The historical research method is not only confined to historians; it is also helpful for anthropologists and sociologists. It is evident in the latter’s studies about the origin, development, and transformation of cultures, social institutions, societies, and civilizations.
This method investigates the changes in social structure and types of societies over space and time. It provides causal explanations so we can better understand how we have come to what we are now. An example is the elusive Negros Island Region.
Why is historical methodology critical? We can learn from past events, and make informed decisions and actions based on these lessons that impact society, culture, and the economy.
Something of the past may be revived or sustained because it offered several benefits that cannot be undermined. Or something must be prevented from happening because it wreaked havoc in the past.
These arguments align with the popular expression that we should learn from history—both the good and the bad.
But we often disregard or forget the lessons from the past, not that we have poor memories, because we are overwhelmed by the promises and persuasions of the experts and our leaders.
Sometimes, we need more options or space to resist what is presented and offered. Giving in may be a form of tolerance without being convinced or collaborating to gain access to the needed resources.
Also, opposing forces contest and limit our options, confusing us with what directions to take. And we always start all over again, facing the same threats and risks of failure.
Historical research finds significance in understanding the colonial backdrop that may have contributed to the tension in Negros Oriental when the One Island-One Region proposal was first pursued and revived.
This is unlike the strong support demonstrated in Negros Occidental, both the political leaders and their constituencies.
Moreover, resistance to the NIR Bill from rival political groups and leaders of the Catholic Church is like a sequel to the instances of political fusion and fission the island went through during the Spanish and American colonization. The case of Siquijor is another story.
Far from the seat of the Spanish colonial government in Bacolod—first in Ilog, then in Himamaylan—and exposed to piratical attacks from Mindanao and neighboring Visayan islands, the eastern and southern sides stagnated because it was poorly administered.
The Augustinian friars, who sent several missions and built churches on the island, petitioned its division, and a royal decree was issued on Oct. 25, 1889. That was the first reason for the fission, primarily administrative, to ensure the Spanish colonial officials’ safety, and boost church works in the south.
The remnants of the belfries that also served as watch towers to warn against piratical raids are material evidence.
As a result of the desire to better administer the southern part of the island, this was divided into two political units rather than non-political administrative units. The mountain ranges were used as reference to divide the island, rather than dividing from north to south equally.
Perceived power inequality and dominance were apparent when all the plains covered with sugarcane plantations or haciendas owned by politically- influential families belonged to Negros Occidental.
But the separation between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, created in January 1890 with their respective Governors, was short-lived.
Fusion took place upon the end of Spanish colonial rule when the revolutionaries won and declared the Federal Republic of Negros on Nov. 27, 1898. It was a declaration of independence from Spain, a product of the joint effort of Negros revolutionaries. Unity was needed to stand against the colonizers—including the Americans—again spearheaded by Negros Occidental leaders. Bacolod was the capital, symbolizing their aggressiveness and abundant resources to fight.
When the American military government took control, both provinces were separated in May 1901. Perhaps the goal again for the fission was for better administration, given the geographic features of the island since the two provinces are separated by mountain ranges—an argument used later to resist the creation of the One-Island Region.
Even during the post-American period, the Philippine national government realized the administrative barriers of being an archipelagic country. It could also be a political strategy, depending on one’s perspective.
Thus, under the Martial Law regime, the provinces were categorized into administrative regions on Sept. 24, 1972; in Negros, Occidental was placed under Region 6, while Oriental was placed under Region 7. Historical, cultural, and geographic reasons may have been the basis.
Driven by the desire to fuse and coordinate the development efforts of the whole island after several attempts since 1994, the NIR was created by President Benigno Aquino Jr. through Executive Order 183, signed on May 29, 2015.
It was the year before the 2016 national election when then Interior & Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas ran for president.
This was revoked, however, through Executive Order 38, signed on Aug. 9, 2017 by President Duterte, for reasons of lack of budget, the vast amount it would take to form a new region, the matter not being considered urgent or needed. Others maintained the reason was political.
By 2023, Senate Bill 2057 revived the NIR to include the island-province of Siquijor.
The Diocese of Dumaguete asked the President to veto the Bill for being “anti-people”, and would only perpetuate inequality.
There may be a historical basis for such an allegation, as implied earlier, or could be due to the perceived superiority and dominance of the people from Occidental.
In contrast, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry, with its counterpart on the other side of the island, supported the Bill’s approval for the envisioned economic benefits to all.
The NIR Bill was finally enacted on June 13, 2024, known as Republic Act No. 12000, a year before the 2025 general election.
The budget for the NIR, however, was not included in the 2025 national budget, and therefore, cannot yet be implemented.
Being now a law, compared to 2015, the business sector is hopeful for the approval of the NIR budget. The onus is now on the legislators of both Provinces to lobby for such budget.
There is a need for a fusion of efforts by all sectors to finally put to the test the vision of integrated development for the whole island, including Siquijor, which was once a sub-province of Negros Oriental.
Indeed, the historical research method is best for analyzing patterns, and understanding present social, cultural, economic, and political dynamics.
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