Region VI – Western Visayas

Provinces, Municipalities and Cities in Region VI – Western Visayas

Municipalities of Aklan province, within Region VI – West Visayas in the Republic of The Philippines
Altavas • Balete • Banga • Batan • Buruanga • Ibajay • Kalibo • Lezo • Libacao • Madalag • Makato • Malay • Malinao • Nabas • New Washington • Numancia • Tangalan

Municipalities of Antique province, within Region VI – West Visayas in the Republic of The Philippines
Anini-Y • Barbaza • Belison • Bugasong • Caluya • Culasi • Hamtic • Laua-An • Libertad • Pandan • Patnongon • San Jose • San Remigio • Sebaste • Sibalom • Tibiao • Tobias Fornier • Valderrama

Municipalities of Capiz province, within Region VI – West Visayas in the Republic of The Philippines
Cuartero • Dao • Dumalag • Dumarao • Ivisan • Jamindan • Ma-Ayon • Mambusao • Panay • Panitan • Pilar • Pontevedra • President Roxas • Sapi-An • Sigma • Tapaz
Cities in the province of Capiz: Roxas City (Capital)

List of Municipalities in the Guimaras Province within Region VI in the Republic of The Philippines
Buenavista | Jordan (Capital) | Nueva Valencia | San Lorenzo | Sibunag

People of Region VI – Western Visayas

As of the 2020 Census, Region VI had a population of 7,954,723.
In 2015, the region recorded a population of 7,536,383, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1.07% annually over five years.
Western Visayas is home to two major indigenous groups: the Ati, concentrated in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental; and the Suludnon (also known as Panay-Bukidnon or Tumandok), who reside in the mountainous areas of Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.
The dominant dialects are Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), spoken in Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, and Negros Occidental; Kinaray-a, spoken in Antique and parts of Iloilo; and Aklanon, spoken in Aklan. While these dialects shape daily communication, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Region VI – Western Visayas

Region VI is located in the western section of the Visayas island group. Its geographic coordinates center around 11.13°N latitude and 122.53°E longitude.
The region spans a land area of approximately 12,750.63 square kilometers, composed of the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and the western half of Negros (Negros Occidental). It is bordered by the Visayan Sea to the east, Sibuyan Sea to the north, Sulu Sea to the west, and Panay Gulf to the south.
The regional center is Iloilo City, and the regional government offices are located in Barangay Magsaysay, Iloilo City.
Most people reach Western Visayas via air and sea. The region is served by major airports such as Iloilo International Airport and Bacolod-Silay Airport. Seaports in Iloilo, Dumangas, and Caticlan connect the region to Luzon and Mindanao. Bus and ferry routes link the provinces internally and to neighboring regions.

Tourist Attractions of Region VI – Western Visayas

Boracay Island (Aklan): World-renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Miagao Church (Iloilo): A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its baroque architecture.
Islas de Gigantes (Iloilo): A group of islands with limestone cliffs, caves, and pristine beaches.
Tibiao River and Kawa Hot Bath (Antique): A unique wellness experience in a rustic setting.
Ati-Atihan Festival (Aklan): Held every January in Kalibo, this vibrant celebration honors the Santo Niño and commemorates the peace pact between the Ati and Malay settlers.
Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City): Celebrated every January, featuring street dancing, tribal competitions, and religious devotion.
MassKara Festival (Bacolod City): A colorful October celebration of resilience and joy, featuring masks and dance parades.

Economy of Region VI – Western Visayas

In 2023, Western Visayas posted a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of over ₱1 trillion, marking its first time breaching the trillion-peso mark.
In 2024, the GRDP was recorded at ₱641.76 billion after the exclusion of Negros Occidental due to the creation of the Negros Island Region (RA 12000).
Major industries include:
- Agriculture: Sugarcane, rice, corn, coconut, and fisheries.
- Services: Retail, education, tourism, and finance.
- Manufacturing: Food processing, furniture, and garments.
- Tourism: Driven by Boracay, heritage churches, and island destinations.
Western Visayas ranks 8th among the 18 regional economies in the Philippines.

Educational Institutions of Region VI – Western Visayas

Young residents pursue higher education at:
- West Visayas State University (Iloilo City): A leading public university offering programs in education, medicine, and liberal arts.
- Central Philippine University (Iloilo City): A private Baptist university known for engineering, law, and business programs.
- University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City): A Catholic institution offering a wide range of academic programs.
- Iloilo Science and Technology University: Offers engineering, IT, and teacher education programs.
- University of Antique, Capiz State University, and Aklan State University: Provide regional access to higher education across the provinces.

History of Region VI – Western Visayas

Region VI was created through Presidential Decree No. 1 in 1972 as part of President Ferdinand Marcos’ Integrated Reorganization Plan. It originally included Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo (including Guimaras), and Negros Occidental.
In 2005, Palawan was briefly transferred to Region VI via Executive Order 429, but the move was suspended due to public opposition through Administrative Order No. 129.
In 2024, Republic Act No. 12000 created the Negros Island Region, removing Negros Occidental and Bacolod City from Region VI’s jurisdiction.
Today, Region VI is composed of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo provinces, with Iloilo City as its regional center. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, dynamic economy, and strategic location in the Visayas archipelago.

Elected Officials of Region VI – Western Visayas

As of the 2025 elections, Region VI is governed by the elected officials of its provinces and cities. For full election results and updates, visit: Halalan 2025 Election Results.
Each province—Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo—has its own governor and vice governor, while highly urbanized cities like Iloilo City elect their own mayor, vice mayor, and councilors.

List of the 18 Regions in the Philippines
National – Capital Region ● I – Ilocos ● II – Cagayan Valley ● III – C. Luzon ● IV‑A – Calabarzon ● IV‑B – Mimaropa ● V – Bicol ● VI – W. Visayas ● VII – C. Visayas ● VIII – E. Visayas ● IX – Zamboanga Peninsula ● X – N. Mindanao ● XI – Davao ● XII – Soccsksargen ● XIII – Caraga ● XIV – CAR ● XV – BARMM ● XVI – Negros Island Region (NIR)

Educational Note: Only 17 of the 18 administrative regions of the Philippines are under the jurisdiction and general supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the sole exception — it operates under its own organic law and answers directly to the President of the Philippines.. (This distinction is often misunderstood, as many Filipinos assume BARMM is under the DILG — it is not.)

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.