Visayas

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Visayas[edit | edit source]

A depiction of Visayan nobility, circa 1668

The Visayas is one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Luzon and Mindanao. It is located in the central part of the archipelago and consists of several islands and islets.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Visayas is composed of several islands, the largest of which include Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. These islands are surrounded by the Visayan Sea, the Camotes Sea, and the Bohol Sea.

History[edit | edit source]

The Visayas has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times. The region was home to various indigenous groups and was part of the trade routes in Southeast Asia.

Detail from a 1734 map showing the Visayas

During the Spanish colonization, the Visayas became an important center for the spread of Christianity. The Spanish influence is still evident in the region's culture, architecture, and festivals.

Culture[edit | edit source]

The Visayas is known for its vibrant culture, which includes traditional music, dance, and festivals. The region is home to the Visayan languages, which include Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray-Waray.

Error creating thumbnail:
Traditional Visayan dance

The Visayans celebrate various festivals, such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of the Visayas is diverse, with agriculture, fishing, and tourism being the main industries. The region is known for its sugarcane plantations, particularly in Negros Occidental.

Religion[edit | edit source]

Christianity is the predominant religion in the Visayas, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. The region is also home to various religious festivals and historical churches.

Error creating thumbnail:
Main entrance of a church in Panay

Education[edit | edit source]

The Visayas is home to several universities and colleges, providing education to students from all over the Philippines. Notable institutions include the University of the Philippines Visayas and Silliman University.

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Tourism is a significant industry in the Visayas, with attractions such as the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the white sand beaches of Boracay, and the historical sites in Cebu.

Error creating thumbnail:
The Loboc River in Bohol

Related pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD