Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Division is inviting enthusiasts to join the Capitol Culture Hub Guided Walking Tour for free every Thursday to mark National Heritage Month.
According to Philippines News Agency, this heritage tour is among the activities featured by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for this year's celebration, themed 'Roots and Horizons: Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future'. The Provincial Tourism Division extended an invitation to Negrenses and visitors, encouraging them to celebrate National Heritage Month with a journey through history, discover local history, and experience the pride of Negros Occidental.
Participants of the guided walking tour can explore the rich stories, timeless beauty, and cultural significance of the Capitol Lagoon Park and the Capitol Building in Bacolod City. The provincial capitol building, constructed between 1927 and 1933 during the American colonial period, stands on land purchased from the Gonzaga Family. Its design, inspired by Daniel Burnham's Development and Urban Planning, was initiated by renowned Filipino architect Juan Arellano.
The Capitol Lagoon and Park feature the 'Lady and the Carabao', a 'Homage to Agriculture' statue created by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti using an Art Deco style. This statue depicts a woman beside a carabao holding a sugarcane stalk, symbolizing the strength of Negros as the leading sugar producer in the Philippines. Another iconic sculpture, the 'Man and the Beast of Burden', was created by local sculptor Felix V. Garzon.
The 'Paghimud-os' statue, a towering monument located at the east side of the park along Lacson St., pays tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of the Negrense people. The name 'Paghimud-os' is a Hiligaynon word that means 'struggle'. Additionally, the Capitol Lagoon and Park house the Negros Victory Day Marker, a solemn reminder of the province's role in the liberation of Negros during World War II.
Tours are available for May 7, 14, 21, and 28, with two schedules each day at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Interested individuals can secure a slot by registering at the provided online link.
