Welcome to Capiz!

The Captivating Seafood Capital of the Philippines!

 
Enriched with colorful history and natural wonders, Capiz delivers more than hospitality! Be prepared to be enticed with savory smell of world-class seafood cuisine. Visitors of this beautiful province are pampered with scenes of the past, loving and welcoming people, delicious seafood, and vibrant festivals.

Founded before the Spanish colonization, Capiz is part of the Akean District, a member of the Confederation of Madjaas. When the Spanish conquistadors was sent by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in search of provisions, his troops discovered the town of Pan-ay in which they erected the second Spanish settlement in the Philippines. After which the rest is history. Monuments of the Spanish era still flourish at this busy province. Old Spanish houses, stone churches, and Spanish buildings are well maintained and still offer testament to Capiznons’ trade and skills in the early times.

The Pan-ay’s Sta. Monica Church erected in 1774 is one of the oldest churches in the country and is home to the  biggest and heaviest Christian bell in Asia (cast in 1878 with 70 sacks of coins, with weight of 10.4 tons). Another church, the St. Martin de Tours in Dumalag is made of yellow sandstone and is shaped like a Latin cross.

For those with love for history, one may find delight at the comprehensive cultural and historical collections at Panubli-on Museum at Roxas City. The current museum is housed on a water tank built in 1910.

Known as the seafood capital, Capiz is blessed with abundant marine resources which include its rich fishing grounds with different catch like milkfish, prawns, shrimps, oysters, mussels, groupers, and snappers. It is estimated that 20,000 – 25,000 metric tons of fish are harvested at the province, amounting to billions of pesos as revenue for its people. With this abundance of sea catch, it is no doubt Capiznons also excel in seafood cuisines as evidenced by its sprawling restaurants by the sea.

Fun and celebrations are also present in a Capiznon’s busy life. All year round there’s a reason to celebrate here at Capiz, with Pangahaw Festival in January, Sinaot and Lingga-anay festivals in the summer, to Inilusan and Sinadya sa Halaran at the end of the year.

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is the merged celebrations of Roxas City’s Sinadya and the Province of Capiz’s Halaran. Sinadya sa Halaran is loosely translated as “Joy in Sharing and Thanksgiving” which is related to the city’s devotion to Immaculate Concepcion. This festival, held every first week of December, is celebrated with street dancing, processions, fireworks display, pageants, and masses.

Another cultural attraction in Capiz is the Mundo Tribe dance in Tapaz. The Mundo Tribe is one of the remaining tribes in the province believed to be early settlers in Panay.

For the adventurous, one may be interested in visiting, Culajao Mangrove Eco Park, spelunking at Suhot cave and cold springs, Pangilatan Eco Prk, or river cruise in Paraiso Del Rio.

At Culajao Mangrove Eco Park, visitors may do Tulabong – floating bamboo raft, Gisaw and Bagtis – paddled boats, and fishing at Palaisdaan. An ecological sanitation comfort room or EcoSan CR is placed at the park to prevent pollution, sanitize and convert human excreta for agriculture use.

Quick Facts: CAPIZ

(source: Department of Tourism)

Geography
The Province of Capiz occupies a land area of 2,633 square kilometers, representing 21% of the total land area of Panay. It is composed of 16 municipalities and a city with a total of 472 barangays.

Political Subdivisions
The province is composed of 16 municipalities comprising 473 barangays. It is divided into two political districts: 1st District covers the municipalities of Maayon, Panay, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, Pres. Roxas, and Roxas City; while the 2nd District covers the municipalities of Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Sapi-an, Mambusao, Sigma, and Tapaz.

Population
As of the year 2007 survey, Capiz has a population of 701,664.

Language
Hiligaynon is the dominant dialect spoken in the province.

Climate
The province has a 3rd type of climate, seasonal changes are not pronounced. Relatively dry from November to April and wet from May to October.

Industries
The even distribution of rainfall throughout the year and the infrequent occurrence of typhoons make the province highly suitable for agriculture, aquaculture, and other related activities which explains why these are major industries of the province.

Farms for orchids, various ornamental plants, and different varieties of heliconia supply a thriving cut-flower business that is carving a market niche in Southern Philippine provinces. The land has also proven to be good grazing ground for cattle and for raising swine, goats, and poultry. Its long coastal areas abound with kapis shells, which are used in the manufacture of exportable novelty items. Numerous home and cottage industries amply augment household incomes, among which are poultry, livestock raising, handicraft, shell-craft, ceramics, lime processing, garments, farm-tool fabrication, furniture and boat making.

How to get there

Travel time to Roxas City is 45 minutes by plane and around 16 hours from Manila. From Iloilo City, it is approximately 2 hours by bus or private car. It will take approximately 4 hours travel going to Boracay Island by land. There are two (2) airlines operating in Roxas City (RXS): Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific. PAL has daily schedule flight from Roxas-Manila and Manila-Roxas, while Cebu Pacific has a schedule 3 time a week. Approximately 2 to 3 hours travel would spent from Roxas City to Iloilo International Airport at Cabatuan, Iloilo.

For more Information on Capiz, write or call:

Department of Tourism Region VI
Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City

Capiz Provincial Tourism Office
City Hall, Roxas City

Tourist Information Center (Iloilo)
Tel.: (033)337-8874
Fax: (033)335-0245

DOT Information Center (Manila)
Tel.: (632)524-1703

Internet
http://www.capiz.gov.ph/