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Regions of the Philippines

Territorial and Political Subdivisions
According to Section 1, Article X of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines on Local Government, the territorial
and political subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines are the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
On the other hand, there shall be autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.
Section 3 states that the Congress shall enact a local government code that shall provide for a more responsive
and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective
mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the different local government units their
powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal,
term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization
and operation of the local units.
Section 4 states that the President of the Philippines exercises general supervision over local governments.
Provinces with respect to component cities and municipalities, and cities and municipalities with respect to
component barangays, shall ensure that the acts of their component units are within the scope of their prescribed
powers and functions.
Autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras are created, consisting of provinces, cities,
municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritages, economic
and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of the Constitution and the national
sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.
The preservation of peace and order within the regions shall be the responsibility of the local police agencies,
which shall be organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized following applicable laws. The defense and security
of the regions shall be the responsibility of the National Government (Official Gazette, 2009).
Philippine Regions
As of October 2022, the Philippines is subdivided into 17 regions – eight (8) in Luzon (including the National Capital
Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and V), three (3) in the Visayas
(Regions VI, VII, and VIII), and six (6) in Mindanao (Regions IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). NCR is an administrative region in the Philippines occupying the central section of
Luzon, where the capital of the Philippines, Manila City, is located. The country has 82 provinces, 146 cities (33
highly urbanized cities [HUCs], 108 component cities, and five (5) independent component cities), 1,488
municipalities, and numerous barangays (PhilAtlas, 2022). The following are the Philippine regions, provinces,
cities, and capitals (Osorno et al., 2021):
National Capital Region (NCR)
Also known as Metropolitan Manila, it is the country’s political, economic, and educational center. NCR
consists of 16 cities and one (1) municipality and is also the only region in the country without any province.
It is also rich in historical, cultural, and religious influences. Some interesting places in this region include
Rizal Park, The National Museum, and Intramuros. The country's main airport, the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA), is between Parañaque City and Pasay City. This region is comprised of the
following cities and one (1) municipality:
Cities
Caloocan Mandaluyong Navotas Quezon City
Las Piñas Manila Parañaque San Juan
Makati Marikina Pasay Taguig
Malabon Muntinlupa Pasig Valenzuela
Pateros (Municipality)

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Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

It is the only landlocked (almost or entirely surrounded by land) region of the Philippines, bordered by the
Ilocos Region to the west and southwest and by the Cagayan Valley Region to the north, east, and southeast.
Its rugged terrain and breathtaking topography have been home to sturdy and industrious indigenous tribes
collectively called the Igorot. At the same time, its climate has bred an equally unique culture distinct from
the country’s lowland regions. The region has been called the “most diversified ethnolinguistic region” in
the country, with the many “sub-dialect variations” of its major languages. Some prime tourist destinations
in the Philippines, like the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, and Baguio City in
Benguet, are in this region.
Provinces Capitals
Abra Bangued
Apayao Kabugao
Benguet La Trinidad
Ifugao Lagawe
Kalinga Tabuk
Mountain Province Bontoc
Region I – Ilocos Region
It is located on the Northern coast of Luzon. This region has a coast and sloping extents prone to typhoons
in the wet months and devastatingly hot during the dry season. The dialects or languages that are used in
this region are Ilocano and Pangasinense. Most people widely use Ilocano, while Pangasinense is spoken in
the central towns of Pangasinan.
Provinces Capitals
Ilocos Norte Laoag
Ilocos Sur Vigan
La Union San Fernando
Pangasinan Lingayen
Region II – Cagayan Valley
It is located in the northeastern region of Luzon, bounded to the west by the Cordillera Mountain Range
and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in the east. This region is fertile for profitable agriculture where crops
such as rice, corn, tobacco, and fruits and vegetables are produced in amounts exceeding the community
requirements. Some tourist spots in this region are Batan Island in Batanes, Callao Cave in Cagayan, and
Aguinaldo Shrine in Isabela.
Provinces Capitals
Batanes Basco
Cagayan Tuguegarao
Isabela Ilagan
Nueva Vizcaya Bayombong
Quirino Cabarroguis
Region III – Central Luzon
It contains the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country’s rice supply, earning the
nickname “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” specifically the province of Nueva Ecija. More than half of the
population in the region speaks Tagalog, which is attributed to the large Tagalog-speaking provinces of
Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija. Kapampangan is the next most spoken dialect in the region, used
by people from Pampanga and Tarlac. At the same time, Ilocano is spoken in Zambales, northern Tarlac,
and Northern Nueva Ecija. The Clark International Airport is located within this region in the Pampanga
province. Well-known attractions are found in this region, such as the home of former President Manuel L.

