Megabyte College Foundation Inc.

Mabical, Floridablanca, Pampanga

Experience the Exquisite

Region 6
(Philippine Literature)

Prepared by:

Mercado, Hazel May D.

BSEd-IV
Western Visayas

 6 PROVINCES
o Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental
 Two highly urbanized cities Bacolod and IloIlo City
 Regional Capital is IloIlo City
 16 Cities, 117 Municipalities, 4,051 Barangays
 Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Aklanon, and Capiznon.

The land area of Western Visayas region is 20,794.18 km2 (8,028.68 sq mi), and with a

population of 7,536,383 inhabitants, it is the most populous region in the 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.

Historical Background of the Region

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. It was created by
virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of President
Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Area and Location

 Typically, Western Visayas is found on the west part of the major island of the
Philippines which is Visayas it is surrounded by water.

Languages and Dialects

Hiligaynon Kiniray-a
- Iloilo -Antique
-Negros Occidental -Some parts of Iloilo, Capiz and
Aklan
-Guimaraz
-Capiz

Akeanon and Malaynon Cebuano

- Aklan - Antique Northern part of Negros Occidental

Aklan

 Its capital is Kalibo

 Queen of the Philippine Fabric (Piña Fiber)
 Rambutan Center of Asia
 It is divided into 327 Barangays grouped into 17 Municipalities
 Oldest Province in the Philippines organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo
 Originally known as “Minuro it Akean”
 It was inaugurated as an Independent province on Nov. 8, 1956
Geography
The province boasts high geographic diversity, ranging from white sandy beaches,
mangroves, and mountainous landscape. It also boasts the river of akean, which appears
unique due to its “boiling or frothing” appearance.

Economy of Aklan
 Major Industries Products
Agriculture Banana
Tourism Fiber crops
Abaca Production Rambutan
Pinya Cloth Weaving Abaca
Pot making (in Lezo, Aklan) Palay
Coconut
Mango

Aklan Tourist Attraction

 Boracay Island
 Ariel’s Point, Buruanga
 Jawili Falls, Tangalan
 Ignito Cave, Buruanga
 Hinugtan Beach, Buruanga
 Pandan Hill, Batan
 Pagatpat Mangrove Park
 Hacienda Maria
 Freedom Shrine
 Museo It Akean

Festivals of Aklan
 Bariw Festival
 Kali-Ugyon Festival
 Piña and Fiber Festival
 Ati-Atihan Festival

Aklan Culture
Native beliefs about Aswang and the Babaylan are still prevalent among the people.
Kulam and witchcraft, locally known as “Amulit” is still feared by many residents.
Aklan Famous Foods and Delicacies
 Inubaran at Binakol na manok
 Kinilaw na Hipon
 Bangus Curdon Blue
 Cassava Pitchi-pitchi
 Bicho-bicho
 Ubod Atchara
 Kinilaw na Isda

Aklan Famous People

 Max Collins
 Christian Tio
 Michelle Braun
 Ángelo Fernández
 Ernesro Billiones

Antique

 Capital is San Jose de Buenavista

 Known as the “Where Mountains meet the Sea and the Gemstone Country
 They have their own distinct language called “Kinaray-a”
 Located in the western portion of panay island and boarders of Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo to
the cast whilst facing the Sulu Sea to the west.
 Antique has 18 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 590.

The province was known at that time as Hantík, the local name for the large black ants
found on the island. The Spanish chroniclers, influenced by the French, recorded the region's
name as ”Hantique” with the (silent ‘h’). The locals then pronounced the name into its present
name “Antique”.
Legend of Maragtas
 They are about the ten datus or chiefs who escaped the tyranny of Datu Makatunaw of
Borneo and immigrated to the island of Panay.

