Himamaylan


', officially the ', or simply known as City, is a of the Philippines| in the province of,. According to the, it has a population of people.
This component city located is south of Bacolod, the provincial capital. 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-an Festival every April 14–25.
Himamaylan became a city on March 5, 2001, through a proclamation by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo under Republic Act No. 9028. It is the only city in the 5th District of Negros Occidental.

Etymology

The term "Himamaylan" is a portmanteau of the two Hiligaynon words hima and babaylan. It is alleged that the settlement's early Malay inhabitants suffered from a foot malady called hima, and their employment of witch doctors called babaylan caused the Spanish occupiers to call them Himamaylan.

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.
In 2001, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 9028, providing for the conversion of the municipality into a city after a favorable plebiscite.

Geography

Himamaylan is located at the center-most cove on the coastline of Negros Island. Himamaylan has a natural harbor characterized by deep waters favorable to access by marine vessels.
Located in the center 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 or deeper, providing drainage for farmland.

Barangays

Himamaylan City is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

Climate

Demographics

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

Economy

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