Negros Occidental, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, faced significant challenges in 2024, from power outages to natural disasters.
Yet, despite these obstacles, the province remained resilient, finding hope in the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) and its ability to transform adversity into opportunities for growth and progress.
In 2024, the province encountered an unavoidable obstacles, shaping its growth and testing its resilience.
At the start of 2024, many Filipinos turned to the Chinese Horoscope, influenced by Chinese superstition, for insights into the year ahead.
The horoscope predicted that 2024, as the Year of the Dragon, would usher in transformation, growth, and abundance. The dragon, symbolizing power and vitality, represented positive changes and new opportunities.
These predictions sparked hope but lacked scientific backing. As the year unfolded, Negros Occidental experienced both progress and challenges that tested its resilience.
Power Woes
One of the earliest and most significant challenges in 2024 arose when prolonged power outages hit Negros Occidental and the nearby island of Panay just one week after the new year.
The outages, lasting an entire week, disrupted business operations, health services, and other sectors. The crisis affected daily life and destabilized local economies across the region.
Local political leaders from Bacolod and Negros Occidental collaborated to address the island’s energy issues. They brought together key stakeholders from the power sector to develop strategies for achieving energy self-sufficiency on Negros Island.
Negros Occidental also faced a series of natural disasters, including typhoons and volcanic activity. These calamities tested the province’s strength, but local governments, private sectors, and citizens worked together to provide aid and support to affected communities.
Negros Occidental somehow capitalized on opportunities in 2024, particularly in tourism despite setbacks. The province attracted more visitors with its natural wonders and vibrant culture.
Sipalay City emerged as a popular destination for local and international travelers. Sustainable tourism initiatives, culinary innovations, and eco-friendly practices bolstered the province’s reputation as a model for responsible tourism.
Agriculture
The El Niño phenomenon severely damaged sugar and molasses production in Western Visayas, with Negros Occidental suffering the most losses at P200.18 million, according to Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona.
The drought affected 5,753 hectares of sugar land in the region, including 4,705 hectares in Negros Occidental, impacting 3,283 farmers. The delayed milling season further contributed to a 96% drop in sugar production.
Torrential rains and widespread flooding in September compounded these agricultural challenges. The disaster forced over 85,000 residents to evacuate and caused agricultural losses exceeding P16.6 million in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Kanlaon Eruptions
Kanlaon Volcano erupted twice in 2024, displacing nearly thousands of individuals from dozens of barangays and causing millions in agricultural losses.
The June 3 eruption produced a 5,000-meter ash plume and lahar flows, damaging farmlands and rendering roads impassable. On December 9, the volcano erupted again, generating a 3,000-meter ash plume and pyroclastic flows.
Local governments expanded the Permanent Danger Zone to six kilometers and prepared for worst-case scenarios, including setting up tent cities for evacuees.
Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental declared states of calamity and provided P123.7 million in aid to affected families. Today, thousands of individuals remain in evacuation centers across various localities as Kanlaon’s unrest continues to escalate.
Flash Floods
Northern Negros Occidental endured two flash floods in less than a week, displacing thousands and disrupting communities.
Heavy rains on December 27 inundated areas already affected by the December 22 flooding, including Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay, EB Magalona, and Manapla.
Floodwaters submerged relocation sites in Cadiz City, displacing over 6,000 residents, while Victorias City canceled New Year’s celebrations to focus on drainage improvements.
The December 27 flood disrupted a provincial boy scout jamboree in Silay City, forcing the evacuation of 3,000 scouts, and caused a Philippine Airlines flight to skid off the Bacolod-Silay Airport runway.
Local officials and environmental experts are now investigating these twin disasters.
According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) chief Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya the heavy and concentrated rains overwhelmed the watersheds in northern Negros, noting the need for preventive measures.
NIR passage
Amid a year of natural disasters and power crises, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are finding a silver lining in the passage of the Negros Island Region (NIR).
For many, the NIR’s revival symbolizes more than just administrative restructuring; it represents progress and optimism.
Officials believe that the NIR’s passage in June will not only enhance regional governance but also streamline bureaucratic processes and stimulate economic growth.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez has described the revival of the NIR as a new chapter for the people of Negros, while officials like former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela have emphasized that the region’s full potential has yet to be realized.
As Negros navigates its challenges, the creation of the NIR and other success from this year signal a promising 2025, where challenges evolve into opportunities for growth, unity, and prosperity.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.