OVERVIEW OF PHILIPPINE REGIONS

The Philippines is divided into 18 administrative regions (including the newly re-established Negros Island Region in 2024). Each region is composed of several provinces and serves as a way for the national government to manage administration, development, and services.

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Luzon (8 regions)

1. NCR – National Capital Region (Metro Manila)
   Political and economic center of the country, includes Manila, Makati, Quezon City.

2. CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region
   Mountainous area with rich indigenous culture, known for rice terraces and highland crops.

3. Region I – Ilocos Region
   Colonial heritage architecture, coastal towns, Ilocano culture.

4. Region II – Cagayan Valley
   Fertile farmlands, river valleys, and agricultural production.

5. Region III – Central Luzon
   Known as the "Rice Granary" of the Philippines, flatlands ideal for farming.

6. Region IV-A – CALABARZON
   Industrial and tourist hub, home to Tagaytay, Batangas beaches, and Taal Volcano.

7. MIMAROPA (Region IV-B)
   Includes Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan; less urbanized, famous for natural attractions.

8. Region V – Bicol Region
   Home of Mount Mayon, pili nuts, and rich fishing grounds.

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Visayas (3 regions)

9. Region VI – Western Visayas
   Includes Boracay Island, sugarcane plantations, and diving spots.

10. Region VII – Central Visayas
    Includes Cebu and Bohol; Chocolate Hills, heritage towns, beaches.

11. Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
    Typhoon-prone region with Leyte and Samar; Tacloban as a main hub.

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Mindanao (6 regions + BARMM)

12. Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
    Known for Spanish heritage, pink sand beaches, and seafood.

13. Region X – Northern Mindanao
    Agricultural and industrial area, fertile lands.

14. Region XI – Davao Region
    Economic center of Mindanao; bananas, coconuts, durian, Davao City.

15. Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
    Agriculture, mining, and manufacturing hub.

16. Region XIII – Caraga
    Mining, logging, and agriculture; Butuan City as a center.

17. BARMM – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
    Autonomous Muslim-majority region with distinct cultural heritage.

18. NIR – Negros Island Region (re-established 2024)
    Combines Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor; sugar industry, diving spots.