Municipality of Hinoba-an

Hinoba-an is a municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is the southernmost town of the province. It is bounded on the north by Sipalay City and Candoni; on the south by Basay, Negros Oriental; on the east by the town of Ilog; and on the west by the Sulu Sea. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 53,894 people.

The total land area of Hinoba-an is 421.50 square kilometers.

History

Formerly a part of Cauayan, Hinoba-an was inhabited by natives called "Magabat". When immigrants from Panay came and settled in the coastal areas, the settlers began to group in the area where the town is now located. Traders visited to barter products like clothing made in Miag-ao, Tigbauan and Guimbal in Iloilo.

Spanish authorities did not occupy Hinoba-an during their time in the province since the area was still a jungle. It was visited only by people from Cauayan and the neighboring towns for hunting purposes, hence no important events were recorded about the coming of the Spaniards in the town until the early 20th century.

In the early 1900’s, Don Estanislao Bilbao, a Basque émigré and patriarch of the Bilbao clan---one of the area's prominent families, begun a decades-long process of settling an area south of where Hinoba-an would come to be. In a few short years, a significant plot of land had been rehabilitated to which thousands of germinating coconut husks were planted in precise rows. Rice fields were likewise developed further inland close to irrigation sources.

The subsequent grant of landownership, along with the total absence of government due to area’s remoteness, became the basis for Don Estanislao’s provisional administration of the people and the place. He became the area’s primary, if not for a time, sole employer. As a matter of moral imperative and practical necessity, he also became the de facto Judge and Sheriff, adjudicating upon and enforcing common law.

Tourism

Salvacion Cave along the vicinity of pebbled beaches of Brgy. Talacagay has a natural covered pools ideal for bathing.

Ubong Cave is where the late Major Jesus Villamor, hero of World War II landed bringing firearms for the Philippine guerillas aboard the US Navy Submarine Gudgeon in 1942, establishing the first radio contact with General Douglas McArthur based in Australia at that time.

Happy Valley Beach Resort nestled amid the coconut plantation boasts of modern cottages with modern bathroom facilities. All amenities from furniture to bed covers are all imported. All cottages are fully air-conditioned.
Brazaville Resort offers cottages for overnight accommodations. It has a mini conference hall for small gatherings.

Eden Island Resort and Spa also offers extensive land and water sports activities, relaxing spa indulgences for couple’s therapies and even ballroom dancing lessons. After all the fun and a good night’s sleep you’ll awaken to the crashing waves of the Gulf Seas and at times, streamers of the dusk’s early light. By midmorning the tropical lush raises its curtains for the island’s pristine beaches.