Victorias City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Victorias City, Negros Occidental is within Region XVI – Negros Islands, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Victorias City

• As of the 2020 Census, Victorias City had a population of 90,101.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 87,933, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 2.5% over five years.
• Historically, Victorias was inhabited by the Ati people, one of the earliest Negrito groups in the Visayas. Over time, Ilonggo-speaking settlers became the dominant population, shaping the city’s cultural and linguistic identity.
• The major dialect spoken is Ilonggo (Hiligaynon), with Cebuano and Tagalog also present. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Victorias City

• Victorias City is located in the northern part of Negros Occidental, within Region VI (Western Visayas). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.8962°N latitude and 123.0726°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 133.92 square kilometers, comprising 26 barangays. Its terrain includes coastal plains, sugarcane fields, and river systems. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Victorias City Hall is located in Barangay I (Poblacion), which also houses key government offices and civic spaces.
• Most people reach Victorias via land transport. It is approximately 34 kilometers north of Bacolod City, accessible by bus, jeepney, or private vehicle. The nearest airport is Bacolod–Silay Airport, while the closest major seaport is Bacolod Port, both reachable within 1–1.5 hours.

Tourist Attractions of Victorias City

• St. Joseph the Worker Chapel: A modernist church designed by Czech architect Antonín Raymond, featuring the controversial yet iconic mural by artist Alfonso Ossorio. Declared an Important Cultural Property of the Philippines.
• Gawahon Eco-Park: A nature and wildlife reserve offering panoramic views, hiking trails, and freshwater lagoons nestled between Silay and EB Magalona.
• Penalosa Farms: A sustainable organic farm promoting agri-tourism and healthy living, complete with a café and educational tours.
• Great Ocean Road (Victorias): A scenic coastal stretch known for its lush landscapes, rice terraces, and sunset views over the Sulu Sea.
• Kadalag-an Festival: Celebrated every March, this festival showcases Victorias’ cultural pride and agricultural heritage through street dancing, parades, and community events.

Economy of Victorias City

• Victorias’ economy is anchored in:
  • Sugar milling: Home to Victorias Milling Company (VMC), the largest integrated sugar mill in the Philippines, occupying a 7,000-hectare compound.
  • Agriculture: Sugarcane, rice, and corn are the primary crops, with livestock and poultry farming also practiced.
  • Agri-tourism and eco-tourism: Farms, parks, and cultural sites attract visitors and support local livelihoods.
  • Trade and services: Local markets, cooperatives, and small enterprises contribute to economic activity.
• Victorias is classified as a 4th-class component city. While city-specific GDP data is limited, it contributes to Negros Occidental’s overall economic output, which reached ₱263.52 billion in 2023, with the province accounting for 25.7% of Western Visayas’ regional economy.

Educational Institutions of Victorias City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Central Philippines State University – Victorias Campus: Offers programs in agriculture, education, business, and technology. Included under the Free Tuition Law (RA 10931).
  • Don Bosco Technical Institute – Victorias: A private Catholic Salesian institution offering technical-vocational education and basic education programs.
  • Victorias National High School: A public secondary school offering senior high programs in academic and technical-vocational tracks.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Victorias City

• Victorias was originally known as Malihaw, a fishing village beside the Malihaw River. The name came from the abundance of Malihaw trees along the riverbanks. During the Spanish era, the town was ruled by Capitan Gregorio Conlu and was frequently raided by Moro pirates and tulisanes.
• The city’s name change is rooted in a miraculous event involving Capitan Conlu’s wife, Capitana Tutang, who was thrown overboard by pirates and survived. In gratitude, the town was renamed Victorias in honor of Nuestra Señora de las Victorias (Our Lady of Victory).
• Victorias became a municipality on October 2, 1906. It was later converted into a component city on February 11, 1998 through Republic Act No. 8488, known as the Charter of the City of Victorias.
• Today, Victorias is known as the “Sugarlandia of Negros” and the “Sweet and Green City,” celebrated for its industrial heritage, cultural landmarks, and environmental initiatives.

Elected Officials of Victorias City

• As of the 2025 elections, Victorias City is led by:
  • Mayor: Abelardo “JunB” D. Bantug III (NPC)
  • Vice Mayor: Francis Frederick “Derek” D. Palanca (NPC)
  • Representative – 3rd District of Negros Occidental: Javier Miguel L. Benitez (PFP)
  • City Councilors: Warlito T. Undar, Deilen Tornea-Hofileña, Jerry L. Jover, Dexter L. Senido, Dino G. Palanca, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Victorias City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines