What to do in Dumaguete

By Alberto Quintero

Located in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete is the capital, largest city, and the major seaport of Negros Oriental. In 2007 the population was over 100,000 people. Dumaguete was nicknamed “The City of Gentle People” due to the friendly nature of the locals (Dumagueteños).

Dumaguete has been called a university town since it has four universities and several other colleges that call it home where the students of Negros’ come to enroll for tertiary education. Not only do locals from this province come here for college but students from the surrounding provinces and cities of Mindanao and Visayas. The country’s first Protestant university and American private university in Asia calls Dumaguete home (Silliman University). With the student population of 30,000 it is no wonder there are so many colleges.

This city has attracted tourists from all over the world, especially Europeans, due to its easy access ferry from Cebu City, the pull of dolphin and whale watching in Bais City, and the availability of dive sites and beach resorts. Dumaguete has a small airport that offers daily flights to and from Manila using Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, including three times a week flights to Cebu City on Cebu Pacific.