Philippine Geography Module

Chapter 1
Introduction to Philippine
Learning objectives
At the end of the chapter the students are expected to:
1. Discuss the Geographical location of the Philippines.

2. Explain the culture and traditions of the Philippines.
3. Highlight the different culture and traditions of the Filipino.
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands

located in Southeast Asia. There are more than 175 ethno linguistic
groups, and over 100 dialects and languages spoken.
The first peoples to inhabit the Philippines migrated more than 4,000
years ago from what is today southern China. These peoples did not
just populate the Philippines but dispersed throughout Southeast Asia.
Historians and anthropologists have been able to trace their early
migrations by examining linguistic patterns and have noted the
Austronesian origin of most of the languages spoken in the
precolonial Philippines and Southeast Asia. Indigenous languages
spoken in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Early settlements of the Philippine archipelago occurred along
rivers which kept populations somewhat isolated from one another.
Rivers provided natural resources (water and protein via seafood) to
sustain small communities. While these settlements were scattered
along rivers, they did not develop a political center. Instead, early
settlers saw themselves in relation to smaller communities and
developed local alliances and allegiances. People were linked to one
another through kinship, both biological and fictive, and followed a
leader whom they called a datu. Datus emerged as protectors of the
group. They used their skills in negotiation and warfare to demand
tribute from merchants and maintain their clans. Eventually, these
small communities ranging from 30 to 100 households became known
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as barangays, meaning “boat” in Tagalog, a Philippine language that
originates in central Luzon.
When Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the
archipelago, specifically to the Visayas region in 1521, he
encountered a large network of barangays connected to a broader
maritime world in Southeast Asia. Precolonial communities were in
contact with other ethnolinguistic groups across the archipelago and
beyond through trade and religious exchange. Goods such as rice,
spices, aromatics, and other forest products attracted foreign
merchants as far as India and China and richly rewarded the datus.
In terms of religion, historical evidence shows that precolonial
Philippine peoples practiced “animism,” or beliefs and practices that
held spirits as immanent to the surrounding world. These religious
practices developed through trade networks, which also paved the
way for the spread of Islam. Well before the arrival of Christianity,
Islam reached the archipelago in the fourteenth century.
Bringing the indigenous population under Spanish rule took
many decades of cajoling and relied on different tactics including
developing alliances and enticing people through gifts and promises
of salvation. Central to this process were the missionary friars who
were a part of four main Catholic orders: Augustinians, Franciscans,
Jesuits, and Dominicans. These missionary friars were sent to convert
the native peoples to Christianity with the promise of Spain’s claim to
the archipelago. According to historian John Phelan, “Christianization
acted as a powerful instrument of societal control over the conquered
people.”Religious conversion through what was called conquista
espiritual (“spiritual conquest”) became an important means to
subjugate indigenous populations and also persuade them to relocate
to political centers in order to facilitate a centralized Spanish rule.
The Spanish friars referred to the relocation process as reducción. As

much as reducción was a process of religious conversion, it was also a
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militarized endeavor that involved violence when the so-called
“indios” resisted. A century after the Spanish Reconquista, wherein
the Spanish reconquered the Iberian peninsula from Muslim rule,
Spanish friars in the Philippines viewed their missionary duty as a
continuation of an earlier struggle. The growing presence of Islam in
the southern islands of the archipelago proved that the Spanish were
destined to provide the natives salvation. They called converts to
Islam “Moros” after the Moors they fought in Spain, which
discursively connected their religious mission to their previous war of
conquest.
It was the Spanish expedition led by Magellan in 1521 that laid

the foundations for imagining a Spanish colony in the Philippines.
Over the next 50 years, the Spanish crown sent more expeditions to
the islands in search of spices and other goods. They named the
islands after King Felipe II and aimed to have every datu follow
him. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived and brought the datu
of Cebu in the Visayas to swear allegiance to the Spanish crown. His
power over the region was insecure, however. Legaspi then gathered
his followers and an army to travel to Maynilad (today known as
Manila) to capture the port town from the son of a Luzon datu.
Securing power over local settlements was a long and difficult

process occurring over the next century that required both coaxing
and coercion. By 1576, the Spanish created many settlements and the
population of Spanish men in the region reached over 250.[7] One of
their main challenges entailed bringing the indigenous people, who
were still living in scattered settlements, under a centralized authority.
Once areas were under Spanish control, the colonial government

established an encomienda system that required the local population
to pay tribute and perform labor for the colony.
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A Spanish governor, who was also a military captain, effectively had
the power to make decisions for the colony. This was due to the fact
that the Philippine islands were so far away from the metropole. Yet,
the governor’s power was still limited. The fact that he was also a
military captain signals how, even after 300 years of rule, the Spanish
never fully had control over the local population and therefore
depended on military leadership.
Under the governor, provinces were established with a

gobernadorcillo ruling each town. The gobernadorcillo enforced the
law established by the colonial governor. Under the gobernadorcillo
was the cabeza de barangay or the head of barangay who collected
taxes locally. At times, the gobernadorcillo and the cabeza de
barangay used force to obtain the funds they required from the local
people. The Spanish colonial government depended on the collection
of tribute to maintain their operations and control the Philippine

population. By the 1850s, the economic prosperity of the native-born
population, especially of Chinese mestizos, began to develop into an
elite class that rivaled the peninsulares, or the “pure blooded” Spanish
in the archipelago (also sometimes known as criollos).
By the 1870s, this new elite sent their sons to Manila and
Europe for a liberal education and they became known as ilustrados,
or “enlightened ones.”
Ilustrados began to question the authority of the Spanish friars and

publicly critique the poor administration of the Philippine colony. It
was this group of elite men that established the Propaganda
Movement, based in Manila and Spain, calling for reforms centered
on equality between Filipinos, mestizos, and the Spanish.
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The writings of propagandists, especially that of Jose Rizal, the
most famous of the group, inspired the Filipino masses. The views of
the majority, however, diverged from those of the elites who
advocated mainly for modest reform and representation. The politics
of the elite was ultimately considered too moderate from the
perspective of a majority who became inspired to revolt against Spain
and fight for independence. In 1896, the Philippine revolution began
as a radical fight for emancipation from Spanish colonialism and the
right to Filipino self-governance.
In 1898, a major event on the other side of the globe stymied the
efforts of the Filipino revolutionaries. In April of 1898, the US sent
the battleship USS Maine to Havana Harbor, Cuba, in support of
Cuban revolutionaries. When the ship exploded killing over 200
Americans, the US government assumed the Spanish were responsible
and used the event as a pretext for war. US president William
McKinley declared war with Spain in August of 1898, and US troops
were shipped to the remaining Spanish possessions, including the
Philippines, just two days later.
The Filipino revolutionaries could not have predicted such a

turn of events that would ultimately affect the outcome of their fight
for an independent Philippines.
By the time the American military arrived in April of 1898, the

Filipino revolutionaries had successfully gained control over all major
cities in the archipelago except for the capital city of Manila. There,
the Spanish were protected by a fortress constructed for military
protection against outside invaders called Intramuros. Knowing that
they were losing the war against the Filipinos, Spanish and US
military officers pre-arranged a battle in Manila which excluded
Filipino soldiers in order to stage the Spanish defeat. The Spanish
orchestrated a mock battle in order to save face and lose the war to the
Americans rather than to the Filipinos, whom they believed to be an
inferior race.
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The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War and
officially transferred ownership of Spain’s remaining colonies to the
US.
11 things should know about Filipino culture

that sets them apart from any nation.
Filipinos are very resilient
In times of calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos always manage to

rise above the challenge. Instead of wallowing, they manage to pick
themselves up and smile.
Filipinos take pride in their families
In the Philippines, it is family first. So whether you are part of the

immediate family or you belong to the third or fourth generation, you
are treated as a family member. Sometimes, even the closest of friends
are considered family, too.
Filipinos are very religious
In all corners of a Filipino house, you can find brazen images of

crosses and other religious paraphernalia. They go to church every
Sunday, or sometimes even twice or three times a week.
Filipinos value traditions and culture
For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are

important. They usually set aside a specific day for a certain
celebration like festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc. And of
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course, every gathering is dedicated to keeping up with each other
over sumptuous food. If, like us, good food is what makes you get up
in the morning, then you might be interested in our gourmet Mini
Trips to destinations such as Bologna and Puglia, bookable now
through Culture Trip.
Filipinos love to party
Yes, Filipinos love to hold celebrations and fiestas. Bacolod has its
MassKara Festival, Davao has its Kadayawan Festival, and
Marinduque has its Moriones Festival.
Filipinos love to eat
Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Filipinos manage to squeeze

in a little meal in between, too. Whether they eat every hour or every
three hours, they savour every bite. Oh, and they do love going to
buffets!
Filipinos love to sing

This is the reason why karaoke has become so prevalent. As part of
their recreation, Filipinos spend some quality time with their families
or friends singing or belting out new and old songs.
Filipinos love art and architecture
Just look at the massive and tall buildings everywhere. Filipinos have
a penchant for bringing art and architecture to a whole new level.
They love to design creatively, to think intuitively, and have a passion
for anything different and unique. Talking of which, so do we. So
much so in fact, that we’ve created a collection of small-group
getaways that celebrate the unexpected – from street food, to local
customs and traditions.
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SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEF OF MANY
FILIPINOS
Turn your plate when someone leaves in the middle of a
meal
When sitting at the dining table for a meal and someone gets up to
leave before the rest of the group finishes, everybody left at the table
should turn their plates to ensure safe travels for the person leaving.
Another meal superstition (though more loosely believed) is that the
table should not start being cleared while people are still eating. If this
is done, it is believed that the last person left dining will live a lonely
life.
Reassure your host that you’re human

A very common line used by Filipinos when knocking on someone’s
door is “Tao (person) po!“. Many assume it refers to the knocker
calling out to ask if there are any people inside, when actually, it is
said to stem from the knocker reassuring the people inside that s/he is
a person and not a possibly harmful supernatural creature.
The number of steps of staircases at home should not be
divisible by three
Enter a Filipino household with a staircase and begin chanting
“Oro (gold), plata (silver), mata (death)”, taking one step up with
each word. Most likely, upon reaching the top step, the chant will end
with either oro or plata. This is because many Filipinos will go to
great lengths to avoid ending in mata which denotes bad luck. The
two preceding words on the other hand, obviously denote good
fortune.
Siblings should not marry within the same year
This superstition is called “sukob” and advises against siblings
marrying within the same year as it is said to divide the luck between
the two marriages. Another type of sukob advises against marriages
within the same year as the death of an immediate family member.
Pushing to do so is considered bad luck.
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Don’t go straight home after attending a wake
This superstition is called “pagpag” (the shaking off of dirt). In the
context of a wake, it means going elsewhere after attending the wake
before heading home to shake off the spirit of the deceased lest it
follows you home. Superstitions surrounding wakes are among the
most widely practiced by Filipinos still today. Another is that the
family of the deceased should not drop off visitors at the door upon
saying goodbye as it symbolizes dropping them off at their own
deaths. And, as for serving food at wakes (be it heavy meals or light
snacks) at Filipino wakes is customary, visitors should not make the
mistake of taking any home with them (be it a small piece of candy),
as it signifies inviting misfortune into your home.
Serve pancit (noodles) at celebrations, especially birthdays
This ever-present dish at Filipino gatherings is believed to represent
long life. And while Filipinos today may joke and laugh about
actually believing that this noodle dish is served for long life, it
remains a staple at nearly every birthday feast.
Be careful when showing fondness over babies
It’s difficult to restrain from playing with cute babies or

complimenting their parents on their adorable features, but doing so in
the Philippines is believed by some, to be a potential cause of illness.
Referred to as either “usog” or “bati”, this superstition says that
when a person with strong energy greets a child, the child may soon
after suffer from unexplainable discomfort. This is why, especially in
the countryside, older people know to say “pwera usog” when
showing fondness over children. This is meant to counter
any usog that may have happened otherwise. If this isn’t said, and
parents attribute certain maladies of their children to usog, they may
ask the greeter to smear their saliva on the suffering child’s forehead
as a cure.
Blame your missing things on elves

In the Philippines, there is an assumption that when items around the
house go missing and reappear, this is caused by dwendes or playful
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elves. While mischievous, these little creatures are believed to be
mostly harmless – aside from the type that take small children.
The Indigenous Tribes of the Philippines

With over 7,600 islands in the Philippines and three major island
groups, it’s no wonder that different cultural practices, traditions, and
groups are present in the country. Among the archipelago’s existing
communities, there are indigenous tribes who have managed to keep
their cultural identity, despite the non-recognition and marginalization
they’re facing.
Although there are quite a number of indigenous tribes or ethnic
groups in the country, they remain some of the most poor, least
privileged, and impeded members of society. They mostly reside in
the mountains, and hence were not affected by Spanish or American
colonization, which is the primary reason they were able to retain
their customs and traditions.
There are two main ethnic groups comprising several upland and
lowland indigenous tribes living within the Philippines – from the
northern and southern parts of the Philippines. The indigenous people
living in the northern part of the country are called the Igorots,
whereas those non-Muslim indigenous tribes living in the south are
referred to as Lumad.
The Igorots, which comprises numerous tribes in the northern
part of the country, are mostly residing in the mountain ranges of the
Cordillera Region. They are popularly known for being rice
cultivators. An assortment of the group called the Ifugaos built the
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Banaue Rice Terraces – frequently called the ‘eighth wonder of the
world’. The ancestors of this indigenous tribe carved a system of
irrigated rice terraces in the mountains of Ifugao more than 2,000
years ago.
The Igorot tribe also includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Isneg, Kalinga,
Kankanaey and Tinguian groups. Other tribes living in the north
are Isnag from Apayao, Gaddang (found between Kalinga and Isabela
provinces), and the Ilongots living within the east mountains of Luzon
called the Sierra Madre and the Caraballo Mountains.
The Ilongots are known for their intense aggressiveness and cultural
conservatism.
Meanwhile, in the southern part of the country, indigenous tribes

are mostly found in Mindanao and Western Visayas. In Mindanao,
these existing non-Muslim indigenous groups are collectively known
as the Lumad – a Cebuano term which means ‘native’ or ‘indigenous’.
There Lumad tribes comprise about 13 ethnic groups which are
the Blaan, Bukidnon, Higaonon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manobo,
Mansaka, Sangir, Subanen, Tagabawa, Tagakaulo,
Tasaday, and T’boli. Their tribe is generally known for tribal music
produced by musical instruments they’ve created.
Among those mentioned above, the Manobo tribe includes
further big ethnic groups such as the Ata-Manobo, Agusan-
Manobo, and Dulangan-Manobo to name a few. The total population
of the Manobo group is unknown as they occupy core areas in main
provinces of the Mindanao Region.
Other major tribes in the country
Apart from the two main indigenous groups mentioned above, the
following tribes have also kept their customs and traditions.
Badjaos
Originally from the islands of Sulu in Mindanao, they’re known
as the sea tribes living on houseboats. They try to make ends meet by
depending on the sea as divers, fishermen, and navigators. Because of
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conflicts in the region, the majority of them has migrated to
neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, whereas those
who stayed in the Philippines moved to some areas in Luzon.
Ati and Tumandok

One of the few clans in Visayas, the Ati and Tumandok tribes of
Panay Island are the first to call the island their home. Genetically
related to other indigenous groups in the country, they mostly
resemble the Aetas or Negritos who are characterized by their dark
skin. While some adopted Western religions, they still carry some
animistic beliefs and rituals passed down by their ancestors.
Palawan Tribes
Palawan is also home to various tribes such as
the Batak, Palaweño, Palawano, and the Tagbanwa. Mostly living in
mountains or lowland dwellings, some of these groups have also been
included in the large Manobo tribe of the South. They have not totally
embraced urban living, with the majority living in more rural settings.
Mangyan
The Mangyans of Mindoro are well-known clans in the
Philippines because they have the biggest populace. Comprising eight
different Mangyan groups, they have a peaceful reputation, unlike the
headhunting tribes of the North and warrior tribes from the South.
While some has already converted into Christianity, there’s still a
large percentage of those who practice animistic religious beliefs.
Aetas or Negritos
The Aetas (or Agta or Ayta) are one of the earliest known
inhabitnats of the Philippines who are now living in scattered
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mountainous areas of the country. They were called by the Spanish
colonizers as the ‘Negritos’ because of their dark to dark-brown skin.
They are nomadic but are very skilled in weaving and plaiting,
and Aeta women are considered experts in herbal medicine.
Today, the indigenous groups in the country remain in their

original ancestral lands as they preserve their cultural practices and
traditions. And while the Philippine government passed the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, there are still issues left
unsolved, including their right for inclusion.
Chapter 2
National Capital Region ( NCR)
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region II-NCR

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Region II- NCR
3. Identify the different provinces, attractions and cuisine of the
region
16 Cities: Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Maynila,Taguig, Mandaluyong,

Makati, Marikina, Malabon, Caloocan, Navotas, San Juan,
Valenzuela, Quezon, Pasig Metro Manila, Pasay, Las Piñas, Pateros
1 Municipality
Barangays:1,710
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Coastal/Landlocked: coastal
Area (2013): 6.20 km2 (239.21 sq mi)
Population (2020): 13,484,462
Density (2020): 21,765 / km2 (56,371 / sq mi)
HISTORY OF NCR
National capital Region also known as METROPOLITAN MANILA
was founded by the Virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824 Signed on
November 7, 1975 under the Administration of President Ferdinand
E. Marcos.
In 1976, a conglomeration of four cities - Manila, Pasay, Caloocan,
And Quezon City and 13 Municipalities was officially designated as "
METRO MANILA"
The City of manila is declared as the national capital region of the
country by the Virtue of presidential decree No. 940 Signed on June
24 1976 By President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Metro Manila is the
Philippines' seat of government but the city of manila is the capital
MALACAÑAN PALACE, The official office and residence of the
president of the Philippines, and the buildings of the supreme court of
the Philippines are based in Metro Manila.
GEOGRAPHY OF NCR
It is located in the southwestern portion of Luzon, directly below
Central Luzon. Lying along the flat alluvial and deltaic plains
draining the Pasig River and Laguna de Bay, its territory extends
eastward and up the rolling hills of Marikina Valley and stops short at
the lowlying edges of Rizal province
DELICACIES IN NCR
• Sinigang na Ayungin sa Bayabas
• Kinilaw sa kanduli
• Tochong bangus
• Suman Muntinlupa
• Kiampong
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• Maki Mi Soup
• Corn Beef Pandesal
The Top Tourist Attraction in NCR
1. St. Andrew, La huerta

2. Rizal Park
3. National Art Gallery
4. Intramuros
5. A Cultural Center the Philippine
6. Manila Cathedral
7. Quiapo Church
8. Immaculate Conception Parish
9. Manila Bay
10. Venice Grand canal in Taguig City
Chapter 3
(CAR) Cordillera Administrative Region
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region III-CAR

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Region III- CAR
region.
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The Cordillera Administrative Region, also known as the
Cordillera Region and Cordillera, is an administrative region in the
Philippines, situated within the island of Luzon. The Cordillera
central mountain range, dubbed ”the Cordilleras” or sometime refered
to as ”The Highlands”, is the largest in the Philippines. This
mountainous area is located in North Luzon.
Provinces of Cordillera Administrative Region

• Abra
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• Benguet
• Ifugao
• Kalinga
• Apayao
• Mountain Province
Abra, officially the Province of Abra, is a 3rd class province in the
Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. Its capital is the
municipality of Bangued. Abra, located in northern Luzon of the
Philippines, is referred to as the “Natural Dye Capital of the
Philippines” for its abundance of natural dye-producing materials and
practices, handed down through generations of the indigenous
Itneg/Tingguian people.
Abra's inhabitants are mostly Ilocano and Tinguians. Occasionally

there are exhibitions of objects testifying to the rich cultural and
ethnic background of the different ethnic groups and tribes. Dance
performances showcasing tribal dancing “The Abrenian Kawayan
Festival” cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in the
province of Abra, Philippines held every March.
There are also many Variety, Musical and Cultural Show. Here are
some: the Grand Parade, Trade Fair, Iloko Tingguan Cultural show,
Silnag Parade of Lights and many more.
Musical instruments (gongs, flutes), woven blankets, instruments bear

witness to the rich cultural backgrounds of the different ethnic groups
and tribes.
Abra Tourist Spot
 Don Mariano Marcos Bridges
Spanning over the mighty Abra River, The Don Mariano Marcos
Bridge is the 3rd longest bridge in the Philippines.
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Don Mariano Marcos Bridges is located along the Abra kalinga road,
between the towns of Dolores and Tayum. You will pass through it on
your way to Tineg.
 The Bangued Cathedral formally knowns as Saint James the

Elder Parish Church is a baroque style church located in the
municipality of Bangued the capital of the province Abra.
 Kaparkalan Falls also called Mulawin Falls, is located in an
insolated place in Tineg,Abra. However, before reaching the
majestic place, you will going to invest first money not only
your money but your energy, time and patience by crossing
11kms stretch of deep and muddy road.
Apayao Culture and Traditions
Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in

the province of Apayao, Philippines held every February 14. It usually
starts on the first day of February and culminating activities fall on
the 14th of the month, which is the date that the province was
established.
• They called “Say-am Festival”. It is on this day that the Bulut

family along with the people of Apayao gathered together at the
statue of EKB erected in front of the Municipal Hall of
Calanasan and celebrates his birthday which Governor Bulut
said with a grin, “When he was alive, he does not celebrate his
birthday on May 18 because he rather celebrates my birthday on
May 15. But now, it is time for me to repay what he did, that is,
I no longer celebrate my birthday on time but rather celebrate in
his birth day.
Apayao Delicacies
Apayao is devoted to agricultural production, particularly food and

industrial crops such as palay, corn, coffee, root crops and vegetables.
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Fruits produced include lanzones, citrus, bananas and pineapples,
durian, santol, rambutan, coconut and mangosteen.
Apayao Tourist Spot
 Lussok Cystal Cave is Nested at the northernmost part of the

Cordillera in the town of Luna,the capital of Apayao and dubbed
as the show window of the province. This cave and underground
river system is in the town of Luna,the first town one will hit
when travelling to Apayao from Cagayan Valley,the easiest to
this province.
 Mt. Solo is located at upper Maton, Pundol, Apayao.There are
three ways going there, via Brgy. Lt.Balag, Pudtol, via Kabugao,
Apayao, via Brgy. Upper Maton, Pudtol. Mt.Solo, the tallest
mountain in the province, is a challenging hike even for the
experienced climber. Considered as one of the must-sees spots
in the region.
 Dupag was derived the sound of waters from the rivers gushing
to the rocks to from this spikes and waves alike as seen on the
tip of the group of limestones. Located in Marag Valley Luna,
Apayao Philippines. From the top of Rock Formation you can
see the view of Barangay Marag of the Town of Luna. This sight
is perfect for hiking and rock-climbing.
Benguet Province
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Benguet, officially the Province of Benguet, is a landlocked
province of the Philippines located in the southern tip of the
Cordillera Administrative Region in the island of Luzon. Its
capital is La Trinidad. The province has a land area of 2,769.08
square kilometers or 1,069.15 square miles.
Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 460,683.

This represented 25.63% of the total population of the Cordillera
Administrative Region, 0.74% of the overall population of the
Luzon island group, or 0.42% of the entire population of the
Philippines. Based on these figures, the population density is
computed at 166 inhabitants per square kilometer or
431 inhabitants per square mile.
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Benguet Culture and Traditions
The Benguet people believe in the existence of unseen beings

that emanate from the Skyworld and the underworld. That these
unseen beings are called spirits thought to have power over man.
It is further believed that these unseen beings (spirits) can be
manipulated by man to his advantage. Also it involves the
village circling and dancing around the ulul leader while
executing various arm movements. Lasting until the wee hours
of the night, the bedian ritual ends on the sound of the loudest
oway or war cry. This version of Bendian centers around the
maiden's part of the circle.
Benguet Product
Strawberry Taho. As Baguio makes the most out of their most

popular produce, Strawberry Taho is simply to die for. Among
other delicacies, it is one of the most, if not the most, sought-
after delicacy in the city. A hot Strawberry Taho is widely
available along the streets of the city of pines.
Benguet Tourist Spot
Aran Cave is rapidly gaining popularity among locals residing

in Baguio City and La Trinidad. It is just more or less an hour of
drive away from these urban centers. The cave is named after a
giant called Aran. Locals say that he used to dwell in the area
and was responsible for the disappearance of workers during the
construction Kennon Road. Inside the cave, one can find at least
three waterfalls cascading on pristine pools. The waters of these
are icy-cold and crystal-clear. Stalactite and stalagmite rock
formations also abound.
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Kalinga
The Kalinga have rich cultural traditions and expressions of music,

dance and artisan work. They continue to enforce the “bodong” or
peace pacts within the sub-tribes to resolve tribal conflicts. Scholars
and enthusiasts worldwide now flock to the province to learn the
ancient method of “batok” or hand-tapped tattoo.
Kalinga Tourist Spot
The surreal Sulfur Hills lie on the lower slopes of Mt. Binuluan. To
get here, you need to trek on hunter’s trails for hours. You will be
passing across pine and mossy forests.
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Laroy Falls is considered the highest falls in Kalinga province. It
composes of at least 8 different cascades, plunging towards the Pasil
River.
They are best viewed along the road during the rainy months. Its
waters emanate from pristine mossy forests upstream.
Buaya caves feature various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.

