REGION 6 (WESTERN VISAYAS)
INTRO
Kanlurang Kabisayaan or Kanlurang Visayas) is an administrative region in the Philippines, numerically
designated as Region VI. It consists of six provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros
Occidental) and two highly urbanized cities (Bacolod and Iloilo City). The regional center is Iloilo City. The
region is dominated by the native speakers of four Visayan languages: Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Aklanon and
Capiznon. The land area of the region is 20,794.18 km2 (8,028.68 sq mi), and with a population of
7,954,723 inhabitants, it is the second most populous region in the Visayas after Central Visayas.
On May 29, 2015, the region was realigned, when Western Visayas (Region VI) lost both the province of
Negros Occidental and the highly urbanized city of Bacolod to the newly formed Negros Island Region.
However, the region was dissolved, resulting in the return of Negros Occidental and Bacolod to Western
Visayas Region on August 9, 2017.
Western Visayas consists of 6 provinces, 2 highly urbanized cities, 14 component cities, 117 municipalities
and 4,051 barangays.
HISTORY
Regions first came into existence on September 24, 1972, when the provinces of the Philippines were
organized into 11 regions by Presidential Decree No. 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan by
President Ferdinand Marcos. The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo (including its then-subprovince
of Guimaras), and Negros Occidental were grouped together to form the Western Visayas region.
The province of Palawan was transferred to Region VI (Western Visayas) on May 23, 2005, by Executive
Order 429.[5] The Department of the Interior and Local Government announced in June 2005 that the
transfer had been completed.[6] However, Palaweños criticized the move, citing a lack of consultation, with
most residents in Puerto Princesa City and all municipalities but one preferring to stay with Region IV-B.
Consequently, Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005, to address this backlash. This
Order directed the abeyance of Executive Order 429 pending the approval of an implementation plan for the
orderly transfer of Palawan from Region IV-B to Region VI.[7] Hence, Palawan is currently still part of
Region IV-B.
By virtue of Executive Order No. 183 issued on May 29, 2015, by President Benigno Aquino III, the
province of Negros Occidental and its capital, Bacolod, were both removed from Western Visayas in order
to form the Negros Island Region along with Negros Oriental.[8] But later regained Negros Occidental and
its capital, Bacolod City back into Western Visayas on August 9, 2017, when President Rodrigo Duterte
dissolved the Negros Island Region, revoking Executive Order No. 183, s. 2015 through the signage of
Executive Order No. 38, citing the reason of the lack of funds to fully establish the NIR according to
Benjamin Diokno, the Secretary of Budget and Management.
GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE
Western Visayas consists of the major island of Panay and the smaller Guimaras, as well as several outlying
islands. It also includes the western half of the larger island of Negros. The region is bordered to the north
by the Sibuyan Sea, northeast by the Visayan Sea, east by the province of Negros Oriental in Central
Visayas, south by the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf, and west by the Sulu Sea.
PROVINCES
1. AKLAN
2. ANTIQUE PROVINCE
DESCRIPTION
-Aklan is the oldest province
in the Philippines with a
history beginning in 1213
AD. It is located in the
northwestern part of Panay
Island in Western Visayas
Region. This province is the
home of the country's version
of Mardi Gras Ati-Atihan
Festival and gateway to the
world’s finest beach, the
Boracay Island.
LANGUAGE
KNOWN AS
Aklanon (Akeanon),
also known as
Bisaya/Binisaya nga
Aklanon/Inaklanon or
“Oldest
simply Aklan, is an
Province in the
Austronesian language
Philippines”
of the Bisayan
subgroup spoken by
the Aklanon people in
the province of Aklan
on the island of Panay
in the Philippines.
-is a province in the
Philippines located in the
Western Visayas region. Its
capital is San Jose de
Buenavista, the most
Kinaray-a is one of
populous town in Antique.
the Visayan languages
The province is situated in the and is spoken mainly
western section of Panay
in Antique province in
Island and borders Aklan,
the Philippines.
Capiz and Iloilo to the east,
while facing the Sulu Sea to
the west.
“The Land
Where the
Mountain
Meets the Sea”
The province is home to the
indigenous IraynunBukidnon, speakers of a
dialect of the Kinaray-a
language, who have crafted
the only rice terrace clusters
in the Visayas through
indigenous knowledge and
sheer vernacular capabilities.
3. CAPIZ
is a province in the
Philippines located in the
central section of Western
Visayas region. Its capital is
the city of Roxas.
Capiz is known for the
Placuna placenta oyster shell
that has the same name
locally and is used for
decoration and making
lampshades, trays, window
and doors. Likewise, the
province is known as the
"Seafood Capital of the
There are two main
local languages:
Capiznon and
Hiligaynon. Filipino
and English are also
used and understood
as administrative and
business languages
and are widely spoken
as second languages.