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Quezon and picturesque beaches in Aurora, Mt. Samat in Bataan, and Mt. Arayat National Park in
Pampanga.
Provinces Capitals
Aurora Baler
Bataan Balanga
Bulacan Malolos
Nueva Ecija Palayan
Pampanga San Fernando
Tarlac Tarlac City
Zambales Iba
Region IV-A – CALABARZON
It is in southwestern Luzon, just south and east of Metro Manila. It is known as the industrial powerhouse
of the Philippines, having an ample supply base of semi-processed industrial raw materials and components
coming from world-class industrial estates and economic zones (ecozones). This region also had a vital role
in Philippine history, where people from Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna were part of those who first revolted
against the Spaniards for freedom. The majority of its people speak Tagalog and are Tagalog natives. English
is also commonly spoken throughout the region. Some of the region’s notable tourist attractions are
Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas, and white-sand beaches in Quezon.
Provinces Capitals
Batangas Batangas City
Cavite Imus
Laguna Santa Cruz
Quezon Lucena
Rizal Antipolo
Region IV-B – MIMAROPA
It is also known as the Southern Tagalog Islands. Its varied landforms consist of coastal low-lying areas and
interiors composed of hills and mountain ranges. As a region with provinces separated by water, the whole
region does not experience a single climate but three different climates. Some tourist spots in this region
are Poctoy White Beach in Marinduque, Tabon Caves, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
Park in Palawan.
Provinces Capitals
Marinduque Boac
Occidental Mindoro Mamburao
Oriental Mindoro Calapan
Palawan Puerto Princesa
Romblon Romblon
Region V – Bicol Region
Also known as Bicolandia, it is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon Island. The Mayon Volcano in Albay
province is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region. It is famous for its perfect conical shape and
is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Bikol and Filipino are the official dialects in the area, although
English is widely used in business transactions. Some of the region’s famous attractions are the Mayon
Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins in Albay and Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur.
Provinces Capitals
Albay Legazpi
Camarines Norte Daet
Camarines Sur Pili
Catanduanes Virac

