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.HISTORY OF AKLAN

Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas. Its capital is kalibo. It is located at the northwest portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique Province to the southwest, and Capiz Province to the east. Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon Province to the north.

Aklan is considered to be the oldest province in the country and is believed to have been established in the 12th century by settlers from borneo ruled by the chieftain Datu Dinagandan which traded with its neighbouring islands.

Towards the end of the 14th century, Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from what is now Batan. In 1433, Datu Kalantiaw's grandson and successor, Datu Kalantaw III, was said to have formulated a set of laws known today as the code of kalintaw. Well respected scholarly long-term Philippine resident historian William Henry Scott, proved these "laws" to be a total fabrication. In 1437, the short-lived dynasty of Datu Kalantiaw ended when Datu Kalantiaw III was killed in battle with the tribes of Datu Manduyog, the legitimate successor of Datu Dinagandan. When Datu Manduyog became the new chieftain, he moved the capital to Bakan (now known as Banga).

Several datus succeeded Datu Manduyog until the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi landed in Batan in 1565 and claimed the island for Spain. Datu Kabanyag was the chieftain at that period and had his capital in Libacao.

In 1942, the Japanese invaded Aklan during World War II and in 1945, combined Filipino and American army along with Filipino guerrillas liberated Aklan during the war in the Pacific.

Aklan finally became a separate province through Republic Act No. 1414 signed by President Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, separating Aklan from Capiz. The original towns were Altavas, Balete, Batan, Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Malay, Makato, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan, then all part of the province of Kalibo.

This law was authored by Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos and the province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956. Ramos became the first congressman of Aklan, he was succeeded by José B. Legaspi. The third congressman, serving until the declaration of martial law in 1972, was Rafael B. Legaspi. José Raz Menez was appointed the first governor of Aklan by President Magsaysay and he served until December 30, 1959. In 1960, Godofredo P. Ramos became the first elected governor but upon resigning to run for Congress he was succeeded by the vice governor, Virgilio S. Patricio. In 1964, José B. Legaspi succeeded Patricio and he held office for two consecutive terms from 1964 to 1971.

HISTORY OF ANTIQUE

Antique  is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is San Jose and is located at the western portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo to the east. Antique faces the Sulu Sea to the west.

Antique was one of the three old sakups (districts) of Panay before the Spanishcolonizers arrived in the islands. The Antique was then known as Hantik, which was named after the large red ants found on the island, called hantik. The Spanish chroniclers, however, recorded it as "Hantique" in the French manner. Later, the initial "h" was dropped, and the name officially became "Antique." Unlike the English term "antique", the province is pronounced "ahn-tee-keh."

According to the tales of the Maragtas, Antique once enjoyed primacy among the realms carved out in Panay by the 10 Bornean datu (chieftains), who, fleeing from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw of Borneo, bought the island from the Ati King Marikudo and established the sakup of Hamtik, Aklan, and Irong-irong. The datu supposedly landed in Malandog, Hamtik, where a marker commemorates the event which is reenacted in the Binirayan (literally, "place where the boats landed") Festival. In Hamtik ruled the wisest among the chieftains, Datu Sumakwel, whom Datu Puti designated as the primus inter pares among the seven remaining datu who formed the confederation of the Madya-as. 

In Spanish times, Antique was administered from Iloilo, and remained a backwater of the colony.  When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi transferred his headquarters from Cebu to  Panay, his men came upon the village of Bugasong and Hamtik.  Encomiendas were established in Pandan and Hamtik in the 1570s. By 1581, the Augustinians set up a mission in Hamtik, establishing the first parish in Antique.  This was followed by Barbaza, 1596, San Jose de Buenavista, 1733, Bugasong, 1742, San Pedro, 1744, Sibalom, 1745, Pandan, 1752, Patnongon, 1761, Dao, 1771, and Culasi, 1773. In the 1660s,Antique belonged to Ogtong, one of the two provinces carved out from the island, the other being Panay. In 1793 Antique became a separate province. 