Aklanon is spoken in
towns near Aklan such
as Sapian, Jamindan,
and Mambusao.
"Seafood
Capital of the
Philippines"
Philippines" and was among
the top 15 most frequently
visited places in the
Philippines. Capiz is the site
of the famous coral-stone
Santa Mónica Church in the
town of Panay, home to the
largest Catholic Church bell
in Asia
4. GUIMARAS
-is an island province in the
Philippines located in the
Western Visayas region. The
capital is Jordan, while the
largest local government unit
for it is the municipality of
Buenavista.
The province consists
primarily of Guimaras Island,
and also includes
Inampulugan, Guiwanon (or
Guiuanon), Panobolon,
Natunga, Nadulao, and many
surrounding islets.[3]
-The people of the
province, called
Guimarasnon, speak
Hiligaynon as the
primary language, as
it was once a subprovince of Iloilo.
Filipino and English
are widely spoken and
understood.
"Mango
Capital of the
Philippines"
Guimaras, formerly known as
Himal-os, was a sub-province
of Iloilo until it was made an
independent province on May
22, 1992.
5. ILOILO
-is a province in the
Philippines located in the
Western Visayas region. Its
capital and largest city is
Iloilo City, the regional center
of Western Visayas.
-Standard Hiligaynon,
simply called Ilonggo,
is the dialect that is
used in the province
of Iloilo, primarily in
the northern and
eastern portions of the
Iloilo is widely recognized
province. It has a
for its rich history and
more traditional and
cultural heritage. It boasts a
extensive vocabulary,
remarkable collection of
whereas the Urban
Spanish-era historic sites that
Hiligaynon dialect
showcase its architectural and spoken in Metro Iloilo
historical significance.
has a more simplified
or modern vocabulary.
“The Heart of
the
Philippines”
6. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
-is a province in the
Philippines located in the
Western Visayas region. Its
capital is the city of Bacolod,
of which it is geographically
situated and grouped under
by the Philippine Statistics
Authority, but remains
politically independent from
the provincial government.
It occupies the northwestern
half of the large island of
Negros, and borders Negros
Oriental, which comprises the
southeastern half. Known as
the "Sugarbowl of the
Philippines", Negros
Occidental produces more
than half the nation's sugar
output.
Negros Occidental
mostly uses the
language Hiligaynon,
also called Ilonggo.
"Sugarbowl of
the
Philippines"
SOURCES OF INCOME: Its major products are sugarcane, palay and mango. It is also one of the
leading producers and exporters of fishery and aquaculture products,
being bounded by two rich fishing grounds, the Sibuyan and Visayan Seas.
CULTURES AND BELIEFS:
Despite the prevalence of Christianity, native beliefs about the aswang and the babaylan are still prevalent
among the people. Kulam or witchcraft, locally known as amulit is still feared by many residents.
When there is death in the family:
-the family members are expected to mourn by wearing black clothes. Others would wear black ribbons.
-wear a piece of red cloth
-hanging a black cloth on the window facing the street.
-Members of the family are not allowed to take a bath until after the burial. They are not allowed to sweep
the floor also.
-Children are not allowed to listen to radios. No social gatherings should be held during this period.
-Weddings are also postponed until after a year
4A’S OF WESTERN VISAYAS
ATTRACTIONS
MAN-MADE
1. The Kawa Hot Bath
The Kawa Hot Bath is one of the famous activity in
Antique. Most of these can be found in the quiet town
of Tibiao, which is the first and the most popular place
for kawa hot baths. The giant wok (vat or cauldron), or
kawa (tagalog word), traditionally used for cooking
muscovado sugar which is now converted to a hot tub.
Maybe it's weird for some to see people taking a dip
into a large clay wok with flower petals and leaves.
This is not new in the Philippines especially in the
province of Antique. A lot of local and international
tourists are visiting the province to experience this
unique spa experience. It's called the "Kawa Hot
Bath".
2. The Ruins (mansion)
The Ruins is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the
family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga
Lacson. It is situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
The mansion was built in early 1900s and inspired by Italian
architecture.
The Ruins was the ancestral mansion of the family of wealthy
sugar businessman Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built on a
440 hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental,
in the early 1900s in memory of his Portuguese wife Maria
Braga Lacson, who died during the birth of their 8th child.
Known variously as the "Taj Mahal of Talisay", "Taj Mahal of
Negros" and "Taj Mahal of the Philippines", it is in the private
ownership of the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma
Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga. They have
preserved it in its ruined state, among operational farmland, as a
tourist attraction that can be visited for a fee or hired for events.
.
3. LA PAZ MARKET’S OLD SCHOOL MADGE CAFÉ
Madge Café is an unpretentious local watering hole
located right in the heart of Iloilo city. It is as old as it
looks with its faded dye flooring and bygone era-style
window barandillas. Passed from one generation to the
next, this coffee house still serves the original coffee
concoction it once did when it started in 1951.
