Visayas

The islands Visayas (Visayan: Kabisay-an; Tagalog: Kabisayaan; English: Visayas) constitute one of the three great archipelagos that, together with those of Luzon and Mindanao, make up the largest in the Philippines. It is located in the central part, between the large islands of Luzon to the north and Mindanao to the south, but it is made up of much smaller and more numerous islands, bordered mainly by the Visayas Sea, which gives it its name. Its inhabitants are called visayos.

The main islands are five; by decreasing population number, are:

• Panay
• Black
• Cebu
• Bohol
• Leyte
• Sámar

Culturally, other islands whose inhabitants identify as Visayans can be included, which are:

• Masbate
• Romblon

History

To date, the history of the Visayos prior to the arrival of the Spanish is a mystery. However, there are legends that speak of a legendary king, known as Kalantiao, who created a civil code. Visayans are believed to come from the island of Borneo.

The earliest known mention of the Visayas is from the 12th century, when the region is believed to have been dominated by the imperial from Shrivijaya. Visayans are supposed to have had close diplomatic relations with various Malay and Javanese kingdoms.

After Magellan's expedition, the Spanish took an interest in the archipelago and sent Ruy López de Villalobos and Miguel López de Legazpi in 1543 and 1565, respectively, to explore and colonize the islands.

At first the Visayans accepted this colonization, many converted to Christianity and accepted the Santo Niño as their patron. However, the situation soon changed and several revolutions took place, such as that of Francisco Dagoboy.

The Spanish were not the only problem for Visayans. It is thought that during this time several Visayas islands were invaded by the Moors.

During the Philippine Revolution, Visayos were active protagonists. The island of Negros started its own revolution. However, there was also a large part of the population that was realistic. Thus, the Ilongo volunteer battalion was fighting against the rebel troops until the war against the Americans began, at which time they began to fight for independence.

After Philippine independence, Visayans continued to participate in Philippine politics with presidents from the island.

On May 23, 2005, Palawan was transferred to Region VI (Western Visayas) by executive order 429. The Department of the Interior and Local Government announced in June 2005 that the transfer had been completed.

The action was not well received among the people of Paraguay, alleging the lack of consultation with the citizens, with the majority of the residents in Puerto Princesa and in all the municipalities preferring to remain in MIMAROPA. Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005 to counter such unrest. This order directed the suspension of order 429 pending approval for the orderly transfer of Palawan from Region IV-B to Region VI.

Therefore, Palawan currently (as of May 2007) remains part of Region IV-B.

Administrative division

A map of Bisayas. Bisayas Central Eastern Bisayas West Banks The largest islands, from west to east are: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Sámar.

The largest islands, from west to east are: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar.

Administratively, Visayas is divided into 3 regions, called Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. Each region is headed by a regional director from one of the different executive offices in the country. All of these positions are appointed by the Secretary of the Department on duty (for example, the Department of Education).

However, Visayas is made up of 16 provinces headed by a governor who is democratically elected for a maximum of three times for three years each time.

Visayas is represented in the Philippine Congress by 44 congressmen elected in the same manner as the governors.

Western Visayas (Region VI)

Western Visayas is made up of the islands of Panay and the western half of the island of Negros. Its provinces are:

• Aklan
• Antique
• Daddy
• Guimarás
• Iloílo
• Western Black

Central Visayas (Region VII)

Central Visayas includes the islands of Cebu and Bohol, as well as the eastern half of Negros. Its provinces are:

• Bohol
• Cebu
• Eastern Black
• Siquijor

Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

Eastern Visayas is made up of the islands of Leyte and Samar. Its provinces are:

• Bilirán
• Leyte
• South Law
• Sámar
• East Sámar
• North Sea

Culture

Legends

There are legends compiled by Pedro Alcántara Monteclaro in his book Margtas (1907); They tell the story of ten Datus chieftains who escaped from the tyranny of Datu Makatunaw in Borneo and reached the island of Panay. These warlords and their followers are believed to be the ancestors of the current inhabitants of Visayas. His arrival is celebrated with the Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan province. Although they are considered legends, it is often believed that they are partly based on true events.

The Spanish language

There have been a large number of Spanish-language writers born in the Visayas. The use of Spanish was very popular in the big cities until the Second World War among the Creole population and in the parians: Cebu, Yloilo...

There are still small micro-communities of speakers among older people who were formerly linked to the sugar sector.

Hypothesis

A modern theory based on the study of genetic markers of the current population affirms that Austronesian emigrants from Taiwan settled and headed towards Visayas, Borneo, present-day Indonesia, and the islands of the eastern Pacific.