One of unique ways to see the splendid city of Bacolod is to visit the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon. It is located along Lacson St., and is considered as the Kilometer Zero or point of distance reference of the city – the mother of all distance reference in the Philippines is Kilometer Zero in Manila. The Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon may not be as jolly during daytime, but for sure when the late afternoon comes, more and more people visit the park and experience the wonderful array of bright lights that produce a visual sensation to the place.
At the main entrance area of the park, one will instantly see an artwork and be curious to know its details. This piece of work is known as the “Paghimud-os”. It is a cultural gift to the people of the province of Negros Occidental by the Negros Occidental Park and Cultural Commission. It was made by the Artist Eduardo S. Castrillo from 1972 to 1975.
Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon
Kilometer Zero of Bacolod
Paghimud-os
On one side of the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon is the children’s playground where kids and caretakers enjoy even in the middle of the day.
Children's Playground
Lagoon
The calm and undisturbed lagoon demonstrates the peaceful ambiance of the whole of Bacolod and its nearby cities such as Talisay, Silay and Victorias. A couple of golden-colored Carabaos (water buffalo of the Philippines) can be seen at the sides of the lagoon – with a man and woman assisting it. The Carabao is considered as the national animal of the country because it helps the farmers flow the fields; farming is one of the main sources of income in most parts of the Philippines.
Gold Carabao with Woman
Golden Man and Carabao
Across the street, one can see Mc Donalds, Jolibee and KFC all on one block, alongside each other. For those who love chicken, spaghetti and French fries may have a hard time choosing which store solves their stomach’s cravings. Near the lagoon is the huge Philippine National Bank building and across it is the ANP (Association of Negros Producers) Showroom, where one can see almost all the souvenir items found in Bacolod and Silay.
McDonalds, Jolibee, KFC in Bacolod
On the western part of the Negros Occidental Capitol is the Provincial Library with the slogan “Your lead gateway to information”. Across it is the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation and a little further away is the Negros Museum.
Activities not allowed
a. No carnivals, large scale festivals, commercial exhibits and trade fairs shall be allowed within the premises of the entire park.
b. Battery-run and gasoline-run motorized toys and other entertainment equipment and paraphernalia that cause damage to the grounds of the park and lagoon shall be prohibited. Likewise, all those which produce noise as defined in this ordinance and pose physical danger or harm to park habitué are prohibited.
c. Swimming, fishing, boating and other similar activities shall be prohibited in the lagoon.
d. Construction of billboards, posting of banners, posters and the like shall not be allowed within the premises of the park. Writing or printing of graffiti anywhere within the park shall also be prohibited.
e. Hawking and vending of any wares and food items shall not be allowed inside the park.
f. The conduct of any religious or political rally shall not be allowed within the park but people may use the park as meeting place or assembly point in consonance with the foregoing activity.
g. Biking even in cemented areas or driveways shall not be allowed except three-wheeled kiddie bike.
Sanitation
All park-goers are prohibited from littering any and all kinds of litter or garbage in the premises of the park. Urinating and defecating in the park except in the toilet or comfort rooms are prohibited.
Penalty Clause
Any person who violates any provision of the ordinance shall be fined not less than One Hundred Pesos (P100), or an imprisonment of not less than twenty-four (24) hours but not more than ten (10) days or both at the discretion of the court.
How to get there
From the Bacolod-Silay Airport, take a van or tricycle to Silay’s Highway (Rizal St.). Take a 15 kilometer ride by jeepney or bus to Bacolod City and drop by Robinson’s Mall, if the jeepney doesn’t go directly to the park. Take another jeepney to Lacson St. and tell the driver to drop you at the lagoon. For more information you may also contact the Negros Occidental Tourism Center, housed inside the Provincial Capitol Building, at telephone number (+63)(34)433-2515.
Mark at Lagoon
Back of Golden Man and Carabao
Landscape View of Lagoon and Park
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
