Western Visayas REGION 6

PROVINCES AKLAN ANTIQUE CAPIZ GUIMARAS ILOILO NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

AKLAN Capital: Kalibo

it is considered to be the oldest province in the country. The province of Aklan is designated as a first class province The province is known for its festivities which includes the Ati- atihan Festival in Kalibo. The province boasts high geographic diversity, ranging from white sandy beaches, mangroves and mountainous landscapes. Several endemic species in the Philippines are located in the province. Philippine Spotted Dear Visayan warty pig Tarictic Hornbill

Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island located one kilometre north from the tip of Panay. It is known for its white sandy beaches and is considered as one of the more prominent destinations in the Philippines. Natural attractions include Jawili Falls, a seven basin, tiered waterfall and Ignito Cave, locally known as the Elephant Cave. The Kalantiaw Shrine in Batan, which was once the seat of government of Rajah Bendahara Kalantiaw. Aklan depends greatly on agriculture. Palay is still the number one crop grown in the province.

ANTIQUE Capital:

Natural attractions include the Igpasungaw Falls in Sabaste, the Sira-an Hot Spring and Nogas Island in Anini-y. Mt. Madia-as in Culasi is filled with exotic plants and animals like rare orchids, wild deer, boar and cloud rats. Recreational activities include shell hunting, snorkeling, scuba diving and white water kayaking. Fiestas in Antique include the Biniyaran Festival held every late April to commemorate the first landing and settlement of 10 Malay Datus in the 13th Century.

CAPIZ Capital: Roxas City

Natural attractions include Pilar, Sulhot, Igang and Suhoton Caves. It is known as the birthplace of the first President of the Republic of the Philippines, Manuel Roxas. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”,. it is known for the brilliant Capiz shell produced here. Capiz is the center of myth of the Aswang. . Churches include the Pan-ay Church, which has the largest bell in Southeast Asia, measuring 7 feet in diameter and weighing at 10.4 tons. Natural attractions include Pilar, Sulhot, Igang and Suhoton Caves. Roxas City celebrates the 'Sinadya sa Halaran' or Harvest Festival.

Capiz is known for the brilliant Capiz 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. The province has an official hymn, "O, Capiz", written in Capiznon by Charmaine Ocbeña Guartero and adopted on June 23, 2006.

O Capiz by: by Charmaine Ocbeña Guartero and adopted on June 23, 2006

O, Capiz duog nga hamili Dunang manggad sang Dios pinili O, Capiz duog nga hamili Dunang manggad sang Dios pinili. Kadagatan mo kag kabukiran. Pagatatapon imong kabugana-an. Capiz matahum nga ngalan. Sa tagui-pusuon ikaw mapahamtang. Dumulu-ong ka, o Capizeño man ang kagayun. Sa gihapon, mahamutan. Koro: O, Capiz, Capiz Bisan diin kami padulong O, Capiz, Capiz Imo ngalan pagadal-on Capiz, probinsya nga pinasahi. Bilidhon ang mga palanubli-on Ipadayon, palig-unon, itib-ong Capiznon. Tanan, magahugpong. Koro Imo ngalan pagadal-on

ILOILO Capital: Iloilo City

Iloilo Province contains plenty of historical and cultural sites, including the Plaza Libertad, Fort San Pedro (built in the early 1600's), San Joaquin Church, the fortress church at Miag-ao and the Museo Iloilo, which has a rich collection of antiques and cultural heritage. The capital city of Iloilo celebrates the Dinagyan Festival every 4th weekend of January. La Paz is known for the local dish 'batchoy', a flavorful noodle and pork soup. Santa Barbara has the oldest golf course in the country, built in 1907. Natural attractions include the Nadsadjan Falls, Sicogon Island and Isla de Gigantes, a site with 15th Century burial caves.

the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old world architecture similar to that of Latin American Countries. Spanish colonial Churches are amongst the well-known tourist sites in the province.

Miagao Church The World Heritage Site. The Aztec-Baroque inspired church with Filipino botanicals used to carved on the facade. It is known for its intricate facade and pyramidal bell towers. The church was used as a fortress during the olden days. It is a massive structure built of yellowish Limestones.

Molo Church The Gothic Renaissance Church of Molo was used as a watch tower to warn the people if there are any attackers on the shore of Iloilo City. It is a fine coral stone church with Classical and Gothic details. It is also known as the feminist church because of the beautiful female saints lining inside the church.

Cabatuan Church. This Neoclassic Church, known to be the most massive Hispanic structure in Iloilo is built of red bricks. It is believed to be the largest red brick structure in the Visayas and it was given the title "Model of Temples" by the 'El Eco de Panay'. The Cabatuan Church is known to be the only extant Spanish colonial church with three facades.

San Jose Church. The beautiful church in front of plaza Libertad is considered the most historic amongst the churches in Iloilo City. It is a Byzantine-Neoclassic Church planned to look like the Spanish Church of Valencia del Cid. The Church is known for its collection of priceless Catholic treasures.

GUIMARAS Capital:

it is a small island located between Negros and Panay Islands. The province is basically agricultural with palay, coconut, mango, vegetables, livestock, poultry and fishing as major products. Its major industries are tourism, fruit processing, coconut processing, fish farming, handicrafts making, mining, quarrying and lime production. Guimaras is well-known for its agricultural crops. The Guimaras Island is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world. Guimaras' largest event of the year is The Manggahan Festival (the Mango Festival). White sand beaches and small coral islands include Alubihod, Tatlong Pulo, Baras and Inampulugan Island are located here. .

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Capital: Bacolod City

Known as the "Sugarbowl of the Philippines", the sugar industry is the lifeblood of the economy of Negros Occidental, producing more than half of the country's sugar. it is home to a variety of hotels, restaurants and entertainment, including the Casino Filipino. Historical sites include Victorias Milling Company, Sagay City's Shay Steam locomotive and Vito Church, the Church of St. Joseph, San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, The Chapel of Santa Clara and the Chapel of Cartwheels in Manapia. Natural attractions include Mambucal hot springs, Mt. Kanlaon National Park, and Lakawon Island. Sugar and gold are the main products of Negros Occidental. Famous festivals: MassKara Festival of Bacolod, Pasalamat Festival of La Carlota, Bailes de Luces of La Castellana and Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos. Dubbed as the "Festival of Festivals“.

Negros Occidental is rich in structures and buildings that are remnants of a once affluent lifestyle. The Palacio Episcopal (1930), San Sebastian Cathedral (1876), and the Capitol Building (1931) are popular landmarks. Negros Occidental has produced a large number of athletes that have achieved success in both national and international circuits. The province is also well known for hosting national and international athletic events, which has given it a reputation as the Sports capital of the Philippines. Bacolod City is the center of commerce and finance in Negros Occidental. It has oil companies, factories, bottling plants, allied industrial businesses, steel fabrication, power generation, agri-businesses, prawn culture and other aqua- culture ventures.

THE END… -Joyce Sampang Diane Torrecarion ;)