Carcar City Cebu Philippines

Carcar City, Cebu is within Region VII – Central Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Carcar City

• As of the 2020 Census, Carcar City had a population of 136,453.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 119,664, reflecting a significant growth rate over five years.
• Carcar is historically home to the Ati people, one of the earliest inhabitants of Cebu Island. Though now a minority, their cultural legacy is preserved through oral traditions and community rituals in upland barangays.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, with Carcarano variants reflecting local linguistic nuances. While Cebuano dominates daily communication, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Carcar City

• Carcar City is located in the southern part of Cebu Island in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.12°N latitude and 123.63°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 116.78 square kilometers, with terrain that includes coastal plains, river valleys, and limestone hills. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The Carcar City Hall is located in Barangay Poblacion III, adjacent to the historic town plaza and the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.
• Most people reach Carcar via land transport. It is approximately 40 kilometers south of Cebu City and accessible by bus, jeepney, and private vehicles via the Cebu South Road. The nearest airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road. The Port of Cebu serves as the nearest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Carcar City

• St. Catherine of Alexandria Church: A Spanish-era church built in 1876, known for its Greco-Roman architecture and heritage status.
• Carcar Museum: Housed in the old dispensary building, showcasing the city’s cultural and historical artifacts.
• Heritage Houses: An array of ancestral homes lining the old town center, reflecting Spanish and American colonial architecture.
• Carcar Rotunda: A landmark roundabout featuring sculptures that depict local livelihood and traditions.
• Carcar City Fiesta: Celebrated every November 25 in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria, featuring religious processions, cultural shows, and culinary fairs.

Economy of Carcar City

• Carcar’s economy is anchored in:
  • Shoemaking and leathercraft: The city is known as the “Shoemaking Capital of Cebu.”
  • Food processing: Famous for chicharon, ampao, and bocarillo.
  • Agriculture: Sugarcane, corn, and coconut are widely cultivated.
  • Retail and services: The city serves as a commercial hub for southern Cebu.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, Carcar contributes significantly to Cebu Province’s economy, which posted a GDP of over ₱300 billion in 2024.

Educational Institutions of Carcar City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Carcar City College: A local government-funded institution offering programs in education, business, and technology. It is covered under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
  • Saint Catherine’s College: A private Catholic institution offering undergraduate programs in liberal arts, education, and health sciences.
  • Nearby Institutions: Students also attend universities in Cebu City such as Cebu Technological University, University of San Carlos, and Southwestern University.

History of Carcar City

• Carcar traces its origins to the pre-Hispanic settlement of “Kabkad,” named after a local fern species. Spanish missionaries arrived in the late 16th century, and the town was officially founded in 1599.
• During the Spanish colonial period, Carcar became a center for religious, cultural, and economic activity in southern Cebu. The construction of the Church of St. Catherine and the establishment of civic institutions marked its rise as a regional hub.
• Carcar was converted into a component city through Republic Act No. 9436, signed into law on April 15, 2007. The cityhood was ratified by plebiscite on July 1, 2007, but was briefly revoked due to legal challenges. The Supreme Court affirmed its cityhood on February 15, 2011.
• In 2022, Carcar was declared a Heritage Zone through Republic Act No. 11644, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance. Today, Carcar is known as the “Heritage City of the South,” blending tradition with progress.

Elected Officials of Carcar City

• As of the 2025 elections, Carcar City is led by:
  • Mayor: Mario Patricio P. Barcenas
  • Vice Mayor: Hervy Alejandro B. de Dios
  • Representative (1st District of Cebu): Rhea Mae A. Gullas
  • City Councilors: Rey Anthony L. Lawas, Ma. Bernadith R. Barcenas, Isidro M. Alquizalas, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Carcar City Election Results.

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