Nestled in the heart of Negros Occidental, the City of Himamaylan, a 3rd Class Component city in the Philippines, stands as the sole city in the 5th District of the province, positioned 75 kilometers (47 mi) to the south of Bacolod, the provincial capital. Its coastal location blesses Himamaylan with a rich abundance of seafood, comprising various fish species, oysters, mussels, and shrimps, contributing significantly to its economy.
Officially known as the City of Himamaylan (Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Himamaylan), this vibrant city, with a population of 116,240 as per the 2020 census, boasts a history steeped in cultural heritage and a forward-looking vision under the leadership of Mayor Rogelio Raymund I. Tongson.
Himamaylan’s roots trace back to Spanish colonization, once spelled as “Gimamaylan.” In 1795, it served as the capital of Negros and a garrison for Spanish forces, with remnants of the old Spanish-built fort still standing as a historical attraction, once a lookout against Moro raids.
The transformation from a municipality to a city took place in 2001 through Republic Act No. 9028, a significant milestone achieved after a favorable plebiscite during the tenure of the late Mayor Luz Bayot and then-Vice Mayor Raymund Tongson who was known to be one of the youngest vice mayors in the country.
Geographically, Himamaylan is strategically positioned at the center of Negros Island’s coastline, boasting a natural harbor conducive to marine vessel access. Its central location facilitates operations reaching various parts of the country and Southeast Asia. Predominantly plains with fertile soil ideal for agriculture, the city benefits from rivers providing adequate drainage for farmland.
Comprising 19 barangays, each with puroks and some with sitios, Himamaylan’s territorial organization fosters community engagement and development across its diverse regions:
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The city’s economic backbone thrives on fisheries, sugarcane, rice farming, mango cultivation, and ethanol exports, contributing significantly to its economic prosperity.
Moreover, Himamaylan annually hosts the renowned ‘Himaya Festival,’ celebrating the city’s attainment of Cityhood—a vibrant occasion blending cultural heritage, diverse events, and gratitude for progress under Mayor Tongson’s leadership.
With a rich historical tapestry, thriving economy, and strategic position, Himamaylan continues to evolve under Mayor Raymund Tongson’s leadership, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and progress, symbolizing growth, vitality, and promise in the southern landscape of Negros Occidental.
