ST.

PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE

Title: History of Dumaguete City Streets and Its Development
Author: PROF. GREGORIO E. BACCAY III
Year: 2010
Email Address: gregca_dgte@yahoo.com
Contact Nos.: Mobile No. 09067325836; Tel. No. (035)225-1506

ABSTRACT

The City of Dumaguete city is nicknamed The City of Gentle People. It is a capital city in
the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is a city of the South of the Philippines which is
inhabited by loving, caring and hospitable people as history unfolds.

The purpose of the study was to trace the old names and historical background of the
streets in Dumaguete City. Another aim was to find out the brief development profile of the
streets during the Spanish occupation, American rule and the renaming of streets in 1990s as a
reflection of the present City development. Finally, the hierarchy and chronology of Dumaguete
City street names with respect to the cultures, traditions and aspirations of Dumagueteños was
examined.

Historical qualitative method of conducting research was utilized in this study. Interviews
were conducted to prominent Dumagueteños who had better experiences and knowledge of
street history. Resolutions and ordinances were gathered from the archives of the City Hall.

The results of the study revealed that most of the streets during the Spanish occupation
were based on the names of Roman Catholic saints to signify the religiosity of the people living
along the streets. During the American occupation, most of the names of the major streets
during the Spanish occupation were retained. This was the time that there were so many
streets being constructed and developed and named from different prominent American
personalities in government and military. The naming and renaming of streets in 1990 was
highlighted with the names of local politicians, heroes and heroines.

The authors recommend that before anyone else in the local legislative council in
Dumaguete City proposes to change the name of any street, one must first consider the
historical and cultural value attached to the streets through a comprehensive study, in-depth
interviews and consultations with proper coordination from the National Historical Commission
of the Philippines rather than changing the original name directly to a favored politician or rich
businessman. It is also recommended to have two street signs indicating the old and the new
name where old names would bear intricate, antique style of frame and above it is the new
name, however, in an original-Filipino modern design concept.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

A street name or odonym is an identifying name given to a street. The street name
usually forms part of the address. Buildings are often given numbers along the street to further
help identify them. (http://www.wikipedia.com. August 20, 2010)

The naming of streets varies from one place to another in any parts of the world.
Basically, the etymology of street names are based on numbers, landscapes, trees, surnames
of given individuals, types of commerce or industry, landmarks, self-descriptive names,
destinations, famous or distinguished individuals such as politicians and presidents, themes,
and some others are using the grid-based naming systems.

For example, in the United States, most streets are named after numbers, landscapes,
trees (a combination of landscapes and trees such as "Oakhill" is used often in residential
areas), or the surname of an important individual (in some instances, it is just a commonly held
surname such as Smith). (Ibid.) In the Philippines, most of the names are based on the list of
Roman Catholic saints, distinguished politicians and personalities particularly those who held
positions during the Spanish and American occupations in the country, great Philippine
Presidents, heroes and heroines. Some places in the country have names with reference to our
national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and the characters of his novels, flowers, trees, landmarks and
among others. On the other hand, the City of Dumaguete has also adopted some Filipino
practices of naming streets for the city however it has certain unique way distinct of being
Dumagueteños.

The City of Dumaguete city is nicknamed The City of Gentle People. It is a capital city in
the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is a city of the South of the Philippines which is
inhabited by loving, caring and hospitable people from all points of history.
 In this research, the history of streets are presented in three periods namely, the callles
during the Spanish rule, streets during the American occupation and finally the renaming of old
street names and naming of unnamed names during the 1990s up to the present. This research
also presents the short development profile of each street from the past to the present as it
reflects to the quality of life of the people of Dumaguete City.

Major streets in Dumaguete City were developed during the Spanish occupation in the
country. It was during the time when Negros Island was divided into two provinces namely
Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental on January 1, 1890 when Dumaguete City became the
capital city of Negros Oriental that more street developments where undertaken to boost the
socio-economic condition of the place and the people.

Renaming of streets has been a common practice everywhere. Major streets in

Dumaguete City were renamed during the American occupation. More streets were also added
during this time. According to historian Prof. Caridad Aldecoa-Rodriguez that the American
period was marked by progress in democratic government, economic development, popular
education, improved hygiene and sanitation and cultural development.

At present, most of the streets have been developed and concreted. The old calles
before are now the hubs of progressive businesses evident of a strong economic condition of
the City. As years go by, more and more business establishments are sprouting and continue to
fill in every gap along the streets of Dumaguete City.

