by Lionunion 
Western Visayas, also known as Region VI, is an administrative region in the Philippines. It is composed of six provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, and two highly urbanized cities, Bacolod and Iloilo City. The regional center is Iloilo City. The region is dominated by the native speakers of four Visayan languages: Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Aklanon, and Capiznon.
An Overview of Western Visayas
The total land area of the region is 20,794.18 square kilometers (8,028.68 square miles). As of the 2020 census, the region had a population of 7,954,723 inhabitants, making it the second most populous region in the Visayas after Central Visayas.
The region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 was ₱937 billion or $19 billion, with a growth rate of 5.9%. The Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.761, which is considered high, and it ranks 5th in the Philippines as of 2019.
Exploring the Provinces of Western Visayas
Aklan
Aklan is a province located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the southwest, and Capiz to the east. Aklan is recognized as the oldest province in the country and is renowned for Boracay, a major global tourist destination.
Here’s a summarized information about Aklan:
Land Area: Aklan has a total land area of 1,821.42 square kilometers or 703.25 square miles.
Population: As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 593,031 people.
Economy: The economy of Aklan is predominantly agricultural, with rice, corn, and fish as major products. The province has started to boost its fish production through extensive fish farming. Aklan is also the country’s largest producer of piña cloth, a strong yet lightweight fiber obtained from the leaves of the pineapple plant and used in making Barong Tagalog, the national garment.
Real Estate Market: The real estate market in Aklan, particularly in Boracay, has been booming due to the influx of tourists. The demand for accommodations has led to the development of numerous hotels, resorts, and residential properties.
Antique
Antique is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is San Jose de Buenavista, the most populous town in Antique. 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.
As of the 2020 census, Antique has a population of 582,012. The province has a total land area of 2,729.17 square kilometers or 1,053.74 square miles.
Economically, Antique is primarily agricultural with rice, corn, and coconut as major crops. Its other agricultural products include banana, mango, and root crops. Fishing is also a significant part of the province’s economy.
The province is rich in mineral resources such as gold, copper, silver, nickel, and non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel, and marbleized limestone. Mining activities in the province are governed by the Antique Provincial Mining Regulatory Board.
Capiz
Capiz is a province in the Philippines, located in the central section of the country. It is part of the Western Visayas region and its capital is Roxas City. The province is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including its seafood and the famous Capiz shells.
As of the 2020 census, Capiz has a population of 761,384 people. It covers a total land area of 2,594.64 square kilometers. The province is divided into 16 municipalities and a component city, Roxas City.
The economy of Capiz is primarily based on agriculture, with rice and fish being the main products. The province is also known as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” due to its abundant marine life. Other major industries include crafts made from Capiz shells, bamboo, and buri, as well as tourism.
Guimaras
Guimaras is an island province in the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. It is among the smallest provinces in the country, with a land area of 604.57 square kilometers. As of 2020, the province has a population of 174,613 people.
The economy of Guimaras is largely based on agriculture, with mangoes being the primary product. The island is known for producing some of the sweetest mangoes in the world, and it hosts an annual Manggahan Festival to celebrate this. Other major industries include fishing, livestock raising, and food processing.
In terms of real estate, Guimaras is still a developing market. The province’s real estate industry is not as mature as those in larger cities in the Philippines, but it has been growing steadily. The island’s natural beauty and tranquility make it an attractive location for residential and vacation properties.
Iloilo
Iloilo is a province located in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. It is situated on the southeastern tip of Panay island and is bordered by Antique to the west and Capiz to the north. The province covers a total land area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers.
As of 2020, the province has a population of around 2.46 million people. The people of Iloilo are known as Ilonggos, and Hiligaynon is the widely spoken language in the area.
Economically, Iloilo is one of the country’s key economic centers. It has a diverse economy with key sectors including agriculture, fishing, trade and commerce, and tourism. The province is known for its production of rice, fish, sugar, and tropical fruits, among others.
The real estate market in Iloilo has been experiencing growth, driven by the province’s economic development. There has been an increase in demand for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. The province’s capital, Iloilo City, is particularly noted for its booming real estate sector, with numerous high-rise buildings and commercial establishments being built.
Negros Occidental
Negros Occidental is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Bacolod City and it occupies the northwestern half of Negros Island; Negros Oriental is at the southeastern half. The province is known as the “Sugarbowl of the Philippines”, producing more than half of the country’s sugar output.
As of 2020, the province has a population of approximately 3.2 million people, making it the most populous province in the region. The land area of Negros Occidental is about 7,802.54 square kilometers, making it the second-largest province in the Visayas.
The economy of Negros Occidental is largely based on agriculture, with sugar cane as the primary crop. Other major crops include rice, corn, bananas, and coconuts. The province also has a growing service sector with a focus on tourism, retail, and real estate.
The real estate market in Negros Occidental is diverse, with options ranging from affordable housing to luxury properties. Bacolod City, the capital, is a major hub for real estate due to its economic growth and development. The city has seen a rise in the construction of residential subdivisions, condominiums, and commercial establishments in recent years. The province’s real estate market is expected to continue growing, driven by the province’s robust economy and increasing urbanization.
Source: wikipedia
