History

       It was yet in 1994 when a fisheries technician of the City agriculture Services Office of Roxas City LGU visited Brgy. Culajao to include its coastal resources in the preparation of the City's Fishery Profile as Seafood's Capital of the country. It was then that she meet former Brgy. Captain Villagracia who accompanied her take the boat through Culajao river to the mangrove area and told her the stories of how they defended it from adjacent fishpond owners who wanted to extend their dikes to include the area. She take note of it until 2001 when as CRM Coordinator she spearheaded the formulation of the city's coastal zoning plan and the New Fishery and CRM Ordinance.  It was yet in1994 when a fisheries technician of the City agriculture Services Office of Roxas City LGU visited Brgy. Culajao to include its coastal resources in the preparation of the City's Fishery Profile as Seafood's Capital of the country. It was then that she meet former Brgy. Captain Villagracia who accompanied her take the boat through Culajao river to the mangrove area and told her the stories of how they defended it from adjacent fishpond owners who wanted to extend their dikes to include the area. She take note of it until 2001 when as CRM Coordinator she spearheaded the formulation of the city's coastal zoning plan and the New Fishery and CRM Ordinance.It took persistence until the LGU was finally convinced of hiring community organizers to do ground work in target areas to ensure sustainability of CRM project. A community organizer was finally deployed in Culajao starting January 2007 with the aim of organizing and empowering fisher folks as partners and project beneficiaries of the city government. Katunggan sa Culajao Salbaron Association, Inc. (KACUSA) was organized with 19 fisher folk  members in January 27, 2007 and registered with SEC on September 19, 2007. KACUSA, Inc. was organized primarily to protect the mangrove reservation zone in Brgy. Culajao. The CRM coordinator organized mangrove seminars and exposure trips to mangrove projects where they saw the potential of an eco-park. She conduced strategic planning workshop with the group that they were led to craft their vision for the project to become a mangrove laboratory and an eco-tourism destination that would spur economic activities in the area and provide alternative  livelihood to members and other barangay residents. When the new Local Chief Executive assumed office, they invited him to see the mangrove trees they planted beginning April 2, 2007 and they were ready to present their plan for a mangrove ecopark. The Mayor then offered to appropriate an initial amount of  P100,000 for the construction of ecopark facilities. The CRM Coordinator provides the direction in the ecopark operations requesting technical assistance and provisions in kind from related agencies/institutions as needed.



For more info please visit: http://theculajaomangroveecopark.weebly.com/
Source: http://theculajaomangroveecopark.weebly.com/

 Photo by: rabosajr

Capiz is one of the provinces in the Western Visayan region, located at the northeastern area of Panay Island. While it’s not a popular summer sojourn unlike its more famous neighbors such as Boracay or Iloilo, Capiz also has its share of fascinating destinations and sites.

There’s more to Capiz than just being the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. There’s something for everyone—for the history and architecture buffs, the thrill-seekers, the foodies, and for those who’d just like to commune with nature.

Here are seven spots to explore in Capiz:

1. Check-in at the City Plaza

Become acquainted with Capiz’s history at the city plaza where you can see historical landmarks such as the Capiz Provincial Capitol and the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Church. Within walking distance are other historical sites such as the ancestral house of Manuel Roxas and Ang Panubli-on (Roxas City Museum).

2. Visit the Sta. Monica Church

One of the oldest churches in the country, the Sta. Monica Church is made of coral stone and fashioned in Baroque style. The church is a National Historical landmark. It also houses the biggest Catholic church bell in Asia, the Dako nga Lingganay (big bell). It was made of 70 sacks of gold and silver coins. The bell measures five feet tall and seven feet wide and weighs 10,400 kilograms.

3. Swimming and spelunking at Suhot

Suhot Springs is located in Dumalag, Capiz. The cool waters of Mt. Pangin-raon flow down to a natural pool. There’s also a series of caves there, the Suhot Caves, where most areas of the caves there remain unexplored.

4. Jumping your way to Liktinon Falls

Liktin is a Hiligaynon word which means “to jump.” And there’s quite a lot of jumping you need to do in order to reach Liktninon Falls in President Roxas, Capiz. The trek is relatively short for the locals but it might take an hour or so for visitors. The terrain is steep; there are slippery rocks and huge boulders getting in your way. You’ll get to enjoy dipping in the soothing cold waters of the pool after climbing all the way there.

5. Cruise the Palina River

The Palina Greenbelt Eco-Park in Cagay, Capiz offers mangrove tour, fishing, and swimming and a river tour. If you have to do only one thing in Palina, take their river tour. You’ll get to cruise the river idly while being serenaded by locals. It’s mostly quiet and serene over there, with plenty of time to soak in on the beautiful scenery.

