San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
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| Location | |
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| Government | |
| Region | Western Visayas (Region VI) |
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| Province | Negros Occidental |
| District | 1st district of Negros Occidental |
| Barangays | 18 |
| Income class: | 2nd class; urban |
| Mayor | Eugenio Jose V. Lacson |
| Founded | 1898? |
| Cityhood | July 1, 1960 |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Population | |
| Total (2000) | {{{pop2000}}}
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- For another city in the Philippines, see San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
San Carlos City is a 1st class component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Converted to City Status on July 1, 1960 per Republic Act 2643. According to the August 1, 2007 census, it has a population of 129,809 people in (no data for 2007) households.
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[edit] Official Seal of San Carlos City
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The Seal, (coat-of-arms) is of circular shape consisting of three (3) circumferences super-imposed one upon the other to form the circle. The outermost circumference bears the caption "City of San Carlos" on the upper portion and the word "Philippines" on the lower. Inside the circle is the emblazonry, a hexagonal figure shaped somewhat like a modified version of a medieval shield which, in turn, is divided into four (4) parts bearing the following colors: Blue on the upper left corner and white on the right; on the lower portion, white on the lower left corner and red on the right (see above sketch). The colors consist of red, white and blue - the colors bearing the same significance as in the national flag; red for courage, blue for valor and white for purity and peace. On the upper white are silhouettes of a sugar mill belching smoke and a ship upon a placid sea - the mill symbolical of San Carlos City's Main Product - sugar, while the ship informs that San Carlos City is accessible by sea, and, therefore, is a typical coastal city of commerce with wharves and good harbor. On the lower white, the silhouettes of several hills and sugar cane fields and a tractor with a driver can be discerned. The hills inform that the topographical structure of San Carlos City is composed of rolling hills interspersed by plains cultivated to sugar cane. Turn the eyes back to that ship on the upper white and the conclusion is that San Carlos lies between the mountains and the deep blue sea - which it is. The sugar cane fields and the tractor are self-explanatory - excellent agriculture and mechanized farming - proof the San Carlos City is abreast, or even way ahead of its contemporaries in farm technology. The medieval shield is impinged in the center by a pear-shaped design bearing the silhouettes of a Negros map divided into its two (2) component provinces: Negros Occidental and Oriental. The portion in black in Negros Occidental and the white dot on the northaest portion is the site of San Carlos City. Flanking the map are two (2) silhouettes of plants - the corn on the left (corn is the staple food of San Carloseños) and the sugar cane of the right. Below the pear-shaped figure can be seen the silhouettes of a wheel - symbolizing the local administration at the "wheel-of-state" - this bears the same significance as the Magsaysay Clock. The pear-shaped figure, is, in turn, coyly encircled with a white band with the caption "Nabingkalan" on the left, "San Carlos" on the right, and the year "1960" at the bottom. Nabingkalan is the original name of San Carlos, taken from the name of a daughter of the Negrito Chief - the Princess Nabingka. San Carlos was the name given by Carlos Apurado, the first Christian settler in San Carlos. R.A. 2643 authored by the late Rep. Vicente Gustilo made San Carlos a city in 1960.
[edit] History
San Carlos City was formerly named Nabingkalan, derived its name from Nabingka, a beautiful daughter of a chieftain of the Negrito settlement in the area, who ruled the barrio during the early part in the 17th century. She was famous for her loveliness and mental and physical prowess. After her death, the people mourned for two (2) years, but to perpetuate her memory, something had to be done, and that was to name the barrio Nabingkalan. The settlement was later bought by Carlos Apurado from Badian, Cebu, who, with the help of fellow pioneers, developed the settlement into a thriving Christian Village. Fragments of written history show that in 1856, the Island of Buglas (Negros), as a politico-military province under Spain, was divided into two (2) provinces, the West Negros under Iloilo and the East Negros under Cebu. The barrio of Nabingkalan under Calatrava, was under the jurisdiction of Iloilo. Señor Don Emilio Saravia, the first political-military governor in the island during the Spanish era, renamed the place and established it as a "pueblo".
San Carlos prospered through the years, however, the village lost its "pueblo" category, and in 1890, when Negros Island was divided into Occidental Negros and Oriental Negros, San Carlos was recorded as an "arrabal" or barrio of Calatrava (Hilub-ang).
On October 16, 1898, a parish priest of Calatrava, then the township under whose jurisdiction Nabingkalan, was a barrio, visited the place. He found it more prosperous than the town proper. So he assembled the cabesas de barangay and after a short conference, decided to name the new town San Carlos, in honor of the Patron Saint of the barrio, Saint Carlos Borromeo, whose feast day was November 4, and on the same day, the seat of the town was transferred to San Carlos.
During the first years of the American jurisdiction of the Philippines, the economic and social phase of the activities of the people was gauged on the movements of the big landholders and Spaniards in the lowlands. In 1903, the political arena was a hot place, it being the first taste of the Filipinos to elect their own leader. Since then, the following elections were always a sensational political drama. In 1912, when the sugar central was constructed, the economic life of the people was greatly enhanced. The political activities, however, was closely woven with that of Calatrava, until 1925, when Calatrava was organized into a municipality.