Furthermore, in this study, the researchers have included pictures of some significant
developments along the streets to highlight its strong economic contribution to the City’s
development.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

The main reason of why this study is being conducted is to find out the historical
significance of the names of streets in Dumaguete City from the past to the present as basis for
future references. Specifically, this research is aimed at:
1.) tracing the old names and historical background of the streets in Dumaguete
City.
 2.) finding out the brief development profile of the streets during the Spanish
occupation, American rule and the renaming of streets in 1990s as a reflection of
the present City development and finally,
3.) examining the hierarchy and chronology of Dumaguete City street names with
respect to the cultures, traditions and aspirations of Dumagueteños.

METHODOLOGY

In conducting this research, descriptive -historical method was used.

The researcher made a gathering of secondary data particularly on the published

materials on the local history of Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, Resolutions and
Ordinances from the City Archives. Furthermore, interviews with some Dumagueteños and local
historians are also conducted.

Finally, picture documentation of various street developments was also observed to

highlight major street developments along the streets.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

The following table summarizes the streets in Dumaguete City during the Spanish and
American occupations and the naming and renaming of streets during the 1990s up to the
present:

Street Names Street Names Renaming/Naming

Present Street
During Spanish During American of Streets in the
Names
Times Times 1990s
Mayor Ramon
Calle Real Real Street Teves-Pastor
Street
Dr. Jose Rizal Dr. Jose Rizal
Calle Marina
Avenue Avenue
Gov. Mariano
Calle Alfonso XIII Alfonso III Street
Perdices Street
Calle de Mayor Joe Pro
Cervantes Street
Cervantes Teves Street
Mayor Deogracias
Calle Urdaneta Urdaneta Street
Pinili Street
H. Silliman H. Silliman
Calle Sta. Cecilia
Avenue Avenue
Calle Sta. Sta. Catalina Sta. Catalina
Catalina Street Street
 Street Names Street Names Renaming/Naming
Present Street
During Spanish During American of Streets in the
Names
Times Times 1990s
Calle San Jose San Jose Street San Jose Street
Calle San Juan San Juan Street San Juan Street
Calle Sta. Rosa
Sta. Rosa Street Sta. Rosa Street
de Lima
Sen. Lorenzo
Calle Colon Colon Street
G.Teves Street
Calle Reina Ma. Cristina Street Ma. Cristina Street
Luke Edward
Luke Wright Street
Wright Street
William Howard
Taft Street
Taft Street
Independencia Independencia
Street Street
Calle Alfonso XIII Hibbard Avenue Hibbard Avenue
William Atkinson Dr. V. Locsin
Dr. V. Locsin Street
Jones Street Street

Calle City Hall Burgos Street Burgos Street

Leopoldo Rivera
L. Rovira Road
Road
Taclobo Old Road D. Larena Drive D. Larena Drive
Dr. Henry
Sillilam Campus
Langhaim Street
Libertad Street Libertad Street
Mayor Jacinto Mayor Jacinto
Katada Street Katada Street
Piapi Beach &
Flores Avenue
Lo-oc Road
Noblefranca Street Noblefranca Street
Apolinario Mabini
Mabini Street
Street
Dr. Eduardo
Banica Road
Miciano Road
Laguna Road or Venancio G. Venancio G.
Daro West Drive Aldecoa Sr. Drive Aldecoa Sr. Drive
Piapi Beach Road Ramon Escano Ramon Escano
Extension Road Road
Calle Real North Road Veterans’ Avenue
North Piapi Road E.J. Blanco Road E.J. Blanco Road
Engr. Juvenal Engr. Juvenal
Mango Avenue
Somoza Street Somoza Street
Dumaguete South Lamberto Macias Lamberto Macias
Road Street Street
Manuel Lajato- Manuel Lajato-
Teves Street Teves Street
Valencia Sen. Jose Romero Sen. Jose Romero
Provincial Road Highway Highway
 Street Names Street Names Renaming/Naming
Present Street
During Spanish During American of Streets in the
Names
Times Times 1990s
Bishop Epifanio Bishop Epifanio
Calle Legaspi Legaspi Street
Surban Street Surban Street
New Claytown Diego R. Dela Vina Diego R. Dela
Road Street Vina Street
Tan Pedro Teves Tan Pedro Teves
Street Street
Dr. Vicente Dr. Vicente
Batinguel Road Guzman-Sinco Guzman-Sinco
Road Road
Andres Bonifacio Scout Jojo Scout Jojo
Street Magbanua Street Magbanua Street
San Vicente Road San Vicente Road
Sto. Nino Road Sto. Nino Road
Councilor Boni Councilor Boni
Catarata Road Catarata Road
San Jose
George Sy Street George Sy Street
Extension
M.H. del Pilar
Street & E.J. Fiscal Ramon F. Fiscal Ramon F.
Blanco Road Centeno Road Centeno Road
Extension