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Masbate Masbate City

Sorsogon Sorsogon City
Region VI – Western Visayas
It is located in the western section of the Visayas, where the people are called “Visayans or Bisayans.”
Numerous dialects are spoken in this region, such as Kinaray-a in Antique, Hiligaynon in Capiz, and Aklanon
in Panay. This region is known for its annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, a celebration in honor of
the Infant Jesus, the town’s patron. One of the famous tourist destinations in this region is Boracay Island
in Aklan, hailed as the“Beach Capital of the Philippines.” Other tourist attractions found in the area are
Miagao Church in Iloilo, Baybay Beach in Capiz, and San Sebastian Cathedral in Negros Occidental.
Provinces Capitals
Aklan Kalibo
Antique San Jose de Buenavista
Capiz Roxas City
Guimaras Jordan
Iloilo Iloilo City
Negros Occidental Bacolod
Region VII – Central Visayas
It is situated in the central part of Visayas. Cebuano is dominantly spoken in this region. Central Visayas is
rich in historical and cultural heritage traced to the sixteenth century and earlier. This link to the past has
been strengthened by continuing efforts to preserve and restore sites, relics, and other artifacts that evoke
the region’s history. Its physical attractions are both natural and man-made. Its pristine white beaches with
clear blue waters and rich marine life offer some of the best diving sites. Attractions that can be found in
the area are the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Magellan’s Cross in Cebu, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, and
Cantabon Cave in Siquijor.
Provinces Capitals
Bohol Tagbilaran
Cebu Cebu City
Negros Oriental Dumaguete
Siquijor Siquijor
Region VIII – Eastern Visayas
It comprises three (3) main islands, Leyte and Samar, which the San Juanico Bridge connects, and Biliran
Island. The region occupies the easternmost Visayas islands facing the Pacific Ocean directly. Cebuano and
Waray-Waray are mainly spoken in this region. At the same time, Inabaknon is spoken in Northern Samar.
Primary sources of revenue are manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trade and services. Mining, farming,
fishing, and tourism contribute significantly to the region's economy. Some of the area’s tourist attractions
are Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar, Red Beach in Leyte, Sambawan Island in Biliran, and Agas-Agas
Bridge in Southern Leyte.
Provinces Capitals
Biliran Naval
Eastern Samar Borongan
Leyte Tacloban
Northern Samar Catarman
Samar Catbalogan
Southern Leyte Maasin
Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
It occupies the western section of Mindanao. It lies between the Sulu Sea on the north and the Moro Gulf
part of the Celebes Sea on the south. This region has dialects like Bisaya, Tagalog, Tausug, and Maranao.

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Fishing and farming are the main economic activities in the area. Moreover, home industries such as rattan,
furniture, basket, weaving crafts, and brass works could be found in this region. Some points of interest in
the area are Santa Cruz Island and Rizal Shrine in Zamboanga del Norte and Mini-Disneyland Theme Park in
Zamboanga Sibugay.
Provinces Capitals
Zamboanga del Norte Dipolog
Zamboanga del Sur Pagadian
Zamboanga Sibugay Ipil
Region X – Northern Mindanao
It occupies the northern section of Mindanao. Geologically, this region is a combination of plains, hills,
mountains, and coastal areas with rich soil, abundant materials, and agricultural resources. Its modern port
facilities and extensive road networks linking various parts of the Mindanao region make it an ideal
destination for tourism all year round. Bisaya, Boholano, and Cebuano are widely spoken in this region.
Meanwhile, Higaonon is used in Misamis Oriental, Maranao in Lanao Del Norte, Subanen in Misamis
Occidental, Binukid in Bukidnon, and Kinamigin in Camiguin. English and Tagalog are also understood but
not usually spoken. Tourist spots in this region are Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon, Mt.
Timpoong and Mt. Hibok-Hibok Range Natural Monument in Camiguin, and Maria Cristina Falls in Lanao del
Norte.
Provinces Capitals
Bukidnon Malaybalay
Camiguin Mambajao
Lanao del Norte Tubod
Misamis Occidental Oroquieta
Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro
Region XI – Davao Region
It is situated in the southeastern section of Mindanao. It is a melting pot of various cultural groups, such as
Cebuanos, Boholanos, and Ilonggos. Other major cultural groups include Maguindanaos, Maranaos,
Manobos, T’bolis, and Bagobos. The region is known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines,” where fresh
pomelo, mangosteen, and rambutan are found. Durian, pineapples, bananas, and marang are also
abundant. Some of the area’s well-known tourist destinations are Mount Apo and People’s Park in Davao,
and Balut Island in Davao Occidental.
Provinces Capitals
Davao de Oro (formerly Nabunturan
Compostela Valley)
Davao del Norte Tagum
Davao del Sur Digos
Davao Occidental Malita
Davao Oriental Mati
Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN
It is located in the southern-central part of Mindanao. Its name is an acronym of the region’s four (4)
provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos
City. The area has extensive coastlines, valleys, and mountain ranges. Its river system, Rio Grande de
Mindanao, is a rich food source, potable water, and energy production. It is the second-largest river in the
Philippines. Tourist spots in this region include Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, cultural villages, old Mosques,
and shrines.
Provinces Capitals
Cotabato Kidapawan

