TH2205 Regions of the Philippines: Territorial Subdivisions

Territorial and Political Subdivisions of the Philippines

• The Philippines is divided into provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays according to the 1987 Constitution.
• Autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras are also established.
• The Congress shall enact a local government code to provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure.

Region XII – Soccsksargen

• The region is composed of four provinces: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, and one city: General Santos City.
• The region has extensive coastlines, valleys, and mountain ranges.
• The Rio Grande de Mindanao river system is a rich food source, potable water, and energy production.
• Tourist spots in the region include Lake Sebu, cultural villages, old Mosques, and shrines.

Region XIII – Caraga

• The region is bounded by Butuan Bay, Surigao Strait, and Bohol Sea on the north and the Philippine Sea on the east.
• The majority of the region's inhabitants are of Visayan lineage.
• Ethnic groups in the region include the Manobo, Mamanwa, Banwaon, Kamayo, Higa-onon, Umayamnon, and Kalagan.
• Cebuano is the most spoken dialect, followed by Surigaonon.
• Tourist spots in the region include Siargao, Tinuy-an Falls, and the Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands.

Other Regions

• The Philippines is subdivided into 17 regions: 8 in Luzon, 3 in the Visayas, and 6 in Mindanao.
• The country has 82 provinces, 146 cities, 1,488 municipalities, and numerous barangays.
• The National Capital Region (NCR) is an administrative region in the Philippines, occupying the central section of Luzon.
• The Mayon Volcano in Albay province is the most prominent volcano in the region.

Region V – Bicol

• The region is famous for its perfect conical shape and is the most active volcano in the Philippines.
• Bikol and Filipino are the official dialects, although English is widely used in business transactions.
• Tourist attractions in the region include the Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, and Caramoan Islands.

Region VI – Western Visayas

• The region is located in the western section of the Visayas.
• Numerous dialects are spoken in the region, such as Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, and Aklanon.
• The region is known for its annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
• Tourist destinations in the region include Boracay Island, Miagao Church, Baybay Beach, and San Sebastian Cathedral.

Region III – Central Luzon

• The region contains the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply.
• More than half of the population in the region speaks Tagalog.
• Kapampangan is the next most spoken dialect in the region.
• The Clark International Airport is located within this region.
• Tourist attractions in the region include the home of former President Manuel L. Quezon, picturesque beaches in Aurora, Mt. Samat, and Mt. Arayat National Park.

Region IV-A – CALABARZON

• The region is located in southwestern Luzon, just south and east of Metro Manila.