Visayas

The Visayas is a geographic region of the Philippines, comprising a group of islands in the central part of the archipelago, between Luzon to the north and Mindanao to the south. It includes the major islands of Panay, Negros, Cebu, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Biliran, among others. For administrative purposes, the Visayas is divided into three regions: Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), and Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). Major urban centers include Iloilo City, Cebu City, and Tacloban City.

The region is linguistically diverse, with the Visayan language group dominating much of daily communication. This includes Cebuano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), and Waray-Waray, among others, alongside Filipino and English. The Visayas supports a variety of cultural traditions, festivals, crafts, and culinary practices, reflecting its many island communities.

Geographically, the Visayas features coastal plains, volcanic and limestone landscapes, and rich marine ecosystems. Its economy is anchored in agriculture and fishing, with sugar production prominent in Negros Occidental and coconut, rice, and other crops grown across the region. Tourism contributes significantly, with popular destinations such as Boracay in Aklan and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, as well as diverse island resorts, beaches, and historic towns.

Historically, the region has long been inhabited by Austronesian-speaking communities and played a central role in regional trade and contact with colonial powers. It became part of the broader Philippine nation under Spanish rule and continues to contribute to national culture, economy, and governance through its fisheries, industry, and tourism.