Three Rice Terraces

 Lublub Rice Terraces
 Baking Rice Terraces
 San Agustin Rice Terraces

Economy of Aklan

Major Industries Products

Agriculture Coal
Tourism Copper
Fishing Palay
Coconut Plantation Sugarcane
Jewelry Making Coconut

Tourist Destinations
 Kawa Bath in Antique
 Bugtong bato falls
 Seco Island
 Bugang River
 Caluya Island
 Malalison Island
 Anini-y Church
 Sira-An Hot Spring
 Rafflesia (Corpse Flower)

Festival in Antique
 Binirayan Festival
 Tiringbanay Festival
  Banigan Festival
 Tugbong Festival
 Tatusan Festival
 Patuyaw Festival
 Madia-as Festival
 Maninihon Festival
 Batabat Festival

Famous People in Antique

 Megan Young
 Lauren Young
 Lauren Legarda
 Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
 Jerry Navarro-Elizalde

Famous Food and Delicacies

 Porbida
 Carne Frita
 Ginat-an nga dagmay
 Sisig Pusit
 Nalupe
 Halo-halo sa buco
 Butong-butong

Capiz
 Capital is Roxas City
 Sea food Capital of the Philippines
 Birthplace of former Pres. Manuel Roxas
 They have their own distinct language called “Capiznon or Capiceño and
Hiligaynon”
 Placuna Placenta Oyster Shell
  Capiz has 16 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 473.

Geography
Located in the northeastern portion of panay island bordering Aklan, and Antique to the
west and Iloilo to the south Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the North.

Capiz Culture
Capiz is one of the places in the Philippines that contributed a lot in Philippine folk
dancing. The province alone has 19 Visayan folk dances such as "Tinolabong", "Gayong-
gayong", "Timawa", Dagit-dagit", "Beneracion", "Tatay Meroy Cariñosa", "Pukol", "Habanera
Capiceña", "Cabatingan", "Saad", "Pitik Mingaw", "Kuratsa Capiceña", and "Palomita
Coquitana" to name a few.

Brilliant Capiz Shell

Capiz is known for the brilliant shell produced here, it is used in making windows,
lanterns, decorations, vases, etc. The Capiz shell has a luster similar to mother of pearl shells.

Capiz Industry and Culture

 Palay
 Sugarcane
 Coconut
 Corn
 Banana
Capiz Beliefs
Known as the Home of Aswang and Supernatural Beliefs

Tungkung Langit is the god of the sky who brings famine, drought, storms, and floods.
Lulid-Batang is the god of the earth, responsible for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Linting Habughabug is the god of lightning, whose look kills people and who shouts in anger.
Launsina is the goddess of the sun, moon, stars, and seas, and the most beloved because people
seek forgiveness from her.
Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan is the goddess of greed to whom people pray when they
want to get rich.
Saragnayan, the god of darkness, has the power to replace brightness with darkness. 
Capiz Beliefs
Lubay-lubyuk Hanginun si Mahuyuk-huyukun, the goddess of the evening breeze, cools
people, especially during the summer. 
Suklang Malayun is the guardian of happy homes.
Maklilum-sa-twan the god of the plains and valleys.
tamawu/ taglugar (yanggaw) -which are spirits that can be either friendly or evil.
 palhi are evil spirits.
aswang is a man-eating person.
gabunan is an aswang which flies in the form of a huge bat of which there are various
kinds: tiktik, kabug, and wakwak. The tiktik is a bird that eats human liver. The wakwak,
unlike the aswang, prefers to eat dead persons. The bagat, usually in the form of a huge dog
or some grotesque creature, preys on lone travelers. The sigbin, also a dog, preys on people
at noontime. The bawa looks like a big hen, but it can easily snap its victim’s neck.
The kama-kama are dwarfs living in earth mounds, and are lazy and fun loving.
Capiz Beliefs
The dwindi (from Span. duende) is a dwarf residing in a mound of earth.
The lulid sa bungsud has a big head, but a small torso and limbs. One who disturbs the
mound where it resides falls ill.
The agta is a very dark, hairy person living in the forest. Although a trickster, it is helpful to
people.
The amamanhig is a dead person who has returned to life and simply echoes everything that
mortals say; it has lost the power to think.
Hiwit or barang is a ritual that gives one the power to inflict pain on an enemy.
Belief in the power of the babaylan ‘priest’ or ‘priestess’ has not completely disappeared either,
although their number has dwindled.

