Dumaguete History - The City of Gentle People

"Dumaguete" was coined from the Visayan word "daggit" which means "to snatch". Because of the frequent marauding attacks of the pirates on this once coastal town, and the power to attract and keep her visitors for good, the word "dumaguet" was coined, meaning "to swoop". Thus the name was christened to the village of Dumaguete. However, Diego Lopez Povedano in 1572 indicated the place as "Dananguet". But in 1734, Murillo Velarde referred to it using its present name of Dumaguete.

In 1890, the island-province of Negros was divided into two politico-military provinces, Occidental and Oriental. As earlier constituted, in 1898, Dumaguete was included in Negros Oriental. After the Philippine-American War, on May 1, 1901, a civil government was established by the Americans in the Province of Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete with the first city-mayor Meliton Larena Y Aureola[7]

When World War II broke out, the city was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Forces on May 26, 1942. It was liberated on April 26, 1945 by the combined forces of the United States, Filipino Soldiers and the recognized guerrillas.

The establishment of the local military general headquarters and camp base of the Philippine Commonwealth Army from 1942 to 1946 and the Philippine Constabulary 7th Infantry Regiment from 1944 to 1946 was stationed and located in Dumaguete during World War II.

Three years later on June 15, 1948, Republic Act No. 327, created the City of Dumaguete. Later, on June 21, 1969, Republic Act No. 5797 was enacted, otherwise known as the Revised Charter of Dumaguete City.