REGION VI
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
 Negros was originally called Buglas, an
old Hiligaynon word thought to mean
“cut off” as it is believed that the island
was separated from a larger landmass
by rising waters during the last ice age.
Among its earliest inhabitants were the
dark- skinned Ati people are a Negrito
ethnic group in the Visaya’s, the central
portion of the Philippines. Their small
numbers are principally concentrated
in the islands of Boracay, Panay, and
Negros. They are genetically related to
other Negrito ethnic group in the
Philippines such as the Aeta of Luzon,
the Batak of Palawan, the Agta of the
Sierra Madres, and Mamanwa of
Mindanao.
Negritos in the country, their clothing was simple,
with women wearing wraparound skirts,
sometimes made out of bark cloth, and men
wearing loincloths.
 The Anti have also learned to use
destructive methods of extraction
such as poison and the use of
blasting powder, further depleting
resources.
 One particular custom that Atis
observe is wearing a bracelet for
protection against disease and as
a defense against harmful
entities.
 Additional income is generated
from other sources such as
handicraft production (mats,
receptacles, bracelets, wallets)
bow and arrow making.
 A newborn infant wears a
bracelet to repel evil spirits.
Festivals in Negros Occidental
 The province of Negros Occidental is
home to different interesting festivals.
Some of the most popular festivals in
the province of Bacolod is Masskara
the largest festivals in the Philippines.
Coinciding with the city’s Charter
day celebration, the event features
carnivals, fairs and a mardi-gras style
by costumed and masked street
dancers. This is also a celebration of
the founding anniversary of Bacolod
city. A parade of street dancing in
which the participants wear almost
nothing but mud provides a mix of
environment awareness and fun for
the tourists and participants a like.
 In Negros Occidental, child labor incidence is still estimated
at more than 6% of children. Some children as young as
seven years old. Work in harsh working conditions in the
regions major sugarcane, rice and fishing industries. The
reasons of complex and ingrained into family and
communities. Incidence of child labor is multi- generational
and communities with high rates of poverty, father, mother
and grandparents also begun work at early ages to
contribute to their family's income.