History San Carlos City
During the 17th century, San Carlos City’s name was Nabingkalan which believed to have derived from the name of the chieftain’s daughter in Negrito settlement who governed the barrio at that time. This settlement was later bought by a native from Cebu and then converted it into a Christian Village.
When the Spaniards came, the Island of Buglas (Negros) was divided into 2 provinces, the West negros under Iloilo and the East Negros under Cebu. The barrio of Nabingkalan was under the jurisdiction of Iloilo at that time and it was renamed into Pueblo.
In 1890, Negros Island was divided into Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, making Pueblo a barrio of Calatrava. A few years later, a parish priest of Calatrava assembled the cabesas de barangay and all agreed to change the name of the town to San Carlos in honor of Patron Saint Carlos Borromeo. Then on Novemer 4, 1898 th seat of the town was transferred to San Carlos. In 1925, Calatrava was organized into a municipality.
During the Spanish regime in 1856, the Island of Buglas (Negros) was divided into two (2) provinces, the West Negros under Iloilo and the East Negros under Cebu. The barrio of Nabingkalan was under the jurisdiction of Iloilo and since then the place was renamed to “Pueblo”. Then in 1890, Negros Island was divided into Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental making Pueblo a barrio of Calatrava. A few years later, a parish priest of Calatrava assembled the cabesas de barangay and all agreed to change the name of the town to San Carlos in honor of Patron Saint Carlos Borromeo. Then on November 4, 1898 the seat of the town was transferred to San Carlos. In 1925, Calatrava was organized into a municipality.
In the onset of First World War, the residents of San Carlos produced enough staple and sugar crops and when the ceasefire happened on 1917, most of the planters or residents having sugar plantations gained more wealth due to the increase in the price of sugar. Then in World War II, residents of San Carlos and Calatrava formed a guerilla movement under the leadership of Lt. Leonardo Marane and Lt. Alfredo Valdivia to fight the Japanese Imperial Forces. In March 1945, the local guerilla attacked the Japanese garrison in the compound of San Carlos Milling Company and succeeded.
On July 1, 1960, by virtue of Republic Act 2643, the Municipality of San Carlos was converted into the City of San Carlos. Improvements and city development then paved way since then.
(Population/ Language/ Area)
Total recorded population of San Carlos City is 129,981 (2010 population census). People of San Carlos speaks Cebuano as their native language. There are some who still speaks Hiligaynon and a little Tagalog.
Total land area of San Carlos City is 451.50 km2 (174.33 sq mi). The city is consist of sloping to rolling lands. There are also steep areas with slope distribution and has a coastline stretch of about 21 kilometers.
(Business Opportunity)
San Carlos City is located just a few kilometers away from other neighboring cities such as Bacolod and Dumaguete which make it as a strategic business hub. Now, the city already has various commercial and business structures, residential subdivisions, townhouses and recreation centers. The city is also said to be an ideal investment destination due to its strategic location and rich assets in terms of agriculture and real estate. The local government supports all business ventures by giving attractive incentives such as seven (7) years exemption from taxes and other fees and five (5) years exemption from real estate taxes to various new businesses in the city.
(Tourist Spots)
- Sipaway Island – also known as Refugio Island, this island has a century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resort, a private wharf and a recreation center and a huge public swimming pool.
- Codcod Rice Terraces – this is just 28 kilometers away from the city proper. This place serves as the main source of rice and vegetables in the city.
- Hacienda House of Don Teodolfo Infante – located at Hacienda Guadalupe and was built in 1929 with unique architecture.
(Festivals and Celebrations)
- Bailes De Luces (La Castellana) – This is celebrated annually on December 30 to January 5 as a festival of hope and thanksgiving.
- Banana Festival (La Castellana) – This is a harvest festival every first week of April.
- Pinta Flores Festival –This is celebrated every year in the month of November with flowers tattooed on the bodies of the participants and their costumes.