Chapter 6 Western Visayas

Western Visayas, one of the regions of the Philippines, is designated as Region VI. It consists of six provinces; Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo and 16 cities making it the region with the highest number of cities. Iloilo City is the regional center.^[1]

Western Visayas is composed of six provinces and the highly urbanized cities of Bacolod and Iloilo.

The Region has a total land area of 20,223.2 sq km, which is approximately 6.74 percent of the total land area of the Philippines. Forty-three percent of the region's land resources is devoted to agricultural purposes. Sugar cane covers the majority of area in Negros Occidental and rainfed or irrigated palay in Panay. The region's fishing grounds produce a large variety of marine, fishery and aquaculture products. It is one of the country's major exporters of prawn, tuna, and other fish products.

Western Visayas is rich in mineral and non-mineral resources. Metallic ore reserves found in the region include primary copper, iron (lump ore) and pyrite. The region is a good place for investment. Its foremost resource is its rich, fertile soil which can grow a wide variety and abundant supply of agricultural crops throughout the year.
Natural attractions like Boracay and Guimaras Islands make the region a major tourist destination. Its rich cultural heritage provides a microcosm of Philippine culture and heritage.

The region's ports and airports are well-kept to facilitate and accommodate the inflow and outflow of commodities in the region. The deep natural harbor in the city of Iloilo has the potential of becoming a major gateway for the region's produce.

The region's skilled manpower resource is also due of its greatest potential. With proper training and capability building, the people of the region can pave the way for the industrial growth and expansion of Western Visayas.