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-p.