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PROVINCIAL PROFILE OF CAPIZ
FAST FACTS
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LOCATION
Capiz is on the northeastern part of Panay Island in Western Visayas. It is bounded by the Sibuyan Sea on the north, by Iloilo on the east and south, by Antique on the west, and by Aklan on the northwest.
THE LAND
The western part is mountainous, with rolling hills descending gradually to the broad plains of the north. Four major rivers - Mambusao, Panay, Badbaran, and Maayon - interconnect with each other creating a large valley basin as they empty to the sea. Along the northern coast are extensive swamps and marshes. Seasonal changes are not pronounced in Capiz. The even distribution of rainfall throughout the year and infrequent occurrence of typhoons make the province suitable for agriculture and aquaculture.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Capiz was a part of Aklan when this was organized as a sakop (political unit) of Panay by Bornean datus in 1213. The name Capiz was believed to be derived from the Visayan word Kapid, meaning "twins." When the Spaniards arrived in 1570 twin children were born to the ruler of Aklan, Datu Bankaya. Somehow, the natives inadvertently miscommunicated this to the strangers as the name of the place, so the Spaniards adopted the name Capiz for what was then Aklan.
When Capiz was made into a province under Act No. 2711 on March 10, 1917, it included what is now Aklan. Due to the persistent demand of the Aklanons, Aklan was separated from Capiz in 1956. Capiz is the birthplace of Manuel A. Roxas, the fifth president of the republic of the Philippines, after whom the provincial capital was named. Capiz town (now Roxas City) was not originally the capital. The Spaniards first settled in the neighboring town of Panay. The capital was later transferred to its present site because of its proximity to the sea.
THE PEOPLE
Capizenos speak the Panay-Hiligaynon language. The Negritos who live in the mountains are popularly known as Atis here, while in other parts of Panay, they are called Itas or Agtas. The Mundos, a minority tribe of Indonesian ancestry, live in the forested hills of tapaz town in the south. They still reproduce ancient designs on their ornately-carved sword handles and sheaths. They are also noted for the sinulog, a traditional fertility dance, which has been adopted by festivals in Cebu and Negros.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Agriculture is the main industry and major crops are rice, corn, coconut, and sugarcane. There are sugar centrals in Pilar in the east And Dumalag in the south. The rich offshore fishing grounds are supplemented by many fishponds where bangus and prawns are raised. The six coastal municipalities supply different kinds of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish to neighboring provinces and Manila. Cottage industries include weaving of pina and jusi cloth, abaca mats and slipper-making, and bamboo-and shell-based handicrafts.
Information gathered from:
League of
Provinces
by:Roberto C. Arellano
This page last revised:January 30, 1999.
