When discussing the rapid urbanization and economic ascent of Kabankalan City, all roads eventually lead to Barangay Hilamonan.
Boasting the largest population in the city—with nearly 17,000 residents accounting for over 8% of Kabankalan’s total population—Hilamonan is no longer just a residential suburb. It is the beating heart of the city’s expansion, a bustling center of commerce, real estate, and future infrastructure that is poised to change the landscape of southern Negros Occidental forever.
From Agricultural Lands to Urban Sprawl
The story of Hilamonan is a classic tale of urban evolution. Decades ago, the area was primarily agricultural, dominated by vast tracts of sugarcane, rice, and corn. These expansive lands were owned by prominent local families—including the Zaycos, Azconas, and Maravillas.
However, as Kabankalan’s population grew and its economy modernized, the demand for residential space skyrocketed. The sprawling farms of Hilamonan were strategically converted into residential subdivisions. Today, neighborhoods like Fzo Subdivision, Azcona Subdivision, AR Zayco, Cornelia Village, and Socorro Woods call Hilamonan home. This massive shift in land use transformed the barangay from a quiet farming community into the most densely populated residential hub in the city.
The Epicenter of Commerce
When Kabankalan was elevated to a component city in 1997, Hilamonan was perfectly positioned to catch the wave of commercial investment.
Because it borders the main city proper (Barangay 1 was actually carved out of a sitio of Hilamonan in the 1970s), the commercial bleed-over was inevitable. Today, Hilamonan is a vital artery for trade. The barangay is flanked by major highways, making it highly accessible.
- Local Businesses: The streets are lined with retail stores, hardware centers, and dining establishments catering to the massive local population.
- Educational Institutions: The sheer volume of families residing in the subdivisions has led to the establishment of numerous schools, making it an educational center for the youth.
- Real Estate Boom: Property values in Hilamonan have surged as developers continue to build housing to accommodate the influx of workers and professionals moving to Kabankalan.
The Game Changer: Kabankalan City Domestic Airport
Perhaps the most exciting development putting Barangay Hilamonan on the national map is the construction of the Kabankalan City Domestic Airport.
Situated entirely within the boundaries of Hilamonan, this monumental infrastructure project is designed to be the second commercial airport in Negros Occidental (after the Bacolod-Silay Airport). Once fully operational, the airport will dramatically alter the economic trajectory of both the barangay and the city by:
- Boosting Tourism: Providing direct access to Southern Negros, making tourist destinations like Mag-aso Falls and the beaches of Sipalay highly accessible to domestic travelers.
- Attracting Investments: Opening the floodgates for IT-BPO companies, manufacturing industries, and hospitality businesses that require quick logistical connections to Manila and Cebu.
- Job Creation: Generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the residents of Hilamonan and neighboring barangays.
Community and Culture
Despite the concrete and commercialization, Hilamonan retains a strong sense of community. The barangay plays a massive role in the annual Kabankalan Sinulog Festival, celebrated every third Sunday of January. The local tribal groups and dancers from Hilamonan are a staple in the vibrant street dancing competitions, bringing the community together in a massive display of faith and cultural pride.
As Kabankalan City pushes toward its goal of becoming a Highly Urbanized City (HUC), Barangay Hilamonan stands at the forefront. It is a testament to progress—a place where the agricultural past has seamlessly given way to an exciting, aviation-powered future.
