Diocese of Bacolod Philippines at San Juan - Rizal Streets, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100 PH - Bacolod Profile
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BACOLOD CITY is in the northh-west coast of the Province of Negros Occidental which is in the Visayan Islands in the Philippines. It is bounded in the north-west by the town of Talisay; in the north-east by the City of Silay and town of Victorias; in the east and south-west by the Town of Murcia; in the south-west by the City of Bago; in the west by Guimaras Strait. It has a total land area of 16,171.007 hectares or 161.45 sq. km. excluding straits and bodies of water. It is accessible by sea through the ports of Banago, Reclamation area and the port of Pulupandan. GETTING THERE: Some 300 statute miles from Manila, the main gateway and Capital of the country, Bacolod is only a 55-minute flight by plane or 20-hour leisurely cruise on board any of the luxury vessels of Negros Navigation Company. From Cebu City, Bacolod is a mere 20-minute flight. For the more adventurous traveller, Bacolod is a 7-hour land and sea travel through scenic areas of Northern Negros. The Bacolod Airport is approximately four (4) kilometers away from the City proper. CLIMATE: Bacolod City has two (2) pronounced seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season starts from May to January with the heavy rains occuring during the months of August and September. Dry season starts from the month of February up to the week of April. December and January are the coldest months while April is the hotest. POPULATION: The National Statistics Office (NSO) revealed that City population has reached 458,036 as of 1997 survey. Bacolod City's population comprises approximately 25% of the total population of the Province of Negros Occidental. LANGUAGE/DIALECTS: Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the major dialect spoken in Bacolod City. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in urban areas. CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS: Most foreign currencies san be changed in the banks. Major credit cards accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. ATM Cards are popular to those who have bank deposits. COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES: International direct dialing, telex, fascimile, world-wide express delivery, postal service and telegraphic service available. Cellular phones are widely used. Pagers, info calls, e-mails and internets are also available. ELECTRICITY: Most areas are supplied with 220 volts and 110 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat prongs is the norm, but pack a universal to be safe. WATER: Water is potable. Bottled mineral water is available in supermakets, groceries and hotels, restaurants and in almost all eating establishment. GETTING AROUND: Modern air-conditioned taxis and metered taxis (PUs) are numerous in the city. Public Utility jeepneys are common mode of transport within the city. There are four jeepney routes: Banago-Libertad, Mandalagan- Libertad, Bata-Libertad, Shopping-Libertad routes. Buses and jeepneys provide service for intertown travel. Car rental services are available with rates depending on the type of vehicle used and distance travelled. Information for car rental services are available at most hotel's front desk.