Centennial Celebration of the Capitol of Negros Oriental: A Historical Milestone
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — To marks a significant milestone as the Capitol of Negros Oriental celebrates its 100th anniversary. This historic building, standing as a testament to the province's rich political, cultural, and socio-economic heritage, was honored with a historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The event is led by NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, LGU Mayors and the entire Provincial Government of Negros Oriental.
The Capitol's story begins with its original structure near the shore, which was tragically destroyed by fire in 1922. The provincial government then relocated the Capital to its current site, where construction of the new building began in 1924. Designed in the Neo-classical style by renowned architects Tomas Mapua and Antonio Toledo, the Capitol was inaugurated on February 25, 1925, under the leadership of Governor Enrique Teves Villanueva. The grand opening was celebrated with a parade, band performances, grand ball and various programs.
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| 1924 Negros Oriental Capitol Building |
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| 2024 Centennial year of Capitol of Negros Oriental |
Remarkably, just three months after its inauguration, a powerful earthquake struck the southeastern part of Negros Oriental, yet the Capitol remained unscathed. This resilience was further tested during World War II when the building was occupied by Japanese forces but survived the conflict without significant damage. Over the years, it has undergone renovations, including a major one in 1985 under Governor Lorenzo G. Teves and beautification efforts led by Governor George Arnaiz, ensuring its continued grandeur and stability.
In November 1938, President Manuel Quezon visited the Capitol to address the Negrenses and advocate for honest and clean elections, marking another historic moment for the building. Its architecture, inspired by the Capitol in Washington, D.C., features a Grecian main body and Ionic columns, reflecting the influence of American occupation during its construction period. This neoclassical design is shared with other iconic Philippine structures such as the Manila Post Office and the National Museum in Manila, as well as the provincial capitols of Negros Occidental, Leyte, and Cebu.
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| Centennial Committee 2024 : 100years Negros Oriental Capitol |
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| Villanueva & Pinili Cousins Prof. Penn T. Larena, Hon Ikay Villanueva and Engr.Jull Pinili Gallogo |
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| Bautista Siblings of Canlaon City Negros Oriental |
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| Gov. Manuel Chaco L. Sagarbarria and First Lady Juvi Calago |
To celebrate the centennial, a series of activities have been organized, including a commemorative centennial pyro-musical competition, cultural presentations, a centennial dinner, and a concert at the Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park. The event featured performances by notable artists such as Kuh Ledesma, Midnasty, “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” Kim Hewitt, Willfreedo, Jacky Chang, and Southbugs.
The centennial celebration was graced by prominent figures including Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, Mark Villar, Francis Tolentino, and Ireland Ambassador to the Philippines Hon. William Carlos.
As we commemorate the Capitol's centennial on May 17, 2024, we honor its historical significance and celebrate the resilience and progress of Negros Oriental. The Capitol stands not just as a monument of the past but as a beacon of the province’s enduring spirit and its aspirations for the future.
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| Negros Historian Penn Larena and Hon -Elmaco |
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| Vallehermoso Hermanos Prof. Penn Larena ,Alein Serion Balsamo and Juvi Calago |
Photo from :
Negros Oriental Tourism Board
National Historical Commission
Negros Island History ,Heritage & Arts Society
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