The "Negros Island Region" refers to a former administrative region in the Philippines composed of the two major islands in the Visayas region: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. It was established on August 9, 2015, through Executive Order No. 183, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, in an effort to accelerate the socio-economic development of the Negros Island. However, it was subsequently dissolved on August 9, 2017, following another executive order issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Negros Island Region encompassed a land area of approximately 13,309 square kilometers and was home to a population of around 4.4 million people (as of the 2015 census). It aimed to promote regional cooperation, enhance infrastructure development, and foster local autonomy for the island's provinces.
Negros Occidental, located on the western side of the region, is known for its vibrant sugar industry, vast agricultural lands, and beautiful tourist destinations. On the other hand, Negros Oriental, situated on the eastern side, boasts picturesque coastlines, diverse marine ecosystems, and popular tourist spots such as Dumaguete City and the Coral Triangle.
While the Negros Island Region is no longer formally recognized as a separate administrative entity, the cultural and historical ties, as well as geographic proximity, between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental continue to shape their shared identity and collaborative efforts in various socio-economic endeavors.