From 1899 to the last days of the administration of the municipality of San Carlos, the following persons have served as presidentes and mayors, has each contributed in one way or another to the progress of the town:
- Vicente Flores
- Bernardino Lazanas
- Jose Cervantes
- Pelagio Carbajosa
- Agustin Ylagan (4 terms)
- Domingo Medina (2 terms)
- Vicente Atienza
- Juan P. Broce (2 terms)
- Fausto Caballero
- Eugenio Antonio, Jr.
1942-1945
- Juan P. Broce
- Antonio Azcona (in the occupied area)
- Anacleto Factoran (in the free area)
After 1945
- Dominador Zaragoza (Appointed)
- Eugenio Antonio, Jr. (Appointed)
- Constancio Rabacal (Appointed)
- Constancio Rabacal (2 Terms)
- Sofronio C. Carmona
The First World War encouraged the people of San Carlos to produce more staple and sugar crops. After the armistice in 1917, the planters who produced more sugar had their wealth greatly increased because of the new price of sugar never before enjoyed by the planters. During the war, many sons of the San Carlos volunteered to fight for Uncle San, but a few months later, were sent back home because of the Armistice.
The Second World War was partly fought in San Carlos. Barely one (1) month after the surrender of Negros to the Japanese Imperial Forces, guerrilla movement began in San Carlos and Calatrava. As early as June 15 , 1942, guerrilla bands under the leadership of Lt. Leonardo Marane and Lt. Alfredo Valdivia helped by the Philippine Commonwealth troops began operations against the enemy. Pitch battles were fought within the environs of the poblacion. In spite of the presence of Maj. Edward McClenahan, a US Army officer in the area of San Carlos, the guerrilla bands were not organized. However, with the coming home of some USAFFE officers of San Carlos, the guerrilla was formally organized. Under USAFFE Capts. Catalino D. Rivera and Loreto Y. Apuhin, together with Lts. Florencio C. Yap and Andres L. Arrogante the bands of roving guerrillas in San Carlos were consolidated under one (1) command. The professionals inside the free area joined the movement. Noted among whom, were: Eufemio A. Parana and Paul G. Gores, Lawyers: Dominador Cejalvo, engineer; Carlos M. Madrazo, chemist; Eugenio Antonio, Jr., labor leader and chemist; Pedro T. Algarme, college professor; and later, Oscar A. Quisumbing, Arturo A. Cruz, physicians and Lt. Fernando D. Estampador.
In the war fronts of Bataan and Mindanao, several sons of San Carlos made their supreme sacrifices. Among those who survived to tell the story that came home to continue the fight against the enemy, were: Capt. Epifanio D. Liberal, Capt. Dominador Justiniani, Capt. Porferio A. Villaflor, Lts. Teodulfo Limas, Crescencio C. Portuguez, Florencio C. Yap, Andres L. Arrogante, Nestorio L. Layumas, Federico Legaspina, Sgt. Simplicio Algarme and very few enlisted men.
In March 1945, San Carlos saw action, when the Philippine forces and local guerrilla under the over-all command of Col. Ernesto S. Mata, attacked the Japanese garrison in the compound of San Carlos Milling Company and succeeded in driving away the enemy, at the cost of the life of Lt. Alfredo Valdivia. The first post war election found the town a Liberal. In 1953, the Nacionalista wrested the power from the Liberals. The consensus of opinions has it that for the present, it is yet difficult to dethrone the local party in power. By Virtue of R.A. No. 2643, the Municipality of San Carlos was converted into the City of San Carlos on July 1, 1960. The City inherited from the Municipality numerous improvements hitherto unprecedented in the history of the town. The improvements were introduced by the last municipal administration under Mayor Carmona. The usual experience of a new city during the transition period is fraught with crisis. The new City of San Carlos excepted to this rule. The herculean effort exerted by mayor Carmona in meeting the huge obligations of the city in the form of salaries of newly created offices and the implementation of WAPCO increases of the intermediate school teachers were easily overcome.
Another historical milestone in the life of the city is the cabinet meeting of Pres. Fidel V. Ramos in the city last August 27, 1996 making the San Carlos the first component city to be made the venue of a Presidential cabinet meeting. Famous icons brought San Carlos City on top of other cities in Negros. Sexy Starlet turn award winning actress Assunta de Rossi graces the city when married to the present congressman Jules Ledesma, Gerry Peñalosa, a well known boxer came from the city and San Carlos lead the implementation of Free computer education sprearheaded by Dolores Pono, DIST III Coordinator, Marcellius Tanoy, ALS Supervisor and Edsel Pono, author and inspirational speaker, and So. Mabuni's Eco-Center in Guadalupe.