Based on the above table and the presentations in the preceding parts of this research,
the researchers have found out that there were numerous streets being constructed during the
time of the Spanish occupation in the City. This was to promote commerce and trade due to the
abundance of commercial and agricultural wealth of the City having had port where all kinds of
ships could call aside from the fact that Dumaguete was the most important town on the east
side of Negros Island having the most number of people. These accounts were the basis of
making Dumaguete as the capital of Negros Oriental when it separated from Bacolod as the
capital of one island Negros on January 1, 1890.

The results of the study also revealed that most of the streets during the Spanish
occupation were based on the names of Roman Catholic saints to signify the religiosity of the
people living along the streets. In addition, these streets were considered to be the major streets
of the City at present where most of the developments are evident.

Moreover, the researcher further concluded that during the time of the American rule in
the country, still there were more streets being constructed and developed and named after
from the different prominent American personalities in government and military. Most of the
names of the major streets during the Spanish occupation were retained and were only
translated into English instead of the original Hispanic names. In addition, the researcher also
found out that the main reason why the American leaders constructed more streets in
Dumaguete City because of the fact that there were many buildings, schools, facilities and even
residential houses were constructed thus giving no option to the American government but to
construct more streets to provide access to these recent developments in terms of
infrastructures in the City. The naming of streets during this time in honor of distinguished
American personalities cannot be questioned for a clear reason in the point of history of this
humble City. During this period, Dr. Jose Rizal was also being honored when the American
government renamed Calle Marina in honor of our national hero. In addition, some national
heroes and local politicians were also honored by naming some streets in their names.

The naming and renaming of streets in the 1990s particularly in the years 1995 and
1997 started when the City Government of Dumaguete created an Ad Hoc Committee on
Naming of Unnamed Streets of Dumaguete City and Suburbs. This was the time that the
Committee headed by its Chairman, Councilor Eduardo J. Perdices had made some proposals
to name unnamed streets and renamed some major and minor streets. The report of the Ad
Hoc Committee was adopted thru Resolution No. 70 series of 1995 and Resolution No. 233
series of 1997 of the City Council. These said resolutions became the basis of many approved
ordinances in naming and renaming various streets mentioned in the Ad Hoc Committee
reports.

The researcher concluded that in the naming and renaming of streets in the 1990s, it
was highlighted with the names of local politicians, heroes and heroines. The present names of
the streets now were the result of this move by the City government.

The researcher further concluded that there are numerous names of streets during the
Spanish period and American rule were retained such as the following:

Spanish Street Names Being American Street Names Being

Retained Up to the Present Retained Up to the Present

Sta. Rosa Street Dr. Jose Rizal Avenue

Sta. Catalina Street H. Silliman Avenue
San Jose Street Luke Wright Street
San Juan Street William Howard Taft Street
Ma. Cristina Street Burgos Street
Noblefranca Street
 Independencia Street
Libertad Street
Hibbard Avenue
Leopoldo Rovira Road
Mayor Jacinto Katada Street
Apolinario Mabini Street

Finally, the researcher concluded that every street in Dumaguete City served as
witnesses of its local history and being considered integral to its character. Many historical
events occurred in the city’s streets, boulevards, roads, and avenues. The chronological
accounts of Dumaguete City streets evolved from Hispanic names and names of Roman
Catholic saints to the names of famous American personalities in politics and military to national
and local politicians, prominent businessmen, heroes and heroines.

As a recommendation, the researcher would like to emphasize the following points to

consider in consonance with the revised guidelines formulated by the National Historical
Commission of the Republic of the Philippines in the naming and renaming of streets as follows:

1. Recommended names for streets should be appropriate in terms of historical value

and significance to the street to be named or renamed.

