Guihulngan

There are several versions of how the city derived its name. The first, according to old tales, was attributed to a river flowing directly to the town proper from the mainspring in sitio Anahaw, Barangay Nagsaha, hence the name "GUIPADULNGAN" which means the point where the river flows to an end.

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.[5]

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.[6]

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".[7]

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

Cityhood

Guihulngan was already the largest municipality in Negros Oriental when, in July 2007, a popular referendum was passed declaring it a city.[8]

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

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.

Cara-Bell Festival (Every 24 May) – 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 the 24th of May. 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.

Mactan–Cebu International Airport is the closest major airport to Guihulngan, although it is located in Cebu. Fast ferries connect Guihulngan to Cebu via Tangil Port in Dumanjug. Alternatively, there are flights from Cebu and Manila to Dumaguete Airport, from where buses run from Dumaguete City to Guihulngan, 120 kilometres (75 mi) north. Buses also connect Guihulngan to nearby San Carlos City.

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

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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Guihulngan.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Guihulngan.

• Guihulngan Profile at PhilAtlas.com
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System
• Official website