The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo (including its then-subprovince of Guimaras), and Negros Occidental were grouped together to form the Western Visayas region.

[5] However, Palaweños criticized the move, citing a lack of consultation, with most residents in Puerto Princesa City and all municipalities but one preferring to stay with Region IV-B.

38, citing the reason of the lack of funds to fully establish the NIR according to Benjamin Diokno, the Secretary of Budget and Management.

Other major trading and commercial centers in the region include Roxas City for Capiz and the entire northern Panay.

Provincial capitals such as Kalibo in Aklan, San Jose in Antique, and Jordan in Guimaras serve as the commercial centers for their respective provinces.

The region is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, features several key tourism highlights.

Boracay Island, located in Malay, Aklan, is world-famous for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

The Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo, are known for their white sand beaches, sandbars, limestone cliffs, and clear blue waters.

The region is also home to popular festivals such as the Dinagyang of Iloilo City and the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan.

Iloilo City, the region's primary urban center, relies heavily on various public transportation options, including passenger jeepneys, modern Public Utility Jeepneys (modern PUJs), white metered taxis, and tricycles within city limits.

Travel between cities and municipalities across Panay Island is typically facilitated by jeepneys, vans, and buses operated by companies like Ceres.

Proposals to re-connect again Iloilo-Roxas, Iloilo-Kalibo, Iloilo-Malay (Aklan) and Iloilo-San Jose (Antique) from Iloilo City via rail was included in the revival of the currently defunct Panay Railways network which has a station in Santa Barbara town proper.