Negros reunited: The Visayas’ new frontier for renewables, warehousing, and BPO

Negros Island is rewriting its economic story. Once known as the country’s sugar bowl, the newly reestablished Negros Island Region (NIR) is emerging as the Visayas’ renewable energy capital, capturing nearly half of all approved investments in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.

- JET YU

For decades, residents of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were compelled to travel to Iloilo or Cebu for regional government services due to the island’s segregation between Western and Central Visayas. To address this, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in 2024 officially reestablished the NIR and fulfilling a longstanding aspiration of Negrenses. Unlike previous executive attempts, RA 12000 provides a stronger legal and administrative framework, enabling full decentralization of government functions and streamlined inter-agency coordination across Negros Island and Siquijor. The unified regional administration is designed to accelerate investment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance regional competitiveness by harnessing the island’s full potential.

Prior to the creation of the Negros Island Region, Negros Occidental residents were included in Western Visayas, while Negros Oriental and Siquijor residents were included in Central Visayas. In the 2024 census, the exclusion of these provinces resulted in a notable population decline in Central Visayas (-3.9%) and Western Visayas (-1.8%), impacting on the regional demographic profiles and planning considerations.

Beyond the political symbolism, the impact is already visible on the ground. From billion-peso solar farms and biomass facilities fueling the energy grid, to Bacolod’s growing role as a logistics and outsourcing hub, Negros is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic growth centers in the Visayas. This is a clear shift that signals both opportunity and challenge for investors.

AGRICULTURE POWERS NIR’S TRANSITION INTO A DYNAMIC AGRO-INDUSTRIAL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY POWERHOUSE