San Carlos City is a first-class component city in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. The city is located in the northern part of the province, about 140 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Bacolod City.

Historically, San Carlos was once a vast forest area inhabited by Negritos, a group of indigenous people in the Philippines. In the 16th century, the area was explored by Spanish conquistadors, who eventually established a settlement and named it "San Carlos" in honor of Saint Charles Borromeo.

During the American colonial period, San Carlos became a municipality and was later designated as the capital of the newly created province of Negros del Norte (which was later renamed to Negros Occidental) in 1890. In 1960, San Carlos was granted cityhood status.

San Carlos City is known for its rich agricultural resources, particularly sugarcane, rice, corn, and other crops. The city also has a thriving fishing industry, thanks to its strategic location along the Tañon Strait.

Today, San Carlos City is a bustling city with a growing economy, thanks to its various industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and service sectors. It is also home to several educational institutions, including the Negros Occidental High School and the University of San Carlos.

  • During World War II, San Carlos was occupied by the Japanese forces, who established a garrison in the city. The local resistance movement, led by the "San Carlos Guerrillas," fought against the Japanese occupation and played a significant role in the liberation of Negros Island.

  • In 1954, San Carlos became the site of the first geothermal power plant in the Philippines, which was built by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings, Inc. The plant, which is located in the nearby municipality of Palinpinon, supplies power to the Visayas grid and has helped to boost the region's economy.

  • San Carlos is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with several historic landmarks and structures that reflect the city's history and identity. One notable example is the San Carlos Borromeo Church, which was built in 1876 and is considered as one of the oldest churches in Negros Occidental. The church features a mix of Spanish and indigenous architectural styles, and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.

  • In recent years, San Carlos has gained recognition as a model city for sustainable development, particularly in the areas of renewable energy, eco-tourism, and organic agriculture. The city has implemented various programs and initiatives to promote environmental conservation and social responsibility, and has received several awards and accolades for its efforts.

  • San Carlos is home to several natural attractions and tourist destinations, such as the San Carlos City Nature Park, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and an eco-campsite for visitors. The city is also known for its beaches, such as the scenic Punta Bulata White Beach and the tranquil Palampas Bay.

  • The University of San Carlos in San Carlos City is one of the leading academic institutions in Negros Occidental, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences. The university is known for its high academic standards and research excellence, and has produced many distinguished alumni in various fields.

  • San Carlos is also a hub for the sugar industry in Negros Occidental, with several sugar mills and refineries operating in the city and nearby areas. The city hosts the annual "Musikahan sa San Carlos" festival, which showcases the cultural heritage and musical traditions of the sugarcane farming communities in the region.

  • The local government of San Carlos has implemented several programs and projects to promote sustainable development and address social issues such as poverty and unemployment. One notable example is the "City Without Walls" project, which aims to provide affordable and decent housing for low-income families. The project involves the construction of vertical housing units that are designed to be earthquake-resistant and environmentally sustainable.

  • San Carlos is also known for its vibrant food culture, with several local specialties such as "batchoy" (a noodle soup dish), "inubaran" (a dish made with boiled and mashed cassava), and "napoleones" (a pastry filled with cream and glazed with sugar). The city hosts an annual food festival called "Kasadyahan sa San Carlos" that celebrates the local cuisine and culinary traditions.