Dialects by Region

Here are the dialects by Region in the Philippines categorized as Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

🗺️ Luzon

These languages are mainly spoken in the northern and central parts of the country:

Tagalog – Central and Southern Luzon (e.g., Manila, Batangas, Laguna)

Ilocano – Northern Luzon (Ilocos Region, parts of Cagayan Valley)

Kapampangan – Central Luzon (Pampanga, Tarlac)

Pangasinense – Pangasinan province

Bikolano (Central Bikol) – Bicol Region

Ibanag – Cagayan Valley

Itawis – Cagayan province

Ifugao – Cordillera region

Itneg (Tingguian) – Abra province

Ivatan – Batanes Islands

Ayta languages – Zambales, Bataan, and nearby areas

These languages dominate the central island group:

Cebuano (Bisaya) – Cebu, Bohol, parts of Leyte and Negros Oriental

Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz

Waray – Samar and Eastern Leyte

Kinaray-a – Antique and parts of Iloilo

Aklanon – Aklan province

Capiznon – Capiz province

Romblomanon – Romblon province

Masbateño – Masbate island

Onhan – Southern Tablas Island (Romblon)

Cuyonon – Northern Palawan and Cuyo Islands

Surigaonon – Northeastern Mindanao and parts of Visayas

These are spoken in the southern island group, often with strong cultural ties to indigenous and Muslim communities:

Maguindanao – Maguindanao province

Maranao – Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte

Tausūg – Sulu Archipelago

Yakan – Basilan

Chavacano – Zamboanga City (Spanish-based creole)

Manobo languages – Agusan, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao regions

Tboli – South Cotabato

Blaan – Sarangani and South Cotabato

Mansaka – Compostela Valley

Mandaya – Davao Oriental

Kamayo – Surigao del Sur

Kalagan – Davao del Norte

Sangil – Sarangani

Iranun – Lanao and Maguindanao areas

Tau’t Batu – Southern Palawan (though geographically in Luzon, culturally linked to Mindanao tribes)