Negros Oriental
Negros Oriental occupies the southeastern half of the large island of Negros, with Dumaguete City as its capital and most populous city. It is geographically separated from Negros Occidental by a chain of rugged mountains. While Bacolod City in Negros Occidental is known for sugar, Negros Oriental’s economy is more diverse, with significant agricultural production. The province faces Cebu across the Tañon Strait and Siquijor to the southeast, making its coastal areas important for fisheries. Cebuano is the primary spoken language, reflecting its cultural ties to Central Visayas. Negros Oriental is also home to natural attractions, including the famous Apo Island, a popular dive site, and parts of Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is a key economic driver in Negros Oriental. However, the sector has faced significant challenges recently, particularly due to the El Niño phenomenon. In May 2024, Negros Oriental reported over PHP 1.6 billion in agricultural losses from El Niño-induced drought, affecting thousands of hectares of rice, corn, high-value crops, and even fisheries and livestock. Earlier in April 2024, losses already reached over PHP 229 million. Despite these setbacks, the provincial government is deploying farm equipment like tractors and distributing rice aid to affected farmers and fisherfolk. There’s also an ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural development and achieving food security.
Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector in Negros Oriental contributes significantly to the provincial economy, with a recorded production of 4,152.71 metric tons in the first quarter of 2024, making it a notable contributor to Central Visayas’ total fisheries output. This figure reflects an increase in commercial and municipal fisheries, although the aquaculture sub-sector experienced a slight decline in the region. The province’s extensive coastline along the Tañon Strait and its proximity to productive waters are crucial for fishing communities. Concerns about red tide contamination can occasionally impact the sector, as seen with Siit Bay in Siaton being declared red tide-free in July 2025. Efforts are also being made to enforce regulations, such as banning large fishing boats from municipal waters, to protect traditional fisherfolk and ensure sustainable fish stocks.
Poverty Situation
The poverty situation in Negros Oriental is a significant concern, as the province has historically faced high poverty rates. According to 2021 data, Negros Oriental registered the highest poverty incidence in Central Visayas at 29.3%, meaning nearly 3 out of every 10 individuals were considered poor. This represented an increase from 2018 figures and was attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette. While national trends in 2023 show a decline in poverty across various sectors, the high baseline in Negros Oriental indicates that a substantial portion of its population still struggles to meet basic needs. Farmers and fisherfolk are among the basic sectors identified nationally with high poverty incidences (27.0% and 27.4% respectively in 2023), which likely reflects the situation in agricultural and coastal communities in Negros Oriental.
Project Profile
DA
The DA (Department of Agriculture) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) program has a notable presence in Negros Oriental, having completed Phase 1 (2017-2022) and launched Phase 2. Under Phase 1, 140 farmer associations (FAs) received livelihood projects, with some already achieving significant earnings, such as over PHP 400,000 from cattle fattening projects for three associations. These successful FAs have now been turned over to their respective local government units for continued support. For Phase 2, the DA aims for continued socio-economic empowerment of farmers and fisherfolk, providing ongoing assistance to achieve food security and sufficiency. The program’s reach extends to 25 municipalities and cities across the province, demonstrating a widespread effort to uplift rural communities.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | San Jose | Basak | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Barangay Basak Farmers Association | 25 | 3,292,075.00 |
| 2023 | San Jose | Janayjanay | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Janay-janay Farmers Association | 25 | 2,709,875.00 |
| 2024 | San Jose | Basak | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Barangay Basak Farmers Association | 30 | 594,090.00 |
| 2024 | San Jose | Janayjanay | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Janay-janay Farmers Association | 30 | 629,790.00 |
| 2025 | San Jose | Basak | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Barangay Basak Farmers Association | 30 | 1,507,550.00 |
| 2025 | San Jose | Janayjanay | Cattle and Sweet Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise | Janay-janay Farmers Association | 30 | 1,399,550.00 |
BFAR
The BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) Project is actively supporting fisherfolk in Negros Oriental, with activities under Phase 2 already underway. The program focuses on providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening fisherfolk associations. In February 2024, BFAR SAAD conducted monitoring activities in municipalities like Tayasan, Jimalalud, Vallehermoso, and La Libertad, engaging with associations like Matu-og Fishermen Association and Cangabo Tilapia Growers. These efforts ensure the effective implementation and positive impact of SAAD Phase 2 projects, which include interventions in aquaculture (e.g., tilapia culture) and capture fisheries. The BFAR SAAD program aims to help vulnerable fisherfolk establish community-based fishery enterprises and enhance food security in the province.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ayungon | Carol-An | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Mabama Livelihood Association | 58 | 899,785.00 |
| 2023 | Basay | Cabatuanan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cabatuanan Hill Tribe Association Inc. | 27 | 905,104.00 |
| 2023 | Bindoy (Payabon) | Pangalaycayan | Motorized Boat (22 footer) | Kapungongan Sa Mga Gagmayng Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Pangalaycayan (kagampa) | 53 | 898,893.00 |
| 2023 | Jimalalud | Mambaid | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Mambaid Fisherfolk Association | 53 | 763,443.00 |
| 2023 | La Libertad | Cangabo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cangabo Farmers Association | 24 | 888,875.00 |
| 2023 | Mabinay | Barras | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barras Farm Family Association | 39 | 904,775.00 |
| 2023 | San Jose | Poblacion | Non-Motorized Boat (14 footer) | San Jose Fisherfolk Association | 39 | 825,858.00 |
| 2023 | Santa Catalina | Alangilan | Motorized Boat (30 footer) | Santa Catalina Fish Processor Association | 46 | 906,980.00 |
| 2023 | Siaton | Bonawon | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Calangag, Budlis, Naloy, Calañan Farmers Assocation (cbncfa) | 45 | 905,104.00 |
| 2023 | Tayasan | Matuog | Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Matu-og Fisherfolk Association | 49 | 758,630.00 |
| 2023 | Vallehermoso | Macapso | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Macapso Fisherfolk Association | 28 | 590,633.00 |
| 2024 | Ayungon | Carol-An | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Mabama Livelihood Association | 50 | 366,637.00 |
| 2024 | Basay | Cabatuanan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cabatuanan Hill Tribe Association Inc. | 30 | 366,637.00 |
| 2024 | Bindoy (Payabon) | Domolog | Fishing Gear (Drift Gill Net) | Domolog United Small Scale Fishermen's Association | 38 | 262,790.00 |
| 2024 | Bindoy (Payabon) | Pangalaycayan | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Kapungongan Sa Mga Gagmayng Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Pangalaycayan (kagammpa) | 61 | 203,163.00 |
| 2024 | Jimalalud | Mambaid | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Mambaid Fisherfolk Association | 44 | 240,722.00 |
| 2024 | La Libertad | Cangabo | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cangabo Farmers Association | 32 | 370,090.00 |
| 2024 | Mabinay | Barras | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Barras Farm Family Association | 44 | 409,417.00 |
| 2024 | San Jose | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | San Jose Fisherfolk Association | 40 | 453,280.50 |
| 2024 | Santa Catalina | Alangilan | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Sta. Catalina Fish Processor Association (scafpa) | 57 | 203,162.00 |
| 2024 | Siaton | Bonawon | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cbnc Farmers Assocation (cbncfa) | 51 | 361,401.00 |
| 2024 | Tayasan | Matuog | Siganid Culture in Fish Cage | Matu-og Fisherfolk Association | 51 | 443,309.00 |
| 2024 | Vallehermoso | Macapso | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Macapso Fisherfolk Association | 32 | 240,722.00 |
| 2025 | Ayungon | Carol-An | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Mabama Livelihood Association | 46 | 446,200.00 |
| 2025 | Basay | Cabatuanan | Tilapia Culture in Bamboo Cages | Cabatuanan Hill Tribe Association Inc. | 33 | 386,350.00 |
| 2025 | Bindoy (Payabon) | Domolog | Fishing Gear (Bottom Set Gillnet, Drift Gillnet) | Domolog United Small Scale Fishermen's Association (dussfa) | 35 | 608,200.00 |
| 2025 | Bindoy (Payabon) | Pangalaycayan | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Kapunongan Sa Mga Gagmayng Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Pangalaycayan | 50 | 235,200.00 |
| 2025 | Jimalalud | Mambaid | Fishing Gear (Bottom Set Gillnet, Drift Gillnet) | Mambaid Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 465,000.00 |
| 2025 | La Libertad | Cangabo | Mini Tilapia Hatchery | Cangabo Farmers Association | 30 | 966,400.00 |
| 2025 | Mabinay | Barras | Mini Tilapia Hatchery | Barras Farmers Association | 33 | 953,300.00 |
| 2025 | San Jose | Poblacion | Tilapia Culture in Pond | San Jose Fisherfolks Association | 34 | 344,725.00 |
| 2025 | Santa Catalina | Caranoche | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Sta. Catalina Fish Processors Association (scafpa) | 26 | 379,700.00 |
| 2025 | Siaton | Bonawon | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Cbnc Farmers Assocation (cbncfa) | 46 | 495,900.00 |
| 2025 | Tayasan | Matuog | Siganid Culture in Cage and Milkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage | Matu-og Fishermen Association | 29 | 552,690.00 |
| 2025 | Vallehermoso | Macapso | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Macapso Fisherfolks Association (macfa) | 20 | 393,150.00 |
| 2025 | Vallehermoso | Pinocawan | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Pinucauan Farmers Association (pinfa) | 23 | 169,100.00 |