Negros Occidental - Sights Of Negros

NEWS: Sugar trail in Panay, Negros eyes inclusion in World Heritage List

by Poster1PROVINCE NEWS 14/03/202414/03/2024Comments are Disabled

The sugar heritage trail in Panay and Negros Islands is now on the tentative list of the World Heritage List following its nomination by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Philippines. Entitled “The Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros and Panay Islands” was submitted under the cultural category with seven areas and properties as components, including the Calle Real in Iloilo City; and the historic center of Silay City, Hawaiian-Philippine Company, Victorias Milling Company, Hacienda Santa Rosalia, Balay ni Tana Dicang, and Aniceto Lacson Mansion, all in Negros. “The Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros and Panay Island showcases the legacy of the sugar industry brought by the industrialization of sugar production in the late 18th century, such as mills, factories, plantations, buildings, and mansions that reflect the social and economic dynamics of the late Spanish-colonial and American-colonial eras,” said the narrative posted in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website. Calle Real is a heritage zone designated by the Iloilo City government and declared by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as a district and heritage zone. The Historic Center of Silay City, with its collection of preserved heritage houses, is part of the Silay National Historical Landmark as declared by the NHCP. Other parts of the trail are privately owned, consisting of two operating sugar centrals, one as a private home, a museum, and one for reuse by the National Museum of the Philippines. The entry is now on the tentative list, which needs to submit substantive documents to prove that it is of “outstanding universal value” before the Sept. 14, 2024 deliberation. “I am very happy. We might be the first city with a Calle Real identified in the UNESCO World Heritage List,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas in a statement. The Department of Tourism Western Visayas in 2023 commissioned a study to explore the possibility of establishing a Western Visayas Sugar Heritage Trail to better understand the industrial heritage and identify the opportunity for sugar heritage tourism products in the region. Initially, the study identified 127 trails or remnants and landmarks of the industry; 87 are in Negros Occidental, 25 in Iloilo, five in Guimaras, seven in Capiz, and three in Antique. The Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo, built by Spanish Augustinian missionaries in 1786, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Baroque Churches of the Philippines.” Source: PNA

NEWS – Victorias City restores historic muscovado sugar mill smokestack

by Poster1PROVINCE NEWS 12/03/202412/03/2024Comments are Disabled

VICTORIA CITY – The City of Victorias in Negros Occidental has restored the historic “simboryo” or smokestack of a muscovado sugar mill in Barangay VIII as part of the initiatives to preserve its rich local heritage. Muscovado is unrefined cane sugar with a rich brown color. On Monday, the city government reported the completion of the clearing operation of the 20-foot smokestack, located in Hacienda Felisa I, previously “engulfed by overgrown vegetation that obscured its architectural beauty and historical value”. Councilor Dino Acuña, chair of the Committee on Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Ecology, said in a statement the local community has long wanted to seek assistance from the authorities to clear the structure built during the Spanish period. “There is no exact date on when it was established but for sure, it was before the sugar centrals were built,” he added. Acuña said he brought the matter to the attention of Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez after village chief Jose Murillo posted about the decaying state of the smokestack on the barangay’s Facebook page. Benitez then initiated a clean-up activity and deployed workers for the clearing operation. For two days last week, various departments joined hands to conduct the clearing operation, Acuña said. These included the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City Engineer’s Office, with the assistance of the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative. The removal of the invasive plants showed the intricate details and grandeur of the structure and also sparked a renewed sense of pride and unity among the residents, the city government said. “The smokestack is an important heritage and cultural property. It showcases the cultural and historical significance not only to the city but also to Negros Occidental as the sugar capital of the Philippines,” Acuña said. He noted that before refined and brown sugar were produced, sugarcane plantations produced muscovado sugar, which they transported to Panay Island for export to other countries. “The smokestack continued to operate until sugar centrals were built in the province to produce centrifugal sugar such as refined sugar produced by Victorias Milling Company built in 1919,” Acuña said. Source: PNA

