Region XVI – Negros Islands

Negros Island region in the Philippines consists of three provinces:

• Negros Occidental (northwestern part of the island), with Bacolod City as its capital.

• Negros Oriental (southeastern part of the island), with Dumaguete City as its capital.

• Additionally, the nearby island province of Siquijor is often administratively grouped with Negros Island Region.

Location and Access

The Negros Island Region (NIR), re-established in 2024, is strategically located in the central part of the Philippine archipelago, encompassing the large island of Negros, which is divided into Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, and the mystical island of Siquijor. Historically, Negros was a single administrative unit before being split into two provinces. Its re-grouping into a single region aims to streamline governance and accelerate economic development across these three vibrant provinces. Access to the region is efficient, connecting it easily to Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Most travelers arrive through several key hubs: By Air: The primary gateways are the Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BXU) in Negros Occidental and the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport (DGT) in Negros Oriental. BXU caters mostly to flights connecting Manila and Cebu, while DGT is a vital link to Manila, Cebu, and other Visayan destinations. Air travel is typically the fastest option, with flights from Manila lasting about 60 to 75 minutes. By Sea: Due to the region’s island geography, sea travel is crucial. Major ports in Bacolod City, Dumaguete City, and Siquijor link the islands to Cebu, Iloilo, and Dapitan (Mindanao). Fast crafts offer quick inter-island transit, while larger ferries handle cargo and longer overnight routes. This mode of transport is essential for local commerce and budget travelers. By Land (Bus & Ferry): For those coming from Panay or Cebu, a combination of bus and ferry travel allows for seamless transport, particularly through the ports of Iloilo or Cebu, which are major feeder routes into the NIR.

Population and Demographics

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, the Negros Island Region boasts a significant population. Aggregating the populations of the three component provinces—Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor—the region is home to approximately 4,165,152 residents. This makes it one of the most populous regions in the Visayas, supporting a massive agricultural, industrial, and service workforce. The population is concentrated around the two major cities: Bacolod City (Negros Occidental’s center) and Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental’s capital). The people of the region are broadly known as Negrenses, though they speak different languages depending on the province: Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is predominantly spoken in Negros Occidental, while Cebuano is the primary dialect in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. This linguistic diversity reflects the region’s geographical position between the Western and Central Visayas.

Proximity of Government Headquarters to Major Ports

Since the Negros Island Region is a new administrative structure, it is still developing a single, unified regional center. For now, governance is centered in the capitals of the two main provinces: Bacolod City (Negros Occidental) and Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental). We can examine the proximity of these provincial capitols to their respective major transport hubs. Negros Occidental (Bacolod City): The Provincial Capitol in Bacolod is highly accessible. To Bacolod-Silay International Airport (Air): The airport is situated approximately 15 kilometers north of the Bacolod Provincial Capitol. Travel time by public utility vehicle (PUV) or bus usually ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. To Bacolod Port (Sea): The main sea port is very close to the center of Bacolod City. The Capitol is only about 3 to 4 kilometers from the port, translating to a quick 10 to 15-minute bus or jeepney ride, ensuring fast movement of goods and passengers. Negros Oriental (Dumaguete City): The Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete is also centrally located. To Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport (Air): The airport is just around 6 kilometers north of the Dumaguete Provincial Capitol. Travel time by PUV is typically a short 20 to 30 minutes. To Dumaguete Port (Sea): The sea port is situated adjacent to the city center and the Capitol. The distance is less than a kilometer, making it accessible within a 5 to 10-minute tricycle ride or a pleasant walk.

Main Contributing Industry and Economic Profile

The economy of the Negros Island Region is undeniably dominated by the Agricultural and Manufacturing Sectors, with sugar being the single most influential product. Negros Occidental is famously known as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines,” producing more than half of the country’s sugar output. This industry drives significant downstream manufacturing (sugar milling, molasses processing, bioethanol) and logistics. Primary Economic Pillars: Sugar Agriculture and Manufacturing: The massive tracts of haciendas define the landscape and the economy, providing livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of Negrenses. Services: The services sector, particularly in Bacolod and Dumaguete, is growing rapidly. Bacolod is recognized as a major Next Wave City for the IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, with numerous call centers and tech firms establishing operations there. Tourism: Driven by natural wonders like the mystical allure of Siquijor, the diving spots off Dumaguete (Apo Island), and the historical sites of Negros Occidental (The Ruins). While specific, unified Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the new NIR is not yet formally calculated, the region, based on the historical contributions of its component provinces, is consistently a top 10 economic contributor among the country’s 17 regions. Its GVA (Gross Value Added) is significant, primarily anchored by the manufacturing output of its sugar industry and the growing service sectors of its capital cities. The region’s economic strength lies in its balance between agricultural power and metropolitan service dynamism.