There are beautiful chambers inside, reminiscent of a cathedral’s
domes and spires.To get deeper inside the cave, expect to rappel,
climb on rocks, and wade across pools. Yes, there’s a small brook
inside. There are also waterfalls.
Kalinga Product and Delicacies
Red rice from Kalinga and Ifugao is a staple as a plain cooked rice
served with dried legumes, mungo beans and wild-gathered river
greens. In Kalinga, the red rice is synonymous with the municipalities
of Lubuagan and Pasil, in the valley of the Pasil River.
Kalinga Culture and Traditions
The Kalinga have rich cultural traditions and expressions of music,

dance and artisan work. They continue to enforce the “bodong” or
peace pacts within the sub-tribes to resolve tribal conflicts. Scholars
23
and enthusiasts worldwide now flock to the province to learn the
ancient method of “batok” or hand-tapped tattoo.
Chapter 4
Region I Ilocos Region
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Ilocos Region

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Ilocos Region
region.
24
The Ilocos Region lies on the north western coast of luzon. It is
bounded by Cagayan. Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Mt. Province, Banguet
and Nueva Vizcaya on the east; Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales on
the South; and the China Sea on the northwest. Its strategic location
has made it the gate way to East Asia.
Region 1 consist of four (4) provinces and eight (8) cities, namely the
province of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. And
the cities of Dagupan, San Carlos, Alminos and Urdaneta in the

Pangasinan ; Laong Ilocos Norte, Vigan and Candon in Ilocos Sur ;
San Fernando in la Union.
HISTORY OF ILOCOS REGION
The region was first inhabited by the aboriginal Negritos, before they
were pushed by successive waves of Austronesian immigrants that
penetrated the narrow coast. Tingguians (Igorot) in the
25
interior, Ilocanos in the north, Pangasinenses in the south, and
Zambals in the southwesternmost areas settled the region.
As commercial trading routes became established in Southeast Asia,
the pre-Hispanic Luyag na Caboloan (present-day Pangasinan) area in
the vicinity of Lingayen gulf became maritime trading centers, as gold
mined from the Cordillera Mountain Range came down along the
Aringay-Tonglo-Balatok gold trail, and was also traded in the
neighboring settlement of Agoo, whose coast at the time was shaped
in such a way that it was a good harbor for foreign vessels.
Evidence of trade between the then-Pangasinense port of Agoo and
China has been excavated in the form of porcelain and pottery pieces
unearthed at the site of the Catholic church during its renovation, -
which are now kept in the Museo de Iloko. Japanese fishermen
eventually established their first settlement in the Philippines there,
passing on their fishing skills and technologies to the local populace.
SPANISH COLONIAL ERA
The Spanish arrived in the 16th century and established Christian
missions and governmental institutions to control the native
population and convert them to Catholicism. Present-
day Vigan in Ilocos Sur province became the diocesan seat of Nueva
Segovia. These resentments surfaced at various points in the Ilocos
provinces' history as insurrections, most notably that of Andres
Malong and Palaris of Pangasinan, Diego Silang and his
wife Gabriela Silang in 1764, and the Basi Revolt in the 19th century.
However, it was the Pangasinans in the south who were the last to
stand against the Spaniards.
GEOGRAPHY OF ILOCOS REGION
26
The Ilocos Region is divided into two contrasting geographical
features. The Ilocos provinces occupy the narrow plain between
the Cordillera Central mountain range and the South China Sea,
whereas Pangasinan occupies the northwestern portion of the vast
Central Luzon plain, having Zambales Mountains as its natural
western limit.
PEOPLE
The Ilocanos ,or Iloko people are the third largest Filipino
ethnolinguistic group. The native language of the Ilocano people is
the Ilocano (or Ilokano) language.
The Ilocos Region is one of the most densely populated regions
in the Philippines. Agricultural production is not sufficient to meet
local needs, thus, much of the population historically went into the
labor market and interregional trade. Tobacco is the leading cash crop
of the Ilocano people. The textile industry in the area has a long
tradition, while fishing is second only to agricultural production.
CUISINE
Ilocano cuisine always has something to make any foodie burp —
from the hearty & healthy, to the crispy & naughty. And whether
original to Ilocos or a version of our favourite food from somewhere
else, eating your way around here is surely a delightful travel
experience.
Ilocos is recognized for its strong culinary traditions across our
islands-sprawling nation. It is a salt-happy & porcine-dominated
regional cuisine, so adored for its flavourful dishes.
27
A list of the best food to try in Ilocos will not be complete without the
inclusion of Vigan Longganisa. This plump sausage originated from
Ilocos Sur, typically bite-sized but packed with garlicky flavor.
Another well-loved product of Ilocos is its version of an empanada.

The popular street food originated in Batac, Ilocos Norte, and is now
a favorite snack even in Manila.
Bagnet, known locally in Ilocos as chicharon, is a deep-fried pork

dish known for its crunchy skin and a golden-brown color. Although
it’s similar to lechon kawali, Ilokanos prepare bagnet differently to
make it uniquely their own.
Dinengdeng is a dish of the Ilocano people of the Philippines, similar

to pinakbet. It is classified as a bagoong monamon soup based dish.
28
Unlike pinakbet, dinengdeng contains fewer vegetables and contains
squash and more bagoong monamon soup base.
Dudol is a traditional dessert you will find in Ilocos, although it is

also popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Southern India. Dudol is
made of rice flour, coconut milk, sugarcane juice, and anise. The
secret to making a good Dudol is to patiently and continuously stir the
ingredients under a slow fire. Sticky, thick, and sweet, it is the perfect
snack to calm your hunger or re-energize after physical activity.
TOURISTS DESTINATION /
ATTRACTION
Ilocos is a region in the Philippines, encompassing the northwestern
coast of Luzon island. It’s known for its historic sites, beaches and the
well-preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan. Dating from the 16th
century, Vigan’s Mestizo district is characterized by cobblestone
streets and mansions with wrought-iron balconies. Farther north,
Laoag City is a jumping-off point for the huge La Paz Sand Dune
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 Vigan is a city in the Philippines, on the west coast of Luzon
island. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian
architecture. Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district,
with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and
rustic mansions.
 One of the most popular tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, Calle

Crisologo looks like it was taken out of a movie scene, what
with its ancestral homes and cobblestone streets that perfectly
capture the Spanish colonial period.
30
 Vigan Cathedral, canonically known as the Metropolitan
Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle is a Catholic
cathedral in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It contains
Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia cathedra. It is part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration for the Historic Town
of Vigan in 1999.
 The Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte,

Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-meter (230 ft)
high Vestas V82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged in a single
row stretching along a 9-kilometer (5.6 mi) shoreline of Bangui
Bay, facing the South China Sea.
 The Patapat Viaduct, also known as Patapat Bridge, is a viaduct

at the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, a coastal resort
town on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines.
31
Chapter 5
Region II Cagayan Valley
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Cagayan Valley

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Cagayan Valley
region.
The earliest inhabitants are the Agta, or Atta, food gatherers who
roam the forests without fixed abodes.
The bulk of the population are of Malay origin. For centuries
before the coming of the Spanish, the inhabitants traded with
Indians, Malays, Chinese, and Japanese.
In the nineteenth century the prosperity found in tobacco
cultivation caused many Ilokano to settle here. Tobacco is still a
major factor in the economy of Cagayan, through a special
32
economic zone and free port has been created to strengthen and
diversify the provincial economy.
GEOGRAPHY OF CAGAYAN VALLEY

Located in the northeastern portion of the main island of Luzon and
includes the scattered island of Batanes-Babuyan Groups, which
occupy the northern most tip of the archipelago.
• It is bounded by three (3) mountain ranges, Sierra Madre Mountain
on the east; Caraballo Mountain on the south and Cordillera
Mountain, and north of Caraballo Mountain.
• It has five provinces namely:
Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
• It has ten (10) congressional districts with three (3) cities- Cauayan
City, Isabela; Santiago City, Isabela and Tuguegarao City, and
Cagayan.
• Consists of 29 municipalities in the Province of Cagayan
• Region II Cagayan Valley is abundant in agricultural products such
as: rice, corn,and tobacco and fruits and vegetables were produced a
huge amount which exceed the community supplies.
• It has also a vast source of mineral resources like hydro-power - the

source of Magat HydroPower plant with 360 megawatt plant
supporting the power needs of the Luzon Grid.
Culture
SIGNIFICANT ORIGINAL SETTLERS
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Ilongots, Igorots and few Dumagats is still found living or inhabiting
the forest.
Ilongots were believed to have descended from Indonesians.
People Dressed in the valley such as
Women –Saya and Kimono while men, used the camisa de chino or
the barong Tagalog
Houses that withstood the japanese ocupation
Hard wood and Bahay kubo most typical homes were strong and
typhoon resistant
Majority of married couples with children lived with their parents
Value of bayanihan,sharing,cooperation, briotherhood, self
responsibility,respect,love,peace, integrity are still very much alive in
Cagayan.
Old songs ,proberbs and poems are still sung today with the used of
intruments such as Kuribaw,Tulali and the kuritang produced by
Ibanags.
These produced warlike or sad miusic. It also exhibits the beauty of
the unoni,the berso and the pabattang(proverbs and advices through
songs) which convey Ibanag history and their mores that the ethnic
group keep sacred and inviolable.
Culture and Beliefs
• Meeting a funeral entourage,riding a vehicle within 13
passengers or travelling on a Good Friday invites badluck and
accidents.
• It is unlucky to cuts ones hair or fingernails after sundown.
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• Its bad luck to comb ones hair after dark.
• Break a p[late as an offering to the dead.
• Another populare house building superstition is the cornerstone
laying ritual or burying coins under the posts of a house being
erected to attract prosperity and good luck.
• Pregnant women are prone to attacks by aswang. Garlic should
be hung near the windows and the husband must always keep a
stingray tails in the bedroom to discourage aswang from
entering it and eating the fetus.
Delicacies mostly served in cagayan region
• Rice cakes
• Pinakbet
• Pancit Cabagan
• Tapang baka
• Ginisa nga Agurong
• Tuguegarao Longganisa
• Pancit Batil patung
• Guinataang Alimansag
PROVINCES of REGION II
Batanes Group of island
Cagayan
Isabela
35
Nueva vizcaya
Quirino
Batanes Group of Island
Located between the Babuyan Islands (belonging to Cagayan

Province) and Taiwan.
• Bashi Channel-North; Balintang Channel-South
•Philippine Sea-West; Pacific Ocean-East
• Three largest islands are:
✓Itbayat, Sabtang, and Batan.
• Capital: Basco
• Total Area: 219.01km²(84.56 sq mi)
• Population: 17,246 as of 2015
36
• Religion: Roman Catholic - 94%
✓ The remaining faiths are other Christian Churches
ECONOMY
Ivatans are farmers and fishermen.
• Others are in the government and services sector.
• Ivatans also plant camote (sweet potato), cassava, gabi or tuber
CLIMATE
Is blessed with a cooler , balmier climate.
• Summer which is form March to June.
• Average monthly rainfall is 450 mm.
PEOPLE OF BATANES
The people of Batanes are called Ivatan and share prehistoric cultural
and linguistic commonalities with the Babuyan on Babuyan Island
and the Tao people of Orchid Island.
British buccaneer William Dampier in 1687 described the people in
Batanes as short,squat people. Have round visaged,hazeleyes,smallyet
bigger than Chinese. Low forehead thick eyebrows short low noses
white teeth, black thick hair and copper- colored skin
TOURIST DESTINATION in BATANES
• Itbayat Island ,Batan Island, Mount Iraya, Yami/Amianan
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• Di-atay Beach, Chawa Cave, Mt. Matarem, Radar Tukon
• Ruins of Songsong, San Jose ChurchKanyuyan Beach& Port
San Boromeo Church
• Pacific Ocean- east; Apayao- West

• Isabela province- South; Balintang Channel and the Babuyan Group
of Islands- North
• The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square
kilometers
• The second largest province in the region.
• Has 28 municipalities and one city divided into three congressional
districts. It has 820 barangays.
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• Capital: Tuguegarao- provincial capital, regional seat, center of
business, trade and education.
• Population: 2015 census was 1,199,320.
• Religion:
Roman Catholic -83%, Islam- 10% ,Protestant- 4%
PEOPLE OF CAGAYAN
• Ilocano- The majority of people living in Cagayan, mostly from
migrants coming from the Ilocos Region.
• Ibanags- Who were first sighted by the Spanish explorers and
converted to Christianity by missionaries.
• Malauegs, Itawits, Gaddangs, groups of nomadic Aetas, and
families of Ibatans.
ECONOMY
Agricultural products are rice, corn, peanut, beans, and fruits.
• Fishing various species of fish from the coastal towns is also
undertaken.
• Woodcraft furniture made of hardwood, rattan, bamboo, and other
indigenous materials are also available in the province.
• Livestock products include cattle, hogs, carabaos, and poultry.
CAGAYAN TOURISM
• Cagayan River, Claveria Coast, Callao Cave (Penablanca)
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• Magapit bridge (Lal-lo), Calvary Hills(Iguig), Basilica Minore
Nuestra
• Senora De Piat (Piat), Sta Ana Beaches. Kalesa(Horse-Drawn
Carrier)
• Cagayan River
• Claveria Coast
• Callao Cave (Penablanca)
• Magapit bridge (Lal-lo)
• Calvary Hills(Iguig), Basilica Minore Nuestra. Senora De Piat
(Piat)
• Sta Ana Beaches, Kalesa(Horse-Drawn Carrier)
GEOGRAPHY OF ISABELA
• Second largest province in the Philippines
• Has 80 Provinces
40
• Located on northeastern seaboard of the island of Luzon-The
biggest among the 7,107 islands comprising the Philippines
Archipelago
• Local land area of 10,655 square kilometers comprising more
the 3%of the Philippines territory and almost 40% of the
Cagayan Valley Region and 3 cities
• It is bounded on the north Cagayan province,west by
Kalinga,Mountain province and iIfugao, South Nueva
Vizcaya,Quirino,and Aurora, East by the Philippine sea and
Pacific Ocean
• Capital: Ilagan
• It is home to one of the largest remaining rain orest in the world
known as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, a
Government reservation covering 3,590 square kilometers of
terrestrial and marine ecosystem rich in genetic species and
Biodiversity
• One of the provinces which is often hit by typhoons due to its
location.
PEOPLE IN ISABELA
Ilokano- are the most prominent group in Isabela.
• The next two prominent groups (ethnic)
✅ Ibanag and Tagalog
• Gaddang, Paranan, and Yogad.
Tourist Destination of Isabela
• Aguinaldo Shrine, Bonsai Forest, Camp Samal Crocodile
Sanctuary of san Mariano
41
• Dibulo Honeymoon Island, Landmark of Heroes, Maconacon
Falls
• Magat Dam Mororan River, Palanan Rain Forest
• Aguinaldo Shrine
• Bonsai Forest
• Camp Samal Crocodile Sanctuary of san Mariano
• Dibulo Honeymoon Island
• Landmark of Heroes, Maconacon Falls, Magat Dam Mororan
River
GEOGRAPHY OF NUEVA VIZCAYA

• Ifugao- North; Isabela Northwest; Nueva Ecija- Southwest
• Quirino- East; Benguet- west
• The gateway to vast Cagayan Valley Region.
• Has a total land area of 4,378.80 square kilometers.
• Composed of 15 municipalities
42
• Capital: Bayombong
• Population: 452, 287 as of 2015
• Religion: Roman Catholic- 63%
✓ Aglipayan Chruch, Iglesia ni Cristo- 5 to 6%
✓ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's
Witnesses, Seventh-day Adventist- 17%
ECONOMY
Its main crops are rice, corn, vegetables, pineapple, banana, coffee,
coconut, oranges, and other fruit trees.
• According to the Bureau of Mines and Geo-Sciences, deposits of
metallic minerals which can be exploited are cooper, gold,
molybdenum and pyrite.
• Non-metallic deposits include red clay, white clay and limestone.

Sand and gravel are the most abundant deposits in the province.
ATTRACTIONS AND TOURISM
43
• Saint Dominic, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol Complex
• Dalton Pass/Balete, Ca[saan Cave System, Alayan Cave
• Heaven Cave, Imugan water Falls Kayapa Fruits and Vegetable
• Saint Dominic, Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol Complex
• Dalton Pass/Balete, Ca[saan Cave System, Alayan Cave
• Heaven Cave, Imugan water Falls Kayapa Fruits and Vegetable
44
45
PEOPLE OF QUIRINO
The Ilongots and the Dumagats are the original inhabitants of the
province, which used to be the forest region of Nueva Vizcaya. These
tribal groups roamed the hinterlands, building their huts in the heart of
the jungle.
• Quirino was the forest region of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya
inhabited by tribal groups known as The Negrito or Pugots.
• Ilocano dialect widely used in the lowlands of the various
municipalities
• Ifugao is the predominant dialect in the upland parts
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
• Nagbukel Cave, Aglipay Caves and Campsite,Governor Rapids
• Aglipay Town, Nagtipunan town, Mactol Falls/San Pugo Falls
• Victoria Falls and Addalam River and Natures Park
46
• The Madella Waterfalls and Forest Resort
Chapter 6
Region III Central Luzon
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Central Luzon

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Central Luzon
region.
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50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
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Chapter 7
Region IV-A CALABARZON
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region IV-A-

CALABARZON
2. Explain the culture and traditions of Region II- A-
CALABARZON
Region
66
Calabarzon formally known as the Southern Tagalog
Mainland, is an administrative region in the Philippines,
designated as Region IV-A.
The region comprises five provinces: Batangas, Cavite,
Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal, and one highly urbanized city,
Lucena.
The region is the populous region in the Philippines
according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, having over
14.4 million inhabitants in 2015, the country’s second most
densely populated after the National Capital Region.
The region is situated southeast of Metro Manila, and is
bordered by the Manila Bay to the west, Lamon Bay and the Bicol
67
Region to the east, the Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea to the south, and
Central Luzon to the north.
It is home to places like Mount Makiling near Los Baños,
Laguna and the Taal Volcano in Batangas.
Due its size, Region IV was split into two separate regions,
Region IV-A, Calabarzon and Region IV-B, Mimaropa. Each
provinces in the region is composed of different environments,
ranging from low coastal areas to rugged mountainous ones.
• Calabarzon formally known as the Southern Tagalog
Mainland, is an administrative region in the Philippines,
designated as Region IV-A.
• Due its size, Region IV was split into two separate regions,
Region IV-A, Calabarzon and Region IV-B, Mimaropa.
• The region is the populous region in the Philippines according to
the Philippine Statistics Authority, having over 14.4 million
inhabitants in 2015, the country’s second most densely
populated after the National Capital Region.
GEOGRAPHY
• The region is situated southeast of Metro Manila, and is
bordered by the Manila Bay to the west, Lamon Bay and the
Bicol Region to the east, the Tayabas Bay and Sibuyan Sea to
• The south, and Central Luzon to the north.
• It is home to places like Mount Makiling near Los Baños,
Laguna and the Taal Volcano in Batangas.
• The region comprises five provinces: Batangas, Cavite,
Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal, and one highly urbanized city,
Lucena.
68
Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the
provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north, and Quezon to the east.
Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of
Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea.
It is home to the well-known Taal Volcano, one of the Decade
Volcanoes, and Taal Heritage town, a small town that has ancestral
houses.
Batangas City is the second largest international seaport in the
Philippines after Metro Manila.
HISTORY
• Long before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, large
centers of population already thrived in Batangas.
• The province had been trading with the Chinese since Yuan
Dynasty until the first phase of Ming Dynasty in the 13th and 15th
century.
• In 1570, Spanish generals Martin de Doiti and Juan de Salcedo
explored the coast of Batangas on their way to Manila and came
upon a Malay settlement.
• Liberation of Batangas proper by American forces began in
March 1945 under the 11th Airborne Division and 158th
Regimental Combat Team. The 158th Regimental Combat Team
69
stationed in Nasugbu was tasked to secure the shores and nearby
towns of Balayan and Batangas.
• Batangas has several islands, including Tingloy, Verde Island,

and Fortune Island of Nasugbu.
• According to Guinness World Records, the largest island in a
lake on an island is situated in Batangas. Particularly at Vulcan
Point in Crater Lake, which rests in the middle of Taal Island in
Lake Taal, on the island of Luzon.
• Batangas comprises 30 municipalities and 4 cities.
PEOPLE
• The population of Batangas in the 2015 census was 2,694,335
people.
• Tagalogs are the predominant people in Batangas with Roman
Catholicism as predominant religion.
• The dialect of Tagalog spoken in the province closely resembles
the Old Tagalog spoken before the arrival of the Spanish. A
strong presence of the Tagalog culture is clearly visible to the
present day. English is widely understood in the province.
70
ECONOMY OF BATANGAS
Pineapples are also common in Batangas. Aside from the fruit, the
leaves are also useful such that an industry has been created from it.
In the municipality of Taal, pineapple leaves are processed to form a
kind of cloth known as jusi, from which the Barong Tagalog, the
national costume of the Philippines is made.
Livestock as an industry is also thriving in Batangas. Cattle from
Batangas are widely sought throughout the country. Fishing plays a
very important part of the economy of the province.
Batangas houses 5 industrial parks registered under the Philippine
Economic Zone Authority
TRANSPORTATION OF BATANGAS
• Batangas has a total of 556 kilometers of national roads, mostly
paved. The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, Maharlika
Highway, and Jose P. Laurel Highway forms the highway
backbone of the province.
• Batangas port in Batangas City is the principal port for ferry
access to Mindoro, Tablas, Romblon, and other islands.
TOURISM
• Batangas beaches.Anilao Diving, Taal Volcano. Fortune Island
• Mt. Batulao. Mt. Maculot, Sombrero Island. Taal Basilica
71
• Fantasy World. Caleruega Church. Monte Maria Shrine. Milea
Bee Farm
Located at the southern shores of Manila Bay and southwest of Metro

