Negros Oriental Capitol (Dumaguete City)

Dumaguete Cathedral Belfry

The Dumaguete Belfry along Perdices Street (formerly Alfonso XIII Street) was used as a watchtower during the 19th Century to warn the inhabitants (by ringing the bells) of the then small fishing village of impending raids by marauding pirates from the south of the islands. From its top can be seen the island of Mindanao on the horizon (now obscured by trees and buildings).These raids were so rampant in the area during those times that this little fishing village came to be known as “Dumagit” or “Dagit” which means “kidnap” in the local Cebuano language. The Spanish authorities later adopted and restructured or “hispanized” the name to “Dumaguete”.

Submitted by Dindo Generoso
Overseas Filipino Council

Hibbard Hall, Silliman University (Dumaguete City)

Silliman University Church (Dumaguete City)

Bacong Church

Probably built in the 19th century this sandstone church with sedate classical lines is one of the few remaining colonial churches in Negros. It use of dark sandstone is unusual in the Visayas where coral is the preferred building material.

Photos from Ivan Anthony S. Henares
Text from Panublion Heritage Site

Silliman University Main Building (Dumaguete City)

Built in 1901 for the Silliman Institute, a school founded by the Presbyterians, the building functioned as the administrative center when the school expanded eventually becoming Silliman University, the leading university in Negros Oriental, noted for its outstanding programs like marine biology, its summer for creative writing, and for the Luce Theater, probably the best equipped theater outside Manila.

The main building, restored in 2001 for the centennial of Silliman, houses the University Museum. It is an excellent example of Victorian type architecture, noted for its use of filigree cutouts, its carved brackets and the overall light and airy atmosphere of the building.

Photos from Ivan Anthony S. Henares
Text from Panublion Heritage Site

Bacong Elementary School

North City Elementary School (Dumaguete City)