Dumaguete City, which is located on the coast of Negros Oriental, acts as a hub for a number of Central Visayan tourist spots that are home to some of nature’s most breathtaking sights. Immerse in the city’s vibrant culture, which includes music, art, gastronomy, and a deep historical significance as you stroll through the city streets. Dumaguete has earned the moniker “the City of Gentle People” due to its friendly residents and easygoing lifestyle. Attributable to its several top-notch universities, Dumaguete has a reputation as a university town, which has become a popular educational destination for students from surrounding provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Dumaguete—A City of Gentle People
Culture and Historical Significance
The city awakens to the stunning sunrise on the street as morning breaks. Enjoy the hot coffee and cocoa served with “puto” a local glutinous rice dish paired with luscious mango at the “Painitan” in the public market. Bask in the morning breeze and warmth of the sun as you brisk-walk along the “Pantawan.” Engage with the community to learn about local rumors and news. The locals are engaged in active recreation and competitive sports. The city is filled with museums and historical landmarks that date from pre-colonial times to World War II. In the evening, it changes from a busy city to an artistic refuge. Everyone is serenaded by local musicians, who establish the mood with their music, and there are artistic objects for sale to tourists on the sidewalk.
Tourist destinations
Explore Dumaguete’s undiscovered natural treasures before continuing on your tour. Take note of these tourist spots and things to do: relax and stroll along the Rizal Boulevard; enjoy the ambiance of Silliman University, take a glimpse of the American influence during the pre-World War II era, Marvel at the priceless archeological artifacts—ethnological items from various indigenous groups all over the country— on display at the Silliman Anthropology Museum; admire the majestic architecture of St. Catherine Of Alexandria Cathedral; Visit Campanario de Dumaguete, a commanding coral-stone watchtower used to warn locals from raiding Moro pirates back in the 1760s; or visit the Tierra Alta Lighthouse, a Greek-inspired residential resort with a majestic overlooking view of the sea and the mountainside; and the list goes on.
A University Town
Aside from being known as “the university town”, Dumaguete has earned the distinction of being known as “the center of learning in the Southern Philippines” because of the presence of several universities and colleges that have made their mark locally and internationally. Silliman University is the dominant institution of higher learning in Dumaguete. Established in 1901 by Protestant missionaries from the USA, it is the oldest Protestant university in the country and the oldest American-established university in Asia. Other universities located in the city are Foundation University, Negros Oriental State University, and a branch of Saint Paul University (Philippines). There are also many colleges in the city, including a branch of AMA Computer College and AMA ACLC, a branch of the Asian College of Science and Technology (commonly known as ACSAT), a branch of STI College, a branch of the Maximo College, the Metro Dumaguete College, and Colegio de Santa Catalina (popularly known as COSCA) (Department of Tourism 2022). The city attracts students from neighboring provinces and other countries to enjoy the quality and educational lifestyle the city has to offer. The city is a melting pot of students, professionals, artists, and scholars from all over the country.
