Bacolod

Bacolod is a highly urbanized city located in the Negros Island Region of the Philippines.

It serves as the capital of the province of Negros Occidental. The city is also one of two regional centers for the Negros Island Region, alongside the city of Dumaguete. Bacolod acts as the core of the Bacolod metropolitan area. According to the 2024 census, the city has a population of 624,787 people. This makes it the most populous city in the Negros Island Region. It is also the second most populous city in the entire Visayas, following Cebu City.

The name Bacolod is derived from the Old Hiligaynon word "bakólod." This term refers to a hill, a mound, a rise, or any small elevation.

The city's history began as a small settlement by a riverbank. This original village was known as Magsungay, which translates to "horn-shaped" in English. In the middle of the 18th century, missionaries placed the village under the protection of Saint Sebastian. The village was later known as San Sebastián de Magsung̃ay. This settlement was a religious dependency of the nearby town of Bago.

A major turning point occurred in July 1755. On July 14, forces under Datu Bantílan of Sulu attacked the coastal settlement. To seek safety, the inhabitants moved from the coast to a hilly area. This area is now known as the barangay of Granada. This move is why the city carries a name meaning "hill." Bernardino de los Santos became the first gobernadorcillo, or local leader, of the new town. By 1790, the slave raids by Moro pirates on Bacolod had finally ceased.

As the years passed, Bacolod grew in political importance. In 1849, the capital of the province of Negros was transferred from Himamaylan to Bacolod.

Later, in 1889, the province was divided into Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Bacolod became the capital of the Occidental side. In 1938, the municipality was officially converted into a city. This change happened through Commonwealth Act No. 326. The law was passed on June 18, 1938. President Manuel L. Quezon visited for the formal inauguration on October 19, 1938. Alfredo Montelíbano, Sr. was appointed as the first city mayor.

The city also faced difficult times during World War II. Japanese forces occupied Bacolod on May 21, 1942.

They used the "Daku Balay," the home of sugar planter Don Generoso Villanueva, as their headquarters. Because it was the tallest building in the city, it also served as a watchtower. The home of Don Mariano Ramos was also occupied by a Japanese Colonel. Eventually, joint Philippine and American forces liberated the city on May 29, 1945. During the retreat, the Japanese forces saved the Villanueva and Ramos homes from destruction.

Today, Bacolod is recognized for its economic and social strengths. It is a highly urbanized city and a center of excellence for information technology. It is also a leader in business process management operations.

In 2008, MoneySense Magazine named it the "Best Place to Live in the Philippines." The city also received the "Top Philippine Model City" award in 2017 and 2019. In 2021, it won the "Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit" award. This was the second time the city won this specific title, having also won in 2007.

Culture and food are central to the identity of Bacolod. The city is famously nicknamed "The City of Smiles."

This name is linked to the MassKara Festival, which is held during the third week of October. The city is also a destination for its unique local delicacies. Visitors often seek out foods like piaya, cansi, napoleones, and chicken inasal.

These traditions and flavors help define the modern character of the city.