6. Eat seafood at Baybay

Swim at Baybay beach or dine at the shore. There are tons of seafood grill houses lined up over there and you can take your pick on which seafood delicacy to feast. They’re cheaper and you’re assured it’s all fresh. If it’s available, try the diwal (angel wing clams), which is available only in Capiz.

Capiz isn’t just a fishing capital, or contrary to popular belief, the land of mythical creatures such as the aswang (vampires). There’s a lot more to enjoy in Capiz such as its natural wonders and its historical landmarks and the good, fresh seafood.

Source: http://doonposaamin.ph/

-Soul Super Club
Arnaldo Boulevard, Roxas City, Capiz

Others:

-Bing's Resto Bar 
Lawis BayBay Roxas City in Roxas.


-Distrito Kitchen + Bar
Grandville Gaisano Arcade, Arnaldo Boulevard in Roxas City


-Gophers Bar
Magallanes corner Bilbao Sts., in Roxas City

BAYBAY BEACH
One of the sites to see in Roxas City is Baybay Beach. It is just three kilometers away from the city circle. The place is a favorite weekend spot for the local populace and those coming from nearby towns and provinces. Considered a “must not miss” spot in Roxas City, Baybay beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It has a seven-kilometer stretch of sugar-fine, glittery, ebony sand. The water sometimes washes up to the shore a substance known as “margaha” to the locals, which is fine iron particles that an ordinary magnet can pick up and collect!

OLOTAYAN ISLAND
An hours’ travel from the city proper is this island baranggay of Olotayan. This island is blessed with a coarse white sand beach and serene shores that fits everyone’s desire for a private beach. A boat ride can be arranged at the Banica wharf for a certain fee.









MANTALINGA ISLAND
Nearby Mantalinga island which is a kilometer away from the shoreline of Baybay beach has been identified as an ideal diving spot for scuba divers and a perfect rotunda for sailboat (dilayag) and kayaking contests. Recently nicknamed “Good Luck Island” by tourism consultants, the place is believed to be a source of luck for local fisherfolk. The
y write the names of their fishing boats on the side of the island before they set out to sea for the first time.







ANG PANUBLI-ON, THE ROXAS CITY MUSEUM
Located just across the City Hall, this impressive circular piece of architecture offers every visitor a comprehensive view of what Roxas City was then, what it is now and its vision for the future – a complete record those who have given their share in making Roxas City what it is today. Constructed in 1910, the museum used to be a water tank that served the local residents for more than three decades.







IMMACULATE CONCEPTION METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
One of the oldest in Panay Island, this church is a silent witness to events that have unfolded in the city over the past centuries. Its imposing view complements the city plaza fronting the Panay River and the Capiz bridge. Fiesta lights add glitter to the church.











ANCESTRAL HOUSE OF THE LATE PRES. MANUEL ROXAS

The birthplace of Pres. Manuel Roxas, First President of the Philippine Republic and Roxas City’s most illustrious son in whose honor the city got its name, still stands at its original site at Rizal St., (corner Zamora St.,), a few minutes walk from the city hall and the city plaza.










THE CITY BRIDGE
The old and imposing Spanish City Bridge has remained strong and firm since it was built in 1910. Connecting the commercial center of the city to the main thoroughfare, traversing the Panay River, the bridge is a silent witness to various changes that ushered in progress and development in the city. Like the old bridge, equally alluring is the huge stretch of the Panay River that traverses the very heart of the city. For this, Roxas City has been dubbed as the "Venice of the Visayas"





HORTUS BOTANICUS
Hortus Botanicus houses a collection of both introduced and endemic plants that are properly labeled and arranged according to families. The Hortus Botanicus or garden is set in Milibili, a barangay of Roxas City, which is around 3.12 kms. from the city proper and 950 meters away from the national road. The site is nestled along the gentle rolling hills of Milibili, a natural setting for the different plant collections. The existing body of water at the site can hold aquatic plant accessions and facilities for recreation. Its location is ideal for seminars, hands-on training programs, for retreats or simply a place to unwind. Plant hobbyists, on the other hand can learn more here and avail of planting materials for their collection.

The gardens are not only a living museum of plants or a sanctuary and conservation area for the city’s plant species but also a learning center where livelihood activities like the setting-up of backyard gardens, training for garden services and other allied activities can be conducted.




Source: http://www.roxascity.gov.ph/

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival

The Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is the joint festival of the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz. It is a mixed festival in that it is celebrated for both cultural and religious reasons. It is celebrated every first weekend of December in commemoration of the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion who also happens to be the patroness of the City of Roxas. Sinadya sa Halaran boasts of colorful activities like the grand parade of festivals, the fluvial parade, the lighted river floaters. There is also the traditional seafood festival and the grand pyrotechnic display.

