BACOLOD

city, northwestern portion of the island of Negros, Philippines. On a coastal plain washed by Guimaras Strait, it lies opposite Guimaras Island and has been called the Philippine sugar capital because of its central location within the nation's most important sugar-producing area. Bacolod's growth began after 1800, when it was first used as a convenient gathering point for traffic bound for Iloilo, on the island of Panay. With subsequent development of the sugar plantations, it became Negros' most populous urban area and a regional trade centre. Its outport, Pulupandan, is situated to the south along the main coastal highway and is an important fishing port. The city's rectangular street pattern is unusual among Philippine coastal communities. Bacolod is served by a major airport, the provincial hospital, and the private University of Negros Occidental-Recolestos (1941). The large provincial capitol building is set amid spacious landscaped grounds, and an old stone church and convent are in the central square. Imposing residences of wealthy planters are on the city's outskirts. Inc. city, 1938. Pop. (1990 prelim.) 364,000.