Negros Occidental

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.

QUICK FACTS
Population Census (2024)	2,680,477
Land Area (2015)	7,844.12 km²
No. of households	637,967
Average Household Size	4.10
Registered Voters	2,009,564
Major Landmarks	The Ruins
Coastal Access	yes
Economic Zone estimated elevation above sea level	126 meters

Map

Negros Occidental Province is located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) in the northwestern part of Negros Island in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by the Visayan Sea, on the east by Negros Oriental Province, on the west by the province of Iloilo across the Guimaras Strait, and on the south by the island province of Negros Oriental and the Sulu Sea.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Negros Occidental has 19 municipalities, 12 cities and 601 barangays.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
City of Bago	City	24	191210	192993
Binalbagan	Municipality	16	71407	72594
City of Cadiz	City	22	158544	161558
Caltrava	Municipality	40	82540	83813
Candoni	Municipality	9	23751	22083
Canayan	Municipality	25	108480	110899
Enrique B. Magalona	Municipality	23	64290	65730
City of Escalante	City	21	96159	97050
City of Himamaylan	City	19	116240	117286
Hinigaran	Municipality	24	88909	90403
Hinoba-an	Municipality	13	60865	64364
Ilog	Municipality	15	59855	63444
Isabela	Municipality	30	64316	65399
City of Kabankalan	City	32	200198	210893
City of Lacariota	City	14	66664	67740
La Castellana	Municipality	13	79492	82500
Manapla	Municipality	12	55083	55882
Moises Padilla	Municipality	15	43462	44864
Murcia	Municipality	23	88868	90123
Pontevedra	Municipality	20	54502	54941
Pulupandan	Municipality	20	30117	31942
City of Sagay	City	25	148894	152543
City of San Carlos	City	7	26922	133175
San Enrique	Municipality	18	132650	24424
City of Silay	City	10	24177	136802
City of Sipalay	City	16	130478	73847
City of Talisay	City	17	72448	109204
Toboso	Municipality	27	108909	44973
Valladolid	Municipality	9	43445	40487
City of Victoria	City	16	39996	90290
Salvador Benedicto	Municipality	26	90101	28231

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group

Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 5-9 years, with 279,559 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (278,048) and below 5 years (265,663). In contrast, the smallest population is found in 75-79 years, with only 16,140 individuals.

age	population_2020
Below 5	265663
5-9	279559
10-14	278048
15-19	260000
20-24	220000
25-29	190000
30-34	170000
35-39	155000
40-44	145000
45-49	135000
50-54	125000
55-59	110000
60-64	95000
65-69	70000
70-74	45000
75-79	16140
80+	20000

Population by Gender

In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 51.14% males and 48.86% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.

ECONOMY

Production Value of Agriculture and Fisheries in Negros Occidental (in Million Pesos)

Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)

title	2022	2023
Crops	9500	10366
Livestock	1287	1044
Poultry	900	1139
Fisheries	4200	4392

BARANGAY