Negros Oriental to mark 100th year of Capitol with pyro-musical competition, concert

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — The provincial government of Negros Oriental is set to celebrate the 100th year of its Capitol building in Dumaguete City on Friday.

For the centennial celebration of the Capitol building, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines is also slated to install a historical marker in the renowned structure.

Built in 1924, the provincial Capitol in Dumaguete houses the governor’s office and other provincial government offices.

According to the provincial government, its architecture, was patterned after the Capitol in the United States of America while its main body is Grecian and its columns are Ionic.

“During this period of American occupation, the colonizers hired the services of city planner and architect Daniel Hudson Burnham to design the new provincial capitol.  Before, it was located in what is now the Serafin Teves residence at the Rizal Boulevard,” a Negros Oriental said.

The neoclassical building is similar to other structures like the fire-gutted Manila Post Office and the National Museum in Manila. Provincial capitols of Negros Occidental, Leyte and Cebu also has similar artchitecture.

Negros Oriental said it is “a living reminder of our colonial past that has brought to our shores the ideals of democracy.’

To mark the 100th year of the Capitol, Negros Oriental prepared activities including the commemorative centennial pyro-musical competition and a concert at Freedom Park, fronting the building.

Among the guest artists announced include Kuh Ledesma, Midnasty, “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” Kim Hewitt, Willfreedo, Jacky Chang and Southbugs.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Sens. Risa Hontiveros, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino will also grace the centennial celebration.

Negros Oriental Gov. Chaco invited the public to join the festivities. He also announced a photo and same-day edit video contest, where prizes awaits participants.

“Join us on May 17, 2024, as we commemorate the grandeurs of the past and celebrate the resilience of the present for the glory of the future. Behold, the 100th year of the Capitol building!” Sagarbarria said in a Facebook post.