One of the marvelous sunsets at Sugar Beach in Sipalay

by Hermann MatthiasPhoto1 29/02/202429/02/2024Comments are Disabled

As the sun descends over Sugar Beach in Sipalay, Negros Oriental, its golden rays cascade across the sky, painting it in hues of orange and yellow. The horizon is ablaze with the last remnants of daylight, casting a warm glow over the tranquil scene. In the background, a father and his child are engrossed in play near the water’s edge, their silhouettes outlined against the shimmering surface. The child’s laughter mingles with the gentle lapping of the waves as they build sandcastles and chase each other along the shoreline. Adjacent to them rests one of the outrigger boats, its wooden hull gleaming in the soft light. It stands as a testament to the area’s rich maritime heritage, poised to set sail on the tranquil waters of the Philippine Sea. Together, father and child embrace the magic of this fleeting moment, their bond illuminated by the radiant glow of the setting sun. In this idyllic coastal paradise, time seems to stand still, allowing them to cherish this precious moment of togetherness amidst the beauty of nature’s twilight symphony.

3 NPA rebels killed, 4 gov’t troopers hurt in northern Negros clash

by Poster1PROVINCE NEWS 22/02/202422/02/2024Comments are Disabled

ESCALANTE CITY – Renewed skirmishes claimed the lives of three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and wounded four government troopers in the hinterlands of Escalante City, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army reported Thursday. The series of clashes, which started late Wednesday morning and lasted until Thursday morning in Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugasan, involved remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) and troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB). In a report, the 3rd Infantry Division identified the three rebel fatalities – two males and a young woman – as aliases Michael, Jose and Jandy, who were all killed during the first encounter at past 11 a.m. on Wednesday. According to the report, Army troopers engaged some eight rebels after learning about the presence of armed men threatening and asking for money and food from the residents. During the pursuit operation, they had another gunbattle three hours later on Wednesday afternoon, and clashed anew early Thursday around 6 a.m. After the initial encounter, the troops recovered from the site various weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a M653 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, rifle grenades and anti-personnel mine, as well as several mobile phones and handheld radios. “These encounters have significantly shaken the surviving remnants of the dismantled NNF who are trying to regain their forces here in northern Negros,” 79IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan said in a statement. Meanwhile, Calaoagan said the wounded government troopers were brought to a hospital and are now in stable medical condition: Source: PNA

Valladolid – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/202414/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “Valladolid: Where Riverways Unite Culture and Agriculture” Riverine Heritage and Waterfront Charms: Explore Valladolid’s scenic riverbanks and waterways, which have played a vital role in the city’s history and culture. Learn about the significance of the Malogo River, cultural landmarks along its shores, and community activities that celebrate Valladolid’s riverine heritage. Agricultural Innovation and Crop Diversity: Delve into Valladolid’s agricultural landscape and innovative farming practices. Discover the city’s diverse crops, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and community-driven efforts to promote agricultural productivity, rural development, and environmental conservation. Cultural Traditions and Festive Spirit: Immerse yourself in Valladolid’s vibrant cultural scene and festive traditions. Experience the city’s colorful fiestas, religious processions, and cultural performances that showcase its rich cultural heritage, religious devotion, and community solidarity.

Toboso – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/202414/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “Toboso: Where Nature’s Bounty Meets Rural Tranquility” Mangrove Ecotourism and Coastal Conservation: Explore Toboso’s extensive mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems. Learn about the city’s efforts in mangrove conservation, eco-tourism initiatives, and community-based projects aimed at preserving the biodiversity and ecological integrity of its coastal areas. Agricultural Heritage and Organic Farming: Delve into Toboso’s agricultural heritage and commitment to organic farming. Discover the city’s fertile farmlands, diversified crop cultivation, and sustainable agricultural practices that promote food security, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihood development. Cultural Festivities and Indigenous Traditions: Immerse yourself in Toboso’s vibrant cultural scene and indigenous traditions. Experience the city’s fiestas, cultural festivals, and traditional rituals that celebrate its cultural heritage, religious devotion, and community solidarity.