Manila. The capital is the City of the Imus and the City of Trece
72
Martires as the seat of government.
It is the most industrialized and fastest-growing provinces in the
Philippines. Originally agricultural and new a booming bedroom
community for ultra-congested Metro Manila.
Its location is just north of Taal volcano poses significant risks
of ashfall, and debris flows through it into Manila Bay
HISTORY
• The present Cavite City was once a mooring place for Chinese
junks trading that come to trade with the settlement around
Manila Bay.
• Archeological evidence in coastal areas show prehistorical
settlements. According to local folklore, the earliest settler of
Cavite come from Sulu or Borneo.
• The Spanish colonizers who arrived in the late 16th century saw
the unusual tongue of land jutting out on Manila Bay. During
the Spanish-American War, American forces attacked the
Spanish squadron in Cavite. A captured Spanish cannon from
the Cavite arsenal now sits in the Village Green Park in
Winnetka, Illinois USA.
GEOGRAPHY
• Cavite is surrounded by Laguna province to the east, Metro
Manila to the northeast, and Batangas province to the south.
• Cavite is the second-smallest province in the region comprises
16 municipalities and 7 cities.
• Situated at the entrance of Manila Bay, Cavite is characterized
by rolling hinterlands punctuated by hills; the shoreline fronting
73
Manila Bay at sea level; and rugged portion at the boundary
with Batangas where the Dos Picos mountains are located.
• Cavite’s land resources are categorized into two: forest lands
and alienable and disposable lands. Forest lands are being
maintained as they play a great role for the ecological balance of
the province. Cavite coastal areas have marl and conglomerate
sedimentary rocks, and some igneous rock which are prominent
in the high mountainous regions.
PEOPLE
• Cavite has a total population of 3,678,301 in the 2015 census
making it the most populous, the second most densely populated
province in the country.
• Cavite is classified as predominantly urban having population
concentrated in the urban areas with Roman Catholicism as
primary religion.
• The main languages spoken are Tagalog, Chavacano, and
English.
ECONOMY
• The province is predominantly an agricultural province and the
economy is largely dependent on agriculture. Despite
urbanization and industrialization, still, a significant number of
inhabitants are engaged into agribusinesses.
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• Cavite has twelve economic zones. The largest economic zone
under development is the PEC Industrial Park in General Trias.
This is with 177 hectares intended for garments, textiles,
semiconductors, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
TRANSPORTATIONS
• There are main highways traversing the province: Aguinaldo
Highway runs in a general north-south direction which includes
the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway segment in the south; the
governor’s drive runs in a general east-west direction; the
Antero Soriano Highway runs within the coastal towns on the
northwest.
• The DOTC had no objection to an offer building a p508-billion
airport complex on reclaimed land in Sangley Point for the
upcoming international airport.
There is one ferry service: Metrostar Ferry, from Cavite City to SM
Mall of Asia in Pasay.
TOURISM
• Sky Ranch, Picnic Groove, Puzzle Mansion, Taal Lake an
Volcano
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar at Imus.\, Aguinaldo Shrine
• Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church of Silang, Sherwood
Hills Golfclub
• Tagaytay Ridge. Cabag Cave, Palite Falls
• Mataas na Gulod National Park
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Is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region in
Luzon with Santa Cruz as capital.
The province is situated southeast of Metro Manila, south of the
province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of
Cavite. Laguna hugs the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, the
largest lake in the country.
Laguna is notable as the birthplace of Jose Rizal, the country’s
national hero.
It is also famous for attractions like Pagsanjan Falls and the hot
spring resorts of Calamba on the slopes of Mount Makiling.
HISTORY
• The province of Laguna, and that of the Southern Tagalog
region, dates as far back as 900 AD. Pre-Hispanic settlement in
the area can be dated to prehistoric times, as evidenced in the
names of town such as Pila, Laguna. A prominent figure during
the time of pre-Hispanic contact is Gat Pangil, a chieftain in the
area. By the end of the war, the entire country was occupied by
American forces and was taken as a colony.
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• The Taft Commission was established to govern the Philippines
during the interim period, which appointed Juan Cailles as the
provincial governor of Laguna.
• During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1942-1945,
Laguna was a center of Filipino resistance despite the presence
of Makapili collaborators.
GEOGRAPHY
• Laguna covers a total area of 1,917.85 square kilometers
occupying the north central section of the Calabarzon region in
Luzon.
• Laguna is the third largest province in the Calabarzon region
and the 63rd largest in the entire country.
• Laguna lies on the southern shores of Laguna de Bay, the largest
lake in the country. The land near Laguna de Bay can be
considered to be narrow and flat while become more rugged
going further inland towards the mountainous areas.
• Laguna is home to 24 mountains, most of which are inactive
volcanoes. The highest peak in laguna is Mt. Banahaw located
in the boundary of Laguna and Quezon.
• Laguna comprises 24 municipalities ang 6 cities with capital of
Santa Cruz, a first class municipality.
PEOPLE
• The population of Laguna in the 2015 census was 3,035,081
people with Roman Catholicism as predominant religion.
Being in the middle of the Southern Tagalog Region, almost all
people in Laguna speaks Tagalog. There is a minority of people fluent
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in Ilocano, Bicolano, and Waray. A significant portion of the
workforce can read and speak English
ECONOMY
• Present-day Laguna shows a thriving economy because of the
availability of natural resources. Laguna produces millions of
pesos worth of coconuts, rice, corn, sugar, citrus fruits,
lanzones, Robusta coffee and other products.
• Tourist flock to its beauty spots
• The main natural resources of Laguna are in its agriculture and
fisheries, owing to its position near the Laguna de Bay and the
surrounding lowlands. Carp and tilapia fingerlings are also
being grown in inland ponds and freshwater fish pens.
• Laguna is home to twenty-one economic zones as registered
under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in Santa Rosa,
Binan, and Calamba.
TRANSPORTATION
• Laguna has a total of 384 kilometers of national roads, all
paved. The highway network is interconnected with nearby
provinces and Metro Manila with south Luzon Expressway
passess through Laguna. A public-private partnership initiative
of the national government include plans to build a
circumferential road along Laguna de Bay shoreline. Proposed
road networks is the Calamba-Los Baños Expressway and the
Cavite-Laguna Expressway that will connect both provinces
TOURISM
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• Paete is known as the Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines
for the murals found in the Saint James the Apostle Parish
Church. The church houses three murals created by Luciano
Dans depicting images of Heaven, Earth, and Hell, as well as
other murals of Saint Christopher.
• Laguna has a large tourist industry, owing to its historical and
natural resources. Laguna also has a total of 239 accredited
tourist attractions by the Department of Tourism, the second
largest in the region behind Batangas.
• Tourism in Laguna is large, although most of the visitors to
tourist spots are local tourists and foreigners.
• The Rizal Shrine in Calamba is the ancestral home of the
Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal.
• Laguna contains many natural tourist spots, owing to its
geography and climate, is a home to the Laguna Volcanic Field,
a group of 200 volcanoes and maars. The highest features of
these fields is Mount Makiling, which is also considered to be a
holy mountain.
• There are also multiple man-made tourist attractions and parks
located in Laguna, like the Enchanted Kingdom theme park is
found in Santa Rosa. Other parks in Laguna include the Maria
Makiling Park, and the Makiling Botanical Garden, all found in
Los Baños.
• Calamba and Los Baños are famous for its resorts and hot
springs, lending to it the title of Resort Capital of the
Philippines.
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Is a province in the Philippines located in the southern tip of the
Calabarzon region in Luzon with City of Lucena as capital.
The province was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second
president of the Philippines and the first to be freely elected.
HISTORY
• Archaeological excavations in the province attest to its rich
precolonial past. Archaeological materials including burial jars,
human bones, shell midden and pot shreds have been discovered
at different sites in Bondoc Peninsula.
• After years under the Spanish regime, the colonized people grew
discontented with the Spaniards over the centuries. The most
important event in the history of the province was the Confradia
Revolt in 1841. This was led by the famous Lucbano,
Apolinario de la Cruz, popularly known as Hermano Pule. The
province under General Miguel Malvar, was also among the
earliest to join the Philippine Revolution.
Japanese occupation of the province during World War II began on
December 23, 1941, when the Japanese Imperial Army landed in
Atimonan
GEOGRAPHY
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• Quezon, east of Metro Manila, is the 8th largest province in the
Philippines having an area of 8,989.39 square kilometers.
• It is the largest province of Calabarzon, compromising 53.21
percent of the total land area of the region categorized as
agricultural.
• The northen part of the province is sandwiched between the
Sierra Madre mountain range and the Philippine Sea. The
southern part consists of the Tayabas Isthmus, which separates
the Bicol Peninsula from the main part of Luzon island.
• The province is bounded by the provinces of Aurora, Bulacan,
Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and
Pacific Ocean on the east.
• The province is said to be characterized by a rugged terrain with
patches of plains, valleys and swamps. The major islands of
Quezon are Alabat Island and Polillo Islands. Mt. Banahaw, an
active volcano is the highest peak.
• Quezon comprises 39 municipalities and one component city,
the City of Tayabas.
PEOPLE
• The population of Quezon in the 2015 census was 1,856,582
people with Roman Catholicism as the primary religion.
• The inhabitants are mostly Tagalogs.
• The province used to be home to various Aeta tribes. The Aeta
used to clear coconut plantations and other odd jobs in exchange
for food or clothing.
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• There are five indigenous languages in Quezon province.
Tagalog is dominant language and Manide language in the east.
The Agta Dumagat Umiray language in the north and a small
area in the center and the already-extinct Katabaga language
which used to be in the south.
ECONOMY
• Farming and fishing are the main sources of livelihood in the
province. Commercial, industrial, and banking activities are
mostly concentrated in the south-central part of the province.
• Quezon is the country’s leading producer of coconut products
such as desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, coconut juice,
coconut oil and copra.
• Because of its long coastline and the presence of numerous
marshes and bays, fishing is also a large part of the province’s
economy.
• The capital city of Lucena is considered to be the economic
center of the province.
There are currently three malls in the province.
TRANSPORTATION
• The provincial government maintains provincial roads which
supplements the national roads.
• In order to spur development in the province, several proposals
have been made to expand the expressway network to Quezon.
The South Line of Philippine National Railway’s North-South
railway passes through the different towns of Quezon from
Tutuban to Bicol. The Dalahican Port and Cotta Port in Lucena
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provide direct access to the neighboring island provinces of
Marinduque, and Romblon. The Port of Real provides access to
the islands of Polillo while the Atimonan and Gumaca ports
provide access to the island of Alabat. The port in San Andres
provides access to Masbate and Burias islands.
• Several airports in Quezon includes the Lucena Airport,
Pagbilao Grande Airport, Alabat Airport, Jomalig Airport and
Balesin Airport serving flights to Manila.
TOURISM
• Mount Banahaw, Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, Niyugyugan
Festival of Quezon province
• Beaches, Ruins, Island of Balesin, Enriquez-Gala Mansion
• Famous signature dishes with coconut milk in dishes like
ginataang suso(snail), sinugno, and pinais.
• A major tourism draw to the province is Mount Banahaw
surrounded by spiritual mysticism with many Anitist, Christian
cults and organizations staying on the mountain. The mountain
was also one of the most sacred sites for pre-colonial tagalog
people before the arrival of the Spanish. Numerous pilgrims
visit the mountain especially during Holy Week.
• As of now, tourism is still a minor but growing part of the
province’s economy. Several attractions draw tourists from here
and abroad including festivals, beaches, old structures and other
sights.
• Among the festivals of Quezon, the three most prominent and
famous are probably the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban and the
Niyugyugan Festival of Quezon province.
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• To the north, the island of Balesin has become the home of
famous island with features seven resorts, offering the luxury
and differently themed villas.
• Quezon is home to heritage houses from the early 20th century
built in the American architecture of the time such as the
Enriquez-Gala Mansion.
• Quezon’s food is richly influenced by the native ingredients
found in the area like the coconut. As such, gata or coconut milk
can be found in different dishes like ginataang suso(snail),
sinugno, and pinais.
Is a province in the Philippines located in the in the Calabarzon

region in Luzon with its capital city of Antipolo.
The province is named after Jose Rizal, one of the national
heroes of the Philippines.
The province is also about 16 kilometers east of Manila.
The province also lies on the northern shores of Laguna de Bay,
the largest lake in the country. Rizal is a mountainous province
perched on the western slopes of the southern portion of the
Sierra Madre mountain range.
HISTORY
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• Tagalog settlement arrived during in the pre-Spanish period.
The provincial territory began with the organization of the
Tondo province and Laguna province during the Spanish
administration.
• On February 6, 1901, the First Philippine Commission sought to
establish civil government in the country through a provincial
organization act.
• In year 1939, Quezon City was established, which included
parts of Caloocan, and later on, Novaliches and parts Marikina
and San Juan towns.
• On June 19, 2020, President Duterte signed Republic Act No.
11475 into law, which officially transferred the capital of the
Rizal province from Pasig to Antipolo. The law was published
on June 22, 2020 and took effect on July 7, 2020. The
publication of the law coincided with the 159th birth anniversary
of Rizal.
GEOGRAPHY
• Is a province in the Philippines located in the in the Calabarzon
region in Luzon with its capital city of Antipolo.
• The province is named after Jose Rizal, one of the national
heroes of the Philippines.
• Rizal covers a total area of 1,191.94 square kilometers
occupying the northern-central section of the Calabarzon in
Luzon.
• The province is bordered on the north by Bulacan, east by
Quezon, southeast by Laguna, south by the Laguna de Bay, and
west by Metro Manila.
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• Generally hilly and mountainous in terrain, most of the
province’s southern towns lie in the shores of Laguna de Bay,
the country’s largest inland body of water.
• Rizal comprises 13 municipalities and a city.
PEOPLE
• The population of Rizal in the 2015 census was 2,884,227
• Almost all of the residents of Rizal mainly speaks Tagalog,
English and Filipino used as secondary languages respectively.
ECONOMY
• In recent years, the province became one of the most
progressive provinces in the country, owing to its proximity to
Metro Manila.
• Antipolo, the province’s capital city, is the center of trade and
exchange, tourism, government, and economy. Acclaimed of its
scenic attractions, the city also produces agricultural products
such as cashew nuts and rice cakes.
• Taytay, the province’s center of garment and textile
manufacturing, is also the town where the country’s largest mall
operator runs a store near the town center.
Meanwhile, Cainta serves as the center of business-process
outsourcing (BPO) businesses in the province.
TRANSPORTATION
• In order to spur development in the province, several proposals
have been made to expand the expressway network to Quezon.
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The South Line of Philippine National Railway’s North-South
railway passes through the different towns of Quezon from
Tutuban to Bicol. The Dalahican Port and Cotta Port in Lucena
provide direct access to the neighboring island provinces of
Marinduque, and Romblon. The Port of Real provides access to
the islands of Polillo while the Atimonan and Gumaca ports
provide access to the island of Alabat. The port in San Andres
provides access to Masbate and Burias islands.
• Several airports in Quezon includes the Lucena Airport,
Pagbilao Grande Airport, Alabat Airport, Jomalig Airport and
Balesin Airport serving flights to Manila.
TOURISM
• Talim Island, The Parish of St. Clement, Hinulugang Taktak
• Mystical Cave, The sumBingTik Festival
Chapter 8
MIMAROPA
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region MIMAROPA

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Region MIMAROPA
region
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Mimaropa was formally known as the Southwestern
Tagalog Region, it was formerly designated as Region IV-B
until 2016.
This is one of the two regions having no land borders
together with Eastern Visayas.
Mimaropa region, together with Calabarzon, were
officially created with the partitioning of Region IV-Southern
Tagalog into the two regions.
Its purpose includes promoting efficiency in the government,
accelerating social and economic development and improving public
services in the provinces covered.
The name is an acronym combination of its constituent
provinces: Occidental mindoro, Oriental mindoro, Marinduque,
Romblon and Palawan.
GEOGRAPHY
• This is one of the two regions having no land borders

together with Eastern Visayas.
• Mimaropa region, together with Calabarzon, were
officially created with the partitioning of Region IV-Southern
Tagalog into the two regions.
Its purpose includes promoting efficiency in the government,
accelerating social and economic development and improving
public services in the provinces covered.
• The name is an acronym combination of its constituent
provinces: Occidental mindoro, Oriental mindoro, Marinduque,
Romblon and Palawan.
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It is an island province located in Southwestern Tagalog Region or
Mimaropa with the municipality of Boac as capital.
The province of Marinduque was ranked number 1 by the
Philippine National Police and Security Forces as the 2013 Most
Peaceful Province of the country.
Futhermore, for almost 200 years, the province is home to one
of the oldest religious festivals of the country, the Moriones
celebrated every Holy Week.
HISTORY
• The most accepted theory of the etymology of the province’s

name is a Hispanized corruption of either malindig or malindug,
which means stand tall. This is in reference to a potentially
active volcano in the southern section of the island, the Mount
Malindig. The island which the natives call Minolo is named
Mindoro by the Spaniards, and that of Malindic was called
Marinduque.
• During the Spanish and early American occupations,
Marinduque was part of Balayan Province, now Batangas in the
16th century, Mindoro in the 17th century, and had a brief period
as an independent province in 1901, when the Americans
arrived.
• In 1945, combined American and Filipino troops liberated the
province from the Japanese forces.
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• Two government agencies were stationed in the province during
the American period, the Philippine Commonwealth Army and
the Philippine Constabulary.
GEOGRAPHY
• Marinduque is considered as the geographical center of the

Philippine archipelago by the Luzon Datum of 1911.
• The province is a “heart-shaped” island with a total land area of
952.58 square kilometers, situated between Tayabas Bay in the
north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is separated from the
Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon and West of Marinduque is Tablas
Strait which separates it from Mindoro Island.
• Some of the smaller islands to the northeast are Polo Island,
Maniwaya Island, and Mompong Island. Southwest portion
includes the Tres Reyes Island and Elephant Island. The north of
the island is the province of Romblon.
• The Verde Island Passage is the center of the world’s marine
biodiversity, a protected marine area, are also within
Marinduque’s provincial waters.
• The highest peak in Marinduque is Mount Malindig, a
potentially active stratovolcano with an elevation of 1,157
meters above sea level.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Marinduque in the 2015 census was 234,521

• The version of Tagalog spoken in Marinduque, has been
described as “the root from which modern national forms of
speech have sprung,” a Visaya language spoken in Romblon,
• just south of Marinduque. Kinaray-a is also spoken in the
province.
ECONOMY
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• Marinduque is an agricultural province, primarily growing rice
and coconuts.
• Handicrafts from Marinduque are also exported to different
parts of the world, and fishing is another important part of the
economy.
• A significant role in Marinduque’s economy is also played by
tourism, especially during the Lenten season.
Butterflies are raised for export to countries in both Europe and the
Americas. Locally, live butterflies are released in celebration on
different occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and some corporate
events.
TOURISM
• Kalutang, Maniwaya Island. Malbog Sulfur Spring
• Marinduque Hot Spring Resort. Bathala Cave. Boac Cathedral
• Mindoro island was originally known to the ancients as Ma-i. It

was formally called Mait, and known to the Chinese traders
before the coming of the Spanish. It was a major anchorage in
the Southeast Asia trade route during the pre-Philippines period.
• In 1570, the Spanish began to explore the island and named it
Mina de Oro or mine of gold after finding some of the precious
metal.
• The Mangyans, as they are now anthropologically known, do
not have a warrior society. They are a peaceful, shy but friendly
people. They are rarely known to be hostile, and have had no
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significant record of violent conflict with other people in the
entire history of the province.
• The revolutionary political reins were held by the elite, who also
held the same reins under the Spaniards and later under the
Americans.
• In 1950, the province of Mindoro was divided into Oriental
Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro by virtue of Republic Act
Number 505.
GEOGRAPHY
• Occidental Mindoro covers a total area of 5,865.71 square

kilometers occupying the western section of the Mindoro Island
with 11 municipalities.
• The province is bordered on the east by the province of Oriental
Mindoro and on the south by the Mindoro Strait. Batangas is to
the north, separated by the Verde Island Passage, a protected
marine area and the center of the center of the world’s marine
biodiversity.
• General land surface features that characterize Occidental
Mindoro are mountains, rivers, hills, valleys, wide plains and
some small fresh water lakes.
• The taller mountains can be found in the interior that it shares
with Oriental Mindoro on the two central peaks, Mount
Halconin the north, and Mount Baco in the south.
• The province is also a home to one of the more popular coral
reefs in the Philippines, Apo Reef.
DEMOGRAPHIC
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• The population of Occidental Mindoro in the 2015 census was
487,414 people with Roman Catholicism as predominant
religion.
• Major languages spoken are Tagalog and the Mangyan
languages as well as Ilokano, Visayan, and Bikolano by people
who migrated the province.
• The indigenous people in the province are the Mangyans
consisting of 7 distinct tribes. They occupied the foothills and
interiors. The Mangyan have inhabited the island since pre-
history. They are believed to have originally traveled from
Indonesia and settled down for good in the island. There is much
evidence, historical and geophysical, that the Mangyan tribes
formerly lived near the coastlines, wishing to preserve their way
of life.
ECONOMY
• Occidental Mindoro is an agricultural area devoted to the
production of food with rice production of food with rice
production as primary staple crop.
• Wetland or lowland rice is a rainy season crop, heavily
dependent on water and therefore produced from July, planting
season to October, harvest season. Tobacco, onions, garlic, and
vegetables are grown during the dry season since they are not
water-intensive crops.
• Mangoes, cashew nuts, cooking bananas and some other fruits
grown in upland orchards are among the other exports of
Occidental Mindoro. Peanuts are also grown in some parts of
the province, as well as cassava, sweet potatoes, ginger and
other minor cultivars.
• Forest resources include timber, and minerals like gold copper,
silver, lime for making cement, and greenstones for ornaments
are available.
TRANSPORTATION
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• The only airport in Mindoro is in San Jose, with daily flights to
and from Manila offering only one flight each way per day.
• The island of Mindoro can be accessed by boat from either
Batangas to Calapan and Puerto Galera from Caticlan to Roxas,
Oriental Mindoro, or from Coron to San Jose.
• The shipping service to Batangas is Ro-Ro at about 3 hours or
fast ferry, about 1 hour and a half open 24 hours. Dimple Star, a
bus company runs regular buses and vans between the towns on
Mindoro, also plying from Cubao Station in Manila all the way
to San Jose Occidental.
TOURISM
• Mount Iglit-Baco National Park
• Apo Reef National Park
• Pressing Park
• The Lumang Simbahan
• Papali Falls
This is a province in the Philippines located on the island of Mindoro

under Mimaropa region in Luzon with the City of Calapan as capital.
Oriental Mindoro is touted as the country’s emerging eco-
tourism destination, dubbed as the center for marine ecosystem and
biodiversity. Most of the endemic species in the Philippines are found
in the Verde Island Passage between Mindoro Island and the main
island of Luzon.
UNESCO declared Puerto Galera a biosphere reserve under its
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Man and the Biosphere Programme in the 1970s. The Verde Island
Passage is at the apex of the so-called Coral Triangle – the
Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It has a distinction of being the
“center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity” and the
“center of the center of marine biodiversity”.
HISTORY
• After World War II, reconstruction and rehabilitation of
infrastructure and economy took place on the island, which then
constituted a single province.
• In the decades after the War, Mindoro attracted settlers from
overpopulated provinces in the Philippines.
• Apart from the hope to become landowners or to have better
tenancy conditions, the Hukbalahap Rebellion in Central Luzon
was an important factor for migration, under the settlement
program of the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation
Administration or NARRA, founded in 1954.
• Some families from Central Luzon were settled in the
Bongabong-Pinamalayan area, since then, new settlers continue
to migrate to Mindoro until today.
GEOGRAPHY
• Oriental Mindoro covers a total area of 4,238.38 square
kilometers, occupying the eastern section of Mindoro Island
• The province is bordered by the Verde Island Passage to the
north, by Marinduque, Maestra de Campo, Tablas Strait. The
rest of Romblon to the east, by Semirara and the rest of Caluya
Islands, Antique to the south, and by Occidental Mindoro to the
west.
• The westen portion of the province is mountainous or rugged,
while the east has hills and flood plains.
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• Mount Halcon, standing 2,582 meters above sea level, is the 18th
highest mountain in the country and is the province’s and
island’s highest peak.
• Lake Naujan, the fifth largest lake in the country with an area of
approximately 8,125 hectares of open water, is located at the
northeastern part of the province.
GEOGRAPHY
• The population of Oriental Mindoro in the 2015 census was
844,059 people with Roman Catholicism as predominant
religion.
• Tagalog is widely spoken in the province. Other languages
spoken are Ilocano and Visayan. Dialects of the Mangyan
language are Arayan, Alagnan, Buhid, Hanunoo, and Tadyawan.
Because of the RORO trips coming from Caticlan, a few people
from the southern part can understand Hiligaynon.
• The indigenous people of Oriental Mindoro are the Mangyans
consisting of seven distinct tribes occupying the interior and
highlands. They are believed to have originally traveled from
Indonesia, and settled down for good in the island since pre-
history.
ECONOMY
• Oriental Mindoro’s rich and arable land is suitable for
agriculture and the province is largely rural.
• It produces large quantities of rice, corn, coconut, vegetables
and fruits like calamansi, banana, rambutan, marang, lanzones
and durian.
• For that, Oriental Mindoro is also known as the Rice Granary
and Fruit Basket of Southern Tagalog.
• For 2019, the province has been one of the top producers of rice
becoming a source for the National Food Authority’s rice
procurement target.
TRANSPORTATION
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• Port of Calapan is the primary seaport serving the city connected
through routes to the Port of Batangas City in mainland Luzon.
• The City of Calapan also has an airport, the Calapan Airport,
classified as a secondary airport. This is used for general
aviation handling mostly small planes and choppers with regular
trips from Manila Domestic Airport.
• Motorized tricycles are a common mode of transport, jeepneys
and vans serves as transportation options to other municipalities
using provincial road.
TOURISM
• Puerto Galera
• Mount Halcon
• Hidden Paradise
• Tamaraw Falls
• White Sand Beach
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It is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the
region of Mimaropa, the largest province in the country in terms of
total area of jurisdiction.
Its capital is the city of Puerto Princesa, but the city is governed
independently from the province as a highly urbanized city.
HISTORY
• Palawan was determined by a team of researchers led by Dr.

Robert B. Fox historically. They found evidence in the Tabon
caves that humans have lived in Palawan for more than 50,000
years. They also found human bone fragments, from an
individual known as Tabon Man, in the municipality of Quezon,
as well as tools and other artifacts.
• The northern Calamianes Islands were the first to come under
Spanish authority, it was later decided a province separate from
the Palawan mainland. Before the 18th century, Spain began to
build churches enclosed by garrisons for protection against
Moro raids in selected municipalities.
• In 1902, after the Philippine-American War, the Americans
established civil rule in northern Palawan, calling it the province
of Paragua.
• In 1903, the province was reorganized to include the southern
portions and renamed Palawan, and Puerto Princesa declared as
its capital.
• After the Japanese invasion, according ti Stephen L. Moore,

“Pro-Allied sentiment was strong, but Filipino guerrillas worked
against the Japanese. During the first phase of the Battle of
Leyte Gulf, just off the coast of Palawan, two United States
Navy attacked a Japanese cruiser task force. It was lead by
Admiral Takeo Kurita, sinking his flagship in which he
survived, Atago, and her sister ship Maya.
• The island was liberated form the Japanese Imperial Forces
February 28 and April 22, 1945 during the Invasion of Palawan.
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GEOGRAPHY
• The province is composed of the long and narrow Palawan
Island comprising 13 mainland municipalities and 10 island
towns. Plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding it,
totalling roughly 1,780 islands and islets.
• The Calamianes Group of Islands to the northeast consists of
Busuanga, Coron, Culion, and Linapacan islands.
• Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from
Borneo by the Balabac Strait. Palawan also covers Cuyo Islands
in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few
hundred kilometers to the west, are hundred kilometers to the
west, are considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, locally
called the “Kalayaan Group of Islands”.
• The islands of Palawan stretch between Mindoro in the
northeast and Borneo in the southwest. It lies between South
China Sea and Sulu Sea.
• The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island
measuring 450 kilometers long, and 50 kilometers. Palawan’s
almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline is lined with rocky
coves and sugar-white sandy beaches.
• The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley
deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that
served as irrigation.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Palawan in the 2015 census was 849,469
people with Roman Catholicism as predominant religion. When
Puerto Princesa is included for geographical purposes, the
population is 1,104,585 people, the province is a melting pot of
87 different cultural groups and races. Influx of migrants from
other parts of the Philippines, particularly from Muslim
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Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth annually
concentrated in Balabac.
• There are 52 languages and dialects in the province, with
Tagalog being spoken by more than 50 percent of the people.
Languages native to the islands are Cuyonon and Palawano and
Kinaray-a is also present and spoken. In the south of Palawan
during the occupation of the Sulu Sultanate, Tausug was a
lingua franca amongst the minority Islamified Ethnic groups like
Molbog and Tausug.
ECONOMY
• Palawan’s economy is basically agricultural. The major crops
are rice, corn, coconut and livestock.
• Mineral resources include nickel, copper, manganese, and
chromite. Lodding is also a major industry.
• Palawan has one of the richest fishing grounds in the country
supplying almost 50 percent of fish to Manila.
• Having natural gas reserves of approximately 30,000 trillion
cubic feet, the province is the only oil-producing province in the
country.
• In addition, tourism is also a thriving sector, having received 1.8
million tourists in 2018 and increasing year by year.
TRANSPORTATION
• The Puerto Princesa International Airport is the only
international airport in Palawan, serving as the main gateway to
the province. There are other airports includes in the
municipalities of Coron, Busuanga, El Nido, San Vicente,
Magsaysay, Taytay, Roxas, Balabac, Rizal and Bataraza.
• Port of Puerto Princesa is the main seaport in Palawan, serving
both cargo and passenger traffic to the island. Scheduled
passenger ferry services are running weekly from Manila to this
port managed by the Philippine Ports Authority. Other seaports
include in the province are Port of Coron, Port of El Nido and
Port of Mangingisda.
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• Buses, vans and other mode of land transportations are also
available using and plying the provincial roads.
• The Puerto Princesa International Airport is the only
international airport in Palawan, serving as the main gateway to
the province. There are other airports includes in the
municipalities of Coron, Busuanga, El Nido, San Vicente,
Magsaysay, Taytay, Roxas, Balabac, Rizal and Bataraza.
• Port of Puerto Princesa is the main seaport in Palawan, serving
both cargo and passenger traffic to the island. Scheduled
passenger ferry services are running weekly from Manila to this
port managed by the Philippine Ports Authority. Other seaports
include in the province are Port of Coron, Port of El Nido and
Port of Mangingisda.
• Buses, vans and other mode of land transportations are also
available using and plying the provincial roads.
TOURISM
• Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
• Tubbataha Reef Marine Park
• Clauit Game preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• It was also rated by the National Geographic Traveler magazine
as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region
in 2007. And the equal 27th best island in the beautiful world
having “incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes.
The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since the early
1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable
development.
• Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract
hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan,
near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is
Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. They
range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety
offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice
divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced
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TEC divers. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese
warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler
Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.
This is an archipelagic province of the Philippines located in the

