Welcome to
the Land of Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental, also called
Oriental Negros or "Eastern Negros", is a province of the Philippines
located in the Central Visayas region. It occupies the southeastern half of the
island of Negros, with Negros Occidental comprising the northwestern half. It
also includes Apo Island, a popular dive site for both local and foreign
tourists. Negros Oriental faces Cebu to the east across the Tañon Strait and
Siquijor to the south east. The primary spoken language is Cebuano, and the
predominant religious denomination is Roman Catholicism. Dumaguete City is the
capital, seat of government, and most populous city.
History
Negritos, Malays and Chinese long inhabited the island
called Buglas before the 1565 expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
Legaspi anchored in Bohol and sent his men in a frigate
to reconnoiter the island. A strong current carried the frigate for several days
around Buglas. The Spaniards reported seeing many dark-skinned inhabitants, and
so they renamed the island Negros. In 1571 Legaspi assigned encomiendas on
Negros Island to 13 of his men. The following year, Augustinian friars began
Christianization of the island. In 1734 Negros, was made a corregimento with
the capital in Ilog, on the western side. In 1795 the island became an alcaldia
with Himamaylan as capital also on the western section. In 1856 Negros became a
politico-military province with Don Emilio Saravia y Nuñz as a first Gobernador
Politico-Militar, and Bacolod, still on the western side, as the capital.
Due to difficulties in administering the far-flung
settlements of the island, the Recollect priests petitioned for the division of
the island. Thirteen years later, in January, Governor General Valeriano Weyler
executed a Royal Decree establishing two separate Negros political units,
Negros Occidental on the western side, Oriental Negros (and now known as
“Oriental Negros”) on the southeastern portion. Oriental Negros was assigned Dumaguete as capital.
In 1897 Pantaleon Villegas of Bacong enlisted with the
revolutionary forces of Aguinaldo and gained prominence as the legendary
General Leon Kilat who led the attack on the Spanish garrison in Cebu. In
commemoration of this historic event, a re-enactment of the Battle of Tres de
Abril is celebrated as a major event of in Cebu City. Leon Kilat was
treacherously assassinated on April 8, 1898, less than a week after causing a
great setback to the Spanish forces.
In the last quarter of 1898, Don Diego de la Viña of
Vallehermoso stirred Oriental Negros into action. With a band of insufficiently
armed farmhands, he marched towards Dumaguete to liberate the capital, also
liberating the northern towns along the way. The de la Viña forces arrived in
Dumaguete just as the Spanish forces abandoned it.
In 1901, a civil government was established with Don
Demetrio Larena as Governor.
The establishment of schools has contributed largely to
the growth of the province. In 1901, Dr. David S Hibbard founded Silliman
Institute in Dumaguete. It would become the first Protestant university in the
Philippines. In 1904 ,seven Belgian nuns arrived to open St. Paul’s Academy,
which would be the first St. Paul de Chartres institution in the country.
Tabacalera established in 1918 its first sugar central
in the country in Bais, the Central Azucarera de Bais, thus stimulating the
growth of the province’s sugar industry. Oriental Negros also cultivated grains
and abaca, and was a good producer of copra.
On May 26, 1942, the Japanese landed in Dumaguete City.
A combined effort of American and Filipino forces defeated the occupying powers
on August 6, 1945.
The capital, Dumaguete, received its charter as a city
in 1948, as rehabilitation and restoration work proceeded provincewide. Over
the years, Oriental Negros has contained its development in a setting of
natural beauty that continues to draw visitors for its ecotourism delights.
Even as a geothermal plant in Valencia feeds industry and energizes the entire
province as well as neighboring Negros Occidental and the islands of Panay and
Cebu, Oriental Negros has managed to retain the laid-back charms and rural
ambience that distinguishes the province from other developing centers of
metropolitan character.
Oriental Negros marked the centennial of its creation as
a Province on January 1, 1990. It has five component cities, 20 municipalities
and 557 barangays with a total population posted at 1,126,061 by the 2000
Census of Population. With an area of 5,402.30 square kilometers, it is the
largest of the island provinces in Central Visayas. Its 26,000 hectares of
forests make up 60% of the region’s total forest cover.
Tourist Destinations
APO ISLAND – A haven for scuba divers. It has a
wide array of corals and marine life. The Negros Oriental Marine Conservation
program in its Marine Park has kept the underwater wonders in excellent
condition. Apo Island can be reached from Malatapay, Zamboanguita (27.8 km) by
a 35-minute motorized outrigger ride.
CANLAON VOLCANO – Canlaon City, the summer capital of Negros Oriental,
is 165.7 kilometers away from Dumaguete City. Canlaon Volcano stands 8,085 ft.
above sea level. Its cool atmosphere gives a similar setting to Baguio in Luzon.
TAMBOBO BEACH - In a picture-pretty scenic bay, Tambobo Beach in
Siaton is ideal for surfing, sailing, sunbathing or just relaxing. Tambobo
Beach Club offers native cottages for rent and its restaurant provide varied
cuisine. Foreign nationals have found this area a natural harbor for their
yachts.
