Brief History of Guihulngan

There are more legends about the way the city acquired its name. One version is
saying that the municipality got its name from the name of a river flowing directly
to the town proper from the spring in Anhaw. The word Guipadulngan is
translated as “the point where the river flows its end”. Another old tale tells a
story from the 19th century, an era when the Philippines was still a Spanish
colony. Many people were captured by the Spanish soldiers, killed and thrown
into the sea, which is called today Tañon Strait. Other legends claim that a bell
was dropped into the sea when they found out that it was used by the lookout
guards to warn the town population of the coming of Spanish. Since then the
town has been called Guihulngan, translated as “the place was dropped a thing”.
Nowadays it is unclear if the name of the city originated as Guihulngan or
Guipadulngan, but it is certain that its name is truly symbolic, a lot of blessings
“dropped” on the city.

Guihulngan’s history began as a mere Catholic mission. The first documents attesting the
presence of habitats on its area are dating from the year 1856 when it was established as a parish.
The town had a turbulent history marked by fights and during World War Two it was the scene
of violent battles. At the time when it was declared a city, in the year 2007, Guihulngan was
already the largest locality in the Negros Oriental Province. However, only 15 months later the
city lost its cityhood, together with other municipalities in the province. Just a year later,
in 2009, the decision has been reversed and Guihulngan has regained its cityhood status.
Getting to Guihulngan
Positioned 130 km north of Dumaguete City Capital, Guihulngan is also known for its Hinakpan
Hills also known as the Chocolate Hills here in Negros Oriental.
There are two ways in reaching this destination. One way is via a Ceres Bus. Traveling time is
about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Dumaguete City and will cost approximately Php 170.00 for
air-conditioned buses and about Php 150.00 for regular non-air-conditioned bus rides. Another
way in getting to Guihulngan is by a V-hire (van for hire). Traveling time for Guihulngan will
take about 3 hours from Dumaguete City and will cost only about Php 130.00.

Landmarks and Attractions of Guihulngan

A huge bell with a Carabao, located at the side of Justice Hall is one of the
landmarks of the city. Other interesting landmarks are the geological formations
in Hinakpan. They resemble with the Chocolate Hills. The Mantahao and
Amulangan Lakes, the fascinating caves at Bulado, Calupaan, and Tacpao,
McKinley Beach, and the popular Hilaitan Tree House are among the touristic
attractions of the city. Guihulngan is hosting an annual festival called Cara-Bell
Festival, reminding about the legend of the bell dropped in the sea.

Economy

Nowadays, the city of Guihulngan has the third largest population in Negros Oriental. It
undergoes modern developments as a major port and northern gateway for the traffic coming
from Cebu. The city has mainly agricultural economy. The main industries in Guihulngan are the
production of sugar cane, copra, corn, rice soybeans, and tobacco. Guihulngan also produces
abaca basketry and pandan.

Education

There are several colleges and universities in Guihulngan. Negros Oriental State University,
which is a state university, has a satellite campus in the city. St. Francis College Guihulngan is a
private college inspired by the St.Francis of Assisi, a high education institution also located in
Guihulngan city.

Transportation
The closest international airport to Guihulngan is Mactan-Cebu International
Airport, but it is located on Cebu island. Ferries make the connection between
Cebu and Guihulngan. Buses make regular connections with the other major
municipalities in Negros Oriental, including the provincial capital, Dumaguete and
Bacolod with domestic airports. Like many provincial cities n the Philippines,
Guihulngan is developing on a fast track, without leaving is history and culture
behind. Guihulugan Festival is the name of their annual festival which is celebrated
every 25 of May.