Capiz Famous Tourist Spots

 Roxas Historical Shrine
  Santa Monica Parish Church
 Ang Panubli-on Museum
 Mantalinga Island
 People’s Park (La Playa de Roxas)
 Pangilatan Falls
 Balisong Cave
 Suhot Cave and Spring
 Moro Tower

Festivals
 Sinadya sa Halaran
 Pangahaw Festival
 Guyum-guyuman Festival
 Tagbuan Festival
 Talahong Festival
 Aswang Festival

Famous People in Capiz

 President Manuel Roxas
 Mar Roxas
 Gina Alajar
 Vicki Belo
 Maria Margarita Moran
 Luis Manzano
 Edu Manzano
 Kara David

Famous Food and Delicacies

 Dried Fish
 Puto-maya
  Pinasugbo
 Oyster
 Lobster
 Crabs
 Barquillos

Guimaras
 Capital is Jordan
 “Mango Capital of the Philippines”
 “Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon” was their local dialect
 Smallest province in the Region 6. Its island is in Panay Gulf, between the island of
Panay and Negros to the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros
Occidental.
 Guimaras has 5 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 98.

History
Guimaras is an exotic island blessed with captivating beaches, falls, springs, and
offshore islets which attract both foreign and local tourists. The island of Guimaras or formerly
known as “Himal-Us” was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A 7160 it was
proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992.

Economy and Industry

- Agriculture: Palay, Coconuts, Livestock, Poultry, Fishing and Mangoes.
- Major Industry: Tourism, Fruit Processing, Coconut Processing, Fish Farming, Mining
and Handicrafts.

Guimaras Oil Spill

- The worst oil spill in the Country’s history.
 - Panay Gulf on August 11, 2006, when the oil tanker MT Solar1 Sank off the coast of
Guimaras.
- 2 million liters of bunker fuel (500,000 pour into the gulf, 1.5 million litersremain inside
the tanker)
- Affected the Marine sanctuaries and mangrove reserves in the three out of five
municipalities in Guimaras.
- 1,100 hectares of mangroves (Taklong Island)

Manggahan Festival
- Celebrated every May 22
-Declared as the Sweetest Mango by Guinness World Record in 1995

Famous Tourist Spots

 Baras Cave, Jordan
 Guisi Lighthouse
 Guisi Beach
 Sadsad Waterfalls
 San Lorenzo Windmill Farm
 Tatlong Pulo Beach
 Navalas Church

Famous Food and Delicacies

 Mango Bibingka
 Banana Chips and Fries
 Mango sauce and Mango Ketchup
 Mango Beer
 Mango Beef Bulalo
 Dried Mango and Jam

Iloilo
  Capital is Iloilo City
 “The Basket and Rice Granary of Western Visayas”
 “Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon, Capiznon and Ati” was their local dialect
 Southeast coast is the island province of Guimaras across Panay gulf and Guimaras strait
is Negros Occidental, occupying the northwestern half of the larger island of negros.
 Iloilo City known also as “The Heart of the Philippines”
 Iloilo has 42 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 1901.

History
ILOILO takes its name from Irong-Irong means “a tongue of land that sticks out like a
nose on the south of Iloilo River”.

The Maragtas Legend tells the story of Iloilo way back in the 13th century, when Datu Puti
and his fellow Datus, fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunao of Borneo and landed at the
mouth of the Siwaragan River, now known as the town of San Joaquin, and eventually settled
there.

As early as 1855, Iloilo opened to the world of trade and became the biggest port in the
Philippines and premier province of the country because of various economic activities.
Municipio de Iloilo became a city under the Becerra Law in 1893.

Economy and Industry

- Agriculture: Province of Iloilo is the major source of palay in the region accounting to
42% of the total regional rice production followed by the provinces of Negros Occidental
and Capiz with 21% and 16% respectively.
- Major Industry: Tourism, Farming and Fishing.

