Historic park in Bacolod takes center stage in Negros Occidental’s UNESCO campaign

BACOLOD, Philippines – A century-old park in Bacolod City, with its storied 105-year-old house and lush gardens, has emerged as a major piece in Negros Occidental’s bid to have its cultural landscape recognized as a world heritage site.

A national historical marker from the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) was unveiled at Yulo’s Park, signaling the start of the province’s bid to have it recognized as a part of an important “sugar cultural landscape” on Negros and Panay islands by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The cultural landscape includes the Victorias Milling Company (VMC) in Victorias City, Hacienda Rosalia in Manapla, the Hawaiian-Philippine Company sugar mill in Silay City, Balay ni Tana Dicang and General Anecito Lacson Mansion in Talisay City.

Yulo’s Park in Barangay 14, Bacolod, is home to an early 20th century two-story house built by the late Don Mariano Yulo, a former governor and senator during the Commonwealth Period, on August 10, 1919. 

The old house, made of quality lumber, has withstood the test of time and served as a venue for meetings of sugar barons in Negros, as Don Mariano was a respected haciendero in the southern part of the province, particularly in Hinigaran and Isabela towns.

The house, located in the middle of the beautiful 6,000-square-meter landscape of Yulo’s Park, also houses antique dining wares, chairs, tables, and beds used for various state affairs, attended by high-profile figures such as the late presidents Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña.

The house was also a meeting place for the executives of Yulo’s Water Works, also known as the old Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa). 

Aside from its architectural beauty, the Yulo house hosted the first telephone call between Negros and Panay Islands, an event accessible only to the ilustrados of the time, according to Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Dino Yulo, a relative of Don Mariano. 

The house also features several antique secret doors that are considered priceless today, and its well-manicured garden at the park also attracts visitors and serves as a perfect backdrop for photos.

For many years, Yulo’s Park was kept from public view as Don Mariano’s descendants were reluctant to open the park and house for public viewing. 

However, Bacolod Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the city council’s committee on arts, history, and culture, said the family is now amenable to including Yulo’s Park as a historical and tourism destination in the city. 

While some parts of the house need immediate repairs, Ang said the house and garden remain beautiful.

Efforts to restore parts of the house are underway, led by the Bacolod local government in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the National Museum.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said said he hoped the province would succeed in its bid for UNESCO recognition, and welcomed the Yulo’s Park inclusion in the list of historical and tourism attractions of Bacolod and the province. 

“This (NMP) marker demonstrates our commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of Negros Occidental,” said Lacson. – Rappler.com