The City of Iloilo will be commemorating the 73rd Charter day with a 40-day celebration from July 16 to August 25, 2010. This year’s theme “Dakbanwang Iloilo Bugal Ko” aims to increase awareness about the city’s history and development and instill a “pride of place” among the public by showcasing Iloilo City’s history and culture during the festivities.

Some of you might recall that Iloilo was already a city even during the Spanish colonial Period. Back in the 19th century, the present day City Proper or Downtown district solely comprised the Municipality of Iloilo (also call “Punta” back in the day). The Districts of Jaro, La Paz, Arevalo, Molo, and Mandurriao were all separate towns alongside Iloilo. Governor General Don Valeriano Wayler created the Ayuntamiento or City Council of Iloilo on January 31, 1890, the date adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as “Araw ng Lungsod ng Iloilo” or the Iloilo City Foundation Day.


Former Jaro City Hall, presently occupied by the PNP Regional Office

A week after, the Becerra Law of 1889 was approved and established Iloilo’s cityhood together with Jaro, Cebu, Batangas, Albay, Nueva Caceres, and Vigan. By virtue of the Royal Decree of 1896, Iloilo City was given the coat of arms with the inscription: “La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo” in recognition of the people’s loyalty to the Spanish crown.


Former Iloilo Municipal Hall, donated to and now occupied by University of the Philippines in the Visayas (Iloilo City Campus)

Iloilo (including Jaro) was, however, reverted back to being a municipality sometime in 1901 when the American’s took over the Philippines. In July 16, 1937, Iloilo (Punta) was merged with the towns of Jaro, La Paz, Arevalo, Molo, and Mandurriao to form present day Iloilo City on July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 158. The parade and celebration was postponed 40 days later pending the formal inauguration of the City Government of Iloilo on August 25, 1937.

73rd Iloilo City Charter Day – Schedule of Activities

  • July 16, 2010 – Thanksgiving Mass (Fountain Area, Robinson)
  • August 11 – 25, 2010 – Iloilo City Charter Day Exhibit (SM City Iloilo)
  • August 20, 2010 – Iloilo City Hymn Writing Contest
  • August 21, 2010 – Goodwill Basketball Games (University of San Agustin Gym)
  • August 21, 2010 – Iloilo River Clean-up (Whole stretch of Iloilo River, Station 2 to 3; 6:00AM)
  • August 23, 2010 – Dagoy Dolls Auction Sale (SM City Iloilo)
  • August 23, 2010 – Bloodletting (Robinsons Fountain Area)
  • August 23, 2010 – Mass Wedding (Robinsons Foodcourt; 2:00PM)
  • August 24, 2010 – Mangrove Planting (Treñas Boulevard; 6:00AM)
  • August 24, 2010 – Sport Fishing/ Swimming
  • August 24, 2010 – Boat Rowing and Kayak Exhibition
  • August 24, 2010 – Search for Mr & Ms. Iloilo City (Freedom Grandstand; 6:00PM)
  • August 25, 2010 – Mass Assembly (La Paz Church, La Paz Plaza; 7:00AM)
  • August 25, 2010 – Civic Military Parade (La Paz Plaza to Freedom Grandstand)
  • August 25, 2010 – Oratorical Contest (SM City Activity Center)
  • August 25, 2010 – Medical Mission (Robinsons Place Iloilo; 7:30AM)
  • August 25, 2010 – Dance to the Max Iloilo! (Robinsons Place Iloilo)
  • August 25, 2010 – Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Nelly’s Garden or Punta Villa or Plaza Libertad)
  • August 25, 2010 – Job Fair
  • August 25, 2010 – Iloilo City Tours
  • August 27 to 28, 2010 – Food Festivals of Ilonggo Dishes (Delgado St.)
  • August 28, 2010 – Iloilo Got Talent
  • August 28, 2010 – SM City Night Run (SM City Iloilo Carpark)
  • August 28, 2010 – SM Food Festival (SM City Iloilo)