The Antiqueños did not welcome the Spanish rule. The natives, called mundo and cascado, refused to live in the cabeceras or town centers, a problem that occasional Muslim raids along coastal towns did not help relieve. In 1828, secular priests participated in serious revolt launched againsts the alcalde mayor, Don Francisco  Oreta, which ended when he was replaced by Don Benito Domingo.  In 1888, the Igbaong, secret organization in San Remigio led by Gregoria Palmero revolted against abuses by Spanish officials and Augustinian clergy. It was pacified only seven years later. 

When the revolutionary movement was launched, Panay became an active area for katipunan recruitment.  On 21 Sept 1898, Gen Leandro Fullon landed in Inayawan, Pandan and captured the town, holding the parish priest captives.  The following day, Fullon and his army landed in Culasi, forcing the Spaniards to withdraw to Tibiao. The Filipino soldiers under Spanish command mutinied and placed themselves under the command of Fullon.  A week later, the forces of Fullon clashed  with Spanish troops in Bugasong in a battle that momentarily stopped Fullon's succesful southern campaign.  Fullon retreated to Culasi.  Spanish success was short-lived, however, as another Filipino mutiny decimated the Spanish officers. By 23 November that year, Filipino revolutionaries had taken San Jose de Buenavista. Fullon then became Antique governor. 

During the Philippine-American War, the Americans did not land a force in Hamtik, until January 1900.  Not long after the revolutionary forces under Fullon were forced to shift to guerilla warfare. Fullon held out until 22 Mar 1901, when he surrendered to the Americans. In April the civil government was established and Fullon was elected governor. A lasting legacy of the revolution to antique is Iglesia Filipina Independiente, which was founded by Gregorio Aglipay, Gen Emilio Aguinaldo's Military Vicar General, and labor leader Isabelo de los Reyes. Next to Ilocos, Antique has the greatest number of Aglipayans. 

HISTORY OF CAPIZ

Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at 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 is known for its mother-of-pearl shells that have the same name and are used for decoration, making lampshades, trays, window doors. Capiz is also known for a popular local myth of Aswang, a generic name for ghosts, monsters and witches.

The Diocese of Capiz was created on January 27, 1951 and was elevated to an archdiocese on January 17, 1976.  It now comprises the civil province of Capiz and Roxas City and has Kalibo and Romblon as suffragans. Capiz has a population of 652,809, of which 90 per cent are Catholics.  

Capiz is one of the provinces on the island of Panay. It is part of a group of provinces forming the Western Visayas group now comprising Region VII. On Panay Island, Capiz is bounded on the south and on the east by the province of Iloilo, on the west by Antique, on the northwest by Aklan and on the north by the Sibuyan 

The early history of Capiz is closely associated with that of Aklan.  Both were called Aklan under Datu Bankaya who, with ten other datus from Borneo settled in Panay in the 13th century. Aklan was ruled by the descendants of Bankaya until the Spaniards arrived in 1569. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi is reported to have established a settlement in Capiz and made it an independent encomienda.

The entire island of Panay was under the leadership of Datu Sumakwel who is remembered in Philippine history as the wisest of the group of datus from Borneo who bought the lowlands with gold from the Negritos. The so called Code of Kalantiaw, a code of laws in pre-Spanish times, also originated from Panay, presumably made by Datu Kalantiaw, descendant of Sumakwel.

The separation of Aklan from Capiz took place in 1956. Today Capiz is a prosperous province with an oversupply of rice, enough sugar production, and more than enough fish harvested from its 80-kilometer coastline. Most of the inhabitants speak Hiligaynon, a kind of Visayan with a distinct accent.

Since the creation of the Archdiocese of Capiz, no synod has as yet been convened. However, there have been seminars in the vicarial and parochial levels, participated in by all priests and parish leaders. They attend workshops and lectures on communication skills, human dignity, the Church, liturgy, Christian education, social action, Scriptural experience and Church finance. A monitoring team has been assigned to the four vicariates to help their parishes implement their pastoral programs.

In the seminars, which the archbishop himself initiates, updating and renewal in the faith are emphasized.  Sacred Scriptures are being presented as an all-important factor in the renewal and maturing of the faith. The documents of Vatican II, the Code of Canon Law, tile pronouncements of the Holy Father and the pastoral letters of the CBCP, most specially the documents and decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, are given the importance due them and are disseminated among the clergy and laity.

Decrees, encyclicals, exhortations coming from the Vatican, and pastoral letters and guidelines from the CBCP are reprinted and translated into the local dialect for distribution to all priests for further dissemination to the laity.

There are 85 priests and 54 religious sisters ministering to the needs of the 22 parishes, 1 quasi-parish and 4 chaplaincy. Catholic institutions in the archdiocese, aside from a seminary and Catholic schools, include an orphanage, a home for the aged, and a hospital. The number of BEC’s and faith communities has now come up to 763.

HISTORY OF GUIMARAZ

Guimaras is an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Among the smallest provinces, its capital is Jordan. The island is located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental.

The province includes the islands of Guimaras and Inampulugan and many smaller islands.

Guimaras was a sub-province of Iloilo until it was made an independent province on May 22, 1992.

An account by Demy Sonza, a noted Ilonggo historian says that archeologists believed that Guimaras Island was once a part of the Panay Island. Geologically speaking, the two islands are of the same age. Insofar as available historical documents can attest, the Pre-Spanish Ilonggos knew Guimaras as Himal-us. During the Spanish Era, the beautiful sceneries in the island struck the Spaniards headed by Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa who established the Spanish settlement in Arevalo. The verdant mountains of the island were covered with forest timbers for building purposes. The island is rich in limestone and has also has excellent hunting and fishing grounds.

The Christianization of the people of Guimaras started almost simultaneously with that of Iloilo. For this purpose, the Spaniards organized the pueblocitos or villages of Nayup with San Pedro Apostol as the patron saint and Igang whose patron saint was Santa Ana. For a long time, these small villages formed a “visita” of Oton, Iloilo. The Governor at that time, General Dasmariñas reported to the King of Spain on June 20, 1551 and that one of the two friars of Oton was assigned to Guimaras who made his visits from time to time.

According to Don Pedro Armengol, an Ambasador of Spain wrote that a Spanish missionary may have named the island after a peninsula in Portugal called Guimaraes, or from names of places in Spain such as Guimaran in the provinces of Leon and Galeria, Guimera in Catalonia, Gomera in the Canary Islands, and Guimaras in another province.

In 1742, the island fell under the jurisdiction of Dumangas until 1751 when the Jesuits replaced the Augustinian Order. Then the Dominicans took over Guimaras. By 1755, it was organized into a regular parish. Finally, when the population had increased considerably, the island was given its municipal status with a seat of government at Tilad, now Buenavista. The old town site was in the place known today as Old Poblacion.

The American regime brought more rapid progress to the island. In 1908, Guimarasnons were given the right to elect their municipal president. One great American left an indelible mark in the island, Douglas MacArthur, fresh from West Point as a Second Lieutenant at the age of 23, came to Iloilo as the head of the company of Corps of Engineers. They constructed roads and the Sto. Rosario Wharf, presently named as McArthur’s Wharf, which are still in use today.

Guimaras first gained status as a Sub province of Iloilo by virtue of RA 4667, which was enacted by Congress on June 18, 1966. Prior to 1966, the three municipalities: Jordan, Buenavista and Nueva Valencia comprising the island were part of the 2nd congressional district of Iloilo. Despite its apparent nearness to Iloilo City, Guimaras’ municipalities lagged behind in development.

Thus, in 18 June 1966, RA 4667 was passed creating the sub – province of Guimaras in the Province of Iloilo was passed. The sub – province was established to provide an apprenticeship for self government for the people and its leaders. Once this capacity is achieved, Guimaras is expected to graduate to a regular provincial status.

