The San Diego Pro-Cathedral in Silay City, Negros Occidental marked its 100th anniversary on Jan. 12, with a newly illuminated exterior.
The project is a collaboration between Negros Electric and Power Corp., Silay City government, and San Diego Parish, which also marked its 250th founding anniversary.
Engr. Bernard Bailey del Castillo, who represented the Negros Power, turned over the illumination project to parish priest Fr. Angelo Ansula, Mayor Joedith Gallego, and Tourism Officer Gerle Sulmaca, after its blessing.
In his speech, Fr. Ansula emphasized the significance of the San Diego Pro-Cathedral, which is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of hope, truth, and the enduring spirit of the community.
“This beautiful illumination serves as a reminder of our unity and commitment to uplift our community’s spirit,” Ansula said.
The San Diego Pro-Cathedral is an early 20th-century Romanesque structure designed by Italian architect Lucio Bernasconi.
It is notable as the only pro-cathedral in the Philippines and is unique in Negros Occidental for its distinct cupola (dome), which rises 40 meters above the nave.
In his speech, Del Castillo said the illumination project showed how the San Diego Pro-Cathedral, the local government, and Negros Power worked together to celebrate and promote cultural heritage tourism. ||