Mimaropa region with Municipality of Romblon as Capital.
Its main islands include Tablas, the largest, which covers nine
municipalities, Sibuyan with its three towns, and smaller island
municipalities including Romblon.
Archeological artifacts recovered by the National Museum in
1936 indicate that the aborigines of Romblon already have a rich and
advanced culture.
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According to legend, the name “Romblon” was derived from the
word Nagalumyom, which pertains to a chicken in the act of sitting on
its eggs on a nest. This eventually evolved to Lomlom, and later on to
Donblon, the name reported by Spanish chronicler before finally
evolving to Romblon.
HISTORY
• Rombon’s aboriginal inhabitants were the Negritos from Panay
and Mangyans from Mindoro, who settled in the islands during
the precolonial period.
• Recollect missionaries arrived in Romblon to establish Catholic
missions and settlements, they helped the Spanish authorities
establish peace and order. They also built massive forts,
churches and watchtowers in the province, such as Fort San Jose
in Banton and Fort San Andres in Romblon.
• Upon the restoration of peace and order in the province
following the Philippine-American War, the Americans
established civilian government in the islands. The islands
became one of the centers of resistance movement against the
Japanese led by the Free Panay Guerilla Forces.
GEOGRAPHY
• Romblon is strategically situated at the center of the Philippine
archipelago comprises 17 municipalities which generally
mountainous.
• Geographically part of the Visayas, it is composed of three
major islands namely: Tablas, Sibuyan, Romblon and 17 smaller
islands.
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• It is surrounded by deep waters, and is bounded by Masbate in
the east, Mindoro in the west, Marinduque in the north and
Panay in the south.
• The islands are dispersed and accessible only via sea
transportation except for Tablas Island where a domestic airport
is located in the municipality of Alcantara.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Romblon in the 2015 census was 292,781
people with Roman Catholicism as the predominant religion.
• It ranks forth among the five provinces of the MIMAROPA
Region in terms of population and represents 9.9 percent of the
region’s population.
• The languages of Romblon, as well as all languages native to the
Philippines, belong to the Austronesian language family. Unlike
other islands or provinces in the Philippines where all local
languages are classifiable under the same subgroup of
languages. Each of the three languages of Romblon-
Romblomanon, Onhan and Asi- actually belongs to a different
subgroup of the Visayan language group. Romblomanon
belongs to the Central Visayan subgroup, which spans from
Waray-Waray in Samar and Leyte, through Masbatenyo and
Sorsogon. Onhan, on the other hand, belongs to the Western
Visayan subgroup, which includes Kinaray-a and Aklanon.
ECONOMY
• Agriculture is the main industry in Romblon. Coconut is the
most cultivated crop as well as root crops, vegetables and fruits.
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San Agustin has the most extensive area with coconut plants
followed by Romblon and Cajidiocan.
• Fishing industry is the major enterprise as Romblon is
surrounded by water on all sides, fisherfolks unloads the day’s
catch from their nets. The fishing grounds of Romblon are a
migratory path of fish from Sulu and Visayan Seas passing
through Tablas Strait, Sibuyan Sea and Romblon Pass. Because
the province has a great potential for aqua-marine development,
• the province implemented a coastal and resource management
program.
• Livestock development and poultry production are also viable in
the province but relies on the export of supplies from nearby
provinces. Marble is the most significant mineral deposit of
Romblon, the most renowned product of the province with high
quality and comes in shade, green, red, and pink.
TRANSPORTATION
• Romblon province is connected by a network of national and
provincial roads. The primary modes of land transportation in
the province are jeepneys, minibuses and tricycles that serves
inter-municipal movements.
• Sea transportation is the primary mode of transportation linking
Romblon with Luzon and islands in the Visayas. Inter-island
ferries, RORO, and cargo ships from Manila, the southern
Luzon ports of Batangas City, and Lucena City in Quezon
province. The province is also served with RORO from Roxas,
Oriental Mindoro, and Roxas City in Capiz linking the province
to the rest of the country.
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• Tugdan Airport in Alcantara is the only airport in the province
and is less than an hour away from Metro Manila with flights 4
times weekly. At Barangay Azagra, San Fernando in Sibuyan
Island, there is also a small airstrip that caters to tourism and
general aviation.
TOURISM
• White sand beaches
• Mount Guiting-Guiting in Sibuyan
• Gayungan Cave System in Banton
• Apunan Point Lighthouse
• Fort San Andres
• Fort Santiago
• Biniray Festival
• St. Joseph Cathedral
Chapter 9
Region V- Bicol Region
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Bicol Region

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Bicol Region
region
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Is an administrative region of the Philippines, designated as Region
V. The regional center and largest city is Legazpi City. The region is
bounded by the Lamon Bay to the north, Philippine Sea to the east,
and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west.
The northernmost provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, are

bordered to the west by the province of Quezon.
The people of the Bicol Region, called Bicolanos, speak any of the
several languages of the Bikol language family, Tagalog and Visayan
Languages.
Bicol comprises six provinces, four on the Bicol Peninsula mainland,
Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and the offshore
island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.
HISTORY OF ALBAY
• Long before the Spaniards arrived, Albay had a thriving
civilization, formerly called Ibat, and then Libog
• Albay was once ruled by Gat Ibal, an old chief who also
founded the old barangay of Sawangan, now part of the City of
Legazpi.
• The December 12, 1941 Japanese invasion of Legazpi during
the Second World War, the Kimura Detachment of the Imperial
Japanese Army occupied Albay Province.
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• The region was defended only by the Philippine Constabulary
unit under the command of Major Francisco Sandico.
GEOGRAPHY
• Albay has a total land area of 2,575.77 square kilometers
comprising 15 municipalities and three components cities.
• The province is bordered by the provinces of Camarines Sur to
the north and Sorsogon to the south.
• To the northeast lies the Lagonoy Gulf, which separates the
province from Catanduanes, southwest of the province is the
island of Burias of Masbate province.
• The province is generally mountainous with scattered fertile
plains and valleys, on the eastern part of the province is a line of
volcanic mountains.
• This active volcano falls under the jurisdiction of eight
municipalities and cities.
DEMOGRAPHICS
• The population of Albay in the 2015 census was 1,314,826
• The languages in the province are very diverse which including
the Albay Bikol group, comprises the languages of West
Miraya, East Miraya, Libon and Buhinon of the four Albay
Bikol languages, Buhinon is the only one not used in Albay but
rather in Buhi, Camarines Sur.
• Rinconada Bikol is a minority language in the province and used
by people in barangays of Libon and Polangui.
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• Another primary language used in the province is Central Bikol,
the native tongue of the population on the eastern coast. Both
Albay Bikol languages and Rinconada Bikol are members of
Inland Bikol group of languages while Central Bikol is a
language member of Coastal Bikol.
• Generally, the Bicol dialect spoken in Legazpi and Albay
District is the common tongue, including Bisakol.
• Bicolanos also speaks Tagalog fluently while English is used
mostly in government and education as another medium of
communication.
ECONOMY
• Agriculture is the main industry in Albay, which produces crops
like coconut, rice, sugar, and abaca.
• Handicrafts are the major source of rural income and comprise a
fairly large share of the small-scale industries of the province.
• Forestry, cement production and paper-making, and fishing are
other sources of livelihood for some of the municipality’s
inhabitants.
• The manufacture of abaca products such as Manila hemp, hats,
bags, mats, furniture, home decor, and slippers is one of the
main sources of income in rural areas.
TRANSPORTATION
• Maharlika Highway serves as the principal road connection
between other provinces.
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• Most of the provinces are served by secondary national roads,
and almost all of the cities and municipalities are connected by
national roads.
• Albay is the region’s principal trans-shipment point with its
ports: Tabaco International Port, Legazpi National Port, Pio
Duran Provincial Port, and the Pantao Regional Port.
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES NORTE

Is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon,
its capital is Daet the center for commerce and education.
The province borders Quezon to the west, Camarines Sur to the south,
and the Philippine Sea to the north.
HISTORY
• From Bicol, the province of Camarines was created in 1636,
which was divided in 1829, creating Camarines Norte and
Camarines Sur.
• They were briefly merged from 1854 to 1857 into Ambos
Camarines (ambos is Spanish for “both”). Merged into Ambos
Camarines once again in 1893.
• The province was divided into Camarines Norte and Camarines
Sur once again in 1917.
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• When Camarines Norte was separated from Ambos Camarines
in 1829, it was assigned the towns of Daet, as capital, Seventeen
years later, it lost Sipocot, Lupi and Ragay to Camarines Sur in
exchange for the town of Siruma.
GEOGRAPHY
• The province covers a total area of 2,320.07 square kilometers,
occupying the northwestern coast of the Bicol Peninsula in the
southeastern section of Luzon.
• It is bounded on the northeast by the Philippine Sea, east by the
San Miguel Bay, west by the Lamon Bay, southwest by Quezon
province, and southeast by Camarines Sur.
• Its capital town, Daet, is 342 kilometers southeast of Metro
Manila, an 8 to 10 hour drive by bus, 6 to 7 hour by private
car or a 45-minute trip by plane.
• Camarines Norte is subdivided into two legislative districts
comprising a total of 12 municipalities.
ECONOMY
• The province’s economy largely depends on agriculture, with
grain crops, vegetables, coconuts, root crops and fruits as its
main products
• The four major manufacturing and processing industries in the
province are mining (particularly gold and iron ore), jewelry
craft, pineapple and coconut industry.
• Other sources of the city’s economic stability are from the
growth of numbers in terms of tourists and tourism activities.
DEMOGRAPHICS
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• The population of Camarines Norte in the 2015 census was
583,313 people with Roman Catholicism as the predominant
religion.
• Prior to colonization, the region had a complex religious system
that involved various deities. The coastal Bicol dialect is the
main language spoken.
• Gugurang, the supreme god who dwells inside of Mount Mayon
where he guards and protects the sacred fire.
• Tagalog and English are widely understood and are used in
businesses and education.
TRANSPORTATION
• The province has an international seaport located at Barangay
Osmena, Jose Panganiban town servicing one of its major
industries.
• The seaport is approximately 5kilometers from the town proper
and an hour ride to the capital town of Daet.
• The province has 13 fishing ports in the coastal municipalities
and one feeder airport in Bagasbas, Daet.
PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR

Its territory includes two cities:
Naga, the lone chartered city, is the province’s religious, cultural,
financial, commercial, industrial, and business center;
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Iriga, a component city, which is the center of the Rinconada area and
Rikonada Language.
Within the province lies Lake Buhi, where the smallest commercially
harvested fish, the Sinarapan can be found.
The province is also home to the critically endangered Isarog Agta
Language, one of the three critically endangered languages in the
Philippines according to UNESCO.
HISTORY
• The earliest settlers in Camarines Sur are the Isarog Agta people
who live within the circumference of Mount Isarog.
• They have been in the province for thousands of years and have
been one of the first settlers in the entire Philippines.
• The American forces occupied the Bicol Peninsula in 1900. In
March on the same year, General John M. Bell made the
military governor of Southeastern Luzon.
• Civil government was finally established in Ambos Camarines

in April 1901.
• In 1945, Filipino and American troops along with the Bicolano
guerrillas, liberated Camarines Sur from the Japanese forces
towards the end of WWII.
• Local Filipino troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army
and the 5th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippines were
involved in the liberation efforts.
GEOGRAPHY
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• Camarines Sur covers a total area of 5,497.03 square
kilometers, occupying the Bicol Region's central section in
Luzon.
• The province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon the
northwest, and Albay to the south. To the east, lies Masqueda
channel.
• Camarines Sur occupies the central section of the Bicol
Peninsula, the largest province in the Bicol Region with 35
municipalities and 2 cities.
• At the center of the province is the Bicol Plain, surrounded by
mountains which include Mount Isarog and Mount Iriga.
• The eastern portion of the province lies on the mountainous
Caramoan Peninsula, which faces the island of Catanduanes to
the east.
• The Bicol River drains the central and southern parts of the
province into the San Miguel Bay.
• Mount Asog is surrounded by three lakes: Buhi, Bato, and
Baao.
DEMOGRAPHICS
• The population of Camarines Sur in the 2015 census was
1,952,544 people with Roman Catholicism as the pre-
dominat religion.
• The main languages spoken in Camarines Sur are the Coastal
Bikol, especially Central Bikol and Inland Bikol group of
languages.
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• The latter is a group of languages that includes Albay Bikol
group and Rinconada Bikol, while the former just consists
dialects
ECONOMY
• Camarines Sur is mostly agriculture-based producing rice, corn,
feedmeal, freshwater fish, livestock, coconut, sugar, abaca, and
water-lily.
• Entrepreneurs engage in trading, often branching out towards
neighboring provinces in the south and other municipalities.
• Handicrafts are the major source of rural income, providing a
fairly large share in a small-scale industries of the province.
• Naga and several towns have a tri-economy or three-base
economy: commerce, industry, and agriculture.
TRANSPORTATION
• From Manila, Cebgo and PAL Express offers two flights a day
to Naga Airport, at Pili about 10km east of Naga that would
take at least 45 minutes.
• Philtrancoand other Bus company runs buses from their Manila
terminals to Naga and several small towns throughout CamSur.
• From within Bicol region, there are buses coming from Legazpi,
Tabaco, Sorsogon City and Matnog.
PROVINCE OF CATANDUANES
• This is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon
in the Philippines with Virac as capital, a first class
municipality.
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• It is the 12th largest island in the Philippines, the province lies
to the east of Camarines Sur across Maqueda Channel.
• The province comprises Catanduanes Island, the Panay Island,
Lete Island, Palumbanes group of Islands, and a few other minor
surrounding islets and rocks.
HISTORY
• Bornean datus settled on the island of Panay, their descendants
then migrate throughout the archipelago and became the first
settlers in Catanduanes.
• In 1573, when Juan De Salcedo arrived in Catanduanes hunting
for pirates, and conquered the natives.
• Three years later, a galleon expedition from Acapulco was
shipwrecked near the island and the survivors were either killed
or made servants.
• The American occupation did not last long. In 1934, the
Americans had ceased control of the island.
• During WWII, Catanduanes was not spared from Japanese
invasion, they erected garrisons in different parts of the island.
• On September 26, 1945, Catanduanes after recognized as a
separate and independent province, under Republic Act
Number 159.
• Cantanduanes was a former sub-province of Ambos Camarines
in the early 1900s and later of Albay later, it gained provincial
autonomy.
GEOGRAPHY
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• Is situated in the easternmost fringe of Luzon with 11
municipalities, the province is mostly rugged and mountainous
terrain.
• The island is bounded on the west by the Maqueda Channel, on
the south by Lagonoy Gulf, and on the north and east by the
Philippine Sea.
• The topography of Catanduanes Island is rugged and
mountainous, becoming more pronounced towards the central
portion of the island.
• Mostly fractured and narrow strips of plains located along the
coastal areas where most of the inhabitants are settled.
• The highest mountain peak is in Boctot, located between the
municipalities of Virac and San Miguel with an elevation of 803
meters above sea level.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Catanduanes in the 2015 census was 260,964
• People are mostly natural born citizens in the province,
naturalized citizens, most of whom are Chinese, comprised only
about one percent of the population.
• There are two variants of the Bikol languages native to this
island province: Northern Catanduanes Bicolano and
Southern Catanduanes Bicolano
• The northern accent has a very pronounced letter “R” that
becomes a diphthong of non-vowel letters “L” and “R” in the
southern towns.
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ECONOMY
• The Island is the most progressive province in Bicol Region
with agriculture, fishing, and tourism are some of the other main
sources of employment.
• Several handicrafts such as jewelry manufacturing and other
small-scale industries also contribute to the province’s economy.
• The province is rich in natural resources such as forests,
waterfalls, rivers, mineral deposits and productive soil made
fertile by volcanic ashes.
• Rattancraft, fishing buri hat and mat making, and abaca fiber
craft are among the important industries of the island.
• Virac, the capital town of the island was among the top in terms
of infrastructure in 2012 Most Competitive Municipality
category.
• Catanduanes Island is the native habitat of the endemic abaca
plant (a banana relative) which is globally renowned for its
strong fiber.
TRANSPORTATION
• Virac Airport is the primary airport serving Catanduanes with
scheduled flights to Manila regularly.
• From the seaport of Tabaco, several shipping company offers
transport service in just one hour and a half in Virac port and
San Andres port.
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• Overland, a 12-hour bus ride from Manila to Tabaco, in Albay,
is needed to cover the 580 kilometers distance, private vehicles
are also available for hire to any point in the island.
TOURISM
• The industry in the province is growing relatively quickly
despite the fact that the island experiences almost year-round
typhoons.
• Labeling the province as a “Typhoon Capital of the
Philippines” with the tagline “The Land of the Howling
Winds”.
• Catanduanes is known for its beaches, prehistoric caves, quaint
stone chapels and massive churches.
PROVINCE OF MASBATE
This is an island province in the Philippines located near the
midsection of the nation’s archipelago with Masbate City as capital.
The province consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao, and
Burias, comprising 20 municipalities and 1 city.
Masbate is at the crossroads of two islands groups: Visayas and
Luzon. It is politically part of Bicol region in the latter.
HISTORY
• Masbate is one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines,
archaeological records show that Batungan and Bagumbayan
were major sites.
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• The development of bronze metallurgy in South-East Asia
coincided with an increasingly hierarchical society, firmly based
on agricultural village settlements.
• The administration of Masbate was given back to the Mitra after
the Recollects left Masbate in 1749, All in all, over 60 recollect
missionaries were assigned in Masbate for a period of more than
100 years.
• Masbate became a separate politico-military command province
in 1846, In 1865, it was declared a separate province from
Albay, after a devastating typhoon in 1908.
GEOGRAPHY
• The province lies roughly at the center of the Philippine
archipelago, bounded on the north by Burias and Ticao Pass.
• Is also lies on the east by San Bernardino Strait, south by the
Visayan Sea, and west by the Sibuyan Sea.
• Relative to mainland Bicol, the province faces the southwestern
coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon areas.
• The general surface configuration of the province ranges from
slightly undulating to rolling and from hilly to mountainous.
• In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the
northeastern portion and gradually recedes to blunt hills and
rolling areas in the south, southeast, and southwest.
DEMOGRAPHIC
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• The population of Masbate in the 2015 census was 892,393
• There are three Visayan languages and one from Luzon, spoken
in the province, Masbateno is a Visayan language unique to the
province.
• It has mutual intelligibility with Hiligaynon, another Visayan
language spoken in the southwestern tip of Masbate island
including Cebuano dialect.
• The people generally speak English and Tagalog, especially in
conversing with tourists.
ECONOMY
• Masbate is endowed with rich natural resources, along with its
coastal areas the fishing industry predominates.
• In line with its agriculture are other industries such as large
farming, livestock, and poultry raising.
• Agricultural lands are planted with rice, corn, root crops, and
coconut, fishing is also done in coastal municipalities.
• The province raises cattle which is next to Bukidnon, these are
sold to Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon and Visayas
TRANSPORTATION
• Airplane flying and connecting the island from Manila or Cebu
is available regularly back and forth via Cebu Pacific.
• A daily trip is available going from Manila to Masbate via RoRo
bus, the terminal is located at Cubao in Quezon City.
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• This is part of the Nautical Highway, the bus will be carried by
the RoRo boat from Pilar to Masbate City port and vise versa.
• A RoRo bus also departs Masbate City daily in the morning
bound for Cebu City, using the Montenegro Lines boat to
Polambato.
TOURISM
• The province is blessed with excellent natural tourist attractions
and renowned festivities, dubbed as the Rodeo Capital of the
Philippines.
• Its main tourist attractions are the annual Rodeo Festival,
County’s Manta Ray Capital, and the Manta Bowl on Ticao Isle.
• Also, tourists book a longer stay with great views of rolling
green hills, untouchable islands, stunning sand bars, and
kilometers of white sandy beaches.
PROVINCE OF SORSOGON
Is the southern-most province of Luzon. Famous for its Whalesharks
in Donso, Sorsogon is also home to Mount Bulusan and the Bulusan
Mountain Lake. Mt. Bulusan is a favorite destination of mountain
climbers and nature lovers. Is a province in the Philippines located in
the Bicol region, the capital is the City of Sorsogon and the province
is composed of 14 municipalities.
Prior to colonization, the region had a complex religious system
which involved various deities.
These deities include, Gugurang, the supreme god who dwells inside
of Mount Mayon where he guards and protects the sacred fire.
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HISTORY
• In 1570 two Augustinian friars, Alonzon Jimenez and Juan Orta,
accompanied by a certain captian, Enrique De Guzman.
• They reached Hibalong, a small fishing village near the mouth
of Ginangra River, and planted the cross and erected the first
chapel in Luzon.
• Moving inland with a northwesterly direction they passed by the
territory now known as Pilar, before they reached Camalig
Albay.
• The early towns established here were: Gibalon, now sitio of
Magallanes; Casiguran; Bulusan, Pilar, Donsol, Bacon,
Gubat, Sorsogon, Juban and Matnog.
GEOGRAPHY
• Sorsogon covers a total area of 2,119.01 square kilometers
occupying the southeastern tip of the Bicol Peninsula in Luzon.
• The province is bordered on the north by Albay, east by the
Philippine Sea, and south by the San Bernardino Strait.
• Sorsogon is at the tip of the Bicol Peninsula and faces the island
of Samar to the southeast across the San Bernardino Strait and
Ticao Island.
• The province has irregular topography, except for landlocked
Irosin, all the towns lie along the coast.
DEMOGRAPHIC
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• The population of Sorsogon in the 2015 census was 792,949
• The Bicolano language predominates in Sorsogon, English and
Filipino are the official languages used in education and various
forms of communication. But Bicolano as used in the province
has some peculiarities, Bikol Naga is used in written
communications and understood as a spoken language.
• In 2010, UNESCO released its 3rd world volume of Endangered
languages in the World, where 3 critically endangered languages
were in the Philippines.
ECONOMY
• The province’s economic activity is highly concentrated in its
capital city, Sorsogon City, and the towns of Bulan, Irosin,
Gubat, Pilar and Matnog.
• Major commercial establishments primarily geared towards
retail and wholesale and the Bacon District is the secondary
business district of the City.
• The Bay City Sorsogon is currently being built at the coast of
Barangay Balogo will definitely have a huge impact on the
economic growth of the city.
TOURISM
• Each town honors its patron saint with a celebration on its Feast
Day.
• In Sorsogon City, the locals celebrate the Fiesta of the Patron
Saints Peter and Paul every June 28 annually.
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• Another feature attraction during town fiestas are the raveling
carnivals set up near the town center.
Chapter 10
Region VI Western Visayas
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Western Visayas