Then Nueva Valencia Vice Mayor Antonio Ortiz was appointed as the first chief executive of the sub – province. The title of the position was then Lt. Governor. Three years later, RA 5682 was passed changing the position title of Lt. Governor to Governor. Governor Ortiz continued to serve his provincemates until his death in 1984.

By then the country has been under martial law for about a dozen years. No democratic elections were held during the period, and no election was expected in the foreseeable days. Gov. Ortiz was succeeded by an appointee of Malacanang in the person of Mr. Leopoldo Locsin. There was hardly any activity towards Guimaras provincehood as intended by the RA which created the sub – province.

Then, in February of 1988, following a quick succession of events resulting from the lifting of martial rule, Dr. Catalino G. Nava assumed office as governor of the sub-province. It was the period of great changes. The 14-year military rule (martial law) was just lifted; we had a new president and a new constitution. With such a mandate, Dr. Nava immediately set forth to put in place his campaign promise that was to make Guimaras a full fledged and independent province.

Barely half a year in office, Gov. Nava was able to convince his colleagues of the necessity of creating an independent Province of Guimaras, and that a Resolution was passed by the League of Provinces supporting the move. A separate resolution of the same nature was handed in by the league of vice governors and vice mayors in July 1988, this time through the efforts of then vice governor Cesar Galila.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) through Resolution No. 14, s 1988, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Iloilo through Resolution No. 146 s. 1988, Provincial Development Council (PDC) Guimaras through Resolutions No. 3 and 10, s 1988, and Municipal Development Council (MDC) Resolutions (Jordan, Nueva Valencia and Buenavista).

But it took more than resolutions to get the movement to full throttle. Negotiations with the late Cong. Monfort were made to sponsor a bill in Congress. Similar efforts for a parallel move in the senate with the office Sen. Guingona were initiated. Then we got news that both chambers were soliciting inputs for a Local Government Code which was being framed. Representations were made with the offices of Rep. Herminio Aquino and Rep. Hilario de Pedro, as well as that of Senator Pimentel, then the chair of the Senate Committee on Local Governments.

Gov. Nava authorized Board member Bonilla to invite the members of the committee to have a dialogue with Guimarasnons. As a result, Senator Pimentel visited Guimaras and held a consultation at the Barangay Training Center. BM Bonilla also gave inputs on how Section 462 of the Local Government Code would be worded.

With the passage of the LGC, the task shifted to a campaign for a YES vote in the plebiscite to be conducted for Guimaras provincehood. Guimaras was then proclaimed as a regular and full-fledged province on May 22, 1992 after a plebiscite was conducted to ratify the approval of its conversion pursuant to Section 462 of RA 7160. Shortly after Guimaras acquired provincial status, President Fidel V. Ramos appointed Emily Relucio – Lopez as its first Provincial Governor.

In 1995, by virtue of RA 7896 and RA 7897, the municipalities of Sibunag and San Lorenzo were created respectively. The two new municipalities acquired their municipal status after May 8, 1995 plebiscite held simultaneously with the local election.

HISTORY OF ILO-ILO

Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province, once part of Iloilo Province but now a province in its own right. Across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental. Iloilo's capital is Iloilo City.

It becomes easier for one to admire and respect the culture of a people if one understands their background, so a little background info on the history of Iloilo will be a plus when you go to the province.

There is no debate concerning the fact that the history of Iloilo began long before the arrival of the Spaniards, and that there were several tribes and indigenous peoples living and thriving there. Unfortunately, very little is known about them due to several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they left very little in the way of written facts. The beliefs, practices and way of life of the peoples were transmitted by word of mouth.

There were also a few instances wherein some facts were inscribed, but they were done so on leaves, which do not last long and can no longer provide information on the early history of Iloilo.

However, from the advent of the Spaniards, the history of Iloilo is well known. The conquistadors first settled at Ogtong in the year 1566. However, the Spaniards could not stay there for long; being on the coastline it was subject to frequent raids and attacks from pirates as well as the Dutch and Moro. Due to these circumstances the Spaniards moved to La Villa Rica de Arevalo. Again this site became a target for the privateers, so the settlement was moved further along a river, which would eventually become Iloilo City.

