Guimaras, formally designated as the Province of Guimaras, constitutes an island province within the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Jordan serves as its capital. Positioned within the Panay Gulf, it rests amid Panay and Negros islands, bordered by Iloilo to the northwest and Negros Occidental to the southeast. This province is an integral part of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras, counted among the Philippines’ twelve metropolitan areas.

Primarily encompassing Guimaras Island, it also comprises Inampulugan, Guiwanon (or Guiuanon), Panobolon, Natunga, Nadulao, and various nearby islets. Geological studies indicate that the island was once connected as a singular landmass with Panay.

The province’s essence lies in agriculture, centered on mangoes, palay, coconuts, livestock, poultry, and fishing as principal yields. Its economic backbone thrives on tourism, fruit and coconut processing, fish farming, handicrafts production, mining, quarrying, and lime manufacturing.

Dating back to 1880, Navalas Church stands as the oldest Roman Catholic church, representing the sole surviving heritage church on Guimaras Island. Its architectural style echoes the design of Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo, owing to Guimaras being under Jaro’s influence during the Spanish era.
The church boasts a picturesque garden within its front precincts, enclosed by an aged stone perimeter. Front and center stands a watchtower, historically utilized for early alerts against potential pirate invasions.