Negros Occidental is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI). It occupies the northwestern half of Negros Island, with Negros Oriental comprising the southeastern half. The province has a total land area of 7,844.12 square kilometers and is composed of 19 municipalities, 12 cities, and 601 barangays. Bacolod City serves as the capital and is also the most populous city in the province. The name 'Negros' is derived from the Spanish word for 'black,' referring to the dark-skinned native inhabitants encountered by early Spanish explorers.

History

Negros Occidental, in the northwestern half of Negros Island, was originally inhabited by the Ati people, who lived off fishing, hunting, and farming. Malay settlers later introduced organized agriculture, weaving, and boat-building, while trade with nearby islands thrived. Spanish colonization began in 1565, with towns like Bacolod established and missions spreading Christianity. By the 19th century, sugarcane became the province's main economic driver, creating wealth for hacenderos but leaving laborers with few resources. The province played a key role in the Philippine Revolution, overthrowing Spanish rule in 1898 and briefly forming the Cantonal Republic of Negros. Under American rule from 1901, infrastructure, schools, and governance improved, and the sugar industry continued to dominate. During World War II, Japanese occupation brought hardship, but guerrilla resistance helped liberate the province. After independence, Negros Occidental recovered economically and developed culturally, with Bacolod as a major urban center and the MassKara Festival celebrating its spirit. Today, it is known as the 'Sugarbowl of the Philippines,' balancing agriculture with commerce, tourism, and cultural pride.