From that point on, the history of Iloilo was marked by the occupation and influence of the Spaniards, until the Americans came and took over. In 1941, the Japanese invaded the Philippines, and among the provinces that were heavily hit and subject to their occupation was Iloilo. For three years the people of the province waged a campaign to battle the invaders, using guerrilla tactics, and helped the Allied Forces liberate the province in 1945.

Ever since the end of the war, the history of Iloilo has been marked by continued economic progress, with several thriving industries and businesses. The tourism sector is also booming, thanks to the many attractions to be found such as churches, beaches and more.

Given that not much of the early history of Iloilo is known, it is little wonder that it continues to draw the interest of many history buffs and tourists as it adds one more interesting element to their journey to the province.

HISTORY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Negros Occidental (Filipino: Kanlurang Negros) is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Bacolod City and it occupies the northwestern half of Negros Island; Negros Oriental is at the southeastern half. Across the Panay Gulf and the Guimaras Strait to the northwest is the island-province ofGuimaras and the province of Iloilo on Panay island. Known as the "Sugarbowl of the Philippines", Negros Occidental produces more than half the nation's sugar output.

Negros Island was originally called "Buglas" - an old native word which is thought to mean "cut off". It is believed that Negros was once part of a greater mass of land but was cut off either by what geologists call a continental drift or by the rising waters during the so-called glacial age. Among its earliest inhabitants were dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group with their unique culture. Thus the Spaniards called the land "Negros" after the black natives whom they saw when they first came to the island in April 1565. Two of the earliest native settlements were Binalbagan and Ilog which later became towns in 1573 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now Himamaylan) and Candaguit.

After appointing encomenderos in the island, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi place Negros under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Oton in Panay. In 1734, however, the island became a military district and Ilog was made as its first capital. The seat of government was later transferred to Himamaylan and thereafter Bacolod became the capital in 1849.

The island remained a military district up to about the middle of 18th century. Then in 1865, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava.

Religious orders evangelized the province by turns: the Agustinians, the Recoletos, the Jesuits, the Dominicans, the Seculars and, again, the Recoletos returning in the 1800's.

The later half of the 18th century was a period of rapid economic expansion for Negros Occidental as evidenced by the growth of population resulting from the influx of immigrants coming from the neighboring provinces like Iloilo, Antique, Capiz and Cebu. They settled in districts sparsely inhabited in the past and this resulted to the establishments of new towns: Saravia, Valladolid and Escalante in 1860.

The major boom to the province at this time was the widespread cultivation of sugarcane and the opening of ports, like Iloilo and Cebu, to foreign commerce. In 1856, Negros Occidental produced only 4,000 piculs of sugar. This increased to 100,000 piculs in 1864 and 2,000,000 in 1893. The cultivation of sugarcane then spread to a larger scale and soon after Negros Occidental led other provinces in the production of sugar. Modern machines were also introduced at this time and by 1864, seven machines operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago.

During the last decade of the 18th century, several important events occurred in the history of Negros Occidental. One was the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province from Negros Oriental in 1890 and the other was when the Negrense revolutionary leaders joined the nationwide Katipunan Movement and overcame the Spanish garrison in the province in November 1898, when the Filipinos rose in arms against the Spanish rule. Following this was the arrival of the Americans in the province in May 1899. A civil government was established in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901.

The succeeding decades between 1901 to the 1930's were under the American occupation as with the rest of the country. Nonetheless, the economic growth continued especially with Philippine sugar having a part of the US market despite some accompanying socio-economic problems during these periods. When the Japanese landed in the province on May 21, 1942, civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental refused to surrender and instead organized a free government and guerilla movement in the province. They helped bring about the surrender of the Japanese forces in Negros in 1945.

The history of the province for the post World War II period has yet to be formally written. Suffice it to briefly note here that this was mainly a period of rehabilitation from the destruction of the war. With the sugar industry, the major pillar of the province's economy, as well as other areas being revived, consequent socio-economic growth in the province followed.

