Kabankalan is less than two hours drive south of Bacolod city by
private car while public utility vehicles reach the place in about two
hours.
The city, which serves as the center of economic activities in
southern Negros, is also the take-off point for various destinations
down south, and links the province to Dumaguete City, capital of nearby
Negros Oriental via Kabankalan-Mabinay.
Kabankalan City is bounded on north by the City of Himamaylan, southeast by Negros Oriental, southwest by the Municipality of Ilog and northwest by the Panay Gulf.
Kabankalan, strategically located at the southern part of Negros Occidental, Kabankalan City prides itself as a service provider in education and health services, a major hub in commerce, trade and industry, information and communications technology, as well as host to a number of government and private offices.
Early Cavancalan dates back to the 1630’s when it started as part of the encomienda of Admiral Cristobal de Logo y Montalvo. The Jesuits introduced Christianity at that time. On March 14, 1907, the then Philippine Commission passed Act 1612 creating the Municipality of Kabankalan from the town of Ilog. In a special election following the passage of that law, Lorenzo Zayco became its first Presidente Municipal.
Despite the ravages of war and
the internal strife in the 1980’s, trade and commerce increased
considerably with the establishments of banks and commercial
establishments. Other institutions such as schools, hospitals and
churches were also established. On February 11, 1988, Bishop Vicente
Navarra was installed as the first bishop of the Roman Catholic
Diocese.
Kabankalan was converted into a component city on August 2, 1997 with ratification of Republic Act No. 8297 or the City Charter of Kabankalan. Isidro P. Zayco became the first elected City Mayor. He, along with the other city officials, took his historic oath of office on June 12, 1998 and assumed office for his third term as Mayor on June 30, 1998.
Festivals
Sinulog, the Kabankalan City version of the world famous “Ati-Atihan” indulged in by our ancestors, is celebrated on the third week of Janauary. The search for Sinulog Queen highlights the festivities.
Traditional town fiesta is held on the third week of March, marking the city’s foundation day.
The month of May marks the religious festivity called “Santacruzan”, it is when the conversion of King Constantine and St. Helena’s founding of the Holy Cross are re-enacted.
Udyakan sa Kabankalan. A pre-Sinulog presentation of its history, culture and development through songs, dances and drama.