Western Visayas’ Sugarbowl
Economic Strengths
- Sugarcane industry
- Tourism (festivals, beaches, historical sites)
- Agriculture (rice, corn, coconut)
- Manufacturing (food processing, textiles)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population (31.77% aged 14 and below)
- Growing workforce (62.60% aged 15-64)
- Median age: 25
Key Attractions
- Bacolod City (capital, MassKara Festival)
- The Ruins (historic site)
- Mambukal Mountain Resort (nature park)
- Carbin Reef (beach)
Opportunities
- Agricultural modernization
- Eco-tourism development
- Infrastructure upgrades (airports, seaports)
- Vocational training programs
Why Invest in Negros Occidental?
Negros Occidental offers a sweet spot for investors. With its vibrant culture, diverse economy and skilled workforce, the province promises sustainable growth. Government support, strategic location and abundant natural resources make it an attractive destination.
| Name ▾ | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bago | city (CC) | 191,210 | 170,981 | 2.38% | 371.80 | 514 | 24 |
| Binalbagan | municipality | 71,407 | 67,270 | 1.26% | 189.96 | 376 | 16 |
| Cadiz | city (CC) | 158,544 | 154,723 | 0.51% | 524.57 | 302 | 22 |
| Calatrava | municipality | 82,540 | 80,624 | 0.50% | 504.50 | 164 | 40 |
| Candoni | municipality | 23,751 | 21,789 | 1.83% | 220.95 | 107 | 9 |
| Cauayan | municipality | 108,480 | 102,165 | 1.27% | 520.00 | 209 | 25 |
| Enrique B. Magalona | municipality | 64,290 | 62,921 | 0.45% | 113.25 | 568 | 23 |
| Escalante | city (CC) | 96,159 | 94,070 | 0.46% | 192.76 | 499 | 21 |
| Himamaylan | city (CC) | 116,240 | 106,880 | 1.78% | 367.04 | 317 | 19 |
| Hinigaran | municipality | 88,909 | 85,602 | 0.80% | 154.92 | 574 | 24 |
| Hinoba-an | municipality | 60,865 | 56,819 | 1.46% | 414.50 | 147 | 13 |
| Ilog | municipality | 59,855 | 57,389 | 0.89% | 322.10 | 186 | 15 |
| Isabela | municipality | 64,516 | 62,146 | 0.79% | 178.76 | 361 | 30 |
| Kabankalan | city (CC) | 200,198 | 181,977 | 2.03% | 699.27 | 286 | 32 |
| La Carlota | city (CC) | 66,664 | 64,469 | 0.71% | 137.29 | 486 | 14 |
| La Castellana | municipality | 79,492 | 74,855 | 1.27% | 185.22 | 429 | 13 |
| Manapla | municipality | 55,083 | 54,845 | 0.09% | 112.86 | 488 | 12 |
| Moises Padilla | municipality | 43,462 | 41,386 | 1.04% | 144.10 | 302 | 15 |
| Murcia | municipality | 88,868 | 81,286 | 1.90% | 279.14 | 318 | 23 |
| Pontevedra | municipality | 54,502 | 51,866 | 1.05% | 110.95 | 491 | 20 |
| Pulupandan | municipality | 30,117 | 27,735 | 1.75% | 18.49 | 1,629 | 20 |
| Sagay | city (CC) | 148,894 | 146,264 | 0.38% | 330.34 | 451 | 25 |
| Salvador Benedicto | municipality | 26,922 | 25,662 | 1.01% | 170.56 | 158 | 7 |
| San Carlos | city (CC) | 132,650 | 132,536 | 0.02% | 451.50 | 294 | 18 |
| San Enrique | municipality | 24,177 | 23,907 | 0.24% | 28.84 | 838 | 10 |
| Silay | city (CC) | 130,478 | 126,930 | 0.58% | 220.21 | 593 | 16 |
| Sipalay | city (CC) | 72,448 | 70,070 | 0.71% | 379.78 | 191 | 17 |
| Talisay | city (CC) | 108,909 | 102,214 | 1.34% | 201.18 | 541 | 27 |
| Toboso | municipality | 43,445 | 42,114 | 0.66% | 117.33 | 370 | 9 |
| Valladolid | municipality | 39,996 | 37,833 | 1.18% | 48.03 | 833 | 16 |
| Victorias | city (CC) | 90,101 | 87,933 | 0.51% | 133.92 | 673 | 26 |
| Negros Occidental Total | 2,623,172 | 2,497,261 | 1.04% | 7,844.12 | 334 | 601 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,743,124,564.40 | – |
| 2010 | 1,830,234,016.33 | 5.00% |
| 2011 | 1,993,634,309.92 | 8.93% |
| 2012 | 1,949,897,319.44 | -2.19% |
| 2013 | 2,085,864,473.08 | 6.97% |
| 2014 | 2,362,223,821.82 | 13.25% |
| 2015 | 2,633,631,888.27 | 11.49% |
| 2016 | 2,906,801,917.16 | 10.37% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Negros Occidental’s tourism industry offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic sites like The Ruins, savor the rich flavors of Negrense cuisine, and immerse themselves in vibrant festivals and the province’s dynamic arts scene.
The province’s heritage sites, unspoiled nature, and warm hospitality offer a diverse range of attractions, making Negros Occidental a destination that caters to all interests.
