries, supporting ecotourism, and providing environmental materials for traditional and modern uses. Conservation initiatives include City-led planting programs, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and enforcement of ...

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES – VISAYAS

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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