Hinigaran


Hinigaran, officially the Municipality of Hinigaran.

Etymology

The town's name is derived from the word higad and was originally recorded as "Ginigaran" by the Spaniards. The early settlers from Panay, known as Tagahigad, displaced the aboriginals called "Mundos" and "Ambaks" to the mountains. Over time, the name evolved in spelling and pronunciation to "Hinigaran."
An alternative legend suggests that the name originated from the Bisayan word Linigaran, which means "bypassed" or "skirted." Based on this account, during an eruption of Mount Kanlaon, a massive snake fled to the sea, bypassing the present-day Hinigaran, and became stranded at the mouth of the present-day Binalbagan River.

History

The early inhabitants of this town were the aboriginal people called "Mundos" and "Ambaks". When traders and settlers from Panay started moving in, the natives were driven to the mountains.
The town was founded in 1765, and Captain Basilio Mongcal was appointed as the first president in 1806. Among its first settlers were the families of Mongcal, Lagtapon, Curio, Sario, David, Orin, Pido, Pabalinas, Luntayao, Javier, Vargas, Lucasan, Grijaldo, and Dano-og— some of whom were from Panay.
The Spaniards established the seat of the "pueblo" in Jacinto and Zamora Streets, and the town was governed by "Capitanes Municipales", Tenientes Absolato" and Cabeza de Barangays". When revolt against the Spanish Government broke out, Capitan Bibiano Gelvosa and his followers fought bravely against the Spaniards. He was the last "Capitan Municipal" when the Americans arrived.

Geography

Hinigaran is south from Bacolod and from Dumaguete.

Barangays

Hinigaran is politically subdivided into 24 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
  • Anahaw
  • Aranda
  • Baga-as
  • Barangay I
  • Barangay II
  • Barangay III
  • Barangay IV
  • Bato
  • Calapi
  • Camalobalo
  • Camba-og
  • Cambugsa
  • Candumarao
  • Gargato
  • Himaya
  • Miranda
  • Nanunga
  • Narauis
  • Palayog
  • Paticui
  • Pilar
  • Quiwi
  • Tagda
  • Tuguis

    Climate

Demographics

Languages

The people in the town speak Hiligaynon. Tagalog and English are generally understood.

Economy

Hinigaran is one of the major sources of income to boost the economic development, tourism and production in agriculture, fishing and manufacturing industry to produce the key products of firecrackers, oysters, capiz shells, bananas, rice, milkfish and, coconuts. Hinigaran has several commercial hubs such development are food services and retail chains include Mang Inasal, Dunkin Mcdonald's, Puregold, Prince Hypermart, KJ Fairmart, Melvas Grocery, D'Garrison Market, Lopues Valuestore and, Hinigaran Market Mall is a new shopping center in Hinigaran. It's part of The Metro Retail Stores Group chain, offering various products and services, including Metro Market, Metro Home Improvement, Metro Home Lifestyle, Metro Food Avenue and Metro Convention Center.

Infrastructures

  • Hinugyaw Inn a three storey building hotel with 24 rooms fully airconditioned and function hall, owned and operated by the local government of Hinigaran could boost the local economy and town's tourism industry in the southern negros.
  • Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard also known simply as Magsaysay Boulevard is currently underconstruction and formerly as Hinigaran Seaside Boulevard, It is a two lane divided roadway that travels northwest and southwest from Brgy. 1 Old Reclamation, Brgy. 2 Tugbungan, Brgy. Tagda to Brgy. Pilar.

    Healthcare

Hinigaran has only one government hospital that provide quality healthcare services which is Hinigaran Medical Clinic. Hinigaran has two private tertiary hospitals are fully operational in 2025 namely the Hinigaran Doctors' Hospital Incorporated and, Holy Mother of Mercy Hospital Hinigaran. The Hinigaran Municipal Health Office is responsible for the implementation and planning of the health care programs provided by the municipal government, which also operates and supervises Health Centers in the barangays of the municipality.

Media

FM radio stations