Region VII (Central Visayas) Administrative Page

Overview

Region VII, known as Central Visayas, is one of the three major island groups in the Visayas. It is composed of four provinces—Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor—and includes highly urbanized cities such as Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City. The region is a major hub for commerce, tourism, education, and transportation in the central Philippines.

Provinces of Region VII

  • Bohol Province — Known for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and heritage sites.
  • Cebu Province — A major economic center with rich history and world-class beaches.
  • Negros Oriental Province — Home to Dumaguete City and diverse marine ecosystems.
  • Siquijor Province — Famous for its mystical traditions and pristine coastal areas.

Highly Urbanized Cities

  • Cebu City — Regional center and economic powerhouse.
  • Lapu-Lapu City — Gateway to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
  • Mandaue City — Industrial and commercial hub.

Component Cities

  • Tagbilaran City — Capital of Bohol.
  • Dumaguete City — University town and tourism gateway.
  • Tanjay City — Known for cultural festivals.
  • Bais City — Famous for dolphin watching.
  • Canlaon City — Home to Mt. Kanlaon.
  • Bayawan City — Agricultural center.
  • Guihulngan City — Coastal city with growing development.

Municipalities by Province

Bohol

  • Municipalities include: Alburquerque, Alicia, Anda, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Batuan, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Calape, Candijay, Carmen, Catigbian, Clarin, Corella, Cortes, Dagohoy, Danao, Dauis, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Getafe, Guindulman, Inabanga, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Mabini, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, President Carlos P. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Isidro, San Miguel, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, Sikatuna, Talibon, Trinidad, Tubigon, Ubay, Valencia.

Cebu

  • Municipalities include: Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Badian, Balamban, Bantayan, Barili, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Danao, Ginatilan, Liloan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Oslob, Pilar, Pinamungajan, Poro, Ronda, Samboan, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Tudela.

Negros Oriental

  • Municipalities include: Amlan, Ayungon, Bacong, Basay, Bindoy, Dauin, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Sibulan, Tayasan, Valencia, Vallehermoso, Zamboanguita.

Siquijor

  • Municipalities include: Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan, Siquijor.

Administrative Divisions

Region VII is divided into:

  • 4 provinces
  • 3 highly urbanized cities
  • 7 component cities
  • 116 municipalities
  • 3,003 barangays (approx.)

Demographics

Central Visayas has a population of approximately 8 million. Cebu City is the most populous urban center, followed by Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue. Cebuano is the dominant language, with Boholano and Siquijodnon as regional variants.

Geography

Region VII occupies the central portion of the Visayas, with diverse landscapes including:

  • Coral-rich coastlines
  • Mountain ranges
  • Volcanic formations (e.g., Mt. Kanlaon)
  • Limestone hills (e.g., Chocolate Hills)

Economy

Key economic sectors:

  • Manufacturing (Cebu)
  • Tourism (Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor)
  • Agriculture (Negros Oriental)
  • IT-BPM (Cebu City)
  • Shipping and logistics

Infrastructure

Major infrastructure includes:

  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport
  • Cebu South Bus Terminal
  • Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)
  • Major seaports in Cebu, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran

Tourism Highlights

  • Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
  • Tarsier Sanctuary (Bohol)
  • Kawasan Falls (Cebu)
  • Moalboal Sardine Run (Cebu)
  • Apo Island (Negros Oriental)
  • Cambugahay Falls (Siquijor)

Related Pages & Guides

  • Visayas Island Group Page
  • Region VI Administrative Page
  • Region VIII Administrative Page
  • Cities & Towns of Region VII