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Sarangani Alabel
South Cotabato Koronadal
Sultan Kudarat Isulan
Region XIII – Caraga
It 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. The ethnic groups include the Manobo, the
Mamanwa, Banwaon, Kamayo, Higa-onon, Umayamnon, and Kalagan. This region has numerous dialects;
Cebuano is the most spoken, followed by Surigaonon. Siargao, the famous tourist destination hailed as the
“Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” can be found in this region. Other tourist spots in the area are Tinuy-an
Falls in Surigao del Sur and the Naked, Daku, and Guyam Islands.
Provinces Capitals
Agusan del Norte Cabadbaran
Agusan del Sur Prosperidad
Dinagat Islands San Jose
Surigao del Norte Surigao City
Surigao del Sur Tandag
BARMM – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
It is an autonomous region within the southern Philippines. Bangsamoro is a Muslim-dominant region of
Mindanao. It was formerly called Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It was renamed after
a plebiscite (a vote by the people of an entire country or district to decide on some issue) in January 2019.
The creation of the BARMM and its basic government structure materialized through the ratification of the
Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) aims to recognize the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for meaningful
autonomy. The most spoken native languages of the Moros (Muslim ethnic groups in the country) are
Maguindanao, Tausug, and Maranao. Tourist destinations in this region are Blue Lagoon and Pink Mosque
in Maguindanao and Panampangan Island in Tawi-Tawi.
Provinces Capitals
Basilan Lamitan
Lanao del Sur Marawi
Maguindanao del Norte Datu Odin Sinsuat
Maguindanao del Sur Buluan
Sulu Jolo
Tawi‑Tawi Bongao
Through the enactment of Republic Act No. 11550 on July 27, 2020, the province of Maguindanao was
divided into two (2) provinces: Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Note: As of October 2022, these are the regions, provinces, municipalities, cities, and capitals in the Philippines. (Refer to 03
Handout 2 for the Philippine map, including the regions, provinces, and capitals.)
Nicknames/Titles of Cities and Municipalities in the Philippines
Some cities, municipalities, and places in the Philippines are known by their nicknames, sobriquets, or slogans,
whether official or unofficial, to municipal governments, residents, or tourists/travelers. City nicknames can help
establish civic identity, help tourists/travelers recognize a community, attract people, promote civic pride, and
build community unity. Some cities have achieved substantial economic benefits through "branding" by adopting
new slogans.
As of 2022, here is a list of some of the well-known unofficial/official nicknames/titles of cities and municipalities
in the Philippines (It’s More Fun With Juan, 2019):
• Aklan – The Oldest Province in the Philippines • Cotabato – Land of Mightiest Mountain
• Cebu City – Oldest City in the Philippines • Negros Oriental – Whale and Dolphin Haven

