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Negros Occidental - History

The island of "BUGLAS" was discovered in April 1565 by the crew members of the boat Esteban de Rodriguez, making Juan de Aguirre the first Spaniard to set foot on the island. From the accounts of these men, it was inhabited by short, dark-skinned natives called "Negrillos" - which gave rise to the present name of the island: NEGROS.