Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

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

People of Escalante City

• As of the 2020 Census, Escalante City had a population of 96,159.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 94,070, reflecting a modest growth rate of approximately 2.2% over five years.
• Escalante 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 Escalante City

• Escalante City is located in the northeastern part of Negros Occidental, within Region VI (Western Visayas). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.83°N latitude and 123.5°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 192.76 square kilometers, comprising 21 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 Escalante City Hall is located in Barangay Balintawak, which also houses key government offices and civic spaces.
• Most people reach Escalante via land transport. It is approximately 95 kilometers northeast of Bacolod City, accessible by bus or van. The nearest airport is Bacolod–Silay Airport, while the closest major seaport is Escalante Port, which serves inter-island cargo and passenger vessels to Cebu and other Visayan destinations.

Tourist Attractions of Escalante City

• Escalante City Heritage Park: A memorial site commemorating the 1985 Escalante Massacre, featuring sculptures and historical markers.
• Escalante Port and Coastal Boardwalk: A scenic area for walking, fishing, and viewing the Tañon Strait.
• Balintawak Hills: A natural viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
• Manlambus Festival: Celebrated every May, this vibrant festival features street dancing, cultural parades, and community events. It honors Escalante’s fishing heritage and the Visayan word “manlambus,” meaning “to strike with a club,” referencing traditional fishing methods.

Economy of Escalante City

• Escalante’s economy is anchored in:
  • Fisheries and aquaculture: The city is a major producer of fresh seafood and marine products.
  • Agriculture: Key crops include sugarcane, rice, corn, and root vegetables. Livestock and poultry farming are also practiced.
  • Trade and services: Local markets, cooperatives, and small enterprises support community livelihoods.
  • Tourism and heritage: Cultural sites and festivals attract visitors from neighboring towns and provinces.
• Escalante is classified as a 4th-class component city. While specific GDP data is limited, it plays a vital role in Negros Occidental’s northern corridor and contributes to the province’s agricultural and maritime economy.

Educational Institutions of Escalante City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST): Offers programs in agriculture, fisheries, engineering, and business. Included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • Escalante National High School: A public secondary school offering senior high programs in academic and technical-vocational tracks.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Private colleges and training centers: Offer programs in teacher education, IT, and business administration.

History of Escalante City

• Escalante was originally known as Manlambus, a Visayan term meaning “to strike with a club,” referencing the abundance of fish in its coastal waters. It was renamed Escalante in honor of a Spanish official and became a pueblo in 1856.
• During the American period, Escalante grew as a center of sugarcane production and maritime trade. In 1948, the barangay of Toboso was separated to form its own municipality, reducing Escalante’s land area and population.
• The seat of government was transferred from Old Poblacion to Barangay Balintawak in 1958 through Executive Order No. 301 by President Carlos P. Garcia. This move centralized governance and infrastructure development.
• Escalante was officially converted into a component city on March 31, 2001 through Republic Act No. 9014. The law was signed on February 28, 2001, after a public hearing and legislative approval. Today, Escalante is known for its historical resilience, cultural pride, and grassroots development.

Elected Officials of Escalante City

• As of the 2025 elections, Escalante City is led by:
  • Mayor: Melecio J. Yap Jr. (NPC)
  • Vice Mayor: Rogelio A. Prietos (NPC)
  • Representative – 1st District of Negros Occidental: Gerardo P. Valmayor Jr. (NPC)
  • City Councilors: Virgie J. Abong-Pastor, Johnny A. Gabriel, Manuel L. Zamora, Erson D. Escala, William V. Saratobias, Virgilio V. Gamao, Rosario E. Manguilimotan, Angelina T. Encarguez, Bernardino S. Patigas Jr.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Escalante City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines