Negros Island Region

Negros Island Region
Region
Clockwise from the top: Kanlaon, St. Francis of Assisi Church (Siquijor), The Ruins, Niludhan Falls, Bacolod Government Center
Location within the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Country	Philippines
Island group	Visayas
Establishment	May 29, 2015 (first iteration) June 11, 2024 (second iteration)
Regional centers	Bacolod and Dumaguete (interim/de facto)
Largest city	Bacolod
Area
• Total	13,525.56 km2 (5,222.25 sq mi)
Highest elevation (Mount Kanlaon)	2,465 m (8,087 ft)
Population  (2020 census) [1]
• Total	4,760,340
• Density	350/km2 (910/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
Provinces	List Negros Occidental Negros Oriental Siquijor
Independent cities	1 Bacolod
Component cities	18 Bago Bais Bayawan Cadiz Canlaon Dumaguete Escalante Guihulngan Himamaylan Kabankalan La Carlota Sagay San Carlos Silay Sipalay Talisay Tanjay Victorias
Municipalities	44
Barangays	1,353
Languages	Hiligaynon Cebuano Tagalog English
GDP (2022 estimate)	₱557.68 billion $9.5 billion

The Negros Island Region (NIR) ^[2] is an administrative region in the Philippines. Covering both the islands of Negros and Siquijor, the region is composed of three provinces: Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as the highly urbanized city of Bacolod, which is the most populous in the region. The regional centers are Bacolod and Dumaguete.

The first iteration of the region existed from May 29, 2015, to August 9, 2017, and comprised the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental and the city of Bacolod, all of which are situated on the island of Negros. After nearly seven years, the region was re-established on June 11, 2024, this time with the inclusion of Siquijor, an island province located southeast of Negros that was formerly part of Central Visayas. ^{[2] [3]}

History

Early initiatives

First page of the Executive Order 183 creating the Negros Island Region in 2015. This region would be dissolved in 2017.

Negros has history as a single province and as a briefly independent republic. ^[4] The movement for a single-island region started in the 1980s, when officials from both provinces proposed a one-island, one-region unit. At the time, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were the only provinces in the Philippines situated on the same island but belonging to two different administrative regions. Their regional offices were located in Panay and Cebu respectively. This led to the filing of House of Representatives Bill No. 1477 titled "An Act Merging the Province of Negros Occidental and Oriental into One-Island Region". This argued that the two provinces "nestle in one common island; have common fowls and beasts in the forest; share the same soil in our plains and mountains; benefit and suffer together from the rivers that snake through our land; and our ancestors roamed the same length and breadth without complications of political, social, economic, religious and lingual obstacles."

The proposal was continued through talks between Governor Daniel Lacson Jr. of Negros Occidental and Governor Emilio Macias of Negros Oriental in 1990. Their successors, Rafael Coscolluella and George Arnaiz, respectively, took the initiative further, first identifying Kabankalan in Negros Occidental and the neighboring municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental, with the two situated on or near the geographic center of the island, as joint regional centers. However, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) turned down the proposal due to a lack of funding. ^[5] At the same time, opposition was voiced by some officials from Negros Oriental who feared that the province would be dominated economically by its larger neighbor and Bacolod. ^[6]

Revival of proposal

In 2013, the one-island region talks were continued by Negros Oriental Representatives Pryde Henry Teves and George Arnaiz, and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. with Representative Alfredo Marañon III and Coscolluela. ^[7] They pointed out that, while the creation of a new region would entail substantial costs to the government, it would be advantageous to the people of both provinces because they would not need to travel by sea any more to process transactions in the regional offices. ^[8] They also claimed that a one-island region would also result in better coordination between both provinces in tourism, peace and order, environment, development planning, disaster management, and road infrastructure. Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also proposed to convert existing offices of national agencies in the provincial capitals of Bacolod and Dumaguete to sub-regional offices during an interim period if the proposal was approved to defray the costs of establishing a new regional center. Various public officials and representatives from academic, religious, media, and other private sectors aired support for the proposal. ^{[9] [10]}

Notably, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was tagged as being initially opposed to the talks, claiming he was not convinced with a one-island region setup and that his constituents were allegedly not in favor of its creation. ^[11] He eventually clarified that his original stand as regards the region was being "open" to it and that there were some concerns, such as revenue sharing between the two provinces, that had to be thrashed out first. ^[12]

President Benigno Aquino III directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to study the establishment of a new region. ^[13] The DILG subsequently endorsed the proposal, noting that the new region would mean integrated planning for holistic development, disaster management, tourism promotion, and peace and order management. ^[14] NEDA affirmed by saying that its studies show that the proposed region is economically viable. ^[15]

First iteration (2015-2017)

Establishment

The Negros Island Region from 2015 to 2017

On May 29, 2015, President Aquino III signed Executive Order 183, ^[16] merging the two Negros provinces into one region — the Negros Island Region. It separated Negros Occidental and its capital Bacolod from Western Visayas (Region VI) and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas (Region VII), raising the total number of regions of the Philippines to 18. ^{[17] [18]}

Dissolution

Silliman University in Dumaguete

On August 9, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 38, revoking the Executive Order No. 183 after former Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno cited the cost of retaining the region to be at ₱19 billion. ^[19] Negros officials expressed disappointment and sadness over the dissolution of the NIR. ^[20]

Second iteration (2024-present)

In 2020, some officials from Negros and their allies proposed for the region's reestablishment. ^[19] A bill was also filed in July 2022, ^{[21] [22]} and in 2023, the proposal was again revived. ^[23] On March 12, 2024, JV Ejercito's Senate Bill No. 2507 or the Negros Island Region Bill was passed on the third and final reading at the Senate. ^{[24] [25] [26] [27]} Some new officials reiterated their intent for consultation first before reestablishment. ^[28] The measure was also opposed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete, with Bishop Julito Cortes and eight other senior clergy calling it an "insult" to the people of Negros Oriental and adding that residents of the province as well as Siquijor were not consulted on the matter. ^{[29] [30]} Wilfredo Capundag Jr., the mayor of San Juan, Siquijor, called for the region to be renamed into the Negros Island-Siquijor Administrative Region (NISAR) to acknowledge his province's inclusion. ^[31]

On June 11, 2024, the bill was signed by President Bongbong Marcos as Republic Act No. 12000. ^{[2] [3]} The re-established region, this time, included the nearby island province of Siquijor, upon the request of the provincial authorities; Siquijor, previously part of Region VII along with Negros Oriental, ^[32] was part of Negros Oriental until it became an independent province in 1971. ^[33] Sixteen regional government offices will be established in Dumaguete, while fourteen will be established in Bacolod. ^[34]

Legal issue

In August 2024, a civil society group from Dumaguete and Siquijor, Negros Oriental led by Reverend Father Hendrix Alar challenged the legality of Republic Act 12000, allegedly based on its lack of public consultations. It filed with the High Tribunal the petitions for declaratory relief, prohibition, and a temporary restraining order against the creation of the Negros Island Region. ^[35]

Geography

See also: Negros Occidental § Geography, Negros Oriental § Geography, and Siquijor § Geography

Negros Island Region consists of two islands: Negros (shared by Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental) and Siquijor. Together, the islands have a total area of 13,525.56 sq. km (5,222.25 sq. mi). Seas and straits surround both of the islands: the Guimaras Strait in the west, the Visayan Sea to the north, Tañon Strait to the east, Bohol Sea in the southeast, and Sulu Sea in the south. The region is defined by extensive flat plains and mountainous ranges that are present in both islands.

Negros is the second largest island in Visayas, after Samar, with an area of 13,309.60 square kilometers (5,138.87 sq ft). The island is primarily volcanic, making it suitable for agriculture. Extensive sugarcane plantations dominate the flat plains, cementing the island's reputation as a sugarcane powerhouse in the country. Mountains on the central section of the island bisect the island politically and linguistically: the Hiligaynon-speaking western half and the Cebuano-speaking eastern half. Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanones in the Philippines, is the highest point of Negros Island, with its peak situated at 2,465 meters (8,087 ft) above sea level. It is also the highest peak among all the islands in the island group of Visayas. Other prominent peaks include Mandalagan (1,885 m) and Mount Talinis (1,903 m). Lakes are present in the interior part of the island, such as the twin lakes of Balinsasayao and Danao. Beaches and several islets dominate the coastal areas of the island, such as Apo Island. Extensive forests dominate in the mountainous region of Northern Negros Natural Park, a protected area of the country situated in the northern portion of the island.

Siquijor is an island located southeast of Negros Oriental. Area-wise, it is the third smallest in the country, with an area of 343.5 square kilometers (132.6 sq mi). Mount Malabahoc, also known as Mount Bandila‑an, is the highest point of the island, with its elevation reaching 628 meters (2,060 ft) above sea level. Marine terraces can be found in San Juan, as well as fossils of the giant clam tridacna in the island's plowed inland fields.

Administrative divisions

Aerial view of the City of San Carlos, Negros Occidental

Political map of the second iteration of Negros Island Region (since June 2024)

The region has three provinces and 19 cities. Negros Occidental has the most chartered cities amongst all the provinces in the Philippines, with 13, including its provincial capital, Bacolod, though it is governed independently from its corresponding province as a highly urbanized city.

Bacolod, the center of the Bacolod Metropolitan Area (which also contains the cities of Talisay and Silay), is the region's most populous city and the country's 19th; while Dumaguete is the region's most densely populated city.

Bacolod and Dumaguete both serve as the regional centers of the region. ^[34]

Province orHUC		Capital	Population (2020) [1]		Area [36]		Density		Cities	Muni.	Bgy.
					km2	sq mi	/km2	/sq mi
Negros Occidental		Bacolod	63.1%	2,623,172	7,802.54	3,012.58	340	880	12	19	601
Negros Oriental		Dumaguete	34.5%	1,432,990	5,385.53	2,079.36	270	700	6	19	557
Siquijor		Siquijor	2.5%	103,395	790	310	130	340	0	6	134
Bacolod	†	—	14.4%	600,783	162.67	62.81	3,700	9,600	—	—	61
Total				4,760,340	14,140.74	5,459.77	340	880	19	44	1,353
†  Bacolod is a highly urbanized city; figures are excluded from Negros Occidental.

Governors and vice governors

Province	Image	Governor	Political Party		Vice Governor
Negros Occidental		Eugenio Jose Lacson		NPC	Jeffrey Ferrer
Negros Oriental		Manuel L. Sagarbarria		NPC	Jaime Reyes
Siquijor		Jake Vincent Villa		NPC	Mei Ling Quezon-Brown

Cities

•  † Regional center

City	Population (2020) [1]	Area [37]		Density		City class	Income class	Province
		km2	sq mi	/km2	/sq mi
† Bacolod	600,783	162.67	62.81	3,700	9,600	Highly urbanized	1st	Negros Occidental
Bago	191,210	401.20	154.90	480	1,200	Component	2nd	Negros Occidental
Bais	84,317	319.64	123.41	260	670	Component	3rd	Negros Oriental
Bayawan	122,747	699.08	269.92	180	470	Component	1st	Negros Oriental
Cadiz	158,544	524.57	202.54	300	780	Component	2nd	Negros Occidental
Canlaon	58,822	170.93	66.00	340	880	Component	4th	Negros Oriental
† Dumaguete	134,103	33.62	12.98	4,000	10,000	Component	2nd	Negros Oriental
Escalante	96,159	192.76	74.43	500	1,300	Component	4th	Negros Occidental
Guihulngan	102,656	388.56	150.02	260	670	Component	5th	Negros Oriental
Himamaylan	116,240	367.04	141.71	320	830	Component	3rd	Negros Occidental
Kabankalan	200,198	697.35	269.25	290	750	Component	1st	Negros Occidental
La Carlota	66,664	137.29	53.01	490	1,300	Component	4th	Negros Occidental
Sagay	148,894	330.34	127.54	450	1,200	Component	3rd	Negros Occidental
San Carlos	132,650	451.50	174.33	290	750	Component	2nd	Negros Occidental
Silay	130,478	214.80	82.93	610	1,600	Component	3rd	Negros Occidental
Sipalay	72,448	379.78	146.63	190	490	Component	4th	Negros Occidental
Talisay	108,909	201.18	77.68	540	1,400	Component	4th	Negros Occidental
Tanjay	82,642	276.05	106.58	300	780	Component	4th	Negros Oriental
Victorias	90,101	133.92	51.71	670	1,700	Component	4th	Negros Occidental

Demographics

Population census of Negros Island Region

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	525,749	—
1918	688,584	+1.82%
1939	1,277,012	+2.98%
1948	1,583,651	+2.42%
1960	2,049,399	+2.17%
1970	2,219,022	+0.80%
1975	2,595,186	+3.19%
1980	2,820,060	+1.68%
1990	3,256,112	+1.45%
1995	3,533,189	+1.54%
2000	3,777,409	+1.44%
2010	4,285,591	+1.27%
2015	4,509,515	+0.97%
2020	4,760,340	+1.07%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [1]

Languages

The native languages of Negros Island Region are:

• Cebuano, spoken in eastern Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental & Siquijor.
• Hiligaynon, spoken in the majority of Negros Occidental and some parts of Negros Oriental which share boundaries between the two provinces.
• Tagalog, spoken in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, & Siquijor. It is the regional lingua franca.