ANTULANG BEACH - Dotted with natural rock formations, this volcanic
stretch of beach has enticing cerulean blue waters, an ideal snorkeling area
and spectacular sunsets.
CASARORO FALLS – a tall waterfall amid lush virgin forest is a favorite
for young and old climbers. It has a bamboo hanging bridge and rocks galore.
MT. TALINIS – dubbed “Cuernos de Negros” or Horns of Negros, this
mountain can be reached through Valencia or Calungan, Bacong. It has five lakes
in the vicinity. It is the object of mountain climbing enthusiasts. This is
Negros Oriental’s eco-tourism centerpiece. The mountain stands 1,800 meters
above sea level.
LAKES YAGUMYUM AND NAILIG – A half-day trek up Mt. Talinis in Valencia brings one
to either one of the mirror clear lakes in the Mt. Talinis area where one may
camp, swim or catch carp, tilapia and other fish in the lake surrounded by
trees.
PULANG BATO FALLS – A large cascade of seemingly reddish water from the
main Pulangbato Falls in Pulangbato, Valencia, finds its way into some unique
shaped falls all the way down the mountain.
PANDALIHAN AND PANLIGAWAN CAVES – two of the many caves in Mabinay having
intricate natural limestone formations and interesting sights. It is only a
short distance from the main road, 15 kilometers from the Poblacion.
DOLPHIN/WHALE WATCHING – Frolicking dolphins and whales at the
Bais Bay give an exciting experience.
TWIN LAKES BALINSASAYAO AND DANAO – A trekking area for the adventurous.
Giant trees, ferns and lush greenery unfold the astoundingly serene lakes with
its fish stocks located in Sibulan.
MAPA (OISCA) MODEL FARM – with its terraced rice fields, a
panoramic stretch of mountain ranges and lakes gives a feeling of
infirmity. A 300-year old Balete tree is home to black and red martinico
“talking” birds, and the centerpiece of this vast expanse of natural beauty.
BUCALAN HOT SPRINGS – hot and bubbling spring in the rice
paddies is truly an experience where one can virtually steam his food.
The grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes seems to guard this natural wonder.
BANICA VALLEY SWIMMING LAGOON – Water gushes from the river to fill the
twin pools at the Banica Valley Swimming Lagoon. The lagoon is ideal for
family picnics.
CAYASO CAVE AND UNDERGROUND RIVER – located one kilometer from the
Poblacion Municipal Hall, the cave goes down 20 feet into a winding path of
stone. A gushing underground river of potable drinking water without a visible
outlet. Stalagmites and stalactites in different chambers glitter.
MAPAO WHITE SAND BAR – A seven-kilometer stretch of elliptical
white sand brings a refreshing swim in its invitingly clear water. Its
white mantle of sand may unearth some interesting shells.
TALABONG MANGROVE ISLAND – Through the island, gingerly stepping
on a bamboo boardwalk, Talabong Island is home to wild ducks and other
migratory birds, surrounded with mangroves on white sand.
CENTROP (Center for Tropical Studies) – A research facility of Silliman University where endemic trees grow
together with endangered species of bats, wild boar and other mammals. A
special feature is the spotted deer found only in the islands of Negros and
Panay.
ZOO PARADISE WORLD AND CAMPSITE - Neat rows of Ipil-ipil trees and
flowers form walkways in this large area where animals from different
parts of the world can be found. Welcoming colorfully garbed community members
are an attraction in itself as well as the memorabilia and stuffed collection
of its founder environmentalist and world peace-loving Fr. Eleuterio Tropa.
VERANDA OF THE WORLD – Mountainside terraces with flowers or
rice and an observation deck makes one think he is on top of the world viewing
the majestic Mt. Talinis across from it.
LAKE BALANAN – This placid lake is located in the center of mountains. Crossing
by banca is a pleasant experience.
MALONGCAY HOT SPRING – Two hot springs in the Dauin and Bacong
areas through a road that is bumppy but wildflowers strewn brings you to
the area where after a little walk, one finds these hot springs in the middle
of the shrubs and trees.
Museums
Some widely known museums are the Anthropology
Museum and the Herbarium and Zoological Museum at the Marine Laboratory, both
in Silliman University. Their collection is one of the biggest in the
world in terms of volume and diversity of species.
Historical Sites in Negros Oriental
Ruined watchtowers can still be seen; one in
Buswang, and another at the mouth of the Amlan River. The other two are found
near the school building of Ayuquitan and in Barangay Calo in Amlan
St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral,
Dumaguete – Known to
Dumagueteños as the Dumaguete Cathedral Church, the St. Catherine of Alexandria
Church is one of the solid structural witnesses of Dumaguete’s rich history and
culture – and why it is nicknamed The City of Gentle People. It is the “Oldest
Stone Church in Negros” that was originally built in 1754 to 1776. It was
reconstructed in 1885 and the present facade was extended in 1936.
Spanish Fortress – Site of the Spanish fortress during the
invasion of the Philippines. Located in the shoreline of Tampocon II, Ayungon.
