Capiz

Capiz is a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, on the northeastern coast of Panay Island. Known nationwide as a leading seafood producer, it centers on its capital, Roxas City, and blends a relaxed coastal character with farming, fishing and growing tourism.

Its history stretches from precolonial settlement through Spanish colonial rule. The coastal town of Panay is home to Santa Monica Parish Church, whose Panay Bell is often described as the largest Catholic church bell in Asia. The province is also the birthplace of Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines, and the Panublion Museum helps preserve that heritage.

In Roxas City, Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the old Capiz Bridge and the provincial capitol anchor the urban core, while Baybay Beach draws visitors for swimming and casual seafood dining. The Palina River Cruise offers floating meals through mangrove channels, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine looks out over the area from Pueblo de Panay.

Beyond the capital, municipalities such as Panay, Pontevedra, Pilar and Tapaz add old churches, cave and spring adventures, eco-parks and rural landscapes. Capiz is also known for capiz shell craftsmanship, dried fish and fresh oysters, scallops, crabs and prawns.

The province attracts leisure travelers interested in food, heritage and beaches as well as business visitors linked to seafood processing, agriculture, trade and local government. Roxas Airport provides domestic flights, making Capiz a practical base for exploring northern Panay.