Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental is within Region XVI – Negros Islands, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Guihulngan City

• As of the 2020 Census, Guihulngan City had a population of 102,656.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 95,969, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 7% over five years.
• Guihulngan is historically home to the Ata and Bukidnon peoples, indigenous groups who once inhabited the mountainous interiors of northern Negros. Over time, Visayan settlers—primarily Cebuano-speaking—became the dominant population, shaping the city’s cultural and linguistic identity.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, with Hiligaynon and Tagalog also present. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Guihulngan City

• Guihulngan City is located on the northeastern coast of Negros Island, within the province of Negros Oriental and Region VII (Central Visayas). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.12°N latitude and 123.27°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 388.56 square kilometers, comprising 33 barangays. Its terrain includes coastal plains, river valleys, and upland hills. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The City Hall is located along Larena Street in Barangay Poblacion, near the Guihulngan Police Station and Freedom Park.
• Most people reach Guihulngan via land transport. It is accessible by bus from Dumaguete City (approximately 120 km south) and Bacolod City (about 100 km northwest). The nearest airport is Bacolod–Silay Airport, while the closest major seaport is San Carlos Port, both reachable within 2–3 hours by road.

Tourist Attractions of Guihulngan City

• Hinakpan Hills: Often dubbed the “Chocolate Hills of Negros,” these rounded limestone formations offer panoramic views and cool mountain air in Barangay Hinakpan.
• Guihulngan Freedom Park: A central civic space by the sea, used for public gatherings, concerts, and community events.
• Guihulngan Boulevard: A peaceful seaside promenade ideal for walking, biking, and sunset viewing.
• River pools and ridge trails: Found in upland barangays, these natural retreats offer quiet escapes and scenic landscapes.
• Guihulngan City Fiesta: Celebrated every May in honor of St. John the Baptist, featuring religious processions, cultural performances, and local fairs.

Economy of Guihulngan City

• Guihulngan’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Major crops include rice, corn, sugarcane, banana, and root crops. Upland farming and backyard livestock raising are common.
  • Fisheries: Coastal barangays contribute to seafood production and aquaculture.
  • Trade and services: Local markets, cooperatives, and small enterprises support community livelihoods.
  • Eco-tourism: Natural sites like Hinakpan Hills and river pools attract visitors seeking quiet and nature-based experiences.
• Guihulngan ranked 112th</strong among component cities in the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index, with improving scores in economic dynamism and government efficiency.

Educational Institutions of Guihulngan City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Negros Oriental State University – Guihulngan Campus: Offers programs in education, agriculture, business, and technology. Originally established as Guihulngan Vocational High School, it is now part of the NORSU system.
  • Saint Francis College – Guihulngan: A private Catholic institution founded in 1962, offering programs in liberal arts, teacher education, and religious studies.
  • 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 Guihulngan City

• Guihulngan was founded in the early 1800s as a coastal settlement along the Tañon Strait. Its name is believed to originate from the word “Guihulugan,” meaning “place where something was dropped,” referring to a bell thrown into the sea by Moro raiders who used to attack the town. Another version traces the name to “Guipadulngan,” meaning “where the river flows to an end.”
• During the Spanish colonial period, Guihulngan became a pueblo and later a municipality under American rule. It developed as a trade and agricultural center, with its port serving as a gateway to Cebu and northern Negros.
• Guihulngan was converted into a component city on July 14, 2007 through Republic Act No. 9409, authored by Congressman Jacinto V. Paras. However, its cityhood was challenged and temporarily revoked in 2008 and 2010. On February 15, 2011, the Supreme Court affirmed its city status, securing its place as the “rising city of the north.”
• Today, Guihulngan continues to grow through grassroots governance, agricultural resilience, and cultural pride. It remains a vital part of Negros Oriental’s northern corridor, balancing tradition and development across its 33 barangays.

Elected Officials of Guihulngan City

• As of the 2025 elections, Guihulngan City is led by:
  • Mayor: Filomeno “Mikoy” L. Reyes (NP)
  • Vice Mayor: Ana Eunica Beatriz A. Reyes (NP)
  • Representative – 1st District of Negros Oriental: Emmanuel L. Iway (PFP)
  • City Councilors: Gian Carlo A. Mijares, Alvin Lance M. Trinidad, Melbourne T. Bustamante, Earl Joseph P. Molas, Lorelyn Sharaim S. Besario, Kim Isaac R. Antique, Angelito M. Pique, Paulo Edison D. De la Rita Jr., Shamgar T. Casipong, Ma. Theresa Rizon
• For full election results and updates, visit: Guihulngan City Election Results.

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