Festivities in Iloilo
Dinagyang Festival
• Dinagyang was also voted as the Best Tourism event three times in a row.
• The most awarded festival in the country.
• “Queen of all festivals" in the Philippines

Binanog Festival
• Binanog Festival that focuses on the traditions, culture and background of the Panay
Bukidnon.
• celebrated by the Lambunaonos every January in honor of infant Jesus.
• “Binanog” means a pool of dance by the people in hinterland of Lambunao.

Carabao Carroza Festival

• Celebrating on 3rd of May since 1973 in Pavia, Iloilo.
• This festival consist of 3 events, Carabao Carroza Parade, Carabao Carroza Race and
Carabao Carozza Queen.
• The celebrate their Agricultural Farmland Tradition.

Leganes Saad Festival

• Saad Festival is a religious fiesta aimed at honoring San Vicente Ferrer and as a venue to
enrich the culture and spiritual heritage of Leganes. It came from the word, “saad”, a
Hiligaynon term which means “a vow”

Jimanban Festival
• an agro-industrial festival.
• Jimanban was derived from the word “nagapanghimanban” or to clear the place of
banban grass in preparation for planting palay.
• Lucena came from the dialect Lu from ulo which means “head” and Cena a shortened
version of the flower Azucena known to be abundant during that time. Lucena means
pure and peaceful leader or head.
Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival
• celebrated annually with a combination of Catholic Christian and indigenous religious
beliefs.
• Hirinugyaw is from a Hiligaynon word hugyaw that means to cheer.
• it anchors on the religious aspect; the Holy Child Jesus is honoured in thunderous
drumbeats and colorful costumes. Dancers move out in fast-paced, rhythmic steps, with
voluble shouts of joy.

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival
• The Kasadyahan is a cultural dance parade and contest held on a Saturday before the Ati
competition of the Dinagyang Festival. It has become a major cultural event that has a
soul of its own, completely distinct from that of Ati-based performances. It focuses on
celebrating the goodness of the Creator for the bounties given the Western Visayans
through a grand dancing parade filled with color and grace.

Iloilo Famous Tourist Spots

 Miag-ao Church
 Molo Church
 Cabatuan Church
 San Jose Church
 Passi City Church
 Old Capitol of Iloilo
 Bucari Area
 Pulabog Putian National Park
 Islas de Gigantes
The Gigantes group used to be called Sabuluag, or Salauag, which is the name of a
species of tree endemic to the islands. During the Spanish colonial era, the name was changed to
Gigantes. Local legend describes coffins found inside Bakwitan Cave that contained gigantic sets
of human bones, which constituted the name change. For this reason, locals also believe the
island is inhabited by engkantos.
  Santa Barbara Church
 Calle Real Heritage District
 Iloilo River Esplanade
 Iloilo Golf and Country Club

Famous People in Iloilo

 Barreto Sisters (Marjorie, Claudine, Gretchen)
 Lea Salonga
 Billy Crawford
 Dindong Dantes
 Carla abellana
 Sen. Miriam Depensor Santiago
 Karen davella
 Jose Marie Chan
 Sunshine Cruz
 Dawn Zulueta
 James Yap
 Sen. Grace Poe

Famous Food and Delicacies

 Talaba paired with Sinamak
 KBL Iloilo
 Imbao
 Daraag
 Managat Fish
 La paz batchoy
 Pancit Molo
 Biscocho
 Negros Occidental

 Capital is Bacolod
 “Sugarbowl of the Philippines”
 “Hiligaynon” was their primary spoken language.
 Fourth Largest Island in the Philippines.
 Negros Occidental faces the island province of Iloilo Panay Island to the Northwest
across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait.
 Negros Occidental has 19 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province
is 662.

History
Negros was originally known to the native as “Buglas” meaning “Cut Off” in old
Hiligaynon. When the Spaniards arrived in April 1565, they named it “Negros” because of the
dark-skinned natives they found.
Ilog was the first Capital in 1743, in 1849 it became Bacolod.

