Regions
of the Philippines
Nestled
in Southeast Asia's heart, the Philippines is an archipelago of unparalleled
beauty and cultural richness. Beyond its famed tropical beaches and vibrant
cities lies a captivating story told by its 17 regions, each weaving a unique
narrative into the national tapestry. From the emerald landscapes of the
Cordillera Administrative Region to the historical depths of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao, every region is a chapter waiting to be explored.
Image taken from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-Philippines-with-Regions_fig2_352221241
National Capital Region (NCR)
Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina,
Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR)
Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province
Ilocos Region (Region I)
Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Cagayan Valley (Region II)
Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino
Central Luzon (Region III)
Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Calabarzon (Region IV-A)
Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal
Mimaropa (Region IV-B)
Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon
Bicol Region (Region V)
Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon
Western Visayas (Region VI)
Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental
Central Visayas (Region VII)
Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor
Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte
Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
Northern Mindanao (Region X)
Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis
Oriental
Davao Region (Region XI)
Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao
Oriental
Soccsksargen (Region XII)
Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat
Caraga (Region XIII)
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao
del Sur
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
Basilan,
Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi
Philippine
Regional Resources
The
Philippines, an archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its
diverse and abundant natural resources spread across various regions. From the
fertile lands of Luzon to the rich marine ecosystems surrounding the Visayas
and Mindanao, each region contributes distinct resources that shape the
country's economic and ecological landscape.
Northern and Central Luzon
- Batanes
Batanes is the smallest province of the Philippines, located about 860
kilometers north of the center of government in Manila, and about 280
kilometers from Aparri, Cagayan. Strategically, Batanes is surrounded by the
Pacific Ocean to the east, the China Sea to the West, and the Bashi and
Balintang Channels to the north and south, respectively. With the Japan current
on the Pacific Ocean side which carries with it rich natural food for pelagic
fishes, the surrounding 4,500 square kilometers of territorial waters is also a
rich fishing ground that extends 260 kilometers to the Pacific Ocean, 160
kilometers to the South China Sea and 112 kilometers to the north in the Bashi
Channel. In Batanes province, a variety of non-metallic minerals enrich the
region's natural resources. These include limestone, gravel, black sand, white
sand, and raw materials for white stone. Notably, clay deposits are widespread
across all major islands, with Batan Island alone estimated to have over six
million cubic meters. Additionally, the region features white deposits of
copper, manganese, lead, and sulfur, although specific data regarding the
volume of reserves for these minerals is currently unavailable.
- CAR
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was established on July 15,
1987, through Executive Order No. 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino. It is
the only land-locked region of the Philippines. The region consists of the
provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and
Apayao. The regional center is the Chartered City of Baguio, officially known
as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
The region is rich in natural resources and has abundant mineral
reserves. Gold, copper, silver, and zinc are among the metallic ores that can
be found in the region. Non-metallic reserves include sand, gravel, and sulfur.
Although mineral reserves are found all over the region, mining is concentrated
in Benguet. The majority of Cordillera’s population engages in farming and
small-scale production.
- Central Luzon
Central Luzon is rich in timber and mineral resources (both metallic and
non-metallic). Aurora is known for its timber; Zambales for its refractory
chromite, copper, and nickel deposits; Tarlac for Manganese; Bulacan for
marble; Pampanga for sand and gravel; and Nueva Ecija for feldspar. Fertile
rice lands, melon patches, and fishponds can also be found along rivers and
tributaries. Region III accounts for the
third largest aquaculture production in the Philippines. Aurora’s 332-kilometer
coastline and Zambales’ 272 kilometers are teeming with marine resources.
NCR and Southern Luzon
- NCR
Manila is a key hub for industrial production, encompassing chemicals,
textiles, electronics, food, beverages, and tobacco products. This growth has
propelled the National Capital Region (NCR) to be the largest contributor to
the country's GDP, accounting for 31.5%. As of 2021, NCR boasts 201,080
businesses, categorized as Micro, Small, Medium, and Large, generating 33.6% of
total employment. Major business and economic activities are centered in
Makati, housing multinational offices, the Philippine Bank of Communications
(PBCOM) tower, Ayala Center, Glorietta, Greenbelt, and Rockwell Center. Other
thriving locations include Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Business Center,
Alabang, Triangle Park, Eastwood City, and Manila Bay City Reclamation Area.
Metro Manila, with its rich historical and cultural influences, offers
attractions like Rizal Park, the National Museum, Intramuros, the Cultural
Center of the Philippines, the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the Ninoy Aquino
Wildlife Center, and various shopping centers. Emerging business centers
include Bonifacio Global City, Eastwood City, Neopolitan Business Park, Triangle
Park, Manila Bay City Reclamation Area, and Alabang Estates. The traditional
hub for Chinese-Filipino businessmen, predating Makati CBD, was the Binondo
District in Manila.
- Southern Luzon
Southern Luzon, encompassing various provinces, is blessed with a
diverse range of natural resources that contribute significantly to the
region's economic vibrancy. The provinces of Southern Luzon include Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Rich
agricultural lands span across these provinces, supporting the cultivation of
staples like rice and corn, as well as cash crops such as coconut, pineapple,
and banana. The fertile soils and favorable climate also foster a thriving
fishing industry, providing abundant seafood resources. Southern Luzon is known
for its mineral-rich areas, yielding valuable resources like gold, copper, and
manganese, which contribute to the region's mining industry. The lush forests
in these provinces harbor various timber and non-timber forest products,
promoting biodiversity and sustaining local ecosystems. Moreover, the region
harnesses its geothermal resources for renewable energy production, with
geothermal power plants contributing to the sustainable development of the
area.
