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Heritage Location

Negros Occidental: Sugar Bowl of the Philippines

Where Vast Plantations Speak of a Storied Past

Negros Occidental, the northwestern part of Negros Island, historically known as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines,” bears the legacy of its sugarcane plantations and the haciendas that shaped its socio-economic landscape. This province showcases a rich architectural heritage in its ancestral homes and historic towns, reflecting a blend of Spanish colonial influence and local artistry. Beyond its historical roots, Negros Occidental thrives with a vibrant modern culture, evident in its bustling cities and dynamic festivals.

Mapped Cultural Heritage in Negros Occidental

NEGROS HISTORICAL COUNCIL, INC.

Cultural Institutions

The Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) is a non-governmental organization based in Bacolod City that preserves and promotes the … Read more

OLD PHILIPPINE MONEY OF THE YAESO FAMILY(BRGY. BANGA, CANDONI)

Tangible Movable Heritage, Works of Industrial/Commercial Arts

The old Philippine money owned by the Yaeso family in Candoni, Negros Occidental is around 82 years old and was … Read more

PAGLUNOD KAG PAGTUOB SANG PUMP BOAT

Intangible Cultural Heritage,

Paglunod and Pagtuob are prepared by fishermen to spiritually prepare their pump boats before fishing. Paglunod involves submerging the boat … Read more

PANAG-A (TRADITIONAL FRESHWATER BARE HAND FISHING)

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

Panag-a is a traditional fishing method in Hinigaran that involves draining freshwater ponds or streams and catching fish with bare … Read more

PETRIFIED WOOD FOSSILS (FOUND IN BRGY. MINA-UTOK, CALATRAVA)

Natural History Specimen, Tangible Movable Heritage

The petrified wood fossils, locally called Badyangon, were discovered in 2024 in Barangay Mina-utok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. These fossils are … Read more

POTTERY – MAKING

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Traditional Craftsmanship

Pottery-making in Barangay Cervantes, Escalante City is a century-old tradition started by the Malinao–Recto family, now continued by their descendants … Read more

ROMEO V. TABUENA SR.

Significant Personalities

Romeo V. Tabuena Sr., born on August 22, 1921, in Iloilo City, began his studies in architecture but later shifted … Read more

SAGAY YOUNG ARTISTS CLUB

Cultural Institutions

Sagay Young Artists Club (SYAC), located in Sagay, Negros Occidental, is a cultural institution founded in 1966 by Soledad S. … Read more

SAN CARLOS MILLING COMPANY INC. STEAM TRAIN NO. 1 (SCMCI STEAM TRAIN NO. 1)

Tangible Movable Heritage, Works of Industrial/Commercial Arts

The San Carlos Milling Company Inc. Steam Train No. 1 was built in 1912 and served to transport harvested sugarcane … Read more

SAN JUAN DE BAUTISTA SCULPTURE OF THE PAREÑO FAMILY(BRGY. ALIMANGO, ESCALANTE)

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The San Juan de Bautista sculpture in Barangay Alimango, Escalante, is a 70-year-old religious statue made of concrete and steel, … Read more

SAN PEDRO SCULPTURE OF THE VERDEFLOR FAMILY IN TALISAY CITY

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The San Pedro sculpture owned by the Verdeflor family in Talisay City is a 143-year-old wooden religious statue made in … Read more

SANTO ENTIERRO SCULPTURE OF THE ACUESA FAMILY IN CAUAYAN

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The Santo Entierro sculpture owned by the Acuesa family in Cauayan is an 82-year-old wooden statue carved in 1942, representing … Read more

SS PANAY SHIPWRECK BELL OF SIPALAY

Archaeological Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The SS Panay Shipwreck Bell was recovered in 1998 from the wreck of the SS Panay, which sank in 1941 … Read more

ST. COLUMBAN’S ACADEMY (SCA)

Cultural Institutions

St. Columban’s Academy (SCA) in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, is a Catholic educational institution founded in 1950 by the Missionary Society … Read more

STA. ROSA SCULPTURE OF THE RIVERA FAMILY IN MURCIA

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

The Sta. Rosa wooden statue, owned by the Rivera family, is a life-sized religious image made in 1946 and has … Read more

SUGAR REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION- LA GRANJA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER (SRA LGAREC)

Cultural Institutions

The Sugar Regulatory Administration–La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SRA-LGAREC) in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, serves as a … Read more

Featured Cultural Heritage in Negros Occidental

Masskara Festival

Negros Occidental

The MassKara Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Known for its lively street dancing, elaborate masks with smiling faces, and festive atmosphere, the event symbolizes the resilience and joyful spirit of the Negrenses, even in times of adversity.