Watch Tower – Served as a lookout for invaders with bells to warn the
townfolk. That is how Bacong got its name. A town crier would call
“Bacon,” meaning "get up and fight."
Bacong Church and Pipe Organ – Built in 1865, Bacong Church has the
oldest altar and a century-old pipe built in Zaragosa, Spain in 1894 through
the efforts of Bacong’s first priest, Rev. Joaquin Soriano.
Sangki Coves – The landing site of a US Navy submarine during World War II,
carrying assistance, war materials and supplies for the guerrilla forces. It
was the landing site of Col. Jesus Villamor and party by the personal direction
of Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur from Australia.
Bindoy - The only old ruins visible today are the remains of an old watchtower
situated at the mouth of the river.
Moro Towers (Fortress) – These two ancient dome-shaped
watchtowers were once used to warn against marauding pirates is located in
the Poblacion, near the beach and old church.
Pamplona - “Sherwood Forces” in Mamburao, Pamplona was the site of the guerrilla headquarters of the Tanjay, Amlan-Bais Sector.
Guinsoan Bridge Area - The Japanese under Col. Satosi Oie surrendered
formally to the 503rd U.S. Airborn Division on September 19, 1945. Found
in Zamboanguita.
Toruism
- Beaches
Negros Oriental boasts of 1,377.6 km. of scenic
white and golden sandy beaches. Each of the 17 coastal municipalities and
cities has its own unique and mystifying beaches to choose from. The
municipalities of Valencia, Mabinay, Pamplona and the City of Canlaon are
located in the interior portion of the province and do not have beaches but
have other interesting sights to offer.
Among the most known beaches in the province
are La Vista del Mar in Bayawan City, Antulang Beach and Tambobo Bay in Siaton;
Salawaki Resort in Zamboanguita; Coconut Plantation and Apo Island in Dauin; Talisay Beach in Bacong; Baybayon,
St. Mortiz and Panorama in Sibulan; Wuthering Heights in San Jose; Talabong,
Mapao and White Sand in Bais City; Opada’s Beach Resort in La Libertad; and,
Midtown Resort, Ganahan Beach, Malusay Beach and Bulado Beach in Guihulngan.
- Waterfalls
At present, there are about eight known waterfalls
that can be found in the province. These are: Casaroro and Pulangbato
Waterfalls located in Valencia; Inihawan Enchanted Falls, Quipot and Pantao
Waterfalls all three are found in Canlaon City; Lourdes Falls in Bayawan City;
Pagsalsalan Falls found in Ayungon; and Kinayan Falls situated in Guihulngan.
- Caves
There are 33 caves in the entire
province. Among those explored are: Odloman Cave – 8,870 m. long/82
m. deep; Panligawan Cave- 143 m.long/22 m.deep; Pandalihan Cave- 282 m.
long/25 m.deep; Ayakan Cave-233 m. long/30 m. deep; Tolopan Cave- 333 m.long/51
m. deep; Tuntunan Cave- 580 m.long/15m. deep; Baliw Cave 769m. long/55m.
deep; Mambayo Cave- 326 m. long/35 m. deep; and, Tubod III Cave- 116 m.long/14
m. deep.
Some of the widely-known lakes in the province
are the Balinsasayao and Danao Twin Lakes in Sibulan, Lake Melipendol of
Valencia, Lake Yayumyum in Mt. Talinis, Valencia, Lake Halawig of Mt. Talinis;
Kinayan Lake of Guihulngan and Balanan Lake of Siaton. Lake Cristituto
Tirambulo is a man-made Highland Resort found in Paniabonan, Mabinay.
List of Accommodations
- Hotel Palwa - Dr. V.
Locsin St., Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros Oriental
Florentina Homes Apartment Hotel - East Rovira Drive, Negros Oriental
- Coco Grande Hotel -
Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
- La Residencia Al Mar -
Upper Luke Wright St, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
- Plaza Maria Luisa Suites
Inn - Legaspi Street, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
- Atmosphere Resorts -
Dauin Negros Oriental Philippines
- Bahura Resort and Spa -
Dauin Negros Oriental Philippines
- Hotel Nicanor - San Jose
St., Dumaguete City Negros Oriental, Philippin
Apo Island Beach Resort - Apo Island Negros Oriental Philippines
Accessibility
- Negros Oriental has a
network of roads, including a national road that spans the circumference
of Negros Island. National and provincial roads in the province's total
more than 900 kilometers, though only about half of these are paved.
- A large portion of
residents does not own private vehicles, and are totally reliant on public
transport. The main form of public transport between the cities and
municipalities of the province largely consists of privately operated jeepneys
that link major towns to rural areas. For short distances within a town,
motorized tricycles (locally known as pedicabs) are available.
Dumaguete Airport located in Sibulan
is the province's only government-operated airport. It is a domestic
airport with multiple daily flights to and from Manila, served by
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Based on 2002 statistics, an average
of 5,800 outgoing passengers and 5,700 incoming passengers pass through
the airport every month. - The primary seaport of
the province is located in Dumaguete City. Additionally, there are five
other seaports in the province classified as tertiary.
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