| |
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.
People and culture
Most residents are of Austronesian heritage, although there
are small pockets of populations of full or trace European
blood, especially Spanish, Italian, and German. These small
groups of people of European descent are mainly situated
along the northern, northwestern, and western coastal cities
and towns.
Residents of Negros are called "Negrensè". Negros Occidental
is predominantly a Hiligaynon-speaking province. However, on
the east coast of the island (Negros Oriental), facing Cebu
Island, a few cities and towns are Cebuano-speaking. English
is widely spoken in both sides of the island.
Economy
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, often causing massive damage to the roads.
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.
|
|