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• Davao City – Largest City in the Philippines • Lucena, Quezon – Biofuel and Cocopalm City
• Palawan – Largest Province in the Philippines • Mabinay, Negros Oriental – Caving Capital of the
• Nueva Ecija – Rice Granary of the Philippines Philippines
• Pampanga – Culinary Capital of the Philippines • Davao del Norte – Durian and Banana Capital of
• Marinduque – Heart of the Philippines the Philippines
• Iloilo City – The First Queen City of the South • Baguio City, Benguet – Summer Capital of the
• Dumaguete – City of Gentle People Philippines and City of Pines
• Cagayan de Oro – City of Golden Friendship • San Fernando, Pampanga – Lantern Capital of
• Quezon City – City of Stars and New Horizons the Philippines
• Manila – Ever Distinguished Loyal City • Misamis Occidental – Christmas Symbols Capital
• General Santos City – Tuna Capital of the Philippines
• Negros Occidental – Sugarbowl of the • Benguet – Salad Bowl of the Philippines
Philippines • Cagayan De Oro – Whitewater Rafting Capital of
• Romblon – Marble Capital of the Philippines the Philippines
• Rizal – Cradle of Philippine Arts • Nueva Vizcaya – Watershed Haven of the
• Angono, Rizal – Arts Capital of the Philippines Cagayan Valley
• Taytay, Rizal – Garments Capital of the • Vigan, Ilocos Sur – The Heritage City of the
Philippines Philippines
• Antipolo – Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines • Tacloban City – Gateway to Eastern Visayas
and City in the Sky • Tagbilaran – City of Peace and Friendship
• La Union – Surfing Capital of the North • Dagupan City – Bangus Capital of the Philippines
• Biliran – Shipyard of Antiquity • La Trinidad, Benguet – The Strawberry and Rose
• Camiguin – Island Born of Fire Capital of the Philippines
• Siquijor – Island of Fire • Sorsogon – Land of Kasanggayahan/A Life of
• Marikina – Shoe Capital of the Philippines Prosperity
• Cebu – Gateway to a Thousand Journeys • Donsol, Sorsogon – Whale Shark Capital of the
• Tarlac – Melting Pot of Central Luzon World
• Bataan – History Hub of Central Luzon • Dinagat Island – Mystical Island Province of Love
• Guimaras – Mango Capital of the Philippines • Davao – Fruit Basket of the Philippines; King City
of the South
• Muntinlupa – The Emerald City
• Lingayen, Pangasinan – The Most Romantic Place
• Taguig – The ProbinSyudad
in the Philippines
• Anilao, Batangas – Nudibranch Capital of the
• Dapitan City – Shrine City of the Philippines
Philippines
• Pagadian City – Little Hong Kong of the South
• Boracay, Aklan – Beach Capital of the Philippines
• Lanao del Norte – Land of Beauty and Bounty
• Batanes – Land of True Insulars
• Sitangkai, Tawi Tawi – Venice of the South
• Quirino – Forest Heartland of Cagayan Valley
• Iligan, Lanao del Norte – The City of Majestic
• Aurora – Land of Golden Sunrise
Waterfalls; Industrial City of the South
• Zamboanga del Norte – Twin-City Province
• Legazpi – City of Fun and Adventure
• Bukidnon – Pineapple Capital
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – The Orchid City
• Catanduanes – Land of the Howling Wind
of the Philippines
• Tagum City, Davao del Norte – Music Capital of
• Oroquieta – City of Good Life
the South
• South Cotabato – Land of the Dreamweavers
• Bacolod – The City of Smiles
• El Nido, Palawan – Heaven on Earth
• Valenzuela – The Vibrant City
• Zamboanga City – Asia’s Latin City; Sardines
Capital of the Philippines; City of Flowers

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References:
Cordillera Administrative Region. (n.d.). Google Arts & Culture. [Link]
4a/#:~:text=It%20is%20known%20as%20the,and%20economic%20zones%20(ecozones)
Charter of the Provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, R.A. No. 11550 (2020).
[Link]
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (n.d.). Region 4A. [Link]
4a/#:~:text=It%20is%20known%20as%20the,and%20economic%20zones%20(ecozones)
It’s More Fun With Juan. (2019, August 18). List: Philippines and the "names" of each places in the country. More Fun With
Juan. [Link]
Lazo. Jr. (2009). Philippine governance and the 1987 constitution. Rex Bookstore Inc.
Official Gazette. (n.d.). The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article X.
[Link]
constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-x/
Osorno, R., Bajao, G., & Buslon, V. (2021). Philippine culture & tourism geography. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
PhilAtlas. (n.d.). Regions of the Philippines. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from
[Link]
PhitAtlas. (n.d.). Welcome to PhilAtlas. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from [Link]

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