海马马鞍 城镇

Himamaylan , officially the City of Himamaylan (Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Himamaylan; Filipino: Lungsod ng Himamaylan), is a component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 117,286 people.

Due to its coastal location, it is a rich source of different types of seafood, mainly fish, oysters, mussels and shrimps. The city celebrates the Himaya Festival every April 14–25.

Etymology

During the Spanish and American colonial periods, the town’s name was commonly spelled as “Guimamaylan” or “Gimamaylan.”

The name of Himamaylan is derived from “Mamaylan,” one of the pre-colonial names for Negros Island used by Cebuano-speaking Visayans, and likely refers to an early settlement in the area.

History

In 1795, Himamaylan became the capital of Negros. At that time, the city served as a garrison for occupying Spanish forces. Today, the old Spanish-built fort constructed as a lookout point for frequent Moro raids is one of the historical attractions found in the city.

Cityhood

On March 5, 2001, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 9028, providing for the conversion of the municipality into a city after a favourable plebiscite, making it the only city in the 5th District of the province.

Geography

Himamaylan is located at the centre-most cove on the coastline of Negros Island. Himamaylan has a natural harbour characterised by deep waters favourable to access by marine vessels.

Located in the centre of the island, the city is conducive to operations reaching all parts of the country and the rest of Southeast Asia from a strategic point. Most portions of the city are plains and generally have fertile soil, conducive for agriculture. The city's rivers are 12 feet (3.7 m) or deeper, providing drainage for farmland.

This city is 75 kilometres (47 mi) south of Bacolod, the provincial capital, and 140 kilometres (87 mi) from Dumaguete.

Barangays

Himamaylan is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Demographics

Language

The people in the city speak Hiligaynon. Tagalog and English are generally understood.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Himamaylan (%)

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

The city's main sources of livelihood include fishery, sugarcane farming and sugar production, rice farming, mango cultivation and ethanol exports.

Notable personalities

Rolando Bohol – Boxer, International Boxing Federation Flyweight champion

Bernard Bonnin – Film and television actor

Charlene Gonzales – Beauty Queen, Philippine representative to the Miss Universe 1994 beauty pageant where she placed in the Top 6, Film and Television actress

Andres Muhlach – Film and television actor, model

Atasha Muhlach – Television actress and host, singer, model, debutante at the Bal des débutantes 2022

Ryan Sermona - World Boxing Council Super featherweight champion

Sister city

Taguig, Metro Manila

Cebu City