The Visayan Island
The Visayas, an archipelagic region in the Philippines, boasts a rich
array of natural resources, both on land and in its surrounding seas. Its
fertile soils support the cultivation of various crops, such as rice,
sugarcane, coconut, and tropical fruits, contributing to the region's agricultural
wealth. The coastal areas abound with marine life, sustaining vibrant fisheries
that are crucial for local livelihoods.
Moreover, the Visayas are endowed with valuable minerals, including
limestone used in cement production, marble, asphalt, salt, sulfur, asbestos,
guano, gypsum, phosphate, and silica. The region's forests harbor timber and
diverse flora, while the surrounding seas hold potential resources like oil and
natural gas. This multifaceted abundance of natural resources not only sustains
local communities but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic and
ecological landscape of the entire Philippines.
Palawan and Kalayaan Group of Islands
- Palawan
Heralded as the "last ecological frontier" of the Philippines,
Palawan, an archipelagic province on the country's western edge, spans 1.49
million hectares, encompassing 1,768 islands and boasting a coastline of
approximately 2,000 kilometers. Renowned for its lush and diverse ecosystem,
Palawan is a natural habitat for 39% of the country's terrestrial and marine
vertebrate wildlife, including 46% of birds, 30% of reptiles, 33% of mammals,
and 27% of amphibians. The province hosts the largest terrestrial and mangrove
forests in the Philippines, covering 689,161 hectares, contributing to 10% of
the nation's total forest cover.
While Palawan's tourism industry flourishes, many residents still rely
on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. Crops like rice, corn,
cashews, coconuts, and mangoes are cultivated, and the province's waters
contribute to 65% of Manila's fish supply and 10% of the Philippines' annual
fishery collection. Palawan is also a leading seaweed producer in the country.
Mining, particularly nickel extraction, is a prominent industry in
Palawan, home to the second-largest nickel mine in the Philippines. The
province's mountains also harbor other minerals such as gold, silver,
manganese, granite, and marble. Despite its economic activities, Palawan
remains a vital haven for biodiversity and ecological balance.
Kalayaan Group of Islands
The Kalayaan Island Group is endowed with a diverse range of natural
resources, particularly within its marine ecosystem. The area boasts rich
marine biodiversity, including vibrant coral reefs with a variety of hard coral
species. The marine environment is home to numerous fish species, contributing
to the overall marine ecosystem's health.
Notable findings from marine resource assessments conducted in 2008 and
2018 around Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Group, include an increase in
mean hard coral cover from 24.4% to 37.6%. While there has been a decline in the
number of fish species, fish families, and biomass, there has been an increase
in fish density, indicating potential shifts in the fish population structure. The
assessments also highlight changes in invertebrate presence, with some species
like sipunculids, lobsters, topshells, and crown-of-thorns not found in 2018
surveys. However, the number of giant clams has significantly increased,
showcasing positive developments in certain marine populations.
Moreover, seagrass species such as Thalassia hemprichii and Halodule
uninervis have experienced improvements in frequency, cover, and density,
reaching a "good" condition. The generally improved conditions of
marine resources around the Kalayaan Island Group, particularly Pag-asa Island,
are likely a result of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental awareness among
stakeholders, contributing to the preservation of this valuable natural
resource.
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest, and the southernmost island in the
Philippines. It is a strong agricultural area supplying a large portion of the
food supply for the entire country. Located just north of Indonesia and
Malaysia, Mindanao is divided into six regions, which are further subdivided
into 25 provinces. The six regions: Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX); Northern
Mindanao (Region X); Davao Region (Region XI); Soccsksargen (Region XII);
Caraga (Region XIII); Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Mindanao is
endowed with rich mineral resources. Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc,
ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao
accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic
mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and
limestone.
- Sulu Island
The culture of the Sulu Islands is predominantly centered around the
sea, with Jolo being the only island with a significant agricultural economy.
The group is home to various marine resources, including pearl beds, button
shells, mother-of-pearl, coral, shark fins, bêche-de-mer (sea cucumbers), turtle
shells, turtle eggs, and sponges. The Turtle Islands in the west serve as the
focal point for turtle fisheries. Despite the abundance of marine wealth, it is
largely utilized for subsistence, often complemented by small-scale agriculture
due to the necessity of importing rice. The islands lack significant mineral
resources, and forestry is underdeveloped.
The
Sulu Archipelago Rain Forests ecoregion, situated between Borneo and Mindanao,
Philippines, encompasses a chain of islands. The vegetation includes beach
forests, lowland rainforests, scrub forests, and mangroves. Beach forests feature
species like Barringtonia, Caesalpinia, and Terminalia, but much of it has been
cleared for coastal development and coconut plantations. Lowland rainforests,
once dominated by Dipterocarpaceae species, have dwindled. The original scrub
forests are scarce, and the mangrove community comprises species such as
Rhizophora, Ceriops, Brugueira, Sonneratia, Avicennia, and Nypa palms.