San Enrique – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/202414/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “San Enrique: Cultivating Heritage Amidst Agrarian Splendor” Hacienda History and Sugar Heritage: Explore San Enrique’s historical significance as a center of sugarcane cultivation and hacienda culture. Learn about the city’s rich agricultural heritage, hacienda estates, and the enduring legacy of sugar production that shaped its economy and cultural identity. Community-Based Conservation Initiatives: Delve into San Enrique’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Discover the city’s community-led conservation projects, biodiversity conservation efforts, and eco-tourism initiatives that promote the preservation of its natural resources and ecological heritage. Cultural Traditions and Festive Celebrations: Immerse yourself in San Enrique’s vibrant cultural traditions and fiesta celebrations. Experience the city’s colorful festivals, religious processions, and cultural performances that showcase its cultural diversity, religious devotion, and community spirit.

Salvador Benedicto – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/202414/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “Salvador Benedicto: Where Mountain Majesty Inspires Artistic Serenity” Mountain Retreats and Scenic Splendor: Explore Salvador Benedicto’s picturesque mountain landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic vistas. Discover the city’s eco-tourism attractions, nature reserves, and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Mount Mandalagan and the surrounding highlands. Artistic Enclaves and Creative Expression: Delve into Salvador Benedicto’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Visit local art galleries, studios, and cultural centers showcasing the works of local artists, artisans, and craftsmen who draw inspiration from the city’s natural beauty and rural charm. Agro-Tourism Escapes and Organic Farms: Experience Salvador Benedicto’s agricultural abundance and farm-to-table delights. Engage in agro-tourism activities, farm stays, and culinary tours that highlight the city’s organic farms, sustainable agriculture practices, and farm-to-fork culinary experiences amidst its scenic countryside.

Pulupandan – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “Pulupandan: Where Coastal Heritage Meets Agricultural Abundance” Coastal Charms and Fishing Traditions: Explore Pulupandan’s scenic coastal landscapes, fishing villages, and maritime heritage. Discover the city’s traditional fishing practices, seafood delicacies, and vibrant coastal communities that reflect its deep connection to the sea and maritime livelihoods. Agricultural Innovation and Sugarcane Heritage: Delve into Pulupandan’s agricultural legacy as part of Negros Occidental’s sugar industry. Learn about the city’s sugarcane plantations, agrarian heritage, and modern farming techniques that sustain its agricultural economy and cultural identity. Cultural Festivals and Religious Heritage: Immerse yourself in Pulupandan’s cultural festivities and religious traditions. Experience the city’s fiestas, parades, and religious processions honoring patron saints and historical events, which showcase its vibrant cultural heritage and community spirit.

Pontevedra – Negros Occidental

by Hermann MatthiasNegros Occidental 14/02/2024Comments are Disabled

Headline: “Pontevedra: Where Cultural Heritage and Eco-Adventure Unite” Historical Charms and Architectural Treasures: Explore Pontevedra’s rich history through its well-preserved colonial-era architecture, historic landmarks, and ancestral houses. Discover the city’s cultural heritage by visiting museums, churches, and heritage sites that reflect its Spanish colonial past and cultural diversity. Mangrove Conservation and Coastal Sanctuaries: Delve into Pontevedra’s commitment to mangrove conservation and coastal protection. Learn about the city’s mangrove rehabilitation projects, marine sanctuaries, and eco-tourism initiatives that promote sustainable fishing practices, biodiversity conservation, and community-based coastal management. Adventures in Nature’s Playground: Experience Pontevedra’s natural wonders and outdoor recreational opportunities. From hiking trails and waterfalls to river cruises and birdwatching, immerse yourself in the city’s diverse landscapes, ecotourism attractions, and eco-adventure activities that showcase the beauty and biodiversity of Negros Occidental’s hinterlands.