Negros Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is Dumaguete City and occupies the southeast half of the island of Negros; Negros Occidental is at the western half. Negros Oriental faces Cebu to the east across Tañon Strait and Siquijor to the southeast.

People and Culture

Economy

Agriculture is the major industry in Negros Oriental. The primary crops are sugarcane, corn, coconut and rice. In the coastal area, fishing is the main source of income. People are also involved in cattle ranches, fish ponds and logging. There are also mineral deposits like gold, silver and copper.

Geography

Political

Negros Oriental is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 5 cities.

Cities

• Bais City
• Bayawan City (Tulong)
• Canlaon City
• Dumaguete City
• Tanjay City

Municipalities

Physical

History

Negros Island was originally called "Buglas". Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the Negritos and the Bukidnons inhabited the island. Their form of religion was animistic performed by the women priestess called Babaylanes . Barter trading between the Chinese and other Asian traders and the natives flourished even before the 12th century.

During the era of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, the island's name was changed to "Negros" because of the dark-skinned people living there. Negros was administered from Cebu until 1734, when it was made a military district of its own. The island of Negros was divided into the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental on January 1, 1890.

Negros Oriental became a province under the American civil government on March 10, 1917

In 1892, Siquijor became a part of Negros Oriental. It was previously administered by Spain under the politico-military province of Bohol. The American government made Siquijor a "sub-province" of Negros Oriental in 1901. On September 17, 1971, Siquijor finally became an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No. 6396.

External Links

• Official Website of the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental
  http://www.negor.gov.ph