Current Elected Leaders (2025-2028 Term)

Following the verified results from the General Elections in May 2025, the provincial governments within the Negros Island Region are led by the following officials, ensuring continuity in governance across the newly integrated region (Source: Verified Election Returns via ABS-CBN/COMELEC Data Aggregation, 2025):

Province Governor Vice Governor Negros Occidental Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson Jeffrey P. Ferrer Negros Oriental Manuel “Chaco” S. Sagarbarria Erwin L. Macias
Siquijor Jake Vincent Z. Villa Mei Ling G. Quezon

These leaders are pivotal in overseeing the initial transition and development plans for the consolidated region.

Major Universities and Colleges

The Negros Island Region is a major educational hub in the Visayas, hosting several top-tier universities that attract students from across the country. These institutions play a vital role in developing the professional workforce for the region’s agricultural, service, and technical industries. Silliman University (SU): Located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, SU is one of the Philippines’ oldest and most prestigious private universities, famous for its strong programs in marine science, nursing, and liberal arts. University of St. La Salle (USLS): A leading Catholic institution in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, known for its excellence in business, law, and engineering. Negros Oriental State University (NORSU): The main state university in Negros Oriental, offering diverse and comprehensive programs through its various campuses. Central Philippine State University (CPSU): Located in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, CPSU specializes in agricultural sciences and technology, reflecting the region’s economic foundation. These universities ensure that young people in the NIR have access to quality tertiary education without the need to migrate to Manila or Cebu.

Must-See Tourist Attractions

The region offers a stunning juxtaposition of historical sites, mountain landscapes, and world-class diving spots. Mayon Volcano: The central feature. Visitors enjoy ATV rides around its base, hiking, and viewing it from various vantage points. The Ruins (Talisay City, Negros Occidental): Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines,” these are the skeletal remains of the mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, burnt during World War II, offering a dramatic backdrop for photography and historical reflection. Apo Island (Near Dumaguete, Negros Oriental): Internationally renowned as a premier marine sanctuary and diving spot, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and friendly sea turtles (pawikan). Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park: The highest peak in the Visayas, straddling the border of both provinces, offering challenging treks and breathtaking natural scenery. Siquijor Island: Known as the “Island of Fire,” Siquijor draws visitors with its mystical reputation, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and low-key, tranquil atmosphere. Danjugan Island Marine Reserve (Cauayan, Negros Occidental): A pristine marine and wildlife sanctuary perfect for ecotourism, snorkeling, and conservation efforts.

Yearly Festivals: Celebrating Culture and Beauty

Negros Island is home to some of the most colorful and internationally recognized festivals in the Philippines, showcasing the region’s resilience, faith, and rich culture. MassKara Festival (Bacolod City): Held every October, this is the region’s most famous celebration, known as the “Festival of Smiles.” Originating during a period of crisis, the festival features street dancers wearing brightly colored costumes and exaggerated, smiling masks, symbolizing the indomitable spirit and cheerful nature of the Negrenses. Buglasan Festival (Negros Oriental): Celebrated across Negros Oriental in October, this is the “Festival of Festivals,” bringing together the distinct cultural and agricultural celebrations of the different towns and cities in the province into one grand showcase in Dumaguete City. Sikihod Festival (Siquijor): A celebration of Siquijor’s culture and heritage, often held in July, featuring local dances and traditional healing practices, embracing the island’s unique mystique.

A Brief History of the Negros Island Region

The history of Negros Island is largely defined by its transformation into the “Sugar Bowl.” Before the Spanish colonial era, the island was known as Buglas by the indigenous Ati and Negrito tribes, meaning “separated,” due to its formation. The Spanish later renamed it Negros (Blacks) after the dark-skinned inhabitants they encountered. The 19th century was the defining period for the island. The Spanish introduced large-scale sugar cane cultivation, leading to the development of vast haciendas and a booming economy centered in the Occidental side. This legacy created a distinctive socio-economic landscape of wealthy hacenderos (landowners) and vast farmlands that persists today, visible in the beautiful ancestral homes and the iconic Ruins. The island played a crucial role during the Philippine Revolution; however, it was locally managed with the short-lived Republic of Negros in 1898. For much of its modern history, the two provinces, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, were grouped under different regions—Western Visayas (Region VI) and Central Visayas (Region VII), respectively—due to geographic proximity and linguistic ties. The re-establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR) in 2024 by the national government marks a new chapter, promising unified planning and enhanced autonomy to leverage the combined resources of Negros and Siquijor, fostering greater development for all its residents.

Provinces, Cities and Municipalities in Negros Islands region

Negros Occidental

Negros Oriental

Siquijor

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