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PROVINCIAL PROFILE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL
FAST FACTS
Click Here To View The List Of Towns.
LOCATION
Negros Oriental occupies the southeastern portion of Negros Island in the Visayas. It is bounded on the north and West by Negros Occidental, on the east by Tanon Strait, and on the south by the Sulu Sea.
THE LAND
The province's terrain consists of rolling hills, a few plateaus, and mountain ranges which for the most part are close to the narrow coastal strip. Kanlaon Volcano, the highest peak in the island of Negros at 2,465 m, dominates the northern end of the province. Another peak is Cuernos de los Negros (2,000 m), at whose base Dumaguete lies. The whole eastern part of Negros Oriental has a climate characterized by no pronounced rainfall. The other half of the province has distinct wet and dry seasons.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Because of the many Negritos they found in Buglas, as the island was then known, the Spaniards changed its name to Negros. The area that is now Negros Oriental was ad, ministered from Cebu until 1734, when it was made a military district of its own.
In 1890, Negros Island was divided into two politico-military provinces, Occidental and Oriental. Under the civil government established by the Americans, Negros Oriental became a province under Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917.
THE PEOPLE
Negros Oriental is culturally oriented towards Cebu; most of the people who inhabit the coastal towns speak Cebuano. Other dialects spoken are Tagalog and Ilonggo.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Agriculture is the major activity of the people. The principal products grown are sugarcane, corn, coconut, and rice. the province has extensive marine resources, making fishing the main source of livelihood in the coastal areas. It also has cattle ranches and fish ponds, as well as a logging industry. Metallic minerals found in the province include gold, silver, and copper. Among the popular cottage industries are woodcrafts, ceramics, shellcraft, and mat-weaving.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 31, 1999.