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Western Visayas
region
This region first came into existence on September 24, 1972, when
the provinces of the Philippines were organized into 11 regions by
Presidential Decree No. 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization
Plan by President Ferdinand Marcos.
The provinces of Alkan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, (including its then
sub-province of Guimaras, and Negros Occidental were grouped
together to form the Western Visayas Region).
Western Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines,
numerically designated as Region VI. The regional center is Iloilo
City.
The region is dominated by the native speakers of four Visayan
Languages: Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Aklanon and Capiznon.
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Western Visayas consists of the major island of Panay and the smaller
Guimaras, as well as several outlying islands.
It also includes the western half of the larger island of Negros. The
region is bordered to the north by the Sibuyan Sea, Northeast by the
Visayan Sea.
The east by the province of Negros Oriental in Central Visayas, south

by the Iloilo Strait and the Panay Gulf, and west by the Sulu Sea.
It consists of six provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo
and Negros Occidental) and two highly urbanized cities, (Bacolod and
Iloilo respectively).
HISTORY
• Aklan is believed to have been settled in the 12th century by
settlers from Borneo, ruled by the chieftain Datu Dinagandan
which traded with its neighboring islands.
• Several datus succeeded Datu Manduyog until the Spanish
explorer Miguel Lopez 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. The province was inaugurated on November
8, 1956.
• Aklan became an independent province through Republic Act
signed by Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25,
1956, separating Aklan from Capiz.
• Jose Raz Menez was appointed the first governor of Aklan by
President Magsaysay and he served until December 30, 1959.
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GEOGRAPHY
• Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon province to the
north, Aklan occupies the northern third of the island of Panay.
• The province with 17 municipalities is situated in the northwest
portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the southwest, and
Capiz to the east.
• The province covers a total area of 1,821.42 square kilometers
including the island of Boracay which is located at its
northwestern tip.
• Mount Nausang, is the highest point in the province, standing
at 5,410 feet above sea level, Aklan River, is the longest river
in the province.
• The province features high geographic diversity, ranging from
white sandy beaches, mangroves and mountainous landscapes.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Aklan in the 2015 census was 574,823 people
with Roman Catholicism as predominant religion.
• The main inhabitants of the province are the Aklanon, who are
part of the Visayan ethnic group, present are also the
Hiligaynon, Karay-a, and Capiznon.
• Other inhabitants include the Negrito, locally known as the Ati
and the Sulod, lesser known tribal group living in the
hinterlands of Panay.
• The most prominent languages in the province are Akeanon
which is spoken by majority, Malaynon is spoken in Malay and
Buruanganon is spoken in Buruanga.
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• Other regional languages used include Hiligaynon, Ati,
Kinaray-a and Capiznon, Tagalog and English are used in
administration, business and education.
ECONOMY
• Aklan depends on agriculture, with palay or rice being the top
produce in the province with the implementation of umaru rice
production program using the Hybrid rice.
• Aklan is sufficient in meat and other livestock and poultry
products, Coconut also occupies the largest area planted among
major permanent agriculture crops.
• Other crops produced include banana, mango, rambutan and
lanzones; and fiber crops such as pinya fiber and abaca used in
making bags and mats.
TRANSPORTATION
• Because of the popularity of Boracay Island, there is frequent air
travel to the province’s airports in Kalibo and Caticlan.
• Kalibo International Airport is about ten minutes from the main
plaza. Kalibo Airport serve direct flights to and from Taipei;
Hong Kong, China and Korea.
• The international flights are served by Air Asia Zest Airways,
ANA, Jin Air, Tiger Air Philippines, Etihad Airlines, Cebu
Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines.
• The province is also connected through its national roads with
buses and private vehicles traversing and plying to other
provinces.
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PROVINCE OF AKLAN
Arguably the prime beach destination in the Philippines because of its
crystal blue water, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palm
sand flowering plants and a healthy marine life underneath the seas,
Boracay is located in the Province of Aklan. Aside from this, Aklan is
also famous for its Ati-atihan Festival in celebration of the feast of the
Sto. Nino, third Sunday of janduary.
TOURISM
• Binakol, is a Filipino chicken soup made from chicken cooked
in coconut water with grated coconut, green papaya and leafy
vegetables with fish sauce.
• Binakol can also be cooked with other kinds of meat or seafood.
It was traditionally cooked inside bamboo tubes or directly on
halved coconut shells.
• The province is known for its Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo,
originally, it was to celebrate the treaty between the Ati and the
Malayan tribes who settled in the Island.
• When the Spaniards settled in the region and converted the
Malays to their Christian religion.
• The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in honor of the
Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), held on the third Sunday of January
in the town of Kabilo, Aklan
PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE
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Historians believe that the earliest people who settled on the island of
Panay were tribal Negritos or Atis.
Oral history, relayed as the “Maragtas”, states that ten “datus” or
minor tribal Malay chieftains escaped persecution from a city called
Odtohan from Borneo.
The ten datus, led by Datu Puti, sailed northward with their families
and communities, landing on Panay after departing Borneo.
There are claims that the narrative of the Maragtas is dated to 1212 to
fit with the transition of Srivijayan Empire to Majapahit, is part of the
local history of the people.
Between 1944 and 1945, Philippine Commonwealth forces of the 6th
Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary.
GEOGRAPHY
• Antique is one of the six provinces comprising Western Visayas
or Region VI, and one of the four provinces in the island of
Panay.
• The province is situated in the western section of Panay Island
and borders Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo to the east, while facing
the Sulu Sea to the west.
• Antique is subdivided into 18 municipalities, San Jose De
Buenavista serves as the provincial capital, the center of
commerce and trade, and government agencies.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Antique in the 2015 census was 582,012
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• Antiqueños are seafaring people that share many characteristics
with their Panay neighbors but the long mountain ranges of
Antique have isolated it from the rest of Panay.
• They have developed their own distinct language called
Kinaray-a, an Austronesian origin characterized by the
predominance of R’s.
• Tagalog and English are spoken in education, commerce of
government, The Antiqueños are noted for their industry.
ECONOMY
• Production of palay, is the primary crop of the province, Copra,
is the second major agricultural commodity, the main bulk of
copra came from the municipality of Caluya.
• The province is also produces other agricultural products like
corn, legumes, peanuts, muscovado, sugar, root crops,
vegetables and fruits like mango.
• Fishing is the major source of livelihood for households in the
15 coastal municipalities available all year round and peaks
during December to June.
TRANSPORTATION
• There are daily buses served going back and forth to Manila via
the roll-on/roll-off nautical highway, and other neighboring
provinces including the Iloilo and Kalibo.
• Evelio Javier Airport, is the only airport serving the province
located in San Jose, Antique serving domestic flights, also
Semirara Airport in Caluya is a municipal airport.
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• Seaports in the province include the Lipata Port in Culasi and
the San Jose Port in San Jose de buenavist, Lipata Port in Culasi
is being used to travel to Caluya
• Transportation services are generally provided by tricycles,
jeepneys, van and buses plying around the province and
municipalities.
TOURISM
• The rice terraces of the Iraynun-Bukidnon are divided into three
terraced fields, namely, Lublub rice terraces, Bakiang rice
terraces, and San Agustin rice terraces.
• The home of the EBJ Freedom Park, in honor of the late Gov.
Evelio B. Javier who was assassinated while defending
freedom and democracy from the forces of marital law. It also
boasts of Bugtong Bato River and Falls (famous for White
Water Rafting/Kayaking), Mt. Madias-as, Sira-an Hot
Spring and Palakopak Lake which is two inter-connecting
lakes abundant with freshwater fishes.
• The whole stretch of coastal areas in Antique is suited or scuba
diving from the southern town of Antique, tourists can drop by
Sira-an Hot Spring, claimed to be a medical spring.
• The capital town of Jose De Buenavista passing by Malandog
Marker, site of the first Malayan settlement and the newly
constructed Marina Bay.
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• Tourism amenities like restaurants, two shopping malls,
pasalubong centers, accommodations and beach resorts are
present.
• Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, can be found in
Sibalom Natural Park, this flower represents the province of
Antique.
• Tibiao has the kawa bath, Bugtong Bato Falls and the Fish SPA,
from Culasi, Mount Madia-as can be seen, the “Mount
Olympus” of Antique.
• Sebaste has the Igpasungaw Falls, the Sebaste Inland Resort and
the most visited Saint Blaise Church, where devotees of St.
Blaise make a pilgrimage every year.
• Pandan has Malumpati Health Spring and Bugang River,

declared as the cleanest body of water in the whole country by
the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran
PROVINCE OF CAPIZ
• The account of early Spanish explorers about Capiz and its

people was traced back in 1566 when the Spaniards set foot
in the month of Banica River.
• This is also the location of a fortress built by Juan De La Isla
is late 1570, the Paseo De Evangelizacion 1566 can be found
in the town plaza.
• In April 16, 1942, Imperial Japanese forces landed on
Capiz City and occupied the rest of the province.
• On December 20, 1944, Capiznon guerrillas, whose forces
already occupied most of the province, liberated the capital
from Japanese hands, leading to the full liberation of the
province.
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• It is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island,
bordering Aklan to the north, Antique to the west, and Iloilo
to the south, faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north.
• Capiz covers a total area of 2,594.65 square kilometers
occupying the northeastern portion of Panay Island.
• The province comprises 16 municipalities and a city Roxas
City, is only 45 minutes away by plane from Manila and is
within routes of major shipping lines.
• The Panay River used to be famous for the great number of
crocodiles thriving, Capiz is bounded by the Sibuyan Sea, the
Panay, Loctugan, and Ivisan Rivers.
• It is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island,
bordering Aklan to the north, Antique to the west, and Iloilo
to the south, faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Capiz in the 2015 census was 763,384 people
with Roman Catholicism as the predominant religion.
• There are two main local languages: Capiznon and
Hiligaynon, while Filipino and English are used as
administrative and business languages.
• Aklanon is spoken in towns near Aklan such as Sapian,
Jamindan, and Mambusao while Capiznon is concentrated in the
province of Capiz in the northeast of Panay.
• It is a member of the Visayan language family and the people
using it are part of constitutes of the wider Visayan
ethnolinguistic group.
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ECONOMY
• With its 80 kilometers of coastline and wide expanse of
swampy lands easily converted into fishponds, Capiz is dubbed
as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”.
• it holds one of the richest fishing grounds and is a major
contributor in the aquamarine industry of the Philippines.
• Farming and fishing are the primary sources of income for the
people, the combined natural bounty of land and sea sustains
a vibrant food industry.
• Capiz shell balls, plates, decorative bowls, candle, holders, tiles,
flower vase, door hanging chime, soap dish, and pendants.
• It also include products like globe light, necklace décor, beads,
bird cage, floor lamp holders, faux chandelier, gift boxes,
collection item rack and many more.
TRANSPORTATION
• Roxas Airport is an airport serving the general area of Roxas
city, the provincial capital, the airport is classified as a class 1
principal airport by CAAP.
• Roxas Airport has 3 flights daily and 4 flights on selected days
courtesy of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air
Philippines.
• The primary transportation vehicle used in Roxas City and other
municipalities in Capiz is the tricycle, buses, jeepney, vans and
Roxas City Taxi.
TOURISM
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• Home of the biggest bell in Southeast Asia which is seven feet
in diameter, weighing 10.4 tons, and located in Sta. Monica
Church in Panay Island, Capiz Province is also famous for its
Sinadya sa Halaran Festival which literally means “Joy in
sharing and Thanksgiving,” Sinadya marks the fiesta of Roxas
City in honor of the Patroness of the Capicenos, Our Lady
Immaculate Conception.
• Capiz is one of the places in the Philippines that contributed a
lot in Philippine folk dancing with 19 visayan folk dances.
• Some of the following are Tinolabong, Gayong-gayong, timawa,
Dagit-dagit, Beneracion, Tatay Meroy Cariños, Pukol,
HaBANERA Capicena, and Cabatinga.
PROVINCE OF GUIMARAS
• Is an island province in the Philippines located in the western
Visayas region with its capital as Jordan.
• The province consists primarily of Guimaras Island, and also
includes Inampulugan, Guiwanon, Panobolon, Natunga,
Nadulao, and many surrounding islets.
• Guimaras, formerly known as Himal-us, was a sub-province of
Iloilo unitl it was made an independent province on May 22,
1992.
• About 1581, Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa, Spanish
governor and Captain General of the Philippine Islands,
established a settlement in Guimaras.
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• Under American rule, the Guimarasnons were given the
opportunity to elect their municipal president in 1908.
• Guimaras gained its status as a sub-province of Iloilo through
Republic Act 4667, which was enacted by Congress on June
18, 1966.
• It was proclaimed as a regular and full-fledged province on May
22, 1992 after a plebiscite was conducted to ratify the approval
of its conversion.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Guimaras in the 2015 census was 174,613
• The people of the province, called Guimarasnon, speak
Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a as the primary languages.
• It was once a sub-province of Iloilo, Filipino and English are
widely spoken and understood in the province.
ECONOMY
• The province is basically agricultural with mangoes, palay,
coconuts, 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.
• The island province is famous for producing one of the sweetest
mangoes in the world, thus earning the nickname Mango Capital
of the Philippines from tourists.
TRANSPORTATION
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• It takes about twenty to twety-five minutes to cross by pump
boat from Ortiz in Iloilo City to Jordan, Guimaras, other ferries
leave from the Parola wharf in Iloilo to Buenavista.
• A roll-on/roll-off ferry travels around five times a day but is
mostly used to transport cargoes such as sacks of charcoals and
root crops from Guimaras to Iloilo.
• There is also a pump boat service connecting the town of San
Lorenzo to Pulupandan in Negros Occidental.
TOURISM
• Guimaras is situated east of Panay Island and was once part of
the province of Iloilo before it became independent.
• It is known much for its sweet mangoes which is one of the
main incomes of most families. Agri-tourism is one of its main
industries.
• Capitalizing on Guimaras white sand beaches, island coves, and
mango plantations, Guimaras pride are the mangoes, known to
be one of the sweetest mangoes.
• Mangoes are grown at a massive production, made into dried
mangoes, jam and surprisingly, mango ketchup, in celebrating
the Manggahan Festival.
PROVINCE OF ILOILO
Is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region,
its capital is the City of Iloilo, a highly urbanized city.
The capital city of Iloilo, is geographically located in the province but
remains politically independent from the provincial government.
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HISTORY
• According to Maragtas, Madja-as was founded after tend atus
fled Borneo and landed on Panay Island.
• Spain eventually succeeded on conquering of the island of
panay by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez De Legazpi.
• During the American colonial period, Iloilo became a home to
many first: including the first department stores and cinema
theaters in the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
• It became a province of the newly fledged Republic of the
Philippines when the archipelago gained independence from the
United State on July 4, 1946.
GEOGRAPHY
• The province covers a total area of 5,000.81 square kilometers
occupying the central and eastern section of Panay Island in
the Western Visayas region.
• Iloilo occupies a major southeast portion of the Visayan Island
of Panay and is bordered by the province of Antique to the west.
• Capiz to the north, the Jintotoo Channel to the northeast, the
Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf
to the southwest.
• Just off Iloilo’s southeast coast is the island province of
Guimaras, once part of Iloilo but now an independent province
• Across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros
Occidental, occupying the northwestern half of the larger island
of Negros.
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DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Iloilo in the 2015 census was 2,361,042
people including Iloilo City with Catholicism as predominant
religion.
• People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos, There are three local
languages used in the province: Hiligaynon or Ilonggo,
Kinaray-a and Capiznon.
• Hiligaynon and dialects/variants of it are spoken in Iloilo City
and in some towns of the province, especially to the northeast.
• Tagalog and English are widely used as administrative,
educational, and commercial languages, Hiligaynon is
concentrated in the City of Iloilo
ECONOMY
• Iloilo’s “economic boom” made thousands of jobs, and made
the province one of the most competitive in the country.
• Iloilo City is the center for real estate, accommodation, medical
centers, education, shopping centers, business centers, IT/BPO
centers and many more.
• Iloilo’s northern part consists of a strong fishing industry and a
booming tourism industry, it is near the Visayan Sea which
makes leading areas of fisheries in the nation.
• The central part is an agri-industrial center producing a wide
array of agricultural products such as corn, rice, bananas,
pineapples and sugar.
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• The sugar industries is centered in passi city and its neighboring
towns like Lambunao, Duenas, San Enrique and Bingawan.
TRANSPORTATION
• Iloilo international airport, is the primary gateway to Iloilo,
serves the province of Iloilo, including its capital city, the
regional center of western Visayas.
• This is located at Cabatuan, Iloilo, replacing Mandurriao airport
in Manduarriao, Iloilo City and inherited its IATA and ICAO
airport codes from its predecessor.
• Iloilo is one of the most accessible provinces in the Philippines,
Iloilo can be reached by plane on regular commercial
international and domestic flights.
• The port of Iloilo, considered the leader of trade and a
commercial hub for western visyas is also one of the safest
natural seaports in the Philippines.
• RoRo is available between Iloilo City and Guimaras, but the
RoRo to negros is available to Dumangas.
• Direct ferry routes and roll-on roll-off connections on the
Philippines nautical highway are also available between Iloilo
and all major cities in the country
TOURISM
• Spanish colonial churches are amongst the well-known tourist
sites in the province and known as world heritage sites such as
Miag-ao Church, Molo Church, Cabatuan Church.
• Bucari Area is an area with mountainous terrain situated in the
highlands of Leon and Alimodian.
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• It is known as the “Summer Capital of Iloilo” and declared as
a special economic zone for tourism and ecological
enterprise.
• Bulabog Putian National Park, is protected rain forest area
known for being living museum of flora and fauna.
• Hundreds of local and foreign tourists visit the 847 eco-tourism
park to immerse in the area’s attraction such as its various forms
of wildlife.
PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

• Is a province in the Philippines located in the Western
Visayas region, its capital is the City of Bacolod.
• It occupies the northwestern half of the large island of
Negros, and borders Negros Oriental, which comprises the
southeastern half.
• Known as the “sugarbowl of the Philippines”, negros
• occidental produces more than half the nation’s sugar output.
HISTORY
• When the Spaniards arrived in April 1565, they named it
“negros” because of the dark skinned natives they found.
• Two of the earliest native settlements were Binalbagan and
Ilog which later became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively.
• Ilog was made the first capital of the province in 1743, his was
later transferred to Himamaylan, and Bacolod finally became
the capital in 1849.
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• The island was divided into Negros Occidental and Negros
Oriental in 1890. The two princes were briefly unified as the
independent cantonal republic of negros.
• During WWII, both negros provinces were invaded by Imperial
Japanese forces, resorting many residents to flee to the inland
mountains.
• Negros island was liberated by combined Philippine &
American troops with the local Negrense guerillas attacking
the Japanese on August 6, 1945
GEOGRAPHY
• Negros occidental is located in the western side of negros island,
the fourth largest island in the Philippines, with a total land
area of 7,802.54 square kilometers.
• It is bounded by the Visayan Sea in the north, Panay Gulf on the
west, Negros Oriental province and Tañon Strait on the east and
Sulu sea on the south.
• Negros occidental faces the island provice of guimaras, and the
province of Iloilo on panay island to the northwest across the
panay gulf and the guimaras strait.
• Negros is basically volcanic, making its soil ideal for
agriculture, eighty percent of all arable land in the island region
is cultivated.
• Negros occidental comprises 19 municipalities and 13 cities, it
has the most chartered cities among all the provinces in the
Philippines.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• The population of Negros Occidental in the 2015 census was
3,059,136 people with Roman Catholicism as predominant
religion.
• Residents of Negros are called Negrenses and less often
Negrosanons, many are of either pure/mixed Austronesian
heritage, with foreign ancestry.
• Negros occidental is predominantly a Hiligaynon speaking
province with 84% of residents speaking it as a first language,
because its linguistic ties with Iloilo.
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• Cebuano is spoken by the remaining 16%, especially in the
cities and towns facing the Tañon Strait, due to their proximity
to the island province of Cebu.
• Filipino and English are widely spoken and used on both sides
of the island for educational, literary and official purposes.
ECONOMY
• 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.
• There are 15 sugar centrals located throughout the lowland
areas, stretching from northwest along the coasts of the Visayan
Sea and Guimaras strait.
• A fishing industry is found in Cadiz City, and other fishponds
that dot the province, one of the country’s largest copper mines
is located in Sipalay City.
• Minerals that abound in the province are primary copper with
estimated reserve of 591 million metric tons and gold ore
with estimated reserve of 25 million tons.
• Silver and molybdenum deposits are also abundant, as well as
non metallic minerals suitable for agricultural and industrial
uses.
ECONOMY
• Through its capital, Bacolod, negros occidental is only 50mins
from Manila and 30mins from Cebu by air.
• Travel from Bacolod to Dumaguete is only 5 to 6 hours by
land, seven airline companies, including Philippine airlines,
cebu pacific and air Philippines serve the province.
• By sea, it is an 18 hour cruise from manila and an hour by fast
ferries from Iloilo, four inter-island shipping lines call on nine
seasports of Negros Occidental.
• It is also accessible by sea and land trip from cebu via escalante
city, san carlos city, and Dumaguete city in negros oriental.
CUISINE
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• Cansi or Kansi is a combination of famous Filipino dishes,
Bulalo and Sinigang. It is made of beef shank and bone marrow
boiled until gelatinous.
• This beef soup originated from the Western Visayas Region. It is
one of the signature dishes in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
• Chicken Halang Halang is Negros Oriental delicacy that you
must try once in your life! This Visayan dish which is “super
spicy” is cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, papaya, and
hot pepper leaves.
TOURISM
• Negros occidental has long been a center of culture and arts; the
wealth brought about by the sugar industry.
• Silay city, to the north of the capital of Bacolod, nicknamed the
“Paris of Negros”, is the cultural and artistic center of Negros
Island Region.
• It has 30 heritage houses declared by the national historial
institute, most notable of which is Balay Negrense.
• The mansion dates back to the 1900s when it was built by sugar
baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his first wife, Maria
Braga, a Portuguese from Macau.
• the mansion’s structure is of all italiante architecture enhance by
a belvedere complete with renaissance type balustrading typical
of the homes of English ship captains.
• It was burned down in WWII to prevent the Japanese from using
it. It was opened to the public by descendants of the original
owner and is listed as among the World’s 12 most fascinating
ruins
Chapter 11
Region VII- Central Visayas
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Central Visayas

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Central Visayas
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region
This is an administrative region in the Philippines, numerically

designated as Region 7.
It consists of four provinces namely:
Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental,. Major islands are the
eponymous cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor, together with the eastern part
of Negros Island.
The regional center and largest city is Cebu City. The region is
dominated by the native speaker of four Visayan Languages:
Cebuano, Bantayanon, Boholano, and Porohanon.
PROVINCE OF BOHOL
It is an island province of the Philippines located in the central

Visayas region, consisting of the main island itself and 75 minor
surrounding islands.
Its capital is Tagbilaran City Bohol is the
tenth largest island of the Philippines.
The province is a popular tourist
destination with its beaches and resorts.
The chocolate hills, numerous mounds of brown-colored limestone
formations, are the most popular attraction
HISTORY
• The people of Bohol are said to be the descendants of a group of
inhabitants who settled in the Philippines called pintados or
“tattooed one.”
• Boholanos already had a culture of their own as evidence by
artifacts unearthed at Mansasa, Tagbilaran, and in Dauis and
Panglao.
• Bohol is ultimately derived from Bo-ol a kind of tree in
flourished on the island.
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• The original name is survives through bool, a town in
Tagbilaran where Miguel Lopez De Legazpi supposedly
landed.
• On March 10, 1917, the Americans made Bohol a separate
province under Republic Act 2711, also established most of
the other Philippine Provinces.
GEOGRAPHY
• To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of
Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea, is Mindanao.
• The Cebu Strait separates Bohol from Cebu and both island
provinces share a common language but Boholano retain a
conscious distinction from Cebuano.
• Bohol’s climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall
between the months of June and October.
• The terrain of Bohol is basically rolling and hilly, and about half
the island is covered in limestone.
• Near the outer areas of the island are low mountain ranges. The
interior is a large plateau with irregular landforms.
• Bohol is a first-class province divided into 3 congressional
districts, comprising 1 component city and 47
municipalities.
DEMOGRAPHIC
• According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 1,313,560
with Roman Catholicism as predominant region.
• Boholano is a variant of the Cebuano language spoken in the
island province of Bohol in the Visayas and a major portion of
southern leyte, as well as northern parts of Mindanao.
ECONOMY
• The province employment profile shows that it is mostly
agriculture remains the biggest sector in the province in terms
of working population and land use.
• The major sources of income is Agriculture that includes
farming with corn, rice, banana, coconut and root crops as
staple crops and fishing.
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• Tourism plays an increasing role in the islands economy. In the
coastal barangays some are engaged in small businesses.
• Other are employed both in government and private sector like
in beach resorts and tourism related establishments.
TRANSPORTATION
• The province main airport is the Bohol-Panglao International
Airport on Panglao Island serves as the gateway to Panglao
Island and rest of mainland bohol for domestic air travelers.
• The airport is officially classified as an international airport by
Civil Aviator Authority of the Philippines, but currently only
serves domestic flights.
• The province of Bohol can also be accessed by boat with
several shipping companies serving trips to and from nearby
islands in the region.
CUISINE
• Calamay is another popular food item commonly associated
with Bohol. For those not familiar with it, calamay is a sweet,
thick delicacy made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown
sugar, and peanuts. It can be used as a spread on bread, topping
for puto or rice cakes or eaten on its own if you really have a
sweet tooth. Calamay is a specialty of the town of Jagna where
tourists often find it uniquely packaged in coconut shells sealed
with a red band and sold on the streets.
• This pork sausage variant has a hint of garlicky and sweet
flavors and comes in smaller casings shaped like round balls
instead of the usual elongated style. Chorizo is often served in
the staple breakfast silog dish along with fried rice and egg in
eateries around the province.
• Peanut Kisses is an original Bohol delicacy inspired by the
world-renowned treat Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate. Bohol’s take
• on the sweet delicacy has been loved by tourists and
visitors,further evolving into a delicacy inspired by the iconoc
Chocolate Hills.
• Chicken Halang Halang, a specialty mix of your favorite
viands, the Chicken Tinola or Chicken Ginger Soup, and the
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Ginataang Manok or Chicken Curry. Both of these dishes are
popular in the Visayan regions, and trying the Chicken Halang
Halang is deliciously intriguing.
• Ladyfingers, locally known as broas and more famous in
Baclayon, Bohol, are crispy yet lightweight delicacies that
excite your mouth. This Bohol delicacy is made from flour,
sugar, and eggs. This native delicacy’s origin can be traced back
to Spanish times, wherein the people frequently used egg
whites as materials in the church’s construction.
TOURISM
• Bohol is one of the most popular and tourist friendly
destinations in the Philippines.
• This island province in the Central Visayas region attracts
visitation from all over the world because of its stunning and
diverse attractions with the chocolate hiils as its most famous
tourist spot.
• The Chocolate Hills in Bohol is one of a kind geological
formation of grass covered hills that turn brown during the dry
season.
• Bohol is also known as the home of one of the worlds smallest
primates, the tarsiers.
• The province has a rich history and is home to heritage
churches dating back to the early years of Spanish
Colonization.
• For eco-adventure lovers, Bohol offers a host of adrenaline-
packed and extreme activities.
• But the white sand beaches, world class dive sites and
generally laid back provincial atmosphere of Panglao island are
what give Bohol its unique charm as well as the river cruise.
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• Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches, islands, and
some of the best diving spots in the Philippines that are usually
included in Panglao Island tours.
• Panglao is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines
and is connected to the main Bohol island by bridges and can
be traveled to by land vehicles. This is also where the new
airport is located in.
• Hinagdanan Cave excursions are a must-add in any Bohol
itinerary. Not only because of its beauty, but it's also easily
accessible from the Chocolate Hills and waterfall destinations
in the province. It is arguable the most popular of the Bohol
caves.
• One of Bohol’s most beautiful natural attractions is the Loboc
River. This beautiful river is a wonder of nature that has been
preserved through the combined efforts of the local authorities
and the residents.
• Heritage churches in Bohol. You'll be able to catch a glimpse
of how the locals devote their time during prayer. And learn
about the remnants of the historical past through its
architecture.
• The Sandugo or Blood Compact Shrine monument found in
Bo-ol district of Tagbilaran City is a landmark at the site of the
first international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and
Filipinos. It's a popular attraction included in a Bohol day trip.
PROVINCE OF CEBU
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• It is a province of the Philippines located in the
Central Visayas or Region VII region.
• Its capital is Cebu City, “The Queen City of the
South”, the oldest city and first capital of the
Philippines, which is politically independent from the
provincial government.
• The cebu metropolitan area or metro cebu is the second
largest metropolitan area in the Philippines after Metro
Manila with Cebu City as the main center of
commerce, trade, education and industry in the
Visayas.
HISTORY
• The name “Cebu” comes from the old Cebuano: sibu or
sibo, ‘the place for trading’.
• It was originally applied to the harbors of the town of
Sugbu, the ancient name for Cebu City.
• Alternate renditions of the name by traders between the
13th to 16th centuries include Sebu, Sibuy, Zubu, or
Zebu.
• Sugbu or sugbo, in turn is derived from the old Cebuano
term for “scorched earth” or “great fire”.
• The arrival of Portuguese explorer Ferdinan Magellan in
1521 began a period of Spanish exploration and
colonization.
GEOGRAPHY
• Cebu is located to the east of negros, to the west of Leyte
and Bohol Islands.
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• The province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 smaller
islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua,
Olango, and the Camotes Island with 6 components
cities and 44 municipalities.
• The province’s land area is 4,944 square kilometers, or
when the independent cities are included for geographical
purposes, the total area is 5,342 square kilometers.
DEMOGRAPHY
• The population of Cebu Province in 2015 according to the
census is 2,938,982 people.
• The Cebuano language is spoken in cebu as well as in the
most areas of the Visayas including bohol, where it is
spoken as Boholano, Siquijor, Western leyte, Biliran and
negros island region especially in the negros oriental, as
well as most provinces of Mindanao.
• The majority of its population religion are Roman Catholic
followed by roughly 95% of cebuanos.
• Tagalog and English are widely spoken in commerce
education and event in the community.
ECONOMY
• Ceboom, has been used to describe the province of economic
development.
• Over the years central Visayas key city, Cebu, has grown
into one of the country's most significant provincial
economies and an attractive destination for the foreign direct
investment.
• With many beautiful islands, white sand beaches, luxury hotels
and resorts, diving locations and heritage sites, high domestic
and foreign tourist arrivals have fueled the tourism industry of
Cebu contributing the economic boom.
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• Cebu has been one of the BPO hubs in the Philippines
particularly at the Cebu Information Technology Park. In
2013, Cebu ranked 8th worldwide in the Top 100 BPO
Destinations report by global advisory firm.
TRANSPORTATION
• The mactan cebu international airport in mactan island serves as
the main gateway to domestic and international routes to or
from cebu city and other islands in the Visayas region.
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport, located on Mactan Island,
is the second busiest airport in the Philippines, with various
international direct as well as domestic flights.
• The province currently has two airstrips, one in the Bantayan
Island in northern Cebu, and one in the Camotes Island on the
east, both of which are being eyed for redevelopment so
they can accommodate commercial flights and boost tourism
opportunities in northern Cebu.
• The port of Cebu is the largest shipping hub in the Visayas
region with various shipping companies offering passenger
vessels to any ports in the Philippines.
CUISINE
• Puso Rice - Rice cannot get any more portable than this. More
commonly known as “hanging rice”, Puso rice is boiled and
wrapped in coconut leaves, and you will most likely notice
them hanging in batches in local eateries.
• Coming from the Spanish word which means “stew pot”,
Pochero is another dish that you should watch out for in
Cebu, especially during the rainy season. There is nothing
better than to indulge in a hot bowl of beef soup during cold
weather.
• This staple is comparable to the famous spring roll, and it’s
deep fried and mainly made of Ubod (bamboo shoots) and
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ground pork. Each place has its own unique mix of
Ngohiong
• Sutukil is a local wordplay on “Sugba” (grill), “Tula”
(stew), and “Kilawin” (to cook in vinegar). Basically, the
concept of this is that you get to pick one fish for example and
have it cooked in three different ways. Tourists have grown
very fond of this local style because it allows them to sample
the different styles all at the same time.
DESTINATIONS AND ATTRACTIONS

