About Visayas

The VISAYAS is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Mindanao and Luzon. It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea. It’s population are referred to as the Visayans.
The major islands of the VISAYAS are Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. The region may also include the islands of Romblon and Masbate, whose population identify as Visayan.
Administratively, the VISAYAS is divided into 3 regions, namely Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. Each region is headed by a Regional Director who is elected from a pool of governors from the different provinces in each region.
The Visayas is composed of 16 provinces, each headed by a Governor. A governor is elected by popular vote and can serve a maximum of three terms consisting of three years each. As for representation in the Philippine Congress, the Visayas is represented by 44 Congressmen elected in the same manner as the governors.
Western Visayas (Region VI) consists of the islands of Panay and the western half of Negros. The regional center is Iloilo City. Its provinces are:
- Aklan
- Antique
- Capiz
- Guimaras
- Iloilo
- Negros Occidental
Central Visayas (Region VII) includes the islands of Cebu and Bohol, and the eastern half of Negros. The regional center is Cebu City. Its provinces are:
- Bohol
- Cebu
- Negros Oriental
- Siquijor
Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) consists of the islands of Samar and Leyte. The regional center is Tacloban City. Its provinces are:
- Biliran
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Eastern Samar
- Northern Samar
- Samar
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