NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Population

Total (2007) 2,370,269 (6th out of 80) including independent cities: 2,869,766 (2nd out of 80) Area Total 7,802.5 km² (9th out of 80) including independent cities: 7,965.2 km sq (9th out of 80)

languages

Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tagalog, English

General Information

Negros Occidental is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Bacolod City and occupies at the northwestern half of Negros island; Negros Oriental is at the southeastern half. Across the Panay Gulf and the Guimaras Strait to the northwest is the island-province of Guimaras and the province of Iloilo on Panay island. The Province is composed of 13 cities and 19 municipalities.

Geography

Negros Occidental is located in the western side of Negros Island, the fourth largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 972,607 hectares or 9,726.06. sq. kms. The Province is approximately 375 kilometers long frm north to south. It is bounded by the Visayan Sea in the north, Panay Gulf on the west, Tanon Strait and Negros Oriental province on the east and Sulu Sea on the south. Negros is basically volcanic, making its soil ideal for agriculture. Eighty percent of all arable land is cultivated.

Economy / Resources

Known as the "The Sugarbowl of the Philippines", the sugar industry is the lifeblood of the economy of Negros Occidental, producing more than half of the country's sugar. There are 15 sugar centrals located throughout the plains of the province. Victorias Mill in Victorias City is the largest sugar mill in the country, and the world's largest integrated sugar mill and refinery. Sugar is transported from plantations to refineries by large trucks that use the national highway. Because of the priority given to sugar plantations, much of the province's food has to be imported from neighboring islands.

A fishing industry is found in Cadiz City, and other fishponds dot the province. One of the country's largest copper mines is located in Sipalay City. There also exists a cottage industry which produced handicrafts made from indigenous materials.

Culture

Negros Occidental has long been a center of culture and arts, the wealth brought about by the sugar industry made sure that the Negrense principalia enjoyed the very best when it came to finery.

Climate

Negros Occidental's climate is generally pleasant with a dry season from December to May and rainy season from June to November. The warmest months are April and May and the coolest are from December to February. The average temperature is 26 degree C/80 degree F. Transportation Negros Occidental can reached by plain and by sea.