• Cebu Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills Subdivision, Cebu City.
The Chinese Taoism community built this Chinese style
architecture temple in 1972.
• This temple had become popular because of its artistic
structures. Even non-believers of the Taoism religion pay visit
to the place.
• The 10,000 Roses of Cebu. This magnificent spot, which is in
Day-as Barangay Rd, Cordova, Cebu, has gone viral on
social media. 10,000 artificial LED- powered roses
surround this certain Roses Café & More.
• Most guests prefer to go there during dusk to see the beautiful
sunset while the roses lit up at night. Moreover, the owner of
the café, who is also an interior designer, intends to create a
romantic ambiance for couples.
• Still in the south of Cebu is the breathtaking Kawasan Falls

in Badian municipality. Some hikers from Osmena Peak
traverse to Kawasan Falls after camping, but you can just go
directly to Kawasan via Barili.
• Kawasan Falls is a three-stage cascade of clear turquoise
water from mountain springs of Mantalongon mountain
range. The waterfalls is a pearl of the Philippines. One of the
most popular tourist spots in Cebu south is Kawasan
Canyoneering.
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• Pescador Island is in Tañon Strait – few kilometers off
the coast of Moalboal in the south of Cebu Island. It is one of
the
•
best diving spots in Cebu. Its island reef is a sandy slope

covered with soft coral from 5–10 meters (15–35 ft).
• The Tumalog Falls. It is also situated in the municipality of
Oslob. Locals call this body of water, the “Toslob Falls” or
“Mag-ambak Falls”.
• Tumalog Falls is a curtain like waterfalls that covers the
entire cliff with cool and clear water. Moss embraces the
rocks of the cliff which filters the water and gives a curtain
effect. It is one-of-a-kind and definitely stunning.
• Island of Sumilon where you can appreciate the
sandbar. With its clear azure waters and pristine white sands,
Sumilon Island’s sandbar is very popular . It mimics a
photogenic and mesmerizing tropical paradise that lures all
types of travelers.
TOURISM
• Cebu City is a significant cultural center in the
Philippines. The imprint of Spanish and Roman Catholic
culture is evident.
• There are also many historically important sights all over
the province such as Colon Street, the oldest street in the
Philippines old churches, heritage houses and temples.
• Sinulog Festival is the largest festival in the Philippines,
held every third Sunday of January commemorates the
Child Jesus, Santo Niño, the Lord and Protector of Cebu.
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PROVINCE OF NEGROS ORIENTAL
• It is located in the Central Visayas region with its capital,

the City of Dumaguete.
• It occupies the southeastern half of the large island of
Negros, borders Negros Occidental, which comprises the
northwestern half.
• It also includes Apo island, a popular dive site for both

local and foreign tourists.
HISTORY
• Negros the second largest island in the Visayas and fourth
largest island in the Philippines, is believed to have once been
part of a larger landmass, but was cut off by rising water at the
end of the last ice age.
• Among the early inhabitants of the island were the Negritos and
the Austronesians, and later the Han Chinese who are mainly
merchants.
• Spanish explorers or the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
first came to the island in April 1565, legazpi dropped anchor in
Bohol and sent his men to scout the island.
• During WWII, both negros provinces were invaded by Imperial
Japanese forces, resorting many residents to flee to the inland
mountains.
GEOGRAPHY
• Negros oriental occupies the south eastern half of the island of
negros, with negros occidental comprising the north western
half.
• It has a total land area of 5,385.53 square kilometers. A chain of
rugged mountains separates negros oriental from negros
occidental.
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• The Sulu sea borders it to the south to southwest. Negros is
basically volcanic, making its soil idea for agriculture. 80% of
all arable land in the island region is cultivated.
DEMOGRAPHY
• The population of Negros Oriental in the 2015 census was
1,354,995 people with Roman Catholicism as predominant
religion.
• Cebuano is the primary dialect spoken with at least 90% of the
population and Hiligaynon is also spoken by individuals mostly
in areas around Basay, Bayawan, Sta. Catalina, Cnalaon City
and some areas in Mabinay.
ECONOMY
• Negros oriental has for a long time, been a major supplier of
electricity to its neighboring provinces In the Visayas with its
excess power capacity generated by 192.5 Mega Watt Palipinon
geothermal plant.
• Despite the huge power excess of the province, other power
sources such as hydro, wind and solar are being explored to
provide additional power capacities that can be sold to
neighboring areas.
• With its vast fertile land resources, negros oriental other major
industry is agriculture with crops like sugar cane, sweetcorn,
coconut and rice.
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• In the coastal areas fishing is the main source of income. People
are also involved in cattle ranches, fish ponds and rubber
plantations, especially in Bayawan City.
TRANSPORTATION
• The Dumaguete Airport located in Sibulan is the province only
commercialairport.
• It is a domestic airport with multiple daily flights to and from
Manila and other provinces served by Philippine Airlines and
Cebu Pacific.
• The primary seaport of the province is located in Dumaguete
City. Additionally, there are five other seaports in the
province classified as tertiary.
• Negros oriental has a network of roads, including a national
road that spans the circumference of Negros Island.
• A large portion of residents do now own private vehicles, and
are totally reliant on public transport. Buses and jeepneys link
the cities and municipalities of the province.
CUISINE
• Arroz Caldo - Chicken and rice congee with hard-boiled eggs
seasoned with onion, garlic, ginger and fish sauce garnished
with fried garlic, green onions and calamansi juice for added
flavor.
• Sapin- Sapin - Made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar and
water and layered in different colors topped with coconut
flakes
• Palitaw - Small flat rice cake made of glutinous rice flour

dough cooked in boiling water until it floats and rolled in
mixture of toasted sesame seeds, sugar and coconut flakes
• Turon - Mix of grated cassava, coconut milk, eggs and butter
baked and topped with custard or coconut cream and
condensed milk mixture.
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• Manjuyod Sandbar is another beautiful place to visit in Negros
Oriental, a long and wide stretch of sandbar that completely
disappears on high tide. Manjuyod Sandbar is a perfect
destination for families or group of friends and but also a
romantic place for couples.
• Lake Balanan is one of the beautiful tourist spots in Negros
Oriental tucked in the forested mountains of the province. This
a perfect place for nature lovers or couples where the
magnificent view of the lake, mountains and forests surely
captures the heart. It is a freshwater lake fed by three
tributaries (Lamarao, Balanan and Nasig – id Creeks)
surrounded with mountain ranges being clad by lush

vegetation.
• Apo Island is one of the best tourist spots in Negros Oriental,
known being the best diving and snorkeling destination in the
province. It is a marine sanctuary, a home of around 650+
species of fish and 400+ types of corals.
TOURISM
• Each town in Negros Oriental celebrates an annual town fiesta,
usually dedicated to a patron saint of a particular town or
city.
• The Buglasan festival, which was revived in 2001, is
celebrated annually in October in the provincial capital of
Dumaguete and hailed as Negros Orientals “Festival of
Festivals.
• One of the landmarks of Dumaguete is the Dumaguete Bell
Tower which stands next to the Saint Catherine of Alexandra
Cathedral. It once used to warn the city of impending pirate
attacks.
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• Negros oriental enjoys some of the island best natural scenery
and places of adventure with plenty waterfall and volcanic
lakes to trek to.
• Mount Talinis and Canlaon Mountain both offer trips to hidden
calders as through outstanding tropical forest with rewarding
views.
• Then there are the waterfalls that are just east from Dumaguete
City La Libertad is a good base for nature based tourism also.
PROVINCE OF SIQUIJOR
• Officially the Province of Siquijor is a 6th provincial income

class island province in the Philippines located in the Central
Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named
Siquijor.
• During the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines, the
Spaniards called the island Isla del Fuego or Island of Fire.
• Siquijor is commonly associated with mystic traditions that the
island growing tourism industry capitalize on.
HISTORY
• A Siquijor legend tells of a great storm which once engulfed the
region. Then there came a strong earthquake that shook the
earth and sea.
• Amidst the lighting and thunder across an island from the
depths of the ocean womb which came to be known as the
island.
• The island was first sighted by the Spaniards in 1565 during
Miguel Lopez De Legazpi expedition.
• The Spaniards called the island isla del fuego or island of Fire
because the island gave off an eerie glow from the great
swarms of fireflies that lived in the numerous molave trees on
the island.
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GEOGRAPHY
• Siquijor lies southeast from Cebu and Negros across Cebu
Strait also called Bohol Strait and southwest from Bohol.
• Panglao Island, which is part of Bohol province, has a similar
comparison of the soil which is found throughout the whole
island of Siquijor.
• With a land area of 327 square kilometers. Siquijor is the third
smallest province of the Philippines.
• To the north of Siquijor is Cebu, to the west is Negros,
northeast is Bohol, and to the south, across the Bohol Sea, is
Mindanao.
DEMOGRAPHY
• According to the 2015 census it has a population of
• 95,984 with roman Catholicism as predominant religion.
• The main languages spoken in the island province is Cebuano
with tagalog and English often used as second languages.
• The former is understood and used as the national lingua franca
but it is rarely used in everyday conversation among locals.
ECONOMY
• The island province relies on farming with corn, vegetables ,
and other root crops as the primary produced.
• Fishing is also one of the sources of livelihood income
among local residents along coastal areas.
• Tourism in the province of Siquijor has been recognized
because of its natural attractions, waterfalls, and beach resort
which can be considered as the economic drivers.
TRANSPORTATION
• The island of Siquijor has 2 seasports capable of servicing
cargo and passenger sea crafts plying to and from nearby
provinces in the region.
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• Siquijor also has an airfield located near Siquijor capable of
handling smaller and mostly privately- owned airplanes.
CUISINE
• Saang sa Alat - Spider conch shells or saang is a popular
seafood item in Siquijor. The popular way of cooking it is to
boil it in seawater, a recipe they call saang sa alat.
• Binas-oy - is a pork stew with slices of chayote and seasoned
with ginger and garlic. Some versions include pork liver as
ingredient.
• Saluwaki - Fresh sea urchins abound in Siquijor. And they are
much bigger than the ones popularly eaten in Lilo-an, Cebu.
Some Siquijodnons even eat this raw right by the beaches
where it can be found in abundance such as the beach in
Siquijor town's barangay Canal.
TOURISM
• Despite the province’s catholic affinities almost all of the
resident continue to adhere to traditional practices that were
used prior the 15th century able it these practices have also
adopted Christian belief system as well.
• Due to the ingrained and indispensable traditional belief systems
majority of residents have continued to possess a high respect
for the natural environment which was revered by the ancestors
of the people.
• Siquijor is known for its unique Philippine culture of blending
Catholicism with traditional religious practices a major part of
its people cultural heritage and identity.
• Siquijor long time reputation as a place of magic and sorcery
both attracts and repulses visitors.
• Siquijor is also well known for its festivals that focus on
healing rituals where incantations are sung while the old
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folks make potions out of herbs, roots, insects and tree
barks.
• Among the many attractions are the beaches, caves,
waterfalls, Bandila-a Natural Park and Butterfly
sanctuary.
• The coral reefs ringing the island offer some of the best
diving in the Philippines for snorkelers and scuba divers.

• Salagdoong Beach
• Cambugahay Falls
• San Isidro Labrador Convent & Siquijor Heritage Museum
• Lazi Church (San Isidro Labrador Parish Church)
• Maria Church (Our Lady of the Divine Providence Parish
Church)
• Siquijor Church (St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church)
• Cang-isok House
• Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Chapter 12
Region VIII- Eastern Visayas
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Eastern Visayas

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Eastern Visayas
region
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HISTORY
• In the mid to the late 70's, Divine Word University of Tacloban,
the largest academic institution in Eastern Visayas Region
was experiencing the resurgence of student activism but also
saw the deterioration and ne collapse of Greek letter societies,
social clubs and civic organizations in the academe due to
frequent braw demoralization and discords. This Incidence was
not only confined at the university but to other academic
institutions in the city and the entire region.
GEOGRAPHY
• The region's terrain is relatively flat near and along the coast. Its
mountainous areas are mostly located in the middle portion of
Samar and Leyte. Leyte's mountainous terrain covers most of
the southern and southwestern portion of the island while the
northern part is extensively flat. At the northwest part are
scattered coastal flat lands. Samar, on the other hand, is
characterized by mountainous ranges with forest and deep
valleys. It has four major river basins. These are the Gandara,
Catubig, Dolores and Ulot River Basins.
DELICACIES
• Moron
• Moron is a popular rice cake delicacy from Eastern Visayas,
specifically from Leyte and Samar. This two-toned treat is
made from glutinous rice flour mixed with chocolate and
coconut milk, giving it a sweet and satisfying taste that is perfect
for snacking or dessert.
• Sagmani
• Sagmani is a sweet and sticky rice cake dessert from Eastern
Visayas, particularly from Samar. This delightful treat is made
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from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and grated coconut,
resulting in a satisfying and indulgent dessert perfect for any
occasion.
• Tacloban pancit
• Tacloban Pancit is a delicious noodle dish that hails from the
city of Tacloban in Leyte province. This savory stir-fried noodle
dish is packed with vegetables, shrimp, and pork, making it a
flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
• Waray leche flan

• Waray Leche Flan is a delicious twist on the classic Filipino
dessert. This creamy and decadent treat from Eastern Visayas is
made with fresh carabao's milk and coconut milk, giving it a
distinct taste and texture that sets it apart from other leche flan
recipes.
• Binagol
• Binagol is a sweet and nutty delicacy from Eastern Visayas,
specifically from Leyte. This unique dessert is made from grated
coconut, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and mashed taro or
gabi root, all packed inside a coconut shell and steamed to
perfection.
ECONOMY
• Eastern Visayas’ economy expanded by 6.8 percent in 2022,
from a 6.0 percent growth in 2021. The economic growth was
driven by the positive performance of the Industry and Services
sectors. The main contributors to the 2022 economic growth
were Construction, Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor
vehicles and motorcycles, and Financial and insurance activities
CLIMATE
• The region has an evenly distributed rainfall throughout the
year. Pronounced maximum rainfall is experienced from
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November to January while a relatively dry season is
experienced in the months of April until August.
PEOPLE
• Visayan, also spelled Bisayan, any of three ethnolinguistic
groups of the Philippines—Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray-
Waray.
• Waray-Waray are also religious devotees, as evidenced by their

many fiestas honoring their patron saints. This is due largely
because most Waray-Waray are Catholics, with only a few of
them being Protestants, Muslims, and secular.
• Cebuanos are known for their devotion to the Holy Child, or the
Senior Santo Niño, whose feast day in January features much
street dancing.
• The fertility of the Western Visayas region in the Philippines

permitted the Hiligaynon people to develop one of the
archipelago's most advanced societies. They engaged in
international trade (as evidenced by large finds of Chinese
porcelain) and created fine work in gold and semiprecious
stones.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• Canigao Island
• Canigao is a striking uninhabited island in Matalom, Leyte.The
island is surrounded by a stretch of sparkling powdery white
sand. Everything there is natural, except for the lighthouse in the
middle of the island and some cottages set up by the
Municipality of Matalom that is now managing the tourism
industry of the island.
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• Cuatro Island
• Cuatro Islas comprise of Apid, Digyo, Himokilan, and Mahaba
islands. They all share the same attributes: white sands,
sandbars, lush greeneries, azure waters, and rich marine life
Cuatro Islas comprise of Apid, Digyo, Himokilan, and Mahaba
islands. They all share the same attributes: white sands,
sandbars, lush greeneries, azure waters, and rich marine life.
• Kalanggaman Island
• When we think of long sandbar stretches, calm, crystal-clear
waters, and sparkling white sand beach, we almost immediately
think of other famous destinations in the Philippines, such as
Boracay, right? Well, think again I say! Did you hear about
Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte? This island paradise
started to capture the eyes of foreign and local tourists alike way
back in 2013 when the cruise ship, MV Europa Cruise Line,
dropped anchor near the island and let its guests – around four
hundred – wander around for a couple of hours.
• Capul Island
• The island boasts not only of beautiful and undefiled beaches
but genuine Filipino traditions as well. A trip to Capul Island
will indisputably bring you back to what the Philippines was
like during the turn of the century.
• Dalutan Island
• Dalutan Island is another must-visit place in Biliran, Leyte. It
offers raw adventure because going there requires you to bring
all your essentials – food, water, camping tent, and diving gear.
The island is home to exotic bird species, vibrant coral reefs,
and of course, a teeming marine life. The island is just a mere
20-minute motorized banca or pumpboat ride from Agta Beach
Resort located in Almeria.
PROVINCES
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• Leyte
• Biliran
• Samar
• Eastern samar
• Northern samar
PROVINCE OF LEYTE
HISTORY
• Leyte, known as Tandaya to early Filipinos, was renamed
Filipina by Roy Lopez de Villalobos in 1543, a name that later
extended to the entire archipelago. Four centuries later, in 1944,
the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the biggest naval battle between the
Americans and the Japanese in world history, transpired in
Leyte.
GEOGRAPHY
• Leyte covers a total area of 6,313.33 square kilometres
(2,437.59 sq mi) occupying the northern and central sections of
Leyte in the Eastern Visayas region. The province is situated
west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte, south of Biliran,
and east of the Camotes Sea.
PEOPLE
• Waray-Waray are also religious devotees, as evidenced by their
many fiestas honoring their patron saints. This is due largely
because most Waray-Waray are Catholics, with only a few of
them being Protestants, Muslims, and secular.
ECONOMY
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• According to the PPA results, the Province of Leyte led the
region's economy in 2021, accounting for 50.3% of the regional
economy. The Province of Samar came next, contributing
11.8% to the regional GDP. Tacloban City, the region's only
HUC, contributed to 9.8% of the economy.
CLIMATE
• The island Leyte has a tropical rainforest climate. It is usually
(very) warm, humid and rainy all year round. The average
annual temperature for Leyte is 30° degrees and there is about
956 mm of rain in a year. It is dry for 49 days a year with an
average humidity of 82% and an UV-index of 7.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• San juanico bridge
• The San Juanico Bridge is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway
and stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait
in the Philippines. Its longest length is a steel girder viaduct
built on reinforced concrete piers, and its main span is of an
arch-shaped truss design.
• Leyte landing memorial

• Landing Memorial National Park is located on the eastern side
of central Philippines. It is in the municipality of Palo located in
the province of Leyte .The park is outside of the traditional
natural world national park box, however, it's cultural and
historical significance earns it a respectable place in the world's
national park system.
• Lake danao national park

• It was formerly named Lake Imelda during the Marcos regime. I
think you already know why. otherwise known as the National
Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act, it was changed
to Lake Danao National Park.
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• Tangkaan beach
• Tangkaan Beach in Padre Burgos, S. Leyte is the only white
sand beach that can be found in the whole mainland of Leyte.
The beach in the eastern part of Leyte is made of black sand,
while in the western part it is mostly of pebbles and stone and
rocks.
• Sambawan island
• Sambawan is a small uninhabited island west of the island
municipality of Maripipi. It is a series of interconnecting small
landmasses surrounded with turquoise and bountiful water, a
marine sanctuary teeming with vivid marine life.
PROVINCE OF BILIRAN
HISTORY
• Biliran was derived from the name of a native grass called
“borobiliran” which was in abundance during the Pre-Spanish
period. Seafarers who used to pass narrow straits of Biliran
which separate the province of Leyte and the island of Biliran
would admire the fertile plains and lush green hills of the island.
• Settlers from nearby villages which were plundered by moro
pirates started moving towards the plains of Biliran. As the
settlement grew, it became known as Biliran.
GEOGRAPHY
• Biliran has a total land area of 536.01 square kilometres (206.95
sq mi), making it the fourth smallest province in the Philippines.
The island lies off the northern coast of Leyte island across
Biliran Strait. To the southeast is Carigara Bay, to the northeast
is the Samar Sea, and across this sea is Samar.
PEOPLE
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• Biliran has a total land area of 536.01 square kilometres (206.95
sq mi), making it the fourth smallest province in the Philippines.
The island lies off the northern coast of Leyte island across
Biliran Strait. To the southeast is Carigara Bay, to the northeast
is the Samar Sea, and across this sea is Samar.
ECONOMY
• Economy of Bilira Agriculture is the main economic activity in
the province of Biliran where rice, corn, coconut, fish, rootcrops
and vegetables are the main products. Manufacturing is limited
to small and micro-scale industries producing furniture,
processed food items and handicrafts. The hidden tourist spots
in the island are yet to be discovered and access to them is high
on the agenda of the government.
CLIMATE
• The city's yearly temperature is 27.93°C (82.27°F) and it is
0.71% higher than Philippines's averages. Biliran typically
receives about 117.2 millimeters (4.61 inches) of precipitation
and has 214.81 rainy days (58.85% of the time) annually.
Average annual precip.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• Sambawan Island
• Sambawan Island is a paradise among the top tourist spots in
Biliran Province. It is the best place for people looking for a
sanctuary of marine resources and a diving place. This is
actually a popular site for divers because of its location-5 km
from south of the Samar Sea. Tourists will surely go home with
melted heart because of the stunning beauty of this place.
• Tinago falls
• Aside from the popular Sambawan Island, the Biliran province
is also known for keeping the Tinago Falls. Tinago means
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"hidden" in English and it is indeed the right words to describe
this place- a hidden treasure amid the Caibiran rainforest. This
destination is suitable for people seeking for adventurous
activities in the province as reaching the place would take you a
10-minute hike from the highway.
• Higatangan island
• Among the islands in Biliran Province, Higatangan Island is the
most unique. When you try to view it from above, it's like as if
you are looking at a giant tongue stretched 200 meters long.
There are several beaches and rare rock formations. You will
definitely love this place!
• Ulan ulan falls

