CENTRAL VISAYAS

Central Visayas, designated as Region VII, is a region of the Philippines located in the central part of
the Visayas island group. It consists of four provinces (Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor) and
the highly urbanized cities (Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City). The region is dominated by
the native speakers of Cebuano. Cebu City is its regional center.

Area – 15,895.66 km2(6,137.35 sq m)

Population (2015 census) - 7,396,898
Cities – 16 (Bais, Bayawan, Bogo, Canlaon, Cebu City, Danao, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, Lapu-Lapu,
Mandaue, Naga, Tagbilaran, Talisay, Tanjay, Toledo)
Municipalities – 97
Barangays – 2,446
Cong. Districts – 11
Languages – Cebuano, Boholano, Porohanon, Bantayanon

Etymology
The name of the region was derived to denote the centrality of the islands within the bigger Visayas
area. The name was mostly chosen by American colonialists. There have been proposals to rename
the current Central Visayas region, which is dominated by the Sebwano ethnic group, into Sugbu
region, the former name of the region prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The term is in
reference to the former kingdom of the region, the Rajahnate of Cebu, which is simply called as Sugbu
in native Sebwano.

National/Local Artists

Napoleon V. Abueva, a native of Bohol, was the youngest National Artist awardee. Considered as the
Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture, Abueva has helped shape the local sculpture scene to what it
is now. His works have been installed in different museums here and abroad, such as The Sculpture at
the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Michael Obenieta was born in Cebu, Philippines and a truly Cebuano indeed. He writes poetry and
prose in both Cebuano and English. He has been recognized as the most creative editor in the 2005 in
house awards of sun star cebu ,and for his work in the same publication catholic mass media awards
of the same year.

Cristina “Kitty” Taniguchi is a champion of feminine aesthetic and is among the few Filipina painters
who had successfully intruded upon a male-dominated art world—a feat back then. A veteran painter
who has devotedly explored and experimented themes of femininity and all of women representation’s
that challenged the perception and interpretation of social and cultural conventions.

Susan Canoy is a Dumaguete artist who is known for her arts and crafts. As a single mother, she
relentlessly pursues her art to express herself and to provide for her family.
She has been exhibiting her artworks for more than two decades now. Her subjects are as varied as
the medium she has been using.
Dances

Kuratsa
This is a dance that originated from Bohol.This dance commands a sense of improvisation which
mimics a young playful couple’s attempt to get each other’s attention. It is performed in a moderate
waltz style.

Itik-Itik
Itik is a Cebuano term of a duck. This dance is perform by a dancer who mimic that of a duck, of course.
In other words it is a mimetic dance that depicts the movements of wading and flying itik (ducks). Dancer
mimic that short swaying gait of waddling feet and the intense energy of close-cropped flapping wings.

Kuradang
Kuradang dance is also known as Curacha, it is a dance originated from Bohol. It is dance during social
gatherings such as birthday, baptism, wedding and fiesta. It is dance with the accompaniment of the
rondalla.