- Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
It was in the middle part of 1565 when the Spaniards came and subjugated Himamaylan. Aside from subduing the people of the settlement, it was also the desire of the Spaniards to introduce the religion to them and the form of government they bring. They introduced the Encomiends System by which a piece of land including its products and other resources, and its inhabitants were granted to members of the conquering force as their puppets.
Himamaylan was founded in the 18th century and it became the second capital of Negros Island from 1795-1849.
Because of the oppressions that the people were experiencing from the Spaniards, revolutionary movements were created. On November 4, 1898, these revolutionary forces received orders from Gen. Juan Araneta to disclose the Spanish Soldiers stationed in the town on November 5, and the rest of the towns in Negros. Because of the lack of weapons, they were not able to foolow the command. It was only on November 8, 1898 when the Deputy Commander for Southern Negros showed a copy of the Act of Capitulation tot he Spanish Corporal, that the Spanish Soldiers surrendered and freed the Himamaylan. Himamaylan was the last town to have been liberated from the Spanish Government.
Population/ Language/ Area
Himamaylan is located at the center-most cove on the coastline of Negros Island. Himamaylan has a natural harbor characterized by deep water favorable to access by marine vessels.
Located in the center of Negros island, with Negros central to Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, the city is conducive to operations reaching all parts of the country and the rest of the world 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 or deeper, providing drainage for farmland.
Products and Services
Major economic activities are resource extractive such as farming, forestry and fishing. These are followed by business and professional practice.
The City’s major agricultural products are sugarcane, palay and corn. Fishponds cover 496.05 has. while the area devoted prawn production extends to about 155.97 has. The estimated average annual fish production is at 5,850 metric tonnes. Fishponds are mostly located in Bgys. Caradio-an and Talaban. The major fishery products include fish, talaba, greenshell, tahong and others.
Tourist Spots
- Buenavista Heroes Park – this placed shows the heroism of the Himamaylanons during the Japanese rule.
- Acapulco Spring Resort – this is a twin swimming pool nestled along the mountains of barangay Mahalang. The place is overlooking the view of Himamaylan. It also has a cave, perfect to explore.
Festivals and Celebrations
- Himaya-an Festival – this festival is celebrated every April 14-25 in honor and praise to God for the good harvest and good life endowed to the people of Himamaylan. There are merrymaking and street dancing along the city’s main roads.
- Bunlaw Festival – every year ( a day after), people in Himamaylan and of nearby town and cities trooped to Batang Peninsula to celebrate this festival to refresh the body and mind, for them to face the new year with optimism. many beach activities are lined up for enjoyment of beach goers.
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