[edit] Geography
Located along the coast of Tañon Strait, the city is located at the crossroads of four major cities in the Visayas: Cebu City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City and Dumaguete City. It has a long coastline that runs to 40 kilometers which is protected by the city's mangrove reforestation program while its seas are closely guarded from abuse by this active Bantay Dagat force. Nature has also endowed with a deep natural harbor that can take in large shipping vessels. This harbor is also protected from inclement weather by Refugio Island (a.k.a.Sipaway Island). Due to these special attributes, the Philippine Ports Authority has chosen the San Carlos City port from among other ports in the province for its expansion program in 1998 which include the reclamation of four hectares of sea to accommodate various port buildings, facilities and container vans, an extension on the eastside for two RO-RO vessels and the extension of the length of the port to 242.5 meters.
San Carlos City has two pronounced seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season is from May to January with heavy rains occurring during the months of August and September. Dry season lasts from February to April. December and January are the coldest months while April is the hottest.
[edit] Festival
Pintaflores was born out of the people's search for a cultural identity and tradition.
If Cebu City has its Sinulog, Bacolod City its Masskara, and Aklan its Ati-atihan, San Carlos City also dreamt of having its own unique festival.
In 1992, after successfully holding two activities, the Nabingkalan Tattoo Festival and the Dances of Flowers as highlights of the city fiesta, the idea of blending the two concepts to come up with a presentation that could be considered the City's very own started what today is one of the most popular street dancing festivals in the region - the Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City.
Pintaflores is coined from the words Pintados, the concept behind the Nabingkalan Tattoo Festival, and the "flores", the Spanish word for flowers that dominated the theme of the Dances of Flowers. The Pintaflores street dancing and ritual competition highlights the annual Pintaflores festival every November 3-5.
It features rhythmic dances and dance dramas of life and death and the triumph of good against evil that depict the people's thanksgiving of merriment, abundant blessings and success. As part of the Pintados Tradition, the faces, arms, bodies and legs of the dancers are painted with flowers to express gratitude to man and his environment.
The street dancing is culminated by a dance ritual performed at the City Auditorium. Different dance steps and musical accompaniment add to the thrill of the competition. The Human flower formation is another impressive part of the dance ritual which are products of the ingenuity and skill of the choreographers and dancers.
Building a name on the streets of Cebu, Negros and Panay
It takes time to build. but, with Pintaflores, the time to gather frame is at a very young age. Colegio de Sto. Tomas - Recoletos high school students, bested seasoned contestants to land third place in the free interpretation category in the heavinly-competed Sinulog festival in Cebu City in January 1993. In April of the same year, the group bagged the championship in Panaad Sa Negros '93, to province-wide cultural festival in Negros Occidental.
Represented by Barangays II and Quezon, the Pintaflores street dancing contingent emerged first prize in Panaad Sa Negros in 1996. The same group with the participation of Barangay Ermita bagged again the championship in Panaad Sa Negros 1997 and the fifth prize in Sinulog festival '98.
In Panaad Sa Negros '98, the Pintaflores group composed of dancers from Barangays Punao and Palampas and the City Hospital graced the fiesta presentation as guest performers. In Panaad '99. the Pintaflores represented this time by elementary school children, once again proved its unbeatable streak by emerging champions, consequently reaping the Hall of Fame award for topping the fiesta presentation event in four consecutive years.
Having established a name in street dancing, Pintaflores danced performers in such places as Iloilo City (1996) and the Roxas City (1997) as among the best of the best in the region, and in Canlaon City and Victorias in 1999 as the best in the province.
But the best is yet to come to Pintaflores as a new breed of dancers has emerged with the launching of Pintaflores Bata or Pinta Bata in 1996. A street dancing and ritual competition among elementary school children. Pinta Bata thrills one with the children's pleasing gracefulness and versatility that promises a crop of excellent dancers in the years to come.
San Carlos comes alive and colorful every November 5. Its streets become ablaze and animated by the sprightly dance of flower-painted dancers in colorful ethnic-inspired costumes as the traditional Pintaflores festival hits this its peak in a colorful and lively streetdancing competition.
After five years and many awards, including the Hall of Fame awards in streetdancing in the Panaad Sa Negros, the word Pintaflores, like "Daan Sa Kaunlaran" and Homelot program, now has become another byword of the creativity of San Carloseños.
[edit] Languages and Transportation
Cebuano is the major language of San Carlos City. English, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood, especially in the urban areas.
Pedicabs are common mode of transport. Buses and jeepneys provide service for intertown travel.
[edit] City Officials
- Mayor: Eugenio Jose V. Lacson
- Vice-Mayor: Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr.
- Councilors
- Rommel Debulgado
- Dickson Yu
- Edgardo Quisumbing
- Jose Carlos Villarante
- Gregorio Santillan
- Fleur de Lis Mascuñana
- Robert Santiago
- Luis Dizon
- Hernan Antonio
- Eddie Apuhin
- ABC President: Jonie Uy
- SK Federation President: Fay Maria Charisma Dollosa
[edit] Barangays
San Carlos City is politically subdivided into 18 barangays.
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[edit] External links
- San Carlos City Official Website
- San Julio Realty, Inc.
- GENESYS Foundation, Inc.
- Kasipagan Association of Mothers' Clubs
- San Carlos City Interactive Website
- Whispering Palms Island Resort
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
- http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/municipality.asp?muncode=064524000®code=06&provcode=45
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