2. To avoid confusion in the maintenance of records and postal matters, it is also

recommended to have two street signs indicating the old and the new name where
old names would bear intricate, antique style of frame and above it is the new name,
however, in an original-Filipino modern design concept.

3. That before anyone else in the local legislative council in Dumaguete City proposes
to change the name of any street, one must first consider the historical and cultural
value attached to the streets through a comprehensive study, in-depth interviews and
consultations with proper coordination from the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines rather than changing the original name directly to a favored politician or
rich businessman.

4. The City Government should adhere strictly to the revised guidelines formulated by
the Commission so as not to erase an important part of our heritage on street history
and its development.
 REFERENCES:

BOOKS:

Carson, Arthur. 1965. Historical Marker of Hibbard Hall & Silliman University History 1901-1959.
City House Press, Taiwan
Jomao-as, Reagan. 2003. The Foundation of God Standethsure:Silliman Church History (1901-
2003). Silliman Press, Silliman Avenue, Dumaguete City
Perez Josefa V. 1988. History of Negros Oriental 1988. Silliman Press, Silliman Avenue,
Dumaguete City
Perez Josefa V. 1988, Villanueva Life Story. Asian Printers, San Jose Street, Dumaguete City
Rodriguez, Caridad-Aldecoa. 2001. History of Dumaguete City. Caballes Printing Press, San
Juan Street, Dumaguete City
Rodriguez, Caridad-Aldecoa. 1989. Negros Oriental History to Present (1945-1989). Caballes
Printing Press, San Juan Street, Dumaguete City
Salazar, Jose. 1965. History of Dumaguete.

Tiempo, Sitoy and Maslog. 1974. SU History 1901-1976. Silliman Press, Dumaguete City

UNPUBLISHED MATERIALS:

Alunan Merlie. 1993. Kabilin. Negros Oriental Centennial Foundation, Dumaguete City

Lecture on History of Streets given by Prof. Lorna Makill at SU Audio Visual Room, 2009

Enario, Victor. 1996. A Biography of Joe Pro Teves

Perez, Villanueva J. 1987. Life of Demeterio Larena. Manuscript.

The University Student Handbook. 2009. Negros Oriental State University, Dumaguete City

PERIODICALS:
Araw ng Sayaw Magazine published by NCCA p3, 2003
Asian Traveller Magazine p132, April-June 2008 issue
COSCA Story: 50 years p8, 2009. Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria, Dumaguete City
Sagun, Fr. Ramon Jr. Notes of History of Dumaguete City. Negros Chronicle 2006 issue
Negros Chronicle p13, 20 December 2009 issue
Negros Chronicle pp6-8, August 26-31, 2010 issue
Metro Society, p189, 2008 issue
Buglas Beautiful Oriental Negros, 2007 issue
MetroPost p3. July 7-12, 2009 issue
Philippine Tatler, May 2008 issue
Visayan Daily Star article by Alex Pal in 2007 issue

ELECTRONIC SOURCES:
http://www.angtaygolf.com. Retrieved March 8, 2010
http://www.blogspot.com. Retrieved January 21, 2007 by Rico Blanco grandson of E.J. Blanco
http://www.buglas.multiply.com. Retrieved January 21, 2010
http://www.congress.gov.ph/. Retrieved February 2, 2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silliman_University. Retrieved August 16, 2010)
http://www.foundationu.com. Retrieved February 12, 2010
http://www.google.com/Gillamac’s. Retrieved February 23, 2010
http://www.lpp.gov.ph/directory2.html. Retrieved December 2, 2009
http://www.metrodgtec.com. Retrieved March 3, 2010
http://www.negor.gov.ph. Retrieved January 29, 2010
http://www.sidlakangnegros.multiply.com. Retrieved February 3, 2010
http://www.sillimanu.edu.ph. Retrieved February 12, 2010
http://www.teletech.com. Retrieved January 20, 2010
http://uccpchurch.org/. Retrieved August 17, 2010
http://www.wikipedia.com. Retrieved August 20, 2010
http://www.wikipedia.com. Retrieved February 3, 2010
http://www.wikepedia.com. Retrieved February 12, 2010
http://www.wikipedia.com. Retrieved March 5, 2010
http://www.wikipilipinas.com. Retrieved January 25, 2010

INTERVIEW:
Interview with Arthur Pinili during the Pinili Clan Reunion held at Bantayan, Dumaguete City,
April 17, 2010
Interview of Jose Pinili, May 3, 2010