CAPIZ

Population

654,156 Area 2,633.2 km sq Languages Capiznon, Ilonggo

General Information

Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. There are main version on how Capiz got its name:1) 'Akean' and 'Kapid'(meaning) which Balingangan, Datu Bangkaya's eldest son, names his territories in honor of his twin daughters.(2) When the Spaniards established a settlement, they found an abundance of a mollusk called 'pios' or 'kapid', the old native name which has also come to known as Capiz.

Geography

Roxas City and is located at the northeastern portion of Panay Island, bordering Aklan and Antique to the west, and Iloilo to the south. Capiz faces the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Capiz is known for its mother-of-pearl shells that have the same name and are used for decoration, making lampshades, trays, window doors, etc

Economy

Dubbed as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines",. Four big telecommunication companies offer telegraph, telex and telephone services. There are 33 banking institutions and 116 intermediaries operating in the province. Farming and fishing are the primary sources of income of the people.. Its primary agricultural raw products are rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana and cut flower. Apart from a surplus of agricultural products it generates every year, Capiz is also one of the country’s major suppliers of prawn and milk fish. Other agro-industrial harvests include blue marlin, squid, oysters, shrimp, seaweed, squid and angel wings.

Culture

Capiz is known for the brilliant Capiz shell produced here, it is used in making windows, lanterns, decorations, vases, etc. The Capiz shell has a luster similar to mother of pearl shells.

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. Transportation Major airlines like PAL flies direct from Manila to Roxas City. A 50-minute travel time is estimated to reach the main airport. By sea route, Super ferry and Negros Navigation sail to Roxas City in an 18-19 hour trip from Manila.