• Ulan Ulan Falls is another must-visit place among the top tourist
spots in Biliran province. The name came from the Tagalog
word of "Rain" because the falls makes a mist which is very
noticeable among tourists. Don't miss out this place when you
are going to Almeria. The walk is just about 30 minutes to get
here.
• Sampaw falls
• Located in Malita, Sampa Falls, some call it Kitana Falls, is one
of the great destinations in Biliran. This place is perfect for
camping with your friends. You can also find the splashing of
water very relaxing to your ears. Don't forget to get your best
photos in this awesome place!
PROVINCE OF SAMAR
HISTORY
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• In 1735, Samar and Leyte were separated from Cebu and
declared into one province with Carigara, Leyte as the capital.
Consequently, during the Spanish-American colonial period,
Samar was separated from Leyte and declared as a province in
1768 with Catbalogan as the provincial capital.
GEOGRAPHY
• Geography. Samar is the third-largest island in the Philippines
by area, after the islands of Luzon and Mindanao. Mount Huraw
is Samar's highest point, with an elevation of 2,920 ft (890 m).
Samar is the easternmost island in the Visayas.
ECONOMY
• The economy of Samar Province grew by 4.4 percent in 2021,
registering a significant recovery from the negative growth of -
6.2 percent in 2020. The local economy was valued at PhP 54.2
billion in Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) in 2021.
CLIMATE
• Samar Climate Summary
• Located at an elevation of 38.59 meters (126.61 feet) above sea
level, Samar has a Tropical rainforest climate (Classification:
Af). The city's yearly temperature is 28.0ºC (82.4ºF) and it is
0.78% higher than Philippines's averages.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• Malajoc beach
• Malajoc Beach, also called as Looc Beach, is one of the most
accessible and visited tourist spots in Samar. It is just 30-
minutes ride away from Catbalogan City (capital). The beach
may not be appealing to some visitors for its black sand,
nonetheless, it is a favorite hangout destination among locals
and foreign tourists of the province. The long stretch of the
black sand beach is fringed with coconut trees wherein several
cottages are erected. The calm and clean waters of the beach is
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good for swimming and kayaking. Since it’s positioned on the
west coasts, magnificent sunset is best viewed here.
• Bangon falls
o Bangon Falls is one of the favorite destinations of local
and foreign adventurous tourists in Samar. The 60-meter
high waterfalls cascades down the wide and deep plunge
pool which is very suitable for swimming and cliff diving.
A 30-minute descent trek following an established trail
from Bagon Falls is another beautiful one called
Tarangban Falls. It is a beautiful falls of crisscrossing
waters as it cascades on a rugged rock cliff into the stream
below. These sites can be reach by riding a motorcycle,
locally known as “habal-habal” then few minutes trek to
which falls you want to visit first.
• Pinipisakan falls
• Near Pinipisakan Falls is the Sulpan Cave which is one of the
best caves in Samar. Among all of caves in the province, this
one has the most beautiful entrance because there is a waterfall
near the mouth of the cave which is an extraordinary sight to
behold. Sulpan Cave is 5 kilometers long filled with interesting
stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground river and
lakes. The cave can be reach by minutes of ascend from
Pinispisakan Falls that requires climbing the falls, river crossing
and walking though the mossy rocks.
• Sulpan cave
• Near Pinipisakan Falls is the Sulpan Cave which is one of the
best caves in Samar. Among all of caves in the province, this
one has the most beautiful entrance because there is a waterfall
near the mouth of the cave which is an extraordinary sight to
behold. Sulpan Cave is 5 kilometers long filled with interesting
stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground river and
lakes. The cave can be reach by minutes of ascend from
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Pinispisakan Falls that requires climbing the falls, river crossing
and walking though the mossy rocks.
PROVINCE OF EASTERN SAMAR
HISTORY
• The province of Eastern Samar was created by Republic Act no.
4221 which was approved by Congress on June 19, 1965
dividing the whole island of Samar into three independent
provinces namely; Northern Samar, Western Samar
(subsequently renamed Samar) and Eastern SamarEastern Samar
became an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No.
4221 which Congress approved on June 19, 1965 dividing the
then existing old province of Samar into three separate
provinces, namely; Northern Samar, Western Samar
(subsequently renamed Samar) and Eastern Samar.
GEOGRAPHY
• Geography. Eastern Samar covers a total area of 4,660.47 square
kilometers (1,799.42 sq mi) occupying the eastern section and
majority of southern Samar's coast of Samar Island in the
Eastern Visayas region. The province is bordered to the north by
Northern Samar and to the west by Samar.
ECONOMY.
• Eastern Samar is the Fastest Growing Economy in Eastern
Visayas in 2021 with 7.1 percent. The economy of Eastern
Samar grew by 7.1 percent in 2021, the fastest among the
economies in Eastern Visayas region. This was also higher than
the 6.0 percent growth in Gross Regional Domestic Product of
Eastern Visayas in 2021.
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CLIMATE
• Climate. Located at an elevation of 5.57 meters (18.27 feet)
above sea level, Eastern Samar has a Tropical rainforest climate
(Classification: Af). The city's yearly temperature is 27.76ºC
(81.97ºF) and it is 0.54% higher than Philippines's averages.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• Abcd Beach
• ABCD Beach, commonly known as Calicoan Beach, is one of
the most visited tourist spots in Eastern Samar. The beach is
geographically facing the Pacific Ocean that produces huge
waves which make it the best surfing site in the entire province.
The beach features a long stretch of fine sand, rocky bottoms
and simple environment. Surfing is fun and this is the site where
most people learn how to surf and show off their skills, even
surfing competitions are held here. Calicoan Beach is found in
Calicoan Island which is connected to the mainland through a
narrow bridge.
• Kantican Island
• Kantican Island, more recognized as Pearl Island, is one of the
popular tourist spots in Eastern Samar. Obvious in its name,
Pearl Island is a small island but famous for the surrounding
area being a pearl farm. The surrounding seas in this site is
teeming with marine life such as giant clams, lobsters, abalones
and different types of fishes and corals.
• Homonhon island
• Tucked in the jungle-clad part of the mainland of Eastern Samar
is the highest and most majestic waterfalls in the entire
province, the Ban-awan Falls. The waterfall is a surreal sight to
behold as it strongly falls below from a very steep cliff while the
area is surrounded with lush greens. It is one of the main sources
of water system in the municipality of Lawaan along with the
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Amandaraga Falls. Going here though requires physical fitness
since visitors would be following a challenging trail leading to
the falls.
• Ban-awan falls
• Tucked in the jungle-clad part of the mainland of Eastern Samar
is the highest and most majestic waterfalls in the entire
province, the Ban-awan Falls. The waterfall is a surreal sight to
behold as it strongly falls below from a very steep cliff while the
area is surrounded with lush greens. It is one of the main sources
of water system in the municipality of Lawaan along with the
Amandaraga Falls. Going here though requires physical fitness
since visitors would be following a challenging trail leading to
the falls.
• Saint Anthony Padola Church

• Saint Anthony of Padua Church or commonly known as
Sulangan Chruch is one of the famous churches in Eastern
Samar. The church is made known by the locals and believers as
the sacred place where those who pray for impossible prayers
shall be granted such as healing for incurable disease and asking
for materials things. This good news spread in the nearby towns
and every Sunday is full of people from those who just want to
give thanks to the Lord, students praying for board exams to
those praying for healing among others. Saint Anthony of Padua
is the patron saint of the church.
PROVINCE OF NORTHERN SAMAR

HISTORY
• Northern Samar is one of the three Samar provinces created on
June 19, 1965 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221. The province
is relatively young but it has vital religious and historical
significance. The small island of Capul was the capital of the
province of Samar in 1848-1852Topography. Northern Samar
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has a very rugged terrain with restricted pocket plains and
valleys. River valleys are low-lying and are often interrupted by
hills, while the remaining portion is rolling, hilly, and
mountainous. The interior of the mainland consists of highly
dissected hills and mountain peaks.
GEOGRAPHY
• Samar Province, 802 kilometers away from Manila, is situated
in the west end of Samar Island and to the southeast of Luzon
Island, bounded on the north by Northern Samar Province, on
the east by Eastern Samar Province, on the west by Samar Sea
and on the south by Leyte Gulf.
ECONOMY
• Economy of Northern Samar
• Agriculture is the main economic activity of the people in
Northern Samar where rice, coconut, fish, and abaca are the
chief products. Tourism is being developed as an alternative
source of livelihood for the residence.
CLIMATE
• Located at an elevation of 5.57 meters (18.27 feet) above sea
level, Eastern Samar has a Tropical rainforest climate
(Classification: Af). The city's yearly temperature is 27.76°C
(81.97°F) and it is 0.54% higher than Philippines's averages.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• Biri Island Rock Formation
• Biri Island Rock Formations are among the list of incredible
tourist spots in Northern Samar situated Biri Island off the
northern shores of the mainland. This destination is composed of
7 gigantic rock formations namely: Magasang, Magsapad,
Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, Caranas and Pinanahawan. These
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are the stunning sights to behold and explore coined as the place
of “the battle of the gods” formed from tectonic plate
movements, strong winds and ferocious waves. Snorkeling,
scuba diving and surfing are also best things to do here. The site
is a 20-minute boat ride away from the mainland.
• Pink Beach
• Pink Beach is one of the most beautiful and remarkable beaches
in the country tucked in the eastern side of Sila Island in the
province of Northern Samar. The pink sand beach is actually
composed of tiny fragments of red corals and shells mixed with
the creamy white sand. Locals has it that it is at its full glory
during summer and the sun is up creating a beautiful sight of a
pink sand beach. The alluring emerald seawater on the beach is
teeming with corals and fishes good for swimming and
snorkeling. Most visitors come here on day tour but overnight
camping is also allowed.
• Dalupiri Island
• Dalupiri Island is one of the best tourist spots in Northern Samar
slowly getting the attention of travelers and weekend warriors
for its tropical atmosphere. The island is surrounded with
distinguished kilometers long stretch of palm-fringed white sand
beaches with crystal clear waters where some beach front resorts
were perched. The eastern side of the island facing the mainland
is where incredible white beaches are found with waters teeming
with marine life good for swimming and snorkeling. The island
•
can be reached through a 30-minute boat ride from the town of

Victorina on the mainland.
• Onay Beach
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• Sila Island is famed for the pink sand beach and Dalupiri Island
for its white sand beaches, Onay Beach on the other hand, is
famous for its beautiful golden sand beach situated off the
northeastern coasts of Northern Samar. It is a kilometers long
beach with turquoise and calm waters and decorated with lush
vegetation. On the south end of the beach is where 2 iconic
massive rocks are found served as a diving platform for the
visitors. The beach has a rumored creepy history when long time
ago, there was a brokenhearted girl … just go to the beach and
ask the locals about it and where is the tree.
• Batag Island Lights House

• Batag Island Lighthouse is one of the best sightseeing
destinations in Northern Samar, a 101-foot high lighthouse
standing in the highlands of Batag Island. It was built during
American Occupation on 1907 to lead the passing vessels to the
entrance of the San Bernardino Strait. The top of the lighthouse
offers a stunning panorama encompassing the vast agricultural
lands with verdant coconut trees, nearby coastlines, San
Berdandino Strait and looming mountains. This is one of the
historical landmarks of the province.
Chapter 13
Region IX- Zamboanga Peninsula
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Zamboanga Peninsula

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Zamboanga Peninsula
region
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HISTORY
• The evolution of the name “ Zamboanga” provides an
interesting insight into its historical background. The early
Malay settlers called the region “Jambangan” which means
Lands of the Flowers. These Malays who built their settlements
by the river banks were the subanons, that is the “ People of the
River”.
• The Spanish colonizers found difficulty in pronouncing
“Samboangan” and instead called the place “Zamboanga”.
• The city has rich and colorful history. It was the center of barter
trading among Chinese, Malays and the native Tausugs,
Samals, Subanons, and the Badjao as early as the 13th and 14th
centuries.
• It was in 1569 when the Spaniards made their presence felt with
a small Catholic Mission established briefly at La Caldera,
known as Recodo.
GEOGRAPHY
• The region is located on the western part of the island of
Mindanao, that lies between the Moro Gulf (part of the Celebes
Sea) and the Sulu Sea.
• It consist of three provinces (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga
Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur)
• It also consist five cities (Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Isabela)
• Consists of 67 municipalities.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
• It has the first export-processing zone in Mindanao.
• Farming and fishing as their main livelihood.
• It has also rice and corn mills, oil processing, coffee berry
processing and latex from rubber processing.
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• Its home industries are rattan and furniture craft, basket making,
making weaving, and brass work.
• Dipolog City is home of many Bottled Sardines Companies that
are being exported abroad.
CULTURE
• The original people of Zamboanga were the Subanen of
Indonesian origin who came at about 2,000 to 6,000 years ago.
They were coastal people who believe in the spirit of their
ancestors and the forces of nature. When the Muslims arrived,
they were pushed into the hinterlands and lived along the
riverbanks.
• Chavacano, Zamboanga City’s principal culture, evolved from
the Subanen with Chinese, muslim, Spanish, Japanese,
American, and other ethnic cultures.
• The Tausugs from the island province of Sulu, on the other
hand, give Zamboanga a touch of Moro and Arab, especially in
its cuisine.
• During the ancient era, the Zamboanga peninsula was vast
territory home to various ethnic groups – the largest of which
was the Subanen people.
CULTURE AND BELIEFS

• The Zamboanguenos have a unique connection to Roman
Catholicism. Their social lives typically revolve around various
religious practices and traditions.
• Some of these traditions still observed up to some extent are the
Bantayanon, Fiestas, and Fondas. Their dances (Bailes) include
the Vals, Regondon, and Paso Doble.
• Lumads have not succumbed to the modern ways of living. Up
to this day, they prefer to live in the mountainsides of
Mindanao, living the traditional life.
• Their beliefs can be seen through the ornaments of every woman
and the woven dresses they wear.
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• They believe in spirits and gods. There’s a god for land ,
another for water, another for harvest, to name a few.
• Death and illness or bad faith is believed to be the god’s way of
showing anger.
• Offering of live animals like pigs, and chicken are common
during tribal ceremonies for a good harvest, health, protection
and thanks giving.
PROVINCES
• Zamboanga Del Norte
• Zamboanga Sibugay
• Zamboanga Del Sur
Zamboanga Del Norte
GEOGRAPHY
• It is bounded on the north and west by the Sulu Sea, on the east
by Misamsi Occidental, and on the south by zamboanga del sur.
• Zamboanga del Norte has a population of 8231,130 according to
the 2000 census.
• Its population density is 124/km2.
• It is ranked 27th among the provinces both in terms of population
and population density.
• Capital city: Dipolog City
ECONOMY
• About half of the province’s land area is devoted to agriculture.
Corn, coconut and rice are major crops.
• The province being rich in marine and mineral sources, its fish
production has accelerated through the development of
fishponds.
• Commercial fishing has likewise steadily increased through the
years, with the yellow fin tuna as the primary species.
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CLIMATE
• Zamboanga del Norte has a mild climate due to evenly
distributed rainfall throughout the year.
• Its southern portion has a longer dry season.
PEOPLE
• The Subanon is an indigenous group to the Zamboanga
peninsula area, particularly living in the mountainous areas of
Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental, Mindanao Island,
Philippines. The Subanon people speak Subanon languages.
• The Subanon are mainly agriculturists who practice three types
of cultivation. Along the coastal area, wet agriculture with plow
and carabao is the method of producing their staple rice. Beyond
the coasts, both wet and dry agriculture is found. Swidden
farming is the norm in the interior, particularly the uplands..
Zamboanga Sibugay
GEOGRAPHY
• Location – Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Philippines.
• Neighboring Provinces – Zamboanga del
Norte and Zamboanga Del Sur
• Capital – Ipil
• Area – 3,607.75 km2 (1,392.96 sq mi)
• Population – 633,129 (2015 census)
• Terrain – Mountainous and hilly with coastal plains
• Industries – Agriculture
• Major Products – Rice, Coconut, Corn, Fish
• People/Language – Bisaya, Subanon, Badjao, Tausug, Yakan,
and Maranao
• Cities – None
• Municipalities (Towns) – (16) Alicia, Buug, Diplahan,
Imelda, Ipil, Kabasalan, Mabuhay, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga,
Payao, Roseller Lim, Siay, Talusan, Titay, Tungawan
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PEOPLE
• Tausug, also spelled Tau Sug or Tausog, also called Joloano,
Sulu, or Suluk, one of the largest of the Muslim (sometimes
called Moro) ethnic groups of the southwestern Philippines.
They live primarily in the Sulu Archipelago, southwest of the
island of Mindanao, mainly in the Jolo island cluster.
TOURIST DESTINATION
• Buluan Island is one of the protected tourist spots in Ipil,
Zamboanga. The local authorities declared the surrounding
water bodies as a Marine Protected Sanctuary.
• A wide array of marine species can be found, making the site an
ideal destination for snorkeling and diving. Surely, you can’t
help but be amazed by the surrounding crystal-clear waters.
• If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you should visit here.
• Location/Jump-off: Ipil
• Things to Do: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming
• Also known as Malagandis Falls, Tagbilat Falls is the grandest
falls in the province with its multiple layers of stunning
cascades. It looks like a huge curtain cascading mists that will
blow you away.
• Lush forests surround the waterfall, adding to the rustic view.
It’s one of the emerging Zamboanga Sibugay tourist spots.
• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Malagandis, Titay
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes
• Rotunda Obelisk is a huge and towering landmark in the
provincial capital. It was inaugurated in 2015 to recognize the
province as a central part of Zamboanga Peninsula. It also
commemorates those who were killed during an attack by
terrorist groups in 1995.
• Location/Jump-off: Ipil
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ECONOMY
• Zamboanga Sibugay is primarily an agricultural province with
rice, corn, and fish as the main products. Tourism is still in its
infancy and promoting the area to prospective visitors is
hampered by the negative image of Western Mindanao as
conflict-ridden zone.
CLIMATE
• The temperature here averages 26.6 °C | 79.8 °F. The rainfall
here is around 2487 mm | 97.9 inch per year. Ipil are in the
middle of our planet and the summers are not easy to define.
The best time to travel is January, February, March, April, May,
August, December.
Zamboanga Del Sur
GEOGRAPHY
• Zamboanga del Sur covers a total area of 4,499.46 square
kilometres (1,737.25 sq mi) occupying the southern section of
the Zamboanga peninsula in western Mindanao.
• It is located at longitude 122° 30"" and latitude 7° 15"" north.
• When Zamboanga City is included for statistical purposes, the
province's land area is 591,416 hectares (5,914.16 km2).
• Capital City: Pagadian City
ECONOMY
• The economy is predominantly Agricultural. Products include
coco oil, livestock feed milling, rice/corn milling, including the
processing of fruits, gifts and housewares made from indigenous
materials like handmade paper, roots, rattan, buri, and bamboo;
wood-based manufacture of furniture and furniture components
from wood, rattan, and bamboo; marine and aquaculture
including support services; construction services and
manufacture of marble, concrete, and wooden construction
materials. There are also mining areas in the province, such as
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those found in the municipality of Bayog managed by TVI, a
Canadian-based mining firm which concentrates on gold
mining, and the Cebu Ore Mining which is handling the Ore-
Copper-Steel mines. There are also small-scale mines in the
municipality of Dumingag.
CLIMATE
• The province has a relatively high mean annual rainfall: 1,599 to
3,500 millimetres (63.0 to 137.8 in). Temperature is relatively
warm and constant throughout the year: 22 to 35 °C (72 to
95 °F).
PEOPLE
• Zamboanga del Sur now has 27 towns. Pagadian City is a
melting pot that includes the Tiruray, Manobo, Maranao, and
Maguindanao ethnic groups. The dominant ethnic group in
Zamboanga del Sur is the Subanen whose enclaves are in tne
towns of Kmnaiarang, and Lapuyan.
• Manobo Tribe. The Manobo tribe who are inhabitants of the
island of Mindanao in the Philippines are a group of people
speaking one of the languages that belong to the Manobo
language family. Their origins can be traced back to the early
Malay peoples who came from the surrounding islands of
Southeast Asia.
TOURIST DESTINATION
• Merloquet Falls is among the popular Zamboanga Del Sur
tourist spots. It looks like rice terraces where white waters
gently cascade. It has a naturally-built pool where you can have
an invigorating swim. You can also climb on one of the layers
and let the waters give you a caressing massage.
• Location/Jump-off: Zamboanga City
• Yes, you’ll find a sandbar in this province. Putting Balas
Sandbar is your ultimate getaway for tropical beaches. Similar to
Boracay, it also boasts of powdery white sands.
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• Plus, the surrounding waters teem with abundant marine life.
That makes snorkeling and diving favorite activities here.
• Location/Jump-off: Pagadian City
Chapter 14
Region X- Northern Mindanao
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of Northern Mindanao

2. Explain the culture and traditions of Northern Mindanao
region
DAVAO
• In 1936 president Manuel L. Quezon Signs the charter of Davao
assemblement creating the city of Davao (Commonwealth Act
No. 51)
• By March 1 1937, Davao become a city, The law formally
takes affect 15 days later.
• The new city was carve south from the municipality of Davao
and the municipal District of Jangga.
• A Century before it was a land and habitant by indigenous
people, its belatedly colonice by Spain in the mid “18 hundreds”
led by Don Jose Cruz De Oyanguren under the order of
Governor General Narciso Claveria Y Zaldua.
• Rapid Economics Progress begun in the early 19 hundreds under
the american role.
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• Roads, Telegraphs lines, Cords, Abaca and Coconut Plantation,
Factory stublish.
• The japanese by landed Davao in Dec. 20 1941 and affectively
control the city until the coming of American in 1945.
• The Philippine Republic.
• 1955 republic act 1368 was sign in to law which provide for the
election of the City Mayor, Vice Mayor, and intense City
Councilors.
• In November 1955 the first local city election is where held.
(Carmelo Porras) the first elected mayor of Davao city. In the
1967-1971/1980-1986, a full blooded bagobo Elected as the
City highest official, the first indigenous Mayor of Davao City.
• And Davao was divided by 3 which is Davao Del Norte, Davao
Del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
• Rodrigo Duterte City Mayor in the year 1988-1998.
• Davao City was one of the most asias most livable cities.
GEOGRAPHY
• Davao Region is located in the Southeastern portion of the
island of Mindanao surrounding the Davao Gulf. It is bounded
on the north by the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur
and Bukidnon. In the east it is bounded by the Philippine Sea;
and in the west by the Central Mindanao provinces.
• Davao Region has 5 provinces 43 municipalities and 6 cities ( 1
of which is a highly urbanized city administered independently
from any province). The total number of Brgy: in the region is
1,162.
DELICACIES
• Law-uy
• Law-uy is a Davao food that many consider a sumptuous
Filipino comfort food. It is a delicious vegetable broth with
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okra, squash, eggplant, taro, jute leaves, and patola (silk
squash). You can also add malunggay leaves to this dish. The
soup is clear, though slightly thick due to the addition of okra.
Law-uy is simple, delicious, and nutritious.
• This Davao delicacy pairs perfectly with rice and can warm you
up on a cold or rainy day. Imagine cooking this simple meal on
a rainy day, while you stay snug and warm inside your luxury
condominium in Davao. Truly one of the best comforting meals
you can have in the city.
• Kalderobo
• This version of adobo is one of the unique and must-try Davao
delicacies that should be on your bucket list. Kalderobo is
Davao-style adobo. But instead of using pork or chicken, this
dish is made with premium beef that is soft and tender. It tastes
absolutely delicious as the familiar flavor is used with a
different ingredient.
• Seafood Feast
• Davao famous seafood is a delicacy you should not miss. This
bountiful city is abundant in seafood, so of course, they will be
featured in many a delicious and indulgent dish.A crowd
favorite Davao food is grilled tuna belly. Yellow fin is the tuna
of choice in this region. You can also have tuna in kinilaw
paired with chopped tomatoes and chili peppers. You can also
try grilled tuna jaw for something more adventurous. Grilled
squid is also popular in Davao, particularly when served with a
flavorful dipping sauce.Are you a fan of clams? Then you
should definitely try the Davao City delicacy called imbaw.
Imbaw is a simple clam soup that packs a clean and refreshing
flavor.
• Sinuglaw
• Love having fish and meat together? Then Sinuglaw is a Davao
food that is right up your alley. Sinuglaw is a combination of
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sinugba and kinilaw. This dish consists of fresh tuna marinated
in vinegar, chilies, onions, ginger, and lime. This is then topped
with grilled pork marinated in soy sauce and kalamansi. Some
might consider this quite a strange combination of flavors, but
the fresh and tart flavors of kinilaw cut beautifully through the
meatiness and smokiness of grilled pork.Your first bite of
sinuglaw will have you looking for a condo for sale in Davao so
you can move in and have this delicious dish weekly. The sweet
and savoury flavours of this dish will definitely make you want
to live in Davao full-time.
• Lechon Buwaya
• Are you up for something more exotic and adventurous for your
Davao food trip? Then you should try lechon buwaya or roasted
crocodile. This is prepared in a similar way to the traditional
lechon baboy, with a whole crocodile instead of a pig. This is
truly a Davao delicacy you will never forget. You will find
lechon buwaya served in some buffet restaurants, and it is also a
delicacy that is served on special occasions like birthdays,
anniversaries, or town fiestas.
• Chicken Binakol
• Chicken binakol is another soup based dish. For this recipe,
chicken is cooked in coconut water. Other ingredients include
coconut flesh and malunggay leaves. The chicken is cooked
until it is soft and tender. Even though chicken binakol is
cooked and well seasoned with simple ingredients and spices, it
is extremely tasty nonetheless.
• Chicken binakol is another Davao food you can easily cook in
your very own luxury condo in Davao. With simple and
accessible ingredients like coconut and chicken, you can make a
meal that is both healthy and delicious.
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• Durian
• Davao is famous as the “Durian Capital of the Philippines,” so a
trip to this city will not be complete if you without eating
durian. Durian is lovingly called “The King of Fruit,” and its
spiky outer appearance holds a sweet and creamy fruit inside.
Though a lot of people may dislike the durian’s strong smell, its
unique taste and custard-like consistency make it a true Davao
delicacy.
• Charcoal Ice Cream

• Yes, the charcoal craze has remained solid in Davao, and
charcoal ice cream has become one of the famous street food and
dessert in the region. While you can find charcoal ice cream in
most dirty ice cream carts, the best one can be found at the
Roxas Night Market. Expand your taste buds and refine your
palate by trying different and unique flavors.
• Barbecue and Isaw

• These grilled street food is a staple in Davao cuisine. Barbecue
and isaw (chicken intestines) are the perfect afternoon snack, or
they can be the star of your meal when paired with rice. Isaw is
best dipped in a vinegar sauce containing onions and peppers.
For the most delicious barbecue, head on over to Poblacion
District in Davao City.
• Cacao and Chocolate

