Guihulngan

Guihulngan, officially the City of Guihulngan (Dakbayan sa Guihulngan; Lungsod ng Guihulngan), is a 5th class component city in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 102,656 people, the third-most populous city in Negros Oriental after the cities of Dumaguete and Bayawan. Guihulngan is also dubbed by its residents as the "rising city of the north".

Guihulngan is 116 km from Dumaguete.

Etymology
There are numerous versions of how the city got its name. According to legend, the first was caused by a river that flowed directly to the town proper from the mainspring at Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Nagsaha, hence the name "Guipadulngan," which means the place where the river flows to its end.

History
Some of the towns of early creation were founded at the close of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Dauin, for example, was founded in 1787, Tayasan, in 1790; Jimalalud, in 1797; Guijulñgan, in 1800; and Bacong, in 1801.

As constituted in 1898, it included the following towns: Amblan, Ayungon, Ayuquitan, Bacong, Bais, Bayanan, Canoan, Dauin, Dumaguete (capital), Guijulñgan, Manjuyod, Nueva Valencia, Siaton, Tanjay, Tayasan, Tolon, and Zamboanguita.

The second is associated with the gruesome incident in the 19th century when the Philippines was a colony of Spain; men and women of different ages were said to be captured, beheaded and thrown into the sea by the Moros, now known as Tañon Strait. Other accounts claim that the Moro invaders dropped a bell into the sea when they found out that it was used by the lookout to warn the townsfolk of their coming. Since that time, the place has been called Guihulugan which means, "Place where a thing was dropped". But in the Spanish writing, "U" and "N" are similar, which is why it became commonly written and known as Guihulngan.

Whether it originated as Guipadulngan or Guihulngan, the name is indeed symbolic, as the town is “dropped” with abundant blessings from the Almighty for a significant "end".

In 17th century map Murillo-Velarde Map it somewhat appears as Dijolongan.

Three barrios were created in 1959.

History of the Villegas Clan

Don Jose Villegas, a Chinese mestizo merchant from Dumanjug, Cebu, was driven by ambition and vision. In the early 1800s, he grew up in a bustling coastal town, learning trade from his father. His business acumen led him to Guihulngan on Negros Island, where he built a successful enterprise and became a respected community figure. His philanthropic efforts further cemented his legacy.

Don Jose's family continued his legacy. His descendants, including Pelagio Vergara Villegas, married Agapita Silva, and their children became prominent figures in Negros Oriental. Notable family members include Esperidion, Simplicio, Restituto, and Constancio Villegas, who held various political positions. Their contributions extended through multiple generations, including mayors, congressmen, and judges.

The family of Dominga Vergara Villegas, married to Don Pedro Cirilo Laguda Hermoso, is historically significant due to its ties to Visayan hero Don Deigo de la Vina. Their lineage, including Pedro Vicente Hermoso married to Milagros “Isang “ Geopano, contributed notably to their communities, intertwining with the region's heroic legacy.

Siblings Pelagio, Dominga, and Pedro Vergara Villegas significantly impacted their communities. Pelagio and Pedro were local heroes in Guihulngan, while Dominga's family legacy gave colorful footprints in the community.

The Villegas family's heritage intertwined with historical events, notably through connections to heroes like Pantaleon "Leon Kilat" Villegas, a revolutionary leader. Their story reflects a rich legacy of entrepreneurship,sugar industry, public service, and resilience in the Philippines.Historical Notes from Family Historian Franco R. Villegas and Prof. Penn T. Larena

Cityhood
On July 14, 2007, Guihulngan becomes a city in the province of Negros Oriental through ratification of Republic Act 9409 which was approved last March 24.

The Supreme Court declared the cityhood law of Guihulngan and 15 other cities unconstitutional after a petition filed by the League of Cities of the Philippines in its ruling on November 18, 2008. On December 22, 2009, the cityhood law of Guihulngan and 15 other municipalities regain its status as cities again after the court reversed its ruling on November 18, 2008. On August 23, 2010, the court reinstated its ruling on November 18, 2008, causing Guihulngan and 15 cities to become regular municipalities. Finally, on February 15, 2011, Guihulngan becomes a city again including the 15 municipalities declaring that the conversion to cityhood met all legal requirements.

After six years of legal battle, in its board resolution, the League of Cities of the Philippines acknowledged and recognized the cityhood of Guihulngan and 15 other cities.

Geography
Guihulngan is located in the northern part of the province on the coast of Tañon Strait.

Barangays
Guihulngan is politically subdivided into 33 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Economy
Guihulngan City is becoming the hub for businesses in the northern part of Negros Oriental. National and regional retail known brands such as Puregold, Prince Hypermart and MR.DIY have set up their branches in the city as well as banking institutions like Philippine National Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, Producers Bank and BDO Network Bank.

Landmarks
A huge bell with a Carabao was served as the main attraction of the city located at the side of Justice Hall along the National Highway.

Festival
Cara-Bell Festival (Every May 24) – Legend has it that marauding pirates used to slaughter natives of the town and drop their corpses into the sea. Guihulugan Festival of Guihulngan is usually celebrated on May 24. This festival is also referred to as the Cara-Bell Festival because of a story about a bell that saved the lives of the natives. According to some legends of the olden days, Moro pirates sailed the lands of Negros Oriental.

Education
Negros Oriental State University, the only state university in the province of Negros Oriental has a satellite campus in the city. It is known as the Guihulngan City Campus.

Saint Francis College – Guihulngan (SFC-G) is a private institution located in Bateria, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Inspired by the Charism of Saint Francis of Assisi, it was founded by three Franciscan friars.

The public schools in Guihulngan are administered by the Schools Division of Guihulngan City.

High schools

 * Balogo National High School — Balogo
 * Buenavista National High School — Buenavista
 * Guihulngan National Agricultural School — Plagatasanon
 * Guihulngan National High School-Poblacion — Osmeña Avenue, Poblacion
 * Guihulngan NHS-Binobohan Annex — Binobohan
 * Guihulngan NHS-Lip-o Extension — Sitio Lip-o, Imelda
 * Guihulngan NHS-Maculos Extension — Sitio Maculos, Bulado
 * Guihulngan NHS-Hilaitan — Hilaitan
 * Guihulngan NHS-Hibaiyo Annex — Hibaiyo
 * Linantuyan National High School — Linantuyan
 * Magsaysay National High School — Magsaysay
 * Maximina Lim Tabilon High School — Calupa-an
 * P. Zamora National High School — Padre Zamora
 * Planas National High School — Planas
 * Sandayao National High School — Sandayao
 * Trinidad High School — Trinidad

Private schools

 * Saint Francis College - Guihulngan — Nat'l Highway, Bateria, Poblacion
 * Kiddieville Learning Center, Inc. — Hilaitan
 * Guihulngan Christian School Inc. — Larena Street, Poblacion
 * ABC Learning Center - Guihulngan, Inc. — Bateria, Poblacion