Visayas

Visayas is an island group in the central part of the Philippines. It is composed of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea, although the Visayas are also considered the northeast extremity of the entire Sulu Sea. Its inhabitants are predominantly the Visayan people.

The major islands of the Visayas include Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. The region may also include the provinces of Palawan, Romblon, and Masbate whose populations identify as Visayan and whose languages are more closely related to other Visayan languages than to the major languages of Luzon.

Geography

The Visayas are roughly the central third of the Philippines, so this region is approximately bounded by Luzon and Mindanao. The Visayas are composed of 16 provinces, each headed by a Governor. The provinces are divided into cities and municipalities. The islands are also divided into three regions: Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Culture

The Visayan people are the largest ethnic group in the Philippines. They are known for their close-knit family structure, Catholic faith, and rich history of folklore and mythology. The Visayan culture is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and American influences, with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and the visual arts.

Healthcare

Healthcare in the Visayas, like the rest of the Philippines, is a mix of private and public providers. The government provides healthcare through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). There are also numerous private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. The Visayas also face health challenges such as dengue fever, malnutrition, and tuberculosis.

Economy

The economy of the Visayas is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and industry. The region is known for its sugar cane, rice, corn, and coconut production. The Visayas also has a growing tourism industry, with popular destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol.

See Also

• Luzon
• Mindanao
• Philippines