• Davao City has also been crowned as the “Chocolate Capital of
the Philippines.” Davao is also home to Malagos Chocolate, an
internationally acclaimed Filipino chocolate. Puentespina Farm,
the cacao farm for Malagos Chocolate received a “heirloom
cacao” designation by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund,
making this humble Davao delicacy a world-class offering to the
world.
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• TOURIST DESTINATIONS
• Eden Nature Park and Resort
• The Eden Nature Park and Resort of Davao City is truly a
paradise you shouldn’t miss. Named after the biblical Garden of
Eden, this park is nestled 3,000 feet above sea level where
towering trees, lush forests, and stunning landscapes are found.
The park is indeed a perfect place to explore and appreciate the
beauty of our nature and embrace the peaceful ambiance.
• There are a lot of things to discover here in Eden Nature Park
and Resort such as colorful species of flowers, incredible
designs of native houses like the Balai-Kalimudan, and also the
Prayer Garden where everyone can take their time to offer
prayers and meditate.
• Samal Island
• The Island Garden City of Samal or simply known as the
breathtaking Samal Island is the largest resort city in the entire
country. There are approximately 100 registered resorts
scattered all around the island with a combined capacity of more
than 1,000 rooms! Yup, expect to enjoy everything about an
island getaway adventure here on Samal Island such as island-
hopping, exploring sparkling waterfalls, and discovering the
beautiful world underwater.
• Monfort Bat Sanctuary
• One of the most popular tourist attractions in Davao City is the
incredible Monfort Bat Sanctuary which is also found on the
famous Samal Island. This 245 feet long cave is said to be
housing more than 2.3 million Rousette Fruit Bats which is the
largest colony in the whole world! The experience only gets
better when the colony leaves the cave by dusk or approximately
at 6 PM
• Davao Crocodile Park
• The crocodile park also features a lot of educational attractions
like the Butterfly Museum, the Tribu K’Mindanawa Cultural
Village, and also a chance to meet Pangil, the largest saltwater
crocodile in captivity! I’m sure that everyone, especially
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children, will have a wonderful time here in
DavaoCrocodilePark.
• Jack’s Ridge
• There are several fine dining restaurants and coffee shops here
like Kai’s Bar and Grill, Taklobo Restaurant, Karlo’s Gourmet
and Coffee, and many more! After eating, you can also explore
and wander around the resort to enjoy the views, discover the
historic Lumad Statues, visit the Amphitheater, and many more!
• Philippine Eagle Center
• The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-Eating Eagle is
considered the largest eagle in the world when it comes to
overall length and wingspan. The eagle served as the country’s
face and pride in many aspects which highly speaks of its
significance to the whole Philippines.
• Malagos Garden Resort and Chocolate Museum
• Davao City is hailed as the “Chocolate Capital of the
Philippines” because it is the Philippines’ biggest producer of
cacao. Well, this is also one of the major reasons why the
famous Malagos Garden Resort and Chocolate Museum was
established in 2017!Covering a huge area of more than 12
hectares, the resort features countless
• fun and exciting activities that will let them enjoy everything
that Davao City has to offer! From horseback riding, calesa
rides, bird feeding, visiting butterfly sanctuaries, and many
more, the Malagos Garden Resort definitely offers an all-in
travel experience to everyone!
• People’s Park
• One of the best things to do when visiting a new place is to
interact with the locals because it gives us a chance to know
more about the rich culture and history of the place. Well, the
best place to do that in Davao City is at the People’s Park. It’s a
four-hectare cultural theme park featuring some of the most
impressive attractions you’ll ever find in the country.
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• Davao Cathedral | San Pedro Cathedral
• Another prominent landmark in Davao City that should be
included in your itinerary is the San Pedro Cathedral or better
known as the Davao Cathedral. Built way back in 1847, the
cathedral is considered the oldest one in Davao City. It is also
hailed as a Natural Cultural Treasure and treated as a very
important piece of Davao’s religious and cultural history.
• Mount Apo
• Davao City is known for a lot of things but probably the most
significant of those is the fact that the tallest mountain in the
Philippines, Mount Apo, is situated here. Towering with an
elevation of 2,954 meters above sea level, the mountain sits on
top of the list of all mountaineers and hikers all over the
country. It is the ultimate dream of each and every one of them
to conquer the highest peak in the country.
CULTURAL DANCE
• Experience the vibrant colors and distinguish culture of Davao
city by participating in the annual Cadayawan fiestival
• Roman catholic is the most dominant religion in Davao city,
comprising around 80% of the population. Other Christian
groups such as protestant churches makes up 18%, while the
remaining 1.7% belongs to other Non-Christian Faith.
CARAGA
HISTORY
• Can be traced back to the 15th century when explorers
discovered the existence of “Kalagans”, believed to be of
Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The
word Caraga originated from the Visayan word “Kalagan”:
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“Kalag” meaning soul or people and “An” meaning land. The
“Kalagans have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus,
the region was called by early chroniclers as the “Land of the
Brave and Fierce People”.
• The “Kalagans”, called “Caragans” by the Spaniards occupied
the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, northern
part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental. The two
Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative
jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan
province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided as Norte and
Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then
was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in 1950’s drew
business and businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950, by
virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was
approved .
• First step the transportation of caraga Is there are using motor
cycle, bus, jeep, and etc.
GEOGRAPHY
• The region is characterized by mountainous areas, flat and
rolling lands. Mountain ranges divide Agusan and Surigao
provinces and sub-ranges separate most of the lowlands along
the Pacific coast. The most productive agricultural area of the
region lies along the Agusan River Basin.
• TOURIST DESTINATION
• Surigao del Sur’s Enchanted River
• Surigao del Sur’s Enchanted River is a clear blue river located
in the town of Hinatuan in the province of Surigao del Sur,
Philippines. The river is known for its enchanting blue color and
the variety of fish species that can be found in it. The river is
said to be enchanted because of its crystal clear blue waters and
the variety of fish species that can be found in it. Visitors can
take a dip in the river, or go on a boat tour to see the fish up
close.
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• Britania Group of Islands
• The Britania Group of Islands is a group of 24 white sandy
islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Surigao del
Sur province in Caraga region, Philippines. The islands are known
for their white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse
marine life. It’s a perfect destination for beach-lovers,
snorkelers, and divers.
• Tinuy-an Falls
• Tinuy-an Falls is a 95-meter wide waterfall located in Bislig
City, Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of the Philippines. It
is considered as one of the widest waterfalls in the country. The
waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, providing a
beautiful natural setting for visitors.The waterfall’s name
“Tinuy-an” comes from the local language meaning “to weave”
which refers to the way the waterfalls down like a white silk.
The waterfall is fed by a nearby river and the water falls in three
levels, creating a picturesque and serene setting
• Mt. Hilong-hilong
• Mt. Hilong-hilong is the highest peak in the Caraga region of the
Philippines, located in the province of Surigao del Norte. The
mountain stands at an elevation of 2,552 meters above sea level,
and it is considered as one of the most challenging climbs in the
region. The mountain is part of the Pacific Cordillera Mountain
Range and it is a popular destination for hikers and
mountaineers.
• San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral Parish
• San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral Parish is a historic church
located in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of
the Philippines. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Michael the
Archangel, and it is the oldest church in Tandag. It was built in
the 19th century by Spanish colonizers who used coral blocks
for the construction of the church.
• The church is known for its unique architectural design which
combines elements of Spanish, Gothic and Romanesque
architecture. The façade of the church is made of coral blocks,
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and it features a bell tower that is adorned with intricate
carvings and sculptures.
• Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area
located in the province of Agusan del Sur in the Caraga region
of the Philippines. The sanctuary is a vast wetland that covers an
area of around 35,200 hectares and it is home to a variety of
flora and fauna. The Agusan Marsh is considered one of the
most important wetlands in Southeast Asia and it is a unique
ecosystem that provides habitat for various species of birds,
reptiles, mammals, and fish.
• Tagbina Cave
• Tagbina Cave is a limestone cave located in the municipality of
Tagbina in the province of Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region
of the Philippines. The cave is known for its unique rock
formation and underground river. The cave is relatively easy to
explore, with well-defined paths and electric lighting making it
accessible to visitors of all ages.
• Sibadan Cave
• Sibadan Cave is a limestone cave located in the municipality of
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of the Philippines.
The cave is known for its unique rock formation and
underground river. The cave is relatively easy to explore, with
well-defined paths and electric lighting making it accessible to
visitors of all ages.
• Bislig City’s White Beach
• Bislig City’s White Beach is a long stretch of white sandy beach
located in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of the
Philippines. The beach is known for its scenic views and crystal
clear waters, making it a popular destination for swimming,
sunbathing, and beach activities.
• Tandag City’s Tandag Eco-Park
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• Tandag City’s Tandag Eco-Park is a nature park located in
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of the
Philippines. The park is known for its recreational activities and
its beautiful natural setting.The park is also home to a variety of
flora and fauna, including a wide variety of bird species, making
it a great destination for bird watching. The park also features a
fish sanctuary where visitors can see different species of fish.
• The park offers a variety of activities for visitors such as zip-
lining, wall climbing, and camping. Visitors can also take a
guided tour of the park, which includes a walk through the
park’s nature trails, and a visit to the park’s butterfly sanctuary.
The park also has a playground and a picnic area where visitors
can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
• This pre historic woulden called balanghay ones datu blue
horizon prof that butuan had already triving population thousand
os years ago.
• The indigenous communities in Caraga region have a strong
connection to their ancestral land and maintain a deep reverence
for nature. They celebrate important events, such as births,
deaths, and marriages, with traditional rituals that involve
offerings to their ancestors and the spirits of nature.
CULTURAL DANCE
• Customs and Traditions FESTIVALS Bonok-bonok Festival is
the local festival held in the city of Surigao. This is a ritual
dance which originated from the Mamanwas, the early settlers
of Surigao. The rhythm usually starts with a slow beat and
gradually gets faster, causing the dancers to work at pace with
the music.
SOCCSKSARGEN
HISTORY
• In September 2001, Executive Order No. 36 was signed by
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo transferring South Cotabato,
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Sarangani, General Santos (also known as the SocSarGen
District), from Southern Mindanao to Region XII, and renaming
the region, from Central Mindanao, to Soccsksargen.
GEOGRAPHY
Soccsksargen is bordered, clockwise from the Northeast,
by Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, the Sarangani Strait,
Sarangani Bay, Celebes Sea, Moro Gulf, and the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
UNIQUE QUALITY
• Socsargen is the home of the T’boli trive, one of the most
colourful and musically inclined tribes in the country, and boasts
a booming economy based on agriculture and fishing, and a lot
more unexpected attractions waiting to be discovered.The
region has extensive coastlines, valleys, and mountain ranges.
Known for its river system, the region is the catch basin of
Mindanao.The system is a reach source of food, potable water
and energy production.Cotabato contains the Rio Grande De
Mindanao, which is the longest river in the mendanao and the
second longest in the philippines. Agungs Is one of the
instruments found in the kulintang ensemble, and region XII.
DEFFIRENT FOOD
Tilapia
• As you visit Lake, you shouldn’t miss the 50 different kinds of
dishes mainly made of tilapia! Some examples would be
the Chicharon Tilapia you could enjoy the view of Lake Sebu
as you take a bite of this crispy Chicharon Tilapia
• Nilagang Tilapia
• It’s a big bowl of soup with three tilapia that you could enjoy
with your friends!
• Nilasing Na Tilapia
• Another tilapia dish famous in the region is the Nilasing na
Tilapia.
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• It’s just like the dish nilasing na hipon, but with tilapia! I know
that the word “nilasing” would be enough to entice most foodies
to try it, but the reason they keep ordering it is its taste.
• Paste
• A steamed rice topped with flaked chicken, beef, or tuna that is
wrapped in banana leaves. It is also best if paired with hard
boiled egg. This delicacy is loved by most locals in Cotabato
City and tourists of the province, and it is also sold at bus
stations. This is worth P8- P10, it’s really affordable!
• TOURIST DESTINATION
• Lake Sebu
• The lake has 7 falls promoted as one of the prime eco tourism
destination in mendanao, it’s one of the Philippines most
important watersheds and a major provider of irrigation to the
province of sultan kudarat and south cotabato it’s located in the
the ancesrtral domains of the t’boli and ubo tribes.
• Mambukal hot sulphur spring resort.
• It’s located in brgy; Mambukal, Koronadal south cotabato.
Koronadal city popular known as marbel, is the crown city of
the south Philippines it is the only hot sulphur spring spring
resort in koronodal city.
• Sultan haji hassanal bolkiah masjid
• Also known as the grand mosque, is the largest mosque in the
Philippines. The mosque is located in brgy; kalangan in cotabato
city and was found by ‘sultan hassanal bolkiah masjid of
brunei Darussalam’ at reported cost of $48 million dollars.
• Tamonka churh
• It is the oldest church in the city built in 1872. the church was
relocated in 1879 after and earthquake and fire devastated it
only the façade remains from its original structure the church
has an interesting underground passageway leading to catacomb,
which is part of the network of caves for which the city was
named from.There are more beautiful places in socsargen and
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tourist spot if you want more you can vesit there Youtube
channel.
CULTURAL DANCE
Tuna festival
• Tuna festival is the only festival that successfully coined the
tagline for gensan as the TUNA CAPITAL OF THE
PHILIPPINES to live up the name, activities to honor the
prime industry (fishing) of the remained an annual challenge for
festival stakeholders and event organizers.
Chapter 18
Region XVIII- BARMM – Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslin Mindanao
Learning objectives
1. Discuss the Geographical location of BARMM

2. Explain the culture and traditions of BARMM
region
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Did you know? that the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM)has an average annual population growth rate 2.89 percent
whichis higher than the national average. Muslim comprised around a
100 million of Philippines population and most of them are in the
BARMM. It has 16 municipalities and 2 cities, namely City of
Lamitan, Basilan and Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
HISTORY
• Replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM), the BARMM was formed with the ratification of
its basic law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, following a t
wo- part legally binding plebiscite in Western Mindanao held
on January 21 and February 6, 2019.
PROVINCE OF BASILAN
Basilan is an island province of the Philippines itis the largest and

northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago. and
located is off the southern coast of the geographic Zamboanga
Peninsula. The Capitalof Basilan is Isabela City.
Area: 1,145 km²

Capital City: Isabela City
Elevaction: 5m
Weather: 24°C, wind W at 5 km/h 82% Humidity
population:332,828 (2000) UNdata
Local Time: Sunday 7:39 pm
Municipalities: Albarka, Basilan, Adji Mohammad ajul
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HISTORY
• Basilan first came to European attention when it was
documented by the remnants of the Ferdinand Magellan
expedition in 1521. It was eventually colonized by the Spanish
as early as 1636 and was formally ceded by the Sulu Sultanate
to Spain in 1726. Then President Marcos made Basilan a
province in 1973. It joined the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao in 2001.
DEMOGRAPHY
• According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest
population in Basilan is 5 to 9, with 50,268 individuals.
Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 75 to
79, with 1,132 individuals.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Malamawi White Beach
• Malamawi Beach is similar to Boracay because of its powdery
white sand beaches. But makes this beach unique is the tranquil
setting as few tourists come here.
Lampinigan Island
• Another unspoiled destination in Basilan is Lampinigan Island
that also boasts of sandy white sands, lush beach forests, and
turquoise waters. Its raw location makes it one of the best tourist
spots in Basilan for those who prefer rustic getaways.
Bulingan Falls
• If want another form of rejuvenating experience aside from
swimming on beach fronts, check out Bulingan Falls. It
cascades gently on seemingly terraces slopes, carving a
beautiful batch basin where you can have an invigorating swim.
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PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL SUR
Province of Lanao del Sur, is a province in the Philippines

located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (BARMM). The capital is the city of Marawi, and it
borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and
Maguindanao del Norte and Cotabato to the south.
Cities:1
Municipalities:39
Barangays:1,159
Area (2013):15,055.51 km2 (5,812.96 sq mi)
Population: (2020)1,195,518
HISTORY
• The creation of Lanao del Sur is dated during the height of the
Commonwealth government campaign for settlement in
Mindanao. The undivided Lanao was administratively part and a
political unit of the Moro province by virtue of Philippine
Commission Act No. 787. Thereafter, in May 27, 1959 by virtue
of Republic Act No.Republic Act No. 2228, the unified Lanao
was divided into two distinct provinces, namely Lanao del Sur
and Lanao del Norte. Lanao del Sur was officially chartered on
July 4, 1959.
DEMOGRAPHY
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population in Lanao del Sur is 5 to 9, with 157,609 individuals.
Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and
over, with 1,894 individuals.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Lake Lanao
• Is the largest freshwater lake in Mindanao and the second
biggest in the entire Philippines. Because of its sheer size, many
would think of it as more of an ocean body.
Mount Baya
• Is a dormant volcano situated between Lake Lanao and Lake
Dapao. Forests cover its slopes and these are home to
endangered wildlife species. Trekking to the mountain will give
you a glimpse of the rich biodiversity of Lanao Del Sur.
Kanapnapan Falls
• Is one of the highest cascades of Lanao Del Sur. Because of its
huge volume of water, it often creates rainbows during the first
strike of the sun’s rays.
Sumpitan Falls
• Has seven layers, each with unique features to offer and enjoy.
Locals love coming here because of the rustic sceneries and the
tranquility that provides a rejuvenating respite.
DELICACY
Palapa
• Is a sweet and spicy Filipino condiment consisting of thinly
chopped white scallions, pounded ginger , turmeric, labuyo
chili, and toasted grated coconut . It originates from the
Maranao people of Lanao del Sur. The ingredients are mixed
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together and cooked briefly or cooked until somewhat dry. It is
immediately stored in sealed jars after cooking.
PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO
• Was a province of the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). From
2014 to 2022, its provincial capital was Buluan, but the
legislative branch of government, the Maguindanao Provincial
Board, convened at the old provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat.
It bordered Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east,
Sultan Kudarat to the south, and Illana Bay to the west.
MAGUINDANAO
• Municipalities: 37
• Barangays: 508
• Area 2016: 4,871.60 km2 (1,880.94 sq mi)
• Population 2020 : 1,667,258
HISTORY
• The Maguindanao are one of many groups of lowland Filipinos.
Apparently, they migrated to the islands from Southwest Asia
several thousand years ago. Today, they live primarily on the
island of Mindanao, which is located in the Southern
Philippines.
• The name MAGUINDANAO, meaning people of the flood
plain, was given to both the people and the island on which they
live.
• According to legend, the MAGUINDANAO were converted to
Islam by Shariff Kabunsuan, a Muslim prince, who claimed to
be a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. The legend
states that he won his converts by a combination of his wisdom,
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the appeal of his message, and certain supernatural powers. This
prince married a local woman who is said to have been born
miraculously from a stalk of bamboo!
•
TOURIST ATTRACTION
• BLUE LAGON
• The Blue Lagoon is one of the best Maguindanao tourist spots,
located on an idyllic setting of rustic views. It’s almost like a
lake surrounded with lush forests.
• Mount Minandar
• is one of the hiking Maguindanao tourist spots. It is an ideal spot
for newbie hikers because of the easy trails. From its top, one
can glimpse of the plains, mountains, and seascapes of
Maguindanao. It also offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise
and the sunset.
• KUTAWATO CAVE
• Kutawato Cave lies on the slope of Pedro Colina Hill. It’s a
small cave that looks like a dwelling place of ancient people.
Inside, you’ll find interesting limestone rock formations.
• PINK MOSQUE
• The Pink Mosque is one of the iconic Maguindanao tourist
spots. It was completed in 2012 and is meant to signify unity,
love, interfaith brotherhood, and peace.
DELICACIES
• PANYALAM
• Panyalam or panyam, is a traditional Filipino-Bangsamoro fried
rice pancake. It is made with ground glutinous rice, muscovado
(or brown sugar), and coconut milk mixed into a batter that is
deep-fried.
.
PROVINCE OF SULU
208
• Is a province of the Philippines in the Sulu Archipelago and part
ofthe Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(BARMM).
• Barangays: 19
• Area: 1,600.40 km2 (617.92 sq mi)
• Population (2020 Census): 1,000,108
HISTORY
• The Sulu “sea world” has had a tempestuous history. Its people
have been characterized by a fierce sense of cultural and
political independence. The islanders were converted to Islam
by the missionary adventurer Abū Bakr in the mid-15th century.
He married a local princess, inherited the title of sultan, and
turned his island principality into a regional Muslim state. The
Spanish never subdued the inhabitants, whom they called Moros
DEMOGRAPHY
• The population of Sulu grew from 73,914 in 1903 to 1,000,108
in 2020, an increase of 926,194 people over the course of 117
years. The latest census figures in 2020 denote a positive growth
rate of 4.14%, or an increase of 175,377 people, from the
previous population of 824,731 in 2015.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
SULU PROVINCIAL CAPITOL
• Just like in other Muslim provinces, the Sulu Provincial Capitol
showcases an Islamic-Inspired architecture. It could easily
capture the eyes of visitors and passersby.
• MAUBO BEACH
• Maubo Beach is one of the most frequented Sulu tourist spots. It
features a one kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches. It’s also
209
one of the most accessible from the town center. It’s no wonder
both locals and tourists come here to enjoy the scenery.
• MASJID TULAY
• Considered as the oldest mosque in the province, Masjid Tulay
is one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Sulu. Due to
armed rebellion, it was destroyed in 1974 but was rebuilt in
2001.
DELICACIES
• TIYULA ITUM
• Tiyula Itum, a dish from Tausug, Sulu in Mindanao. This black
soup is usually served during special occasion like Muslim
weddings and is known to be one of the dishes served to
Royalties.
• This dish takes its name from Tiyula which means soup or stew
and Itum which means black. The soup’s color came from the
burnt coconut meat which flavors the dish making it unique
from any other dish found in the Philippines.
• Piyassak
• Piyassak usually served on the wedding party, restaurant and
hotel in Sulu, Zamboanga city and in Sabah, Malaysia. This
viand is yummy to eat with white rice. Piyassak is also like
siyagul cook with burned coconut and coconut milk. The
coconut milk use on piyassak not to make as its soup but to let
absorb by the liver meat. The richness of coconut milk will add
to the scrumptious of liver meat.
• BEEF KULMA
• Beef Kulma is a beef curry dish in the Philippines that closely
resembles Korma, it might be where the dish has originated
from as the name is very similar. In Mindanao some call it
kulma some kurma and this dish is curry of tender beef cooked
in coconut milk, peanuts, tomato sauce and curry spices, it’s like
a cross between Beef Curry and Kare Kare.
210
PROVINCE OF TAWI-TAWI
• Tawi-Tawi, officially the Province of Tawi-Tawi, is an island

province in the Philippines located in the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The capital of Tawi-
Tawi is Bongao.
• Barangays: 203
• Population: 440,276
• Area: 1,087 km²
• ZIP code: 7500–7509
HISTORY
• Tawi-Tawi claims the distinction of being the earliest home of
Islam in the country. In 1380, Sheik Karim ul-Makhdum
established the first mosque on Philippine territory, in Simunul.
Makhdum’s tomb in Sibutu continues to be revered by
Philippine Muslims. From the time of the Sulu Sultanate’s
inception in the 14th century, Tawi-Tawi had traditionally been
part of its realm.
DEMOGRAPHY
population in Tawi-Tawi is 5 to 9, with 53,718 individuals.
Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and
over, with 1,101 individuals.
•
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
• Panampangan Island
• Panampangan Island features what is considered to be the
longest sandbar in the Philippines. It’s raw and unspoiled beauty
make it one of the best Tawi-Tawi tourist spots.
• Sheik Makhdum Mosque
211
• It is considered the first mosque ever built in the Philippines.
Sheik Karimmul Makhdum, an Arab Missionary, initiated the
building of the mosque when he reached the island in 1380 AD.
DELICACIES
DARAL
• It is a Tausug delicacy made with rice flour wrap filled with
sweet coconut filling.
• Chicken & Beef Satti
• Satti Recipe is a Tausug delicacy of grilled beef/chicken and

cubed rice from ‘puso’ soaked in overflowing Satti sauce. It is a
Halal-certified food and resembles a spicy curry dish.
212

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Chapter 1

1. Discuss the Geographical location of the Philippines.

The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands

The Spanish friars referred to the relocation process as reducción. As

It was the Spanish expedition led by Magellan in 1521 that laid

Securing power over local settlements was a long and difficult

Once areas were under Spanish control, the colonial government

Under the governor, provinces were established with a

of tribute to maintain their operations and control the Philippine

Ilustrados began to question the authority of the Spanish friars and

The Filipino revolutionaries could not have predicted such a

By the time the American military arrived in April of 1898, the

11 things should know about Filipino culture

Filipinos are very resilient

In times of calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos always manage to

Filipinos take pride in their families

In the Philippines, it is family first. So whether you are part of the

Filipinos are very religious

In all corners of a Filipino house, you can find brazen images of

Filipinos value traditions and culture

For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are

Filipinos love to party

Filipinos love to eat

Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Filipinos manage to squeeze

Filipinos love to sing

Filipinos love art and architecture

Reassure your host that you’re human

Be careful when showing fondness over babies

It’s difficult to restrain from playing with cute babies or

Blame your missing things on elves

The Indigenous Tribes of the Philippines

Meanwhile, in the southern part of the country, indigenous tribes

Ati and Tumandok

Today, the indigenous groups in the country remain in their

1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region II-NCR

16 Cities: Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Maynila,Taguig, Mandaluyong,

1. St. Andrew, La huerta

1. Discuss the Geographical location of Region III-CAR

Provinces of Cordillera Administrative Region

Abra's inhabitants are mostly Ilocano and Tinguians. Occasionally

Musical instruments (gongs, flutes), woven blankets, instruments bear

Abra Tourist Spot

 Don Mariano Marcos Bridges

 The Bangued Cathedral formally knowns as Saint James the

Apayao Culture and Traditions

Festival is a cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in

• They called “Say-am Festival”. It is on this day that the Bulut

Apayao is devoted to agricultural production, particularly food and

Apayao Tourist Spot

 Lussok Cystal Cave is Nested at the northernmost part of the

Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 460,683.

The Benguet people believe in the existence of unseen beings

Strawberry Taho. As Baguio makes the most out of their most

Benguet Tourist Spot

Aran Cave is rapidly gaining popularity among locals residing

The Kalinga have rich cultural traditions and expressions of music,

Kalinga Tourist Spot

Buaya caves feature various stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.

Kalinga Product and Delicacies

Kalinga Culture and Traditions

The Kalinga have rich cultural traditions and expressions of music,

1. Discuss the Geographical location of Ilocos Region

the cities of Dagupan, San Carlos, Alminos and Urdaneta in the

Another well-loved product of Ilocos is its version of an empanada.