| Himamaylan | |||
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| Map of Negros Occidental showing the location of Himamaylan City. | |||
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Himamaylan
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| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Philippines | ||
| Region | Western Visayas (Region VI) | ||
| Province | Negros Occidental | ||
| District | 5th District of Negros Occidental | ||
| Founded | 1575 | ||
| Cityhood | March 5, 2001 | ||
| Barangays | 19 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Agustin Ernesto Bascon | ||
| • Vice Mayor | Carminia G. Bascon | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 363.66 km2 (140.4 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2007) | |||
| • Total | 88,684 | ||
| • Density | 243.9/km2 (631.6/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP Code | 6108 | ||
| Area code(s) | 034 | ||
| Income class | 3rd class city; partially urban | ||
| Website | Official website | ||
Himamaylan City is a 3rd class city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 88,684 people in 16,878 households. Himamaylan is 83 kilometers south of Bacolod City, the provincial capital. Due to its coastal location, it is a rich source of fish, oysters and mussels.
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.
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In 1795, Himamaylan became the capital of Negros.[1] 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 Muslim raids is one of the historical attractions found in the city.[2]
The term "Himamaylan" is a portmanteau of the 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.[2][3]
Himamaylan is located at the center-most cove on the coastline of the island of Negros. 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.
The city's main sources of livelihood include fishery, sugar production, rice production, mango cultivation, and ethanol exports.[3]
The city has gained prominence in politics over the years. Three provincial governors trace their roots from Himamaylan–Valeriano Gatuslao, Miguel Gatuslao, and Agustin Ramos.
Governor Valeriano Gatuslao served for thirteen years. He started his political career in Murcia as councilor, then was elected as provincial board member. He won almost every election by landslide and was one of the island's most popular politicians of the time. Gatuslao Street in Bacolod City and the district hospital in Himamaylan are named in his honor.
Governor Miguel Gatuslao led the resistance against the Japanese in southern Negros during World War II, where he was appointed one of the deputy Governors of the island. After the war he was elected Vice-Governor and served until the early 1980s However, he was best known for his enthusiastic promotion of the Boy Scouts.
Agustin Ramos was also a long-serving politician. He served as mayor of Himamaylan, then as Congressman, and Governor.
Congressman Agustin Gatuslao is remembered as the "builder of the third district", due to the numerous infrastructure projects he undertook during his terms. He represented then the 3rd District of Negros Occidental which encompassed most of southern Negros. The stadium in Himamaylan City was named in his honor.
Mayor Jose Gatuslao was the longest serving mayor of Himamaylan. Having served for more than two decades.
These four Gatuslaos were brothers and for a while served at the same time. This unprecedented record has yet to be matched by any other family in Negros.
In 1980, Roberto Gatuslao, son of Jose, won a seat in the Interim Batasang Pambansa. Four years later his first cousin Antonio Gatuslao, son of Agustin, won election to the same body. Roberto ran under the KBL banner while Antonio was an independent candidate.
The current city mayor is Agustin Bascon under the term of 2010-2013. He is the son of former mayor, now vice mayor, Carminia Bascon who is a relative of the Gatuslaos.
Himamaylan City is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.
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