Carcar, officially the City of Carcar (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Carcar; Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa sang Carcar; Filipino: Lungsod ng Carcar), is a 5th class component city in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 136,453 people.

Carcar City is bordered to the north by the town of San Fernando, to the west are the towns of Barili and Aloguinsan, to the east is the Cebu Strait, and to the south is the town of Sibonga.

Carcar lies on the southernmost part of Metro Cebu area.

History

Carcar was known as "Kabkad" or "Sialo" before Spanish colonization. It became a town in 1599. Carcar is considered one of the oldest towns in Cebu, with its Spanish influence lasted more than 300 years ago.

Cityhood

In July 2007, the municipality of Carcar was converted into a component city of the province of Cebu after ratification of Republic Act 9436.

On November 18, 2008, Supreme Court ruled that the cityhood charters of Carcar and 15 other cities as unconstitutional as a result of a petition filed by the League of Cities of the Philippines. A year later, on December 22, Carcar and 15 other municipalities regained their status as cities again after the court reversed its November 18, 2008, ruling. On August 23, 2010, the court reinstated its ruling on November 18, 2008, causing Carcar and 15 cities to revert to municipalities. Finally on February 15, 2011, Carcar and the other 15 municipalities regained their cityhood status.

In 2013, after a six year legal battle, the League of Cities of the Philippines acknowledged and recognized the cityhood of Carcar and 15 other cities on July 19, 2013.

Geography

Carcar is located 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Cebu City. It has a land area of 116.78 square kilometres (45.09 sq mi).

Topography

The land is generally level with less than 18% slope comprising 78.7% of the total land area. Areas with slopes ranging from 18 to 50% cover 19.3% of the total land area and those over 50% slope comprise approximately 1.9%. The highest recorded elevation is a little over 660 metres (2,170 ft) above sea level, located within the barangay of Napo.

Soil type

The municipality has five dominant soil types namely: Faraon Clay, Steep Phase, the Lugo Clay, the Mandaue clay loam & the Hydrosol type.

Barangays

Carcar is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC	Barangay	Population			±% p.a.
		2020		2010
072214001	Bolinawan	8.0%	10,881	10,852	▴	0.03%
072214002	Buenavista	2.0%	2,662	2,294	▴	1.50%
072214003	Calidngan	2.4%	3,258	2,953	▴	0.99%
072214004	Can‑asujan	6.7%	9,114	7,845	▴	1.51%
072214005	Guadalupe	9.3%	12,641	10,633	▴	1.74%
072214006	Liburon	5.6%	7,606	6,749	▴	1.20%
072214007	Napo	4.7%	6,427	6,344	▴	0.13%
072214008	Ocaña	6.9%	9,361	8,507	▴	0.96%
072214009	Perrelos	10.4%	14,129	12,901	▴	0.91%
072214012	Poblacion I	8.0%	10,919	8,996	▴	1.96%
072214013	Poblacion II	2.0%	2,680	2,432	▴	0.98%
072214014	Poblacion III	5.1%	6,898	5,763	▴	1.81%
072214015	Tuyom	4.5%	6,080	5,563	▴	0.89%
072214010	Valencia	4.0%	5,485	4,885	▴	1.17%
072214011	Valladolid	8.4%	11,523	10,606	▴	0.83%
	Total		136,453	107,323	▴	2.43%

Climate

The wet season occurs during the months of May to October and the dry season, from January to May.

Demographics

Population census of Carcar

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	31,895	—
1918	37,392	+1.07%
1939	36,308	−0.14%
1948	32,818	−1.12%
1960	36,304	+0.84%
1970	45,806	+2.35%
1975	47,174	+0.59%
1980	57,822	+4.15%
1990	70,841	+2.05%
1995	78,726	+2.00%
2000	89,199	+2.71%
2007	100,632	+1.68%
2010	107,323	+2.37%
2015	119,664	+2.09%
2020	136,453	+2.62%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Economy

Poverty incidence of Carcar

10 20 30 40 2006 35.00 2009 27.21 2012 17.02 2015 21.39 2018 13.80 2021 30.71 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Tourism

• As a Heritage City of Cebu, Carcar contains various Spanish and American period structures. The Carcar plaza alone hosts several heritage structures, the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria dominates the area. Within the complex various structures stand, including quaint houses and their distinctive architectural details.
• Surrounding the Rotunda and in the public market one will find the famous Carcar chicharon, lechon, ampao, bucarillo, gorgorias and puso – just some of the local delicacies.
• Guadalupe Mabugnao Mainit Hot Spring National Park
• Heritage Houses such as the Mercado Mansion
• Tuyom Beach – Beach Houses
• The Kabkaban Festival, which is the town's local festival in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The name of the festival comes from the old name of the town, which was taken from the local term for the Oakleaf Fern (Aglaomorpha quercifolia) which is abundant in the town, even to this day. Celebrated from the November 23 to 25, it highlights the rich culture, faith, and musical history of Carcar.

Education

The public schools in Carcar are administered by the Schools Division of Carcar City.

Elementary schools

High schools

Integrated schools:

• Puesto Integrated School — Sitio Puesto, Napo

Notable personalities

• Teofilo Camomot – founded the Congregation of Blessed Virgin Missionaries
• Sheryn Regis – singer

Gallery

• 
  Rizal Monument at Old Town Plaza
• 
  Carcar City Museum (formerly, Carcar Dispensary)
• 
  St. Catherine of Alexandria Church Interior
• 
  Carcar Former Municipal Complex