Western Visayas, Administrative region in central Philippines
Western Visayas is an administrative region in central Philippines that covers six provinces across Panay and Guimaras islands. Iloilo City serves as the regional center and coordinates administration for all provinces that belong to this region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Sr created the region in 1972 as part of a reorganization that divided the Philippines into eleven administrative units. This decision grouped several provinces together to facilitate coordination between government and local authorities.
Hiligaynon is the most widely spoken language across the region and connects people beyond provincial boundaries in everyday life. At local markets and festivals, you also hear Kinaray-a and Aklanon, showing how each island keeps its own linguistic identity.
Two international airports in Iloilo and Kalibo offer connections to many destinations within and outside the Philippines. Ferries and buses run regularly between the islands and link the different provinces together.
The Miag-ao Church in Iloilo province has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and displays colonial architecture with local motifs on its facade. Its outer walls carry relief depictions of plants and scenes that reflect the life of the community at the time of construction.
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