Bago City
Profile of Baco City
Distance from Bacolod: 21.5 kilometers
Land Area: 38,941 hectares
Classification: 2nd Class
No. of Barangays: 24 Barangays
Population: 141,721 (May 1, 2000) – 149,911 (2005 Projection)
Language: Hiligaynon/Ilonggo – English is spoken & understood
Bago City is a second class city 21.5 kilometers away from Bacolod City. It is the first city south of Bacolod this it is considered as the gateway to Southern Negros Occidental. Bago was founded by Augustinian priest Father Geronimo Marin on June 24, 1575 honoring the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Based on accounts by Spanish historian Diego Lope de Povedano, the community’s name originated from a large tree called “bago”. Another version tells that Bago acquired its name from a shrub named “bago-bago” which was then abundantly growing along the banks of the river.
In 17th to 18th centuries, settlers from Molo, Iloilo formed a small village at the mouth of Bago River. The village grew into a large settlement which prompted the elders to pass a petition for its conversion into a pueblo which was granted in 1800.
During the upheaval against the Spanish colonizers, General Juan Araneta of Bago City gathered the his people to join the Aniceto Lacson of Talisay to stage an almost bloodless revolution that toppled the Spanish government in Negros. The revolutionaries used fake arms consisting of rifles carved out of palm fronds and cannons of rolled bamboo mats painted black.
Agro-Industry
Bago City is considered the Rice Granary of Negros Occidental being the top rice producer of the province. Aside from rice and sugarcane, there are a wide variety of industry that thrives in Bago City. Bago is home to the world-class silk produced by the OISCA benefiting hundreds of farmers.
Herbanext Laboratories, a leading nutraceutical manufacturing company in the country has its processing plant located at Brgy, Taloc. Also in Brgy. Taloc is the La Tondeña Distileria Bago
Tumandok Crafts Industries, a leading exporter of laminated furniture and furnishing using indigenous materials is located at Brgy, Calumangan. Not far from Tumandok is one of the country;s biggest muscovado producer, the Alter Manufacruting Corp.
Tourism Destination
Bago City is the “Home of Historical and Natural” treasures. A great deal of attractions has kept Bago City in the tourism map of Negros. From its mountain, beaches and heritage sites, Bago City has much to offer to its visitors.
Privately owned beach and mountain resorts scattered around the city offering alternative choices. The Quiet Place Farm Resort, Humberto’s Place Farm Resort, Pata-an Mountain Resort and Tinago Resort provides visitors with a venue to commune with nature.
Bago City also boasts of three Government-run resorts one of which is the Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center named after one of Bago City’s prominent sons. The 296-hectare ecological and recreational center also serves as a drop-off point for those who want to trek to Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park.
Kipot Summer Resort is an ideal place for family picnics where you will be welcomed with a magnificent view of the Kipot Twin Falls.
There’s also the Buenos Aires Mountain Resort which is equipped with modern facilities and accommodation choices which make it an ideal venue for seminars and gatherings.
A significant Heritage site in Bago City is the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum. It was once the residence of Gen. Juan Araneta and one of the oldest houses in Negros Occidental. The museum features an array of artifacts gathered by the different communities of the cities and has an exhibit on Rice and Sugar, the main crops of the city.
The St. John the Baptist Church is one of the colonial churches in Negros Occidentla which still stands today. It is believed to be around three centuries old and its architecture is Mexican-inspired.
The Old Bago Bridge has a very important role in the history of Negros Occidental during World War II. It used to be a steel span of 650 feet crossing the longest river in the province. An American soldier named Theodore Vinther was killed while securing the bridge before the Japanese army can blow up the bridge in order to delay the arrival of the American forces in Bacolod. A historical market was erected at the foot of the old bridge and a monument was dedicated to Vinther at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Bago City Festivals
Bago City takes pride in its colorful religious and historical festivals. The Babaylan Festival held every Febturay during the Charter Anniversary of the City. The Babaylan Festival features th Babaylan, the most colorful and enduring figure in the history of Negros Islans. The Babaylan is the village historian, keeper of oracles, folklore, epics, poems and trivia. The festival aims to rediscover the region’s indigenous music, literature, dances, rituals and other artistic endeavors.
The Al Cinco de Noviembre is celebrated in Bago City with the Sigabong Sang Mga Kanyon Festival. This festival celebrates the historic role of the Bagonhons in toppling the Spanish colonizers in Negros with a bluff using fake canons and rifles.
The Feast of St. John the Baptist celebrated every June 24 is a grand celebration with fluvial race which finishes at the Bantayan Boulevard and sand sculpture competition.
All these and more awaits visitors in Bago City.which is a mere 40-minute drive from Bacolod City.
Where to stay in Bago City
- Buenos Aires Mountain Resort
Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 461-0540 / 732-8362
Email add: tourismbago@yahoo.com - Kipot Twin Falls Summer Resort
Brgy. Mailum, bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 434-0927 - The Quiet Place Farm Resort
Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 435-0021 - Jara Beach Resort
Brgy. Calumangan, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 709-7661 / 732-4505
Email add: jarabeachresort@hotmail.com - Humberto’s Farm Resort
Hda. Laura, Brgy. Pacol, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 433-9769 / 709-2332 - Rafael Salas Park & Nature Center Resort
Guintubdan, Brggy. Ilijan, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 461-0540 / 732-8362
Email add: tourismbago@yahoo.com - Pata-an Mountain Resort
Sitio Pata-an, Brgy. Mailum, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 476-7296 / 476-4856 / 434-4262 - L.E. Complex and Pensionne Corporation
2nd St., Marhil Subd., Bago City
Cell. No.: 09162284050
Contact Person: Mimi Bucay - Cora Beach Resort
Brgy. Samininit, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 435-4391 - Seafront Beach and Garden Resort
Brgy. Calumangan, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 434-7694 - Coastal Beach Resort
Brgy. Sampinit, Bago City
Tel. No.: (034) 434-7694
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