Sinadya sa Halaran is one of Roxas City’s most important annual events and is fusion of two festivals – "Sinadya" (City) and "Halaran" (Province) which literally means joy in sharing and thanksgiving. It is celebrated on December 4-8 to commemorate the religious activities that embody the true Capiceño spirit. The highlights of the celebration are the Dancing Parade, ”Higantes”, Fluvial Parade, Fireworks display, Mutya sa Halaran beauty pageant, Coronation of the Fiesta Queen, and Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.

The Diwal Harvest Seafood Festival

The Diwal Harvest Seafood Festival is held every 2nd weekend of July. The Diwal is a rare bivalve found abundantly along the coastal waters of Roxas City and Capiz. Ten years ago it disappeared from the waters of the City and Province because of illegal harvesting practices and pollution. Now, ten years later, after intensive research, seeding, and strict fishing and harvesting legislation, the Diwal is again ready for harvest as the efforts of the City have once again caused its abundance. The festival was first celebrated this year and will be celebrated annually. The Diwal is known for its sweet and juicy qualities and its immaculately while elliptical shells, hence the name "Angel Wing" Shell. Every year during the festival, tons of the bivalve are harvested and sold in the open market and the seafood festival, with drinks and music, and lots of partying in thanksgiving to the Almighty for the great and rare bounty that is Diwal.

The two-day celebration fits its national image as the seafood capital. Diwal, popularly known as "Angelwings" is one of the most sought after bivalve for it’s sweet, juicy and tender taste. It can be recalled that Diwal was first harvested in commercial quantity back in 1994. it’s abundance triggered wanton harvest that wrought havoc to its natural habitat. The destruction caused the absence of Diwal for almost a decade until a research team from the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas came to the rescue in cooperation with the Philippine Council for Aquatic & Marine Research & Development (PCAMRD), the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Capiz Provincial Government. The city government funded study on "Habitat and Reproductive Biology of Angelwings, Pholas Orientalis (Gmelin)" eventually restored the natural habitat that brought back Diwal from years of absence.

Death Anniversary of Pres. Manuel Roxas

President Manuel Roxas, Capiz's most illustrious son, was the last President of the Philippine Commonwealth and the first President of the Philippine Republic. His death anniversary also marks the foundation day of Capiz by virtue of Act No. 115 issued in 1901. A wreath laying ceremony and program have been set by the provincial and city governments at the Roxas monument to mark the occasion.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared April 15 as a special holiday throughout the province through Republic Act No. 9217. RA 9217 also known as President Manuel A. Roxas Memorial Day Act was principally authored by then Capiz Congressman Rodriguez Dadivas for Capiceños to reminisce the life, ideals and principles espoused by statesman Roxas. The law assigns the nearest Friday to April 15 as a special non-working holiday in the entire province and city to give the people a chance to ponder on the unselfish acts of Roxas.

Source: http://www.roxascity.gov.ph/

Capiz became the second Spanish settlement after Cebu when Captain Diego de Artienda, sent by Legaspi landed in the town of Pan-ay and proclaimed it the capital of the province. The capital was then moved to the present location of Roxas City.

Folk history recorded in the Maragtas by Pedro Monteclaro says ten Bornean datus landed at a site now known as San Joaquin town in Iloilo province. They purchased Panay Island from the Aeta, cultivated the land, and renamed the island Madya-as. They divided it into three communities: Irong-irong, Akean (which includes the Capiz area), and Hamtik.

It is said that in Capiz in 1570, the Datu Bankaya’s wife of the Aklan district gave birth to twin daughters. Twin is "Kapid" in the local dialect, so the Spaniards adopted the name Capiz (Kapid) as inadvertently miscommunicated to them by the natives.
Capiz, which was part of Aklan in pre-Spanish times, was one of the early settlements of the Malays, centuries before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines. It was part of the Confederation of Madjaas, formed after the purchase of Panay by the Bornean datus from the Negrito king named Marikudo.

When the Spaniards led by Miguel López de Legazpi came to Panay from Cebu in 1569, they found people with tattoos, and so they called it Isla de los Pintados. How the island itself came to be called Panay is uncertain. The Aeta called it Aninipay, after a plant that abounded in the island. Legend has it that López de Legazpi and his men, in search of food, exclaimed upon the island, pan hay en esta isla!. So they established their first settlement in the island at the mouth of the Banica River in Capiz and called it Pan-ay. This was the second Spanish settlement in the Philippines, the first being San Miguel, Cebu.

In the same year of 1569 Captain ('Capitan') Diego de Artieda who was sent by Legaspi landed in the Town of Panay and proclaimed it as the capital of the province. Later, they moved the Capital to its present site upon discovering the town of Capiz (not the province, and now Roxas City) which was near the sea and provided docking facilities.

In 1942, the region was occupied by the Japanese troops. In 1945, the region was liberated by the joint Filipino and American troops with Filipino guerrillas from the defeated Japanese Imperial forces during Second World War.

Capiz and Aklan were united under one province until April 25, 1956, when President Ramon Magsaysay signed into law Republic Act 1414 separating the two entities.