About

Welcome to the City of Bayawan, a vibrant and culturally rich component city in the 3rd Congressional District of Negros Oriental, Philippines. Known as the "Agricultural Capital of Negros Oriental," City of Bayawan is a testament to the resilience and hard work of its people, who have transformed its vast farmlands into productive agricultural hubs. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or someone looking to invest in a promising future, City of Bayawan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities.

Geographical Overview

City of Bayawan is strategically located in the southwestern part of Negros Oriental, approximately 100 kilometers from Dumaguete City, the provincial capital. The city spans a total land area of 69,908 hectares, making it the largest city by land area in the province. This expansive territory is divided into 28 barangays, each with its own distinct character and specialties. The city's coastline stretches about 15 kilometers along the Sulu Sea, providing ample opportunities for fishing and coastal tourism.

The city is divided into three main development zones: the urban area, the sub-urban area, and the rural area. The urban area, covering only 2.3% of the total land area, is the economic hub of the city, housing the central business district, institutional buildings, and commercial centers. The sub-urban area, comprising about 14.7% of the land, is designated for agro-industrial zones, industrial zones, and human settlements. The rural area, which makes up the majority of the city's land area (83.1%), is primarily agricultural, with some barangays serving as economic growth nodes due to their strategic geographic locations.

Historical Background

City of Bayawan has a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. Originally known as Tolong Nuevo, the city was renamed Bayawan in 1952. The name "Bayawan" is derived from the Visayan word "Bayaw," which means "to hoist" or "to elevate." This name is rooted in a tragic tale involving a Spanish priest and a local native. During a Sunday mass, a native threw a lance at the priest as he was elevating the Holy Host, instantly killing him. This event left an indelible mark on the community, leading to the city's unique name.

Bayawan officially became a component city of Negros Oriental on December 23, 2000, through Republic Act 8983. This milestone marked a significant turning point in the city's development, opening doors to greater economic opportunities and infrastructure development. As a component city, it is under the administrative supervision of the Provincial Government, which reviews and/or approves its actions. However, its share in local taxes, such as real estate, once enjoyed by the Provincial Government, ceased when Bayawan became a city. The City Government exercises administrative supervision over its 28 barangays, as well as the City Philippine National Police, City Bureau of Fire Protection, and City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Governance and Administration

The City Government of Bayawan is headed by the City Mayor as the Local Chief Executive and the City Vice-Mayor as the Presiding Officer of the legislative body, elected every three years. The city relies mainly on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the National Government to fund its various expenditures for development and basic government services. In 2012, local revenue from taxes on real property, goods, and services amounted to PhP 34,462,297, while the IRA was PhP 507,168,869, resulting in a dependency rate of 6.3%.

At least 20% of the IRA is allocated for Economic Development as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991. Programs and projects funded by this allocation are decided by the City Development Council (CDC), which includes Barangay Captains and representatives from accredited non-government organizations. Other special bodies involved in local governance include the Peace and Order Council, Peoples Law Enforcement Board, Local School Board, Local Health Board, City Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, and various councils focused on women, children, and executive-legislative planning.

The staffing pattern of the city is designed to meet its development goals while adhering to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regulations. The city also implements training programs according to its Career Development Plan for employees.

In 2007, City of Bayawan enrolled in the Governance Pathways program of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) to ensure that public governance is a shared responsibility between officials and responsible citizens. The monthly Executive-Legislative Meeting, attended by City Officials and Department Heads, has fostered greater collaboration in service delivery. Additionally, the Bayawanihan program, adapted by the Character First! Coalition, promotes discipline and civic responsibility among community members. To enhance transparency, the city implements the Anti-Red Tape Act through its Citizens Charter, sustaining initiatives for public service excellence.

Economic Landscape

City of Bayawan is renowned for its agricultural prowess, earning it the title of the "Agricultural Capital of Negros Oriental." Its development vision is to become an agri-industrial center and a learning hub for environmental best practices. Most city programs and policies are geared toward this vision, positioning Bayawan as a major growth node in the province's third district. Despite its relatively young status as a city, Bayawan has emerged as a leader in socio-political and economic development in Negros Oriental.

Cultural Heritage

City of Bayawan is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Spanish, indigenous, and modern Filipino traditions. The city's cultural heritage is celebrated through various festivals and events, the most notable being the Tawo-Tawo Festival. Held annually in February, this festival honors the city's agricultural roots and the hard work of its farmers. The festival features colorful street dancing, where participants don costumes representing farmers, scarecrows, and farm animals, all set to the rhythm of traditional music.

The city is also home to several historical landmarks and cultural sites, including the Bayawan Plaza, which hosts various cultural events, concerts, and community gatherings. The Bayawan Hymn, the city’s official song, promotes pride and unity among its residents. Traditional dances like Sinulog and folk performances are integral parts of local festivities, showcasing the city's rich cultural tapestry.

City of Bayawan continues to grow and evolve while staying true to its agricultural roots and commitment to sustainable development. With a strong governance framework, a thriving economy, and a vibrant cultural scene, City of Bayawan is poised for a bright and prosperous future.

About this Website
The Portal is the official electronic communication platform of the City Government of Bayawan. This Portal was officially launched in March 2002. Recently, this is grouped into four: Government, Citizens & Residents, Business and Non-Residents that serves as the City of Bayawan's online presence.

City of Bayawan recognized the significance of the web presence in the world wide web (www), which coverage is entirely wide and without discrimination, in line with the computerization program as:

1. medium for transparency & empowerment of its constituents;
2. access point to avail the services offered in the government & interact with the public officials/employees in just a click away;
3. roadmap for investors & businessmen to discover the richness of the City for business opportunities;
4. complete guide for visitors; and
5. online library of the City for students and researchers.

This Portal is designed, developed and maintained by the Information Technology Section of the City Mayors Office. Contents in this portal are product of the different departments through its respective contributors. Concerted effort is being made to ensure that privacy is maintained at all times. For details of our privacy policy, you may read it here.

We welcome your suggestions on the Portal to help us serve you better.