Dumaguete City: A University Town

Dumaguete City exudes a university town atmosphere with the presence of four big universities, namely the Negros Oriental State University, Silliman University, St. Paul University of Dumaguete, and Foundation University, and several other colleges. It has become a center of learning, attracting students from various parts of the country and even from other parts of the globe.

Silliman University

The most distinctive educational institution here is Silliman University, no doubt about that. This old university founded by the American Presbyterian missionaries on the early part of the 20th century is more popularly associated with Dumaguete than anything else.
 First known as Silliman Institute in honor of Dr. Horace Silliman, a philanthropist from New York, this university has earned the distinction of being the first Protestant university in the country, and also as the first private American university in Asia.
Silliman survived a World War and a dictatorship rule which almost vanquished its light of learning. Now, after a century and a decade this university has become one of the top performing educational institutions in the country and in Asia. Hmm, by the way, I Googled all these infos. Now here are my thoughts.

When my sister visited Negros Oriental over a decade ago one of her souvenir pictures include these huge portals of Silliman. My companions would like one too, so each took their turn to pose beside these portals. Anyway, according to what's inscribed underneath this big column, the late President of the Republic, the Mambo Guy himself, Ramon Magsaysay dedicated these portals to the university in November 24, 1956, little less than four months before his untimely and tragic death. Well, now Silliman has something concrete to remember him by (excuse my pun).

As we strolled along Silliman Avenue going to Rizal Boulevard, we saw these tarpaulins of the Buglasan Festival. We missed it by a month! But that Saturday we had a surprise treat. We really had no idea that there was going to be a parade. It was very festive like a carnival with every contingent donning their Mardi Gras attires. What about that huh, a Fat Tuesday on a Saturday. I just took pictures and enjoyed the parade.
















Last night as I was writing this article I had to Google again what was that parade about. I found out that it was Negros Oriental State University's 84th Foundation Anniversary and that parade marks their merrymaking day, or what they call as "Hugyawan".


NORSU System's satellite campuses all over Negros Oriental participated in the event, from Guihulngan, Mabinay, Pamplona, Bais, Siaton, and Bayawan-Sta. Catalina.

NORSU has a good number of foreign students enrolled in their campuses. A good number participate in campus events such as this.

The Bekes get the loudest cheers. 

Dumaguete's universities and colleges has a lot to offer to those seeking higher education especially in the field of science, technology, commerce and the arts. It's private schools are reputable. Silliman for one is a top performing school in the country and Asia, I believe I mentioned that earlier. Foundation University has a good sports program. NORSU system with its satellite campuses all over the province offers an equal quality education to the less advantaged folks. St. Paul University of Dumaguete has a good nursing program. I think it also a plus factor that Dumaguete has the province's main seaport and an airport nearby which make the city very accessible to all. I also noticed that the traffic is not that stressful. Tricycles are the kings of the road here. There are also several restaurants and bars that are scattered around the city that offer great food (fine dining even) and drinks (I'm a firm believer that a student should unwind once in a while :D). And the prices in these establishments are very reasonable, I was even surprised myself. Now, who wouldn't want to study here?