Capitol Park and Lagoon | Bacolod

Information

Landmark: Capitol Park and Lagoon
City: Bacolod
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Capitol Park and Lagoon, Bacolod, Philippines, Asia

Capitol Park and Lagoon is a public park and provincial landmark located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. It serves as a focal point for the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol complex and is a popular recreational area for residents and tourists.

Visual Characteristics

The park is centered around a rectangular man-made lagoon featuring calm waters and a fountain. It is anchored by two iconic golden-painted sculptures: a woman standing alongside a water buffalo (carabao) and a man pulling a carabao. These statues are the work of Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti. The background is dominated by the Neo-Classical Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol building.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is located at Lacson Street and Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City.

Access: It is situated in the city's central business and administrative district.

Transport: Easily accessible via any jeepney route passing through Lacson Street (e.g., "Bata" or "Mandalagan" routes) or Gatuslao Street. Taxis and tricycles are readily available.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Fees: Entry is free to the public.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park and the surrounding capitol complex were designed during the American colonial period as part of the "Burnham Plan" for Bacolod. The capitol building was completed in 1933. The lagoon was originally designed for aesthetic and cooling purposes. The park symbolizes the agricultural roots of the Negros island, specifically its reliance on the carabao for the sugar industry.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Sculptures: "The Woman and the Carabao" and "The Man and the Carabao," located at the north and south ends of the lagoon, representing the female and male aspects of labor.

Jogging and Exercise: The perimeter of the lagoon is a frequent spot for morning and evening exercise.

Tilapia Feeding: The lagoon is populated with Tilapia, and visitors often engage in fish feeding.

Community Events: The park serves as a venue for local festivals, government ceremonies, and weekend cultural performances.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes paved walking paths, stone benches, public restrooms, and a small playground area.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are very strong.

Safety: The area is regularly patrolled by provincial security and local police.

Best Time to Visit

The early morning (06:00–08:00) or late afternoon (16:30–18:00) are the best times for a cooler atmosphere. The golden hour provides the best lighting for photographing the sculptures and the Capitol building.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of the park is that it remains one of the few open green spaces in Bacolod's dense urban center. Historically, the Capitol building was used as a headquarters for Japanese forces during WWII, and the park grounds witnessed various military movements during the city's liberation.