Lighting Up Heritage at the San Diego Pro-Cathedral in Silay City
Seeing a historic landmark lit up at night is always a special experience. On January 12, 2026, the San Diego Pro-Cathedral in Silay City revealed its new lighting, turning the evening into more than just a display. It became a celebration of faith, history, culture, and community pride, bringing people together in a heartfelt way.
Church members, local leaders, and Negros Power employees gathered at the cathedral, sharing smiles, stories, and excitement. The mood was festive and filled with gratitude for the heritage that Silay City works hard to protect and honor.
Silay City and Its Rich Cultural Identity
Silay City, often called the Paris of Negros, is known for its well-preserved ancestral homes, heritage streets, and strong cultural identity. At its center is the San Diego Pro Cathedral, a building filled with memories and spiritual meaning for many generations.
This year is special because the cathedral is celebrating its 100th year as a church. At the same time, the Parish of San Diego marks 250 years since its founding in 1776. These milestones show that the cathedral is more than a place of worship—it is a living witness to Silay City’s history.
A Meaningful Program That United the Community
The lighting ceremony began with a prayer and blessing from Rev. Fr. Angelo J. Ansula, the parish priest. His words encouraged everyone to reflect on the deeper meaning of the project.
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego spoke to the crowd about why the lighting project matters to both residents and visitors. He pointed out that projects like this build community pride and support cultural heritage tourism in the city.
Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo of Negros Power gave the turnover message, highlighting the teamwork behind the project. Rev. Fr. Ansula accepted the message, showing the strong partnership between the church and its partners.
A Light That Represents Hope and Unity
A touching moment came when Rev. Fr. Ansula spoke about the San Diego Pro-Cathedral. He said it is not just a sacred place, but also a symbol of hope, truth, and resilience for the people of Silay.
He explained that the new lights are a reminder of unity and shared values. The light on the cathedral is meant to inspire the community to support one another and remain true to their faith and traditions.
A Countdown to a Memorable Night
As the program reached its peak, excitement grew. Everyone joined the countdown, their voices full of anticipation. When the lights turned on, the San Diego Pro Cathedral shone brightly against the night sky.
The lit-up facade quickly became a favorite spot for photos. Families, friends, and visitors took pictures, knowing they were part of a special moment in Silay City’s history.
Supporting Heritage Tourism Through Collaboration
This lighting project showed what is possible when different groups work together. The partnership between the San Diego Pro Cathedral, Silay City’s local government, and Negros Power is a great example of how teamwork can help protect and promote cultural landmarks.
With the new lighting, the cathedral stands out at night, making the city even more attractive to heritage tourists. Now, visitors can enjoy the cathedral’s beauty after sunset and have more chances to experience Silay’s historic charm.
A Landmark That Continues to Inspire
The San Diego Pro Cathedral is the second-largest church in the Diocese of Bacolod, after San Sebastian Cathedral. Its presence is impressive, and the new lighting gives it even more meaning.
At night, the lights on the cathedral are more than just decoration. They show the strong spirit, unity, and faith of the Silaynon community. This heritage church continues to inspire and guide people, reminding everyone of the community’s past and future.
A Bright Future Rooted in Heritage
Lighting up the San Diego Pro-Cathedral shows that honoring the past can also guide the future. Thanks to teamwork and respect for heritage, Silay City continues to protect what makes it special.
Now that the cathedral shines each night, it tells a story of faith, teamwork, and community pride. It reminds us that when people work together, they can create something lasting for future generations to enjoy.