The café is named after Magdalena dela Cruz, the wife
of Madge’s brainchild. They mainly serve native Arabica
coffee and beans harvested north of Iloilo. It sorta
reminded me of Bacolod’s now-defunct La Corona Cafe.
P
4. Negros Forest Park
Negros Forest Park has been the jewel in the crown of local
wildlife conservation for over 20 years. Formerly under the
management of Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation
Inc., this conservation center has been holding key breeding
populations of some of Negros’ most endangered species,
including the West Visayan Big 5.
Negros Forest Park plays many roles in conservation
however, being open to the public for education and
entertainment purposes we can highlight the endemic
wildlife of Negros to the local people of Negros and other
visitors.
5. Cagayaman Dagat Seafood Restaurant
Cagayaman Dagat Seafood Restaurant is located
at Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines, near this place
are: Abuelo Restaurant (2 km), Espacio Verde
Resort (3 km), Café Terraza (3 km), Café
Terraza (3 km), Pizza Hut Robinson's Roxas (3
km).
To have a better view of the location
"Cagayaman Dagat Seafood Restaurant", pay
attention to the streets that are located nearby:
Rizal Street, Roxas Avenue, Magallanes Street,
Fuentes Drive, Sacred Heart of Jesus Ave,
Altavas Street, Washington Street, Lopez Jaena
Street, Mansion Rd, Datiles Street.
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
1. Boracay Island, Aklan
Often locally shortened to Bora) is a resort island in the
Western Visayas region of the Philippines.
Boracay was originally inhabited by the Tumandok and
Ati people, but commercial development has led to their
severe marginalization since the 1970s.
Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also
famous for being one of the world's top destinations for
relaxation. As of 2013, it was emerging among the top
destinations for tranquility and nightlife.
2. Sicogon Island
Sicogon Island is one of the many beautiful attractions that
grace the waters of Northern Iloilo. Sicogon became a
popular tourist destination during the 70s and 80s because
of the high-end resort suitably named “Sicogon Island
Resort” operating in the island.
At present, there may not be any luxurious
accommodations or amenities in Sicogon but travelers can
still visit the island to enjoy its picturesque sandy beaches,
virgin forests, and alluring waters.
3. Islas de Gigantes
Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo, is a stunning group
of islands known for their clear blue waters, white sand
beaches, diverse marine life, and unique rock
formations. This popular tourist spot's name came from
the local tales that bones of giant humans were found
in one of the caves here.
4. Danjugan Island
Danjugan Island is a 43-hectare (110-acre) island under the
jurisdiction of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Philippines.[1]
The island is under the care of The Philippine Reef and
Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI) which
aims to promote awareness on biodiversity protection by
means of ecotourism.
Danjugan is a rising ecotourism destination.[2] With the
efforts of PRRCFI, the island has become a sustainable
tourism model wherein locals are involve in its preservation
and conservation while keeping a welcoming reception for
tourists.
5. Lakawon Island, Negros Occidental
Lakawon, also called Llacaon, is a 13-hectare (32-acre),
banana-shaped island off the coast of Cadiz in the northern
portion of Negros Occidental, a province in the Negros Island
Region of the Philippines. A white sand beach resort on the
island, a family-run business, is a popular destination for both
local and foreign tourists.
The term Lakawon is derived from a Cebuano word lakaw,
meaning "to walk". The island may have gotten its name
because during low tide, one has to literally walk or wade a
long distance to or from the main island.
EVENTS/ FESTIVALS
Ati-Atihan Festival
AKLAN
The Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo is one of the
most famous and oldest festivals in the
Philippines. Held on the third Sunday of January,
it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the
world. The festival’s name is derived from the
term “ati-ati,” which means “to make like Atis,”
referring to the indigenous Ati people who were
the province’s original inhabitants.
Binirayan Festival
ANTIQUE
It commemorates the landing of Bornean Datus led
by Datu Puti and Datu Sumakwel during the 13th
Century, a historical significance which brings pride
to Antiqueños. The Malandog Marker is a
monument to the landing site of the first Malayan
settlers. The Binirayan Festival every April 30 to
May 2 commemorates the landing.
Sinadya sa Halaran in Capiz
CAPIZ
Sinadya sa Halaran in Roxas City which literally
means “joy in sharing and giving” when rituals and
festivities of every town are captivated in the
weeklong celebration of fireworks, grand parade,
fluvial processions, fair and food festival and
exhibits.
The Capiznon festival is usually held from the 3rd to
the 8th of December. It celebrates among other
things the Prosesyon sa Suba (Fluvial Procession)
where the image of the Immaculate Conception is
sailed through the evening waters of Panay River
before being led to the city cathedral.
