Mabuhay!   Welcome online to the Sugar Capital of the Philippines!

Geography

Western Visayas or Region VI covers the western part of Negros Island and the whole islands of Panay and Guimaras. It is composed of six provinces. The region is bounded on the north by the Jintotolo Channel, on the east by the Visayan Sea, on the south by the province of Negros Oriental, and on the west by the Sulu Sea. Eastern Panay Island and western Negros Occidental are mostly plain while the western part of Panay and the south and east of Negros Occidental are mountainous.

The region's climate are of two types: Type I, characterized by two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year and Type III with no pronounced dry or wet season. Type I climate is experienced in the southwest portion of the region while Type II is felt in the northeastern part.

People

The People of Western Visayas are fond of calling themselves by the name of their provincial origin such as Aklanons from Aklan, Antiquenos from Antique, Capizenos from Capiz, Ilonggos from Iloilo, and Negrenses from Negros Island.

Economic Profile

Agriculture is the main economic activity in the region although services and manufacturing contributed more in value. (See table below). Main agricultural products are sugar, rice, corn, mango, banana, coconut, and vegetabes. Mangoes from Guimaras are well known for their sweetness. Fishing is an important industry in the region particularly aquaculture. In fact, Roxas City in Capiz Province has been known as the seafood capital of the Philippines although the province is not in the top ten fish producing provinces.

Due to its many sugarmills, the region is 4th in Gross Regional Domestic Product, higher even than Central Visayas where Cebu is located (see comparison). Other manufactured products from Region VI are processed food and Pina clothes.

Tourism is a major source of income in the region. The world-famous island of Boracay is located in the province of Aklan in northern Panay Island. Ancient Churches in Iloilo are heritage sites. The Atiatihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan, the Dinagyang festival in Iloilo city, and the Masskara festival in Bacolod City draw thousands of tourists every year.

The seaport of Iloilo City is one of the busiest ports in the country. New internatioanl airports in Bacolod and Iloilo Cities have recently been inaugurated. Geothermal power is produced in Negros Occidental.

Major tourist spots in Western Visayas Region

• Boracay Island and Kalibo town in Aklan
• Mount Madia-as and Igpasungaw Falls in Antique
• Sta. Monica Church and Balisong Cave in Capiz
• Alubihod and Guiwanon Beaches in Guimaras
• Miag-ao Church and Jaro Cathedral in Ilo-ilo
• Kanlaon Volcano and Mambucal Resort in Negros Occidental