La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

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

People of La Carlota City

• As of the 2020 Census, La Carlota City had a population of 66,664.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 63,852, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 4.4% over five years.
• La Carlota 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 La Carlota City

• La Carlota City is located in the central part of Negros Occidental, within Region VI (Western Visayas). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.42°N latitude and 122.92°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 137.29 square kilometers, comprising 14 barangays. Its terrain includes sugarcane fields, rolling hills, and river systems. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The La Carlota City Hall is located in Barangay I, near the central plaza and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church.
• Most people reach La Carlota via land transport. It is approximately 45 kilometers south of Bacolod City, accessible by bus or private vehicle. The nearest airport is Bacolod–Silay Airport, while the closest major seaport is Bacolod Port, both reachable within 1.5 hours by road.

Tourist Attractions of La Carlota City

• La Carlota City Hall: A heritage landmark blending modern and Spanish-era architecture, surrounded by landscaped gardens and civic spaces.
• Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church: A historic Catholic church and spiritual center of the city.
• Muscovado Sugar Mill Brick Chimney Ruins: A remnant of the city’s sugar milling heritage, located near the outskirts of the city.
• Guintubdan Mountain Resort: A nature retreat in the upland barangays offering cool climate, waterfalls, and panoramic views of Mt. Kanlaon.
• Pasalamat Festival: Celebrated every last week of April, this vibrant festival honors the elemental gods for a bountiful harvest. It features street dancing, drumbeating competitions, and cultural parades rooted in ancient Buglas traditions.

Economy of La Carlota City

• La Carlota’s economy is anchored in:
  • Sugarcane production: The city is part of the sugar-producing belt of Negros Occidental, with several haciendas and milling operations.
  • Agriculture: Other crops include rice, corn, banana, and vegetables. Livestock and poultry farming are also practiced.
  • Trade and services: Local markets, cooperatives, and small enterprises support community livelihoods.
  • Tourism: Heritage sites and festivals attract visitors from neighboring towns and provinces.
• In the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index, La Carlota ranked 106th among component cities nationwide, with notable scores in resiliency and innovation.

Educational Institutions of La Carlota City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • La Carlota City College: A public institution founded in 1966, offering programs in education, business, public administration, and liberal arts. It is covered under the Free Tuition Law (RA 10931).
  • Pax Academy: A private school offering senior high and college-level programs in arts and sciences.
  • 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 La Carlota City

• La Carlota was originally an agricultural settlement known as Simancas, placed under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Valladolid in the mid-1800s. The earliest known settlement was along the banks of the Candaguit River.
• On October 15, 1869, the King of Spain issued a Royal Decree elevating Simancas into a town, separating it from Valladolid and forming the basis of what would become La Carlota.
• During the American period, La Carlota became a center of sugarcane production and civic development. The city played a role in the growth of the sugar industry and the establishment of public schools and infrastructure.
• La Carlota was officially converted into a component city on June 19, 1965 through Republic Act No. 4585, signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal. Today, it is known as the “Drumbeating City of Beauty and Dance,” celebrated for its cultural pride, economic vitality, and grassroots governance.

Elected Officials of La Carlota City

• As of the 2025 elections, La Carlota City is led by:
  • Mayor: Joelu Jalandoni (Independent)
  • Vice Mayor: David “Jun-Jun” Baga Jr. (UNegA)
  • Representative – 4th District of Negros Occidental: Jeffrey Ferrer (NUP)
  • City Councilors: Julius Martin D. Asistio, Amalia D. Aguirre, Ciriaco G. Gamao, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: La Carlota City Election Results.

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