Manggahan Festival
GUIMARAS
Manggahan Festival is a unique event
celebrated every April 16-20 for the sustained
promotion of the mango industry. The festival
culminates in a grand showcase of cultural
festivals in an apparent bid to show the world
that there is more to the province than its
sweet, fiber and pest-free mangoes.
Dinagyang Festival
ILOILO
Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo City’s version of the
Ati-Atihan Festival but is definitely impressive in
choreography and striking in terms of the various
attired worn by participating tribes which reflect
the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the
Ilonggos. Held annually on the fourth Sunday of
January, or right after the Sinulog in Cebu and
the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
MassKara Festival
NEGROS
OCCIDENTAL
The Masskara is a combination of the English
word “mass” and the Spanish “kara,” meaning
“face”. The festival which depicts the steadfast
character of the Negrenses is held every third
weekend of October up to October 19 when
the city of Bacolod celebrates its Charter
Anniversary.
AMENITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
Solina Beach and Nature Resort
It is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. The
stunning natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and
numerous activities make it a perfect destination for
nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Amenities
Services: Baggage storage, Full-service Laundry,
housekeeping
Pools: Pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, bicycle rental, game room
Internet: free wifi, wifi in public areas
Foods and Drinks: restaurant, bar, room services and free
breakfast
La Carmela De Boracay Hotel
Located in Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island, White Beach Path,
Boracay.
Cozy rooms & suites in a laid-back, beachfront hotel offering a
restaurant, a bar & an outdoor pool.
Popular Amenities
Free Internet, Pool, Free Breakfast, Beach, Airport transportation,
Business Center with Internet access, Banquet Room, Massage,
Wifi, Paid Wifi, Outdoor pool, Coffee Shops, and Restaurants.
ASTORIA CURRENT
With an aesthetic catering to the tastes of the hip and the trendy, Astoria
Current is the perfect destination for those who are looking to have a
fun and exciting beach getaway. With two gorgeous pools, a spa and a
gym, the resort's white hot architecture is sure to excite the modern
traveler. Located at the heart of Station 3, the aqua adventures and
foodie experiences abound in the active stretch of the island.
Amenities
Internet: Wifi
Foods and Drinks: Restaurant, Room
Services, Breakfast, Breakfast Buffet
Activities: Beach front
Childre: Kid-friendly
Services: Front Desk, Full Services
Tuburan Cove Beach Resort
Located in Hinugtan Beach Road,
Buruanga, 5609 Aklan
Amenities
Free Wifi, Restaurants, Bar, Room
Servies, Breakfast, Beach Front, pools,
outdoor pools, massage, lifeguards
Balay Kogon
Located in Buaya Beach Sicogon
Island, Carles, 5019 Iloilo.
Amenities
Free Wifi, Restaurants, Bar, Room
Servies, Breakfast, Beach Front, pools,
outdoor pools, massage, lifeguards
FOODS DELICACIES
Inasal na manok is a
unique Filipino grilled
chicken dish which
originated in Bacolod
and became the
signature dish of the
entire Visayas region.
The hearty Batchoy is a
popular Filipino soup
consisting of pork offal,
chicken or beef stock, and
fresh round egg noodles.
Baye baye is a traditional Filipino
dessert originating from the region
of Iloilo. It's made with a
combination of grated young
coconut and either corn patties or
young rice that's pounded into
flakes (pinipig).
ACCESSIBILITY
The cheapest way to get from Biliran Island to Bicol Region is to minivan and car ferry and bus and ferry
and bus which costs ₱2,500 - ₱6,500 and takes 34h 3m.
The best way to get from Biliran Island to Bicol Region without a car is to minivan and ferry and car ferry
and taxi which takes 24h 8m and costs ₱4,600 - ₱11,000.
Airports
Exterior of Kalibo International Airport
Exterior of Kalibo International Airport
Other
Sipalay Airport (Sipalay, Negros Occidental)
International
Kabankalan City Domestic Airport (Kabankalan, Negros
Occidental)
Kalibo International Airport
Sicogon Airport (Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo)
Iloilo International Airport
Guimaras Airport (Buenavista, Guimaras)
Domestic
Bacolod–Silay Airport (Silay City, Negros Occidental )
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan, Malay, Aklan)
Roxas Airport (Roxas City, Capiz)
Evelio Javier Airport (Funda-Dalipe, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique)
Municipal
Semirara Airport (Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique)
Guimaras Airport (Buenavista, Guimaras)
Rail
Proposals to re-connect again Iloilo-Roxas, Iloilo-Kalibo, Iloilo-Malay (Aklan) and Iloilo-San Jose
(Antique) from the Iloilo City via rail was included in the revival of the currently defunct Panay Railways
network which has a station in Santa Barbara town proper.