Economy and Industry

- Sugar Industry is the lifeblood of the economy in Negros Occidental.
- Victorias Mill in Victoria City is the largest sugar mill in the country and the world’s
largest integrated sugar mill and refinery.
- Fishing Industry is found Cadiz City.
- Largest Copper mines is located in Sipalay City, Suspended in 2000.
- Bacolod is the center of commerce and finance.
- By 2014, Negros Occidental is the province with highest income in all of the Philippines,
with P3.332 billion.

Culture and Traditions

- The indigenous religion long gave way to Roman Catholicism as the dominant religion.
The people of Negros Occidental value hospitality, family, humor and hard work.
 - When a family cooks a special meal, they share a bit of it with their neighbors.
- Cockfighting is a big sport in Negros Occidental and is one of the industries that have
helped the area diversify.
- On Christmas Eve, it is customary to eat bread that is spread with one of many different
toppings and drink soft drinks.
- It is customary to stay home on New Year's Day and avoid any shopping.
- the first 12 days of the new year are believed to represent the months of the coming year.
The weather on each of the first 12 days presages the weather for the corresponding
month.

Angry Christ Mural (1950)

- The 60-square-meter mural was painted by Philippine-born American artist, Alfonso
Ossorio. The mural is Ossorio's interpretation of The Last Judgment. It features Jesus
Christ (God the Son) with hands outstretched being supported by the hands of God the
Father, represented by two giant, red-orange hands.

Mang-Aso falls, Kabankalan

- Mag-Aso falls is located in Barangay Oringao, in the city of Kabankalan, in Negros
Occidental. The waterfalls’ name, Mag-Aso, originated from the hiligaynon word, aso’.
Which actually means smoke. Wondering why smoke? It is because the twin falls, with
the height of eight meters, create smoke after it falls.  Its powdery blue waters is one of
the major reasons why a lot of people have started to take notice of it.

The Ruins
- Build in 1900s. It is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don
Mariano Ledesma Lacson and his wife Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga Lacson. It is
nicknamed as the Taj Mahal of Negros because of its history of love and tragedy that is
similar to that of the Taj Mahal.

Mt. Kanlaon
 - In the Visayan language, Kan-Laon means "One Who Is the Ruler of Time." Kanlaon
Volcano is the largest active stratovolcano in the Philippines and highest peak in the
Visayas region, specifically Negros, where it is situated.

San Sebastian Cathedral

Originally a church founded by Bishop Mariano Cuatero. Made with Cornerstone. Laid
on April 27, 1676 and it was inaugurated on January 20, 1882. It became a Cathedral on June 23
1933.

Al Cinco de Noviembre
Every November 5 is celebrated as Negros Day and it is a non-working holiday in the
province of Negros Occidental by virtue of Republic Act 6709 which took effect in February 10,
1989. Popularly known as Al Cinco de Noviembre, this day is celebrated to commemorate the
Negrenses’ revolt against the Spanish colonizers on November 5, 1898. The uprising led to the
surrender of the Spanish troops in the province and the establishment of the short-lived Negros
Republic reuniting Negros Occidental and Oriental.

Manjuyod Sandbar
- a narrow seven-kilometer strip of white beach sand.
- Tag as The Maldives of the Philippines.
- Only appears during low tide and gets submerged on high tide.
- Also known as the Sumapao Shoal, Manjuyod Sandbar is an island at the North Bais Bay
in the Tañon Strait with so much tourism potential. One famous thing to do is the dolphin
and whale watching at the sandbar, which is a major stopover of tourists who are fond of
this activity.

Mambunkal Mountain Resort

- Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927,
the resort started as a bathhouse and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses
and their guests. Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to
Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
Festivals in Negros Occidental
 Panaad sa Negros
 Masskara Festival
 Sinulog sa Kabankalan
 Dinagsa Festival

Famous Food and Delicacies Famous People in Negros Occidental

 Piaya Susan Roces
 Napoleones Joel Torres
 Puto bungbong Elizabeth Ramsey
 Kwakoy Ronnie Lazaro
 Kalamay Hati Allan K.
 Buco Bibingka Leandro Locsin
 Puto Manapla Kuh Ledesma
 Bandi Christian Vasquez
 Ginamos
 Kansi
 Dried Seafoods
 Chicken Inasal
 Seafoods