The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950's up to the 1980's depended, as before, mainly on the sugar industry. Producing annually about 60% of the country's sugar output, an expansion in the industry with the establishment of several new mills in the late 1960's spurred increased production. A downturn caused by the low world sugar prices in the mid-1970's was followed by possibly the worst industry and province-wide crisis starting in 1984 with the world sugar prices hitting rock bottom in 1985. The province was also hit by two destructive typhoons in 1984 after a serious drought in 1983.

A plebiscite based on a Batasang Pambansa Act was held on January 3, 1986 in the northern portion of Negros Occidental and split the province into two. Negros Occidental (mother province was left with three (3) cities and 18 municipalities while Negros del Norte (new province) had three (3) cities and eight (8) municipalities, starting from the City of Silay up to the northern tip, San Carlos City, including the new town of Don Salvador Benedicto. The creation of this new province was however opposed by the Negros Anti-Partition Movement and the Supreme Court declared the creation unconstitutional on July 11, 1986. On August 18, 1986, Negros del Norte was formally returned to Negros Occidental, thus making the province whole again.

The year 1985 also marked the period wherein Negros became known throughout the country and abroad as suffering from a historic socio-economic crisis. Various forms of international aid were sent to Negros and many Negrenses, national and foreign non-government and government organizations, responded in cooperation with the Philippine government to help the province cope with the crisis.

Towards the end of 1987, the rays of hope started to shine when the over-all economic situation showed a positive upturn. The campaign for agricultural diversification had been gaining momentum, paving the way for more landowners to invest in prawn farming and high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, livestock and other cash crops.

The upswing of investments became apparent by 1988. The participation of the industrial sector accelerated the consumer-led economic growth and development manifested by the increase in sales of consumer goods and by-products. Although the widespread benefits brought about by the positive changes in the socio-economic condition of the province have to be reliably quantified, there were clear signs of the economic recovery of Negros Occidental.

PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL SITES 

AKLAN
 

FREEDOM SHRINE, Kalibo
  - Dedicated to 19 brave martyrs of Aklan, who started th   revolution against ma Spain. (C)

KALANTIAW SHRINE, Kalibo
- Dedicated to Rajah Kalantiaw who is remembered for his discipline and famous code. (A)

ANTIQUE

MALANDOG MARKER, Hamtic
- Marks landing site of 1 first Malayan settlers around 1200A.D. (A)

OLD WATCHTOWER, Libertad
- Served to warn natives of approaching pirates. (A)

CAPIZ

ROXAS BIRTHPLACE, Roxas City
- The two story hardwood and stone house of Manuel A. Roxas, the last President of the Commonwealths and the first President of the Republic of the Philippines. (E)

GUIMARAS

MacArthur WHARF, Buenavista
- Formerly known as Buenavista Wharf and built by Douglas MacArthurin in 1903. (C)

ROCA ENCANTADA
- A summer house on a boulder by the sea, built by the Lopez family in 1910. (E)

ILOILO

FORT SAN PEDRO, lloilo City
- Built in early 1600's, the fort has suffered attacks by Dutch, British, American and Japanese Forces. (B)

ILOILO MUSEUM
- Showcases artifacts and ornaments of the pre-Spanish Era. (A)

JANIUAY CEMETERY, Iloilo City
– A famous Hispanic- Japanese Cemetery built of cut stone and fossil rock.

PLAZA LIBERTAD, Iloilo City
- Marks the spot where Spanish Forces surrendered their last capital in the islands to the forces of General Martin Delgado. (C)

BALAY NEGRENSE MUSEUM, Silay
- Showcases the rich and lavish Antillan past of the province. (B)

BERNARDINO JALANDONI MUSEUM, Silay
- Built in 1917, then later converted into a family museum. (D)

NEGROS OCCIDENTIAL

BALAY NEGRESE MUSEUM, Silay

Showcases the rich and lavish antillan past of the province.

CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SHRINES

AKLAN

PINK SISTERS CONVENT, New Washington
- The facade, corridors and nuns' habituate all pink.

ANTIQUE

OLD HISPANO-FILIPINO CHURCH, Anini-y 
- Massive white coral building and the oldest church in the province.

CAPIZ

PAN-AY CHURCH
- Site of the largest bell in Southeast Asia.

GUIMARAS

AVE MARIA SHRINE Balaan Bukid, Jordan
– A pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

CHAPEL OF CARTWHEELS, Manapla
– Constructed using old cartwheels and other farm implements.

OUR LADY OF PEACE, La Carlota
- A century-old church of Romanesque design.

CHAPEL OF SANTA CLARA
- Features a mosaic of the Virgin Mary made up of 95, 000 polished shells.

SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL, Bacolod
- Made of coral stones from Guimaras and completed in 1886.

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CHURCH, Victorias
- Contains the famous mural, The Angry Christ.

ILOILO

MIAG-AO CHURCH
- A fortress-like construction, one of the most imposing in the Philippines.

MOLO CHURCH
- A unique construction using coral blocks.

SAN JOAQUIN CHURCH
- Features a huge relief of the historic battle between Christians and Moors at Tetuan in Spain.

JARO CATHEDRAL
- Seat of the Jaro Archbishop, embracing Western Visayas

NATURAL SITES

AKLAN

BORACAY

an internationally known, world-class white-sand island-resort just offshore

ANTIQUE

MT. MADIA-AS

is the highest mountain on the island, a dormant volcano adorned with several lakes and more than a dozen waterfalls

CAPIZ

Baybay Beach,

Roxas City. 3 kilometers from city proper; clean black sand; beach houses.

Olutayan Island,

A 30-minute pumpboat ride from Banica Terminal, Roxas City. Crystal clear waters and multi-colored fishes; beach is carpeted with tiny crushed shells called cascaho.

GUIMARAZ

Daliran Cave in Guimaras

Daliran Cave is easily one of the most accessible caves in Guimaras. The hike towards the cave is fairly quick between 10-15 minutes. 

Guimaras Caves

Guimaras Island has wide assortment of caves that will tickle the fancy of spelunkers. Biri Cave Poblacion, Jordan, Guimaras The cave can be reached on the side of the mountain. You need to crawl through the low narrow entrance to get in.

ILO-ILO

Sicogon Island
A 1,104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island gradually sloping down to some 350 feet beyond the shoreline; 5 km. from the town proper of Estancia, 137 km. northeast of Iloilo City.

Isla de Gigantes
Where 15th century burial caves are still found. One cave has a stone elephant and a natural swimming pool; 12 km. east of Estancia.

Nadsadjan Falls
Located in Igbaras, 39.9 km. southwest of Iloilo City; a 100-foot high falls dropping on a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool.

Tinagong Dagat
A lake situated in a plateau surrounded by rolling hills of Lambunao, Iloilo; 73 km. north of Iloilo City.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Patag Valley Trekking (Silay City).
45 km. from Bacolod City; located 400 meters above sea level between the highlands of Mt. Silay and Mt. Marapara; home of the Philippines’ spotted deer; highlight of the visit is a skyline ride.

Danjugan Island (Cauayan).
177.5 km. from Bacolod City; 3 hectare reserve marine sanctuary, a virtual marine paradise to lovers of the underwater world.

Busac-Busac Spring (Hacienda Reboton, Bgy. Tinampa-an, Cadiz City).
Main source of potable water in Cadiz City.

Alinsiyawan Falls (Sitio Aglolo-od, Bgy. Palmpas, San Carlos City).
35 min. more or less by private vehicle and 1 hr. by public transport from Pamhawan proper direct to falls passing hacienda Euskara, Hacienda Neguri Pamhawan or Hacienda Basconia to Sitio Aglolo-od.

ABELARDO’S BEACH RESORT

ABELARDO’S BEACH RESORT

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 17 cities making it the region with the highest number of cities. Iloilo City is the regional center.

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.