Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

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

People of Cadiz City

• As of the 2020 Census, Cadiz City had a population of 158,544.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 154,723, reflecting a modest growth rate of approximately 2.5% over five years.
• Cadiz is historically home to 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 Cadiz City

• Cadiz City is located in the northern part of Negros Occidental, within Region VI (Western Visayas). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.95°N latitude and 123.3°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 524.57 square kilometers, comprising 22 barangays. Its terrain includes coastal plains, mangrove forests, and rolling hills. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Cadiz City Hall is located in Barangay Zone 2, which also houses key government offices and civic spaces.
• Most people reach Cadiz via land transport. It is approximately 65 kilometers north of Bacolod City, accessible by bus or van. The nearest airport is Bacolod–Silay Airport, while the closest major seaport is Cadiz Port, which serves inter-island cargo and passenger vessels.

Tourist Attractions of Cadiz City

• Lakawon Island: A white-sand island resort located off the coast of Barangay Cadiz Viejo, known for its floating bar and beach activities.
• Cadiz City Park and Plaza: A central civic space surrounded by heritage buildings and used for public events and gatherings.
• Dinagsa Festival: Celebrated every January, this vibrant festival features street dancing, body painting, and cultural parades. It honors the Santo Niño and celebrates Cadiz’s resilience and unity.
• Cadiz Port and Fish Market: A bustling hub of maritime trade and seafood commerce, reflecting the city’s identity as the “Dried Fish Capital of Negros Occidental.”

Economy of Cadiz City

• Cadiz’s economy is anchored in:
  • Fisheries and aquaculture: The city is a major producer of dried fish, fresh seafood, and marine products.
  • Agriculture: Key crops include sugarcane, rice, corn, and root vegetables. Livestock and poultry farming are also practiced.
  • Tourism: Lakawon Island and the Dinagsa Festival attract both domestic and international visitors.
  • Trade and services: Local markets, cooperatives, and small enterprises support community livelihoods.
• Cadiz is classified as a 2nd-class component city. While specific GDP data is limited, it plays a vital role in Negros Occidental’s northern corridor and contributes significantly to the province’s agricultural and maritime economy.

Educational Institutions of Cadiz City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Philippine Normal University – Cadiz Campus: A state university offering programs in education, arts, and sciences. Known for producing competent teachers and professionals.
  • Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST): Offers programs in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, and business. Included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • North Negros College: A private institution offering CHED-accredited programs in business administration, hospitality management, and computer science.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public high schools: Each barangay has access to DepEd-supported secondary schools and senior high programs.

History of Cadiz City

• Cadiz traces its origins to a traditional settlement known as Cadiz Viejo, located near the banks of the Hilaton River. In 1861, Spanish explorers named the area “Cadiz” due to its northern location, which reminded them of the seaport of Cádiz in Spain.
• Cadiz became a municipality independent from Saravia (now E.B. Magalona) in 1878. During the Spanish-American War, its residents actively participated in the insurrection. Under American rule, the city prospered with the establishment of lumber companies and agricultural expansion.
• Cadiz was officially converted into a component city on July 4, 1967 through Republic Act No. 4894. The law established Cadiz as a political body corporate with administrative autonomy and expanded its jurisdiction to include surrounding barangays.
• Today, Cadiz is known as the “City of Whales” and “Dinagsa Country of the North,” celebrated for its maritime heritage, cultural resilience, and economic vitality. It continues to grow through inclusive governance, tourism, and grassroots development.

Elected Officials of Cadiz City

• As of the 2025 elections, Cadiz City is led by:
  • Mayor: Salvador G. Escalante Jr. (Lakas)
  • Vice Mayor: John Vincent I. Escalante (NUP)
  • Representative – 2nd District of Negros Occidental: Alfredo D. Marañon III (NUP)
  • City Councilors: Marlon M. Metoda, Claire Therese L. Consing, Frances Mae D. Escalante, Jose Maria G. Escalante, Ramil G. Escalante, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Cadiz City Election Results.

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