Notable people

Main articles: List of people from Negros Occidental, List of people from Bacolod, Negros Oriental § Notable personalities, and List of people from Dumaguete

References

1. Census of Population (2020). Table B - Population and Annual Growth Rates by Province, City, and Municipality - By Region. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved July 8, 2021.
2. Republic Act No. 12000 (June 11, 2024), An Act Establishing the Negros Island Region (PDF), Official Gazette (Philippines) , retrieved June 19, 2024.
3. de Leon, Dwight (June 13, 2024). "Marcos signs law creating new Negros Island Region". Rappler . Retrieved June 13, 2024.
4. Pacete, Ver F. (November 3, 2016). "Pacete: The fate of the Federal Republic of Negros". Sunstar.
5. "What Went Before: A history of splits and mergers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 19, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
6. "Negros Island Region reborn: The long road to new beginnings". Rappler. June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
7. "One-island region for Negros provinces revived". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 27, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
8. Espina, Marchel P. (April 1, 2014). "Talks on one-island Negros region proposal to resume". The Freeman. The Philippine Star . Retrieved June 21, 2015.
9. Gomez, Carla (June 25, 2014). "Island region possible before 2016, Mar says but support data needed". Visayan Daily Star. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
10. Bayoran, Gilbert (May 22, 2014). "More support one-island region". Visayan Daily Star. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
11. Ellera, Teresa (August 7, 2014). "One regional guv for Negros 'not true'". Sun.Star. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
12. Partlow, Judy Flores (May 1, 2015). "On Negros Island Region: Degamo denies saying "yes"". The Freeman. The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
13. "One Negros dream: Aquino won't commit, points to Roxas". Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 27, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
14. Gomez, Carla (January 6, 2015). "PNoy okay of island region seen". Visayan Daily Star. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
15. "NEDA: Negros Occ can survive if separated from WV". The Freeman. The Philippine Star. April 19, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
16. "Executive Order No. 183, s. 2015". Official Gazette. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
17. "Aquino OKs creation of Negros Island Region". Philippine Daily Inquirer . June 5, 2015. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
18. "PNoy joins 2 Negros provinces into one region". ABS-CBNnews.com. June 5, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
19. Singuay, Mae (May 7, 2021). "Negros Island Region revival mulled anew". Panay News. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
20. "Negrenses upset over Duterte's order dissolving Negros region". Sun.Star . August 9, 2017. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
21. Bayoran, Gilbert (July 5, 2022). "Negros Island Region bill filed anew". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
22. Fernandez, Daniza (December 5, 2022). "Senate panel OKs creation of Negros Island Region". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
23. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196749 ^{[ bare URL ]}
24. Cheng, Willard (March 12, 2024). "Senate OKs Negros Island Region bill". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
25. Abarca, Charie (March 12, 2024). "Senate approves Negros Island Region bill". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
26. Titon, Raymond (March 17, 2024). "Southern Negros Occidental city eyes to 'benefit most' from NIR bill push". Rappler . Retrieved March 18, 2024.
27. "Marcos intends to sign measure creating Negros Island Region". GMA Integrated News. April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
28. de la Vega, Chito (April 11, 2024). "Diocese of Dumaguete opposes creation of Negros Island Region, asks Marcos to veto bill". Rappler. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
29. "Bishop's last-minute opposition casts shadow over Negros Island Region revival". Rappler. March 27, 2024.
30. "Diocese of Dumaguete opposes creation of Negros Island Region, asks Marcos to veto bill". Rappler. April 11, 2024.
31. "Mayor pushes for renaming Negros Island Region to acknowledge Siquijor". Rappler. June 18, 2024.
32. Ellera, Teresa; Pedrosa, Merlinda (June 13, 2024). "PBBM to sign NIR today". SunStar . Retrieved June 13, 2024.
33. Delilan, Erwin (May 7, 2024). "Siquijor coalition joins opposition vs creation of Negros Island Region". Rappler . Retrieved June 13, 2024.
34. Tilos, Maria Jenifer (June 20, 2024). "Dumaguete ready to host regional offices under NIR". Philippine Information Agency. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
35. Masculino Glazyl (September 6, 2024). "Benitez lets SC decide on Negros Island Region petition". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved September 6, 2024.
36. "PSGC Interactive; List of Provinces". Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved March 29, 2016.
37. "PSGC Interactive; List of Cities". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved March 29, 2016.

External links

• Media related to Negros Island Region at Wikimedia Commons
• Stuart J. Green; Jimely O. Flores; Joezen Q. Dizon-Corrales; Rafael T. Martinez; Dino Rafael M. Nuñal; Nygiel B. Armada; Alan T. White (2004). The Fisheries of Central Visayas, Philippines: Status and Trends (PDF). ISBN   971-92753-7-5.