Negros Island Region population hits 4.9M; 10th highest in PH

The Negros Island Region (NIR), the country’s newest administrative region, recorded a total population of 4.904 million as of 2024, making it the 10th highest in the Philippines, data from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) showed.

CPD-NIR Director Bruce Ragas led the presentation of the population data as he introduced their regional office at the Provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City in compliance with Republic Act 12000, or the NIR Act.

“We are presenting the demographics situationer of the new region that can serve as the basis for policymakers and local chief executives in crafting programs, policies, and activities that are responsive to the real situation of the NIR,” Ragas said in a press conference held at the province’s Food Terminal Market function hall Thursday.

Based on the latest results of the Community-Based Monitoring System Census, Negros Occidental has a total population of 2.68 million; Negros Oriental, 1.49 million; Siquijor, 107,642; and Bacolod City, 624,787.

The region’s population increased by 144,604 from 2020 to 2024.

“This means there is an average increase of approximately 36,151 individuals per year,” the data further showed.

CPD-NIR Assistant Director Jonathan Dioteles said that the population size places NIR second, next to Central Visayas, among the four regions in the Visayas.

He noted that in terms of population growth rate (PGR), the NIR decreased to 0.72 percent in 2024 from 1.14 percent in 2020.

About 70 are added to the population in the NIR for every 1,000 people each year, which is even lower than the national PGR of 0.80 percent.

The demographic information indicates that the population of NIR is increasing at a slower rate, primarily due to declining fertility rates, the CPD-NIR also indicated.

It noted that in the Visayas area, NIR has the highest PGR among other regions, a scenario that carries a message that warrants reflection across all demographic spheres and perspectives.

“A glance at the current population reveals both economic and social advantages as well as significant challenges at the regional level,” the CPD-NIR added.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)