Get acquainted with Negros Island in the Philippines

The Negros Islands in the Philippines is located in the Philippines and considered as the fourth largest-island in the country.

Negros was not the original name of the island centuries ago. Before the Spanish colonizers set foot in the island, this island was called as 'Buglas'. The island then was inhabited by the Negritos, the Malayans and the Chinese. Upon the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the name of the island was changed to 'Negros' as a reference to the majority of population in the area. The people in the area during that time were mostly dark-skinned.

The island was administered from Cebu and this set-up lasted until 1734. By January 1, 1890 the island was divided into two provinces, the province of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Another province was created within the island, and the decision was made on January 3, 1986. The third province was Negros del Norte. But this was declared unconstitutional and has been abolished. The island of Negros has a total area of 8,000 square kilometers and has a coastline that stretch to 800 kilometers.

Negros Oriental

Negros Oriental is one of the two provinces in the island. Negros Island is at the eastern side of the island. This is part of the Central Visayas region. The province is known for its extensive shoreline and also for its beaches that feature white sand. The 17 coastal municipalities and the cities of the province offer its own set of beaches that can meet the demands of the tourists. The towns of Valencia, Pamplona, Mabinay and the city of Canlaon are located at the interior of the island, so these areas don't have their beaches. But the tourist can still expect good sights as well. Negros Oriental is known for a number of things;

. Sugar mills. The sugar industry is the best-known industry in the province. The Central Azucarera de Bais is a famous mill in the province. This sugar mill is considered as the mill that actually jumpstarted the sugar industry in the region and this mill was also the one that pioneered the manufacture of paper using bagasse.

. Sinulog de Tanjay. This is an old tradition in the province and this began as a tradition for old men that are engaged in swordplay and dancing as they move from one home to the next. The modern version of the Sinulog de Tanjay features street dancing.

. Apo Island. This island in the province is known for its diving spot.
. The dolphin and whale watching activities.
. The scenic Canlaon Mountain.
. Silliman University
. The Bird Sanctuary and the Mangrove Park.

Negros Occidental

The province of Negros Occidental is on the western side of the island. The province is also known for its sugar industry. The sugar industry in the province has also some other by-products like fertilizers, rum and acetylene. Fishing is also a major industry in the province and this industry is based in Cadiz City.

Bacolod City is the capital of the province and this also serves as the center of commerce and finance. It is in this city where some of the bigger companies and businesses are located. The province is known for its many festivals and these festivals help create the unique identity of the province.

The list of festivities in the province includes;

. MassKara Festival.
. Pasalamat Festival in La Carlota
. The Bailes de Luces of La Castellana
. Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos
. Pana-ad sa Negros Festival. This festival is held every April at the tree-lined Pana-ad Stadium in the capital Bacolod City. This is considered as the 'Festivals of Festivals and this festival of the province that host the 13 cities and 19 towns of the province. This festival is known to showcase the province' culture, arts, trade and tourism.
. Waterfalls. The province is also known for its waterfalls. Around eight falls can be found in the province which includes the Casaroro and Pulangbato in Valencia.
. The province is also known for its caves- around 33 caves can be found in the area.

The division of the Negros Island of the Philippines into two provinces follows the mountain range located at the center of the island. This mountain range divides the island into western and eastern regions and into main ethno-linguistic groups.