Municipality of Binalbagan

Binalbagan is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 58,280 people in 11,092 households. Binalbagan became a town in May 15, 1572 and was one of the two first settlements the other one being Ilog. Binalbagan is known for BISCOM Binalbagan Isabela Sugar Company.

Two stories are told on the origin of the name Binalbagan. During stormy nights, the cargos of shrimps get wet and are partially spoiled. To remove the slimy odor and preserve the shrimps, the traders would beat the barks of mangroves to extract juice believed to contain preservatives for the shrimps. The action of beating the bark was termed as balbag in the native dialect. Hence, the place where the beating was done was called Binalbagan.

Old folks however, say that the town got its name from a past incident when a very big snake was stranded in the mouth of Binalbagan River, blockading sea transport. People referred to the place and incidents as Binalbagan. Subsequently, the name evolved into Binalbagan. Binalbagan today is known for its home-made candies sweets probably because of the presence of the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company BISCOM

Famous Landmarks

BISCOM (Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company) is an imposing sight going to the town proper. Once dubbed as the “biggest and oldest sugar mill” in Asia. It plays an important role in the development not only of Binalbagan but also of the whole 5th district being the only sugar mill in the area.

St. Isidore Parish Church was built in 1937. It undergone various renovation but retained its original façade. The church serves as a gathering place for Binalbaganons who are predominantly Roman Catholics.

The Municipal Hall was once called the Malacañang of the South because of its Spanish inspired design.

Beaches with three coastal barangays, Binalbagan has several beaches located in Brgy. Canmoros. The beaches in this part are good option for family outings and relaxation. They are the La Aplaya Beach Resort, Queen Rina’s beach resort, Davies beach resort, canonoy beach resort and Kasuya Beach Resort.
Festivals

Balbagan Festival the town fiesta, a cultural heritage from our Spanish colonizers, is celebrated in Binalbagan every 15th of May. The celebration honors its patron saint, St. Isidore, also the patron of farmers. Starting on the 10th of May, the town fiesta is celebrated through sports events, carnivals, fairs, parades, an amateur singing contest and a beauty pageant.Highlighting the celebration is the Balbagan Festival, a street dancing competition wherein dancers are garbed in colorful costumes.
How to get there

Binalbagan is one-and-a-half hour ride from Bacolod City using public utility vehicles and one hour on private transport. Public transport is available through buses that are either air conditioned or non-air conditioned.

Festivals

The town fiesta, a cultural heritage from our Spanish colonizers, is celebrated in Binalbagan every 15th of May. The celebration honors its patron saint, St. Isidore, also the patron of farmers. Starting on the 10th of May, the town fiesta is celebrated through sports events, carnivals, fairs, parades, an amateur singing contest and a beauty pageant.

Highlighting the celebration is the Balbagan Festival, a street dancing competition wherein dancers are garbed in colorful costumes.