Municipality of Pulupandan

Pulupandan is a 4th class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 25,849 people in 5,175 households. The current mayor of Pulupandan is Hon. Magdaleno Peña.

Pulupandan derived its name from the vernacular phrase “pulo sang pandan”, meaning “isle of pandan”, due to the wild forest of palms in the town during the early days before it became a bustling seaport.Formerly a barrio of Valladolid, Pulupandan was organized into an independent pueblo or temporary town together with Sum-ag, Ma-ao and Dancalan among others in 1899 under the Republic of Negros when it was created after the successful revolution of Negrenses against Spain.In 1903, after the shortlived existence of the Negros Cantonal Government, a Re-organization Committee was created in consonance with the re-organization of the government during the American Occupation.Ironically however, the municipality of Pulupandan was again incorporated as barrio of Valladolid pursuant to the re-organization. Pulupandan remained as such until 1916 when it was again segregated from Valladolid and re-organized into an independent municipality.

Pulupandan was officially created into a town pursuant to the mandate of the Governor General Francis Burton Harrison as contained in his Executive Order No. 95 dated December 23, 1916. This creation took effect on January 1, 1917 and was implemented by Resolution No. 36 dated January 12, 1917 of the Provincial Board of Negros Occidental with the late Gov. Matias Hilado.Before the Spaniards came to the place, the municipality was covered by the wild forest of palms; it was called “pulo sang pandan” or “isle of pandan” which the name “Pulupandan” derived from and it was previously barrio of Valladolid before it was declared an independent town.

Festivals

Salapan Festival - coined from the words salap and pandan. Salap is a native word for “fishnet” and is linked to the traditional guinamos industry. While the word ‘pan’ comes from the word “pandan” which is the basis of the town “Pulo sg Pandan” or isles of pandan. Likewise, another ‘pan’ refers to the port or “pantalan” which is the major factor in the economic growth of the town. The festival showcases: Regatta, Fishing Tournament, Boxing Tournament, Football Tournament (12 under), Live bands, Agro Trade Fair, Bike Race, Laro ng Lahi, Street Dancing Competition and Search for Salapan Festival Queen.

Famous Landmarks

Green Beach Liberation Stone Marker It was in the beaches of Pulupandan in the early dawn of March 29,1945 that the historical event of the landing of American Liberation Forces without any opposition nor bloodshed and who together with the Filipino guerillas drive the enemy forces away from the island of Negros. This marker standstill at Barangay Zone-1, showcasing the significance of the area’s history and valor, boosting the pride and awareness of the new generation of this rich cultural heritage of the Filipino people.

Jewels Restaurant. The place features the thrill and excitement of fishing aboard a bamboo raft. The place is ideal for family outings and business meetings.