Roxas, Capiz

Roxas
Component City
City of Roxas
Seal
Nickname(s): Seafood Capital of the Philippines
Map of Capiz showing the location of Roxas City
Roxas Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 11°35′N 122°45′E / 11.583°N 122.750°E / 11.583; 122.750Coordinates: 11°35′N 122°45′E / 11.583°N 122.750°E / 11.583; 122.750
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)
Province	Capiz
Legislative district	1st district of Capiz
Founded	1569
Cityhood	May 12, 1951
Barangays	47
Government[1]
• Mayor	Angel Alan B. Celino (LP)
• Vice Mayor	Erwin Sicad (LP)
Area[2]
• Total	95.07 km2 (36.71 sq mi)
Population (2015)[3]
• Total	167,003
• Density	1,800/km2 (4,500/sq mi)
Time zone	PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP Code	5800
Dialing code	36
Income class	2nd class city [4]
Website	roxascity.gov.ph

Roxas, officially the City of Roxas or Roxas City, is a component city in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It is considered as one of Panay Island's center of education, trade, economic activity and logistics.^[5] Once known as the Municipality of Capiz, the origin of the present name of the province, was renamed into Roxas City in honor of native Manuel Roxas, the First President of the Philippine Third Republic, after it became a chartered city on May 12, 1951.

Languages spoken in Roxas City are Capiznon and Hiligaynon.

Based on the 2015 census of population, the city has a population of 167,003^[3] and a density of 1,800/km2 (4,500/sq mi) people with 95.4% literacy.^[6]

The abundance of marine life makes Roxas City the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines." It has received Cleanest and Greenest Component City in Western Visayas Award in the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran (GPK) Cleanliness and Environmental contest. The Department of Health (DOH) awarded the city with the Red Orchid Award for being "100 percent tobacco-free".^[7] It has also gained the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Seal of Good Housekeeping^[8] and won the Best Police Station in the region by the Philippine National Police.^[9]

Geography

Roxas City is situated just east of the north-central coast of Panay Island with geographic coordinates of 11°35' N, 122°45' E. Its boundaries are: the Sibuyan Sea to the north, the municipality of Panitan to the south, the municipality of Ivisan to the west, and the municipality of Panay to the East. It is located 250 nautical miles (460 km) southeast of Manila and 116 kilometres (72 mi) north of Iloilo City (Regional Capital). Travel time to Manila is 45 minutes by air and 18 hours by sea.

Barangays

The City of Roxas is politically subdivided into 47 barangays of which 31 are urban and 16 are rural. It is classified as a second Class Component City belonging to the first political district of the Province of Capiz along with the Municipality of Ma-ayon, Panay, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, and President Roxas.

Climate

Climate data for Roxas City
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	29.2 (84.6)	29.5 (85.1)	30.5 (86.9)	32.0 (89.6)	32.7 (90.9)	32.6 (90.7)	32.2 (90)	32.3 (90.1)	32.1 (89.8)	31.6 (88.9)	30.8 (87.4)	29.8 (85.6)	31.3 (88.3)
Daily mean °C (°F)	26.4 (79.5)	26.5 (79.7)	27.2 (81)	28.5 (83.3)	28.9 (84)	28.4 (83.1)	28.0 (82.4)	28.1 (82.6)	27.9 (82.2)	27.8 (82)	27.6 (81.7)	26.9 (80.4)	27.7 (81.9)
Average low °C (°F)	23.6 (74.5)	23.5 (74.3)	24.0 (75.2)	25.1 (77.2)	25.1 (77.2)	24.3 (75.7)	23.9 (75)	23.9 (75)	23.8 (74.8)	24.0 (75.2)	21.4 (70.5)	24.1 (75.4)	24.1 (75.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	115.9 (4.563)	50.4 (1.984)	56.7 (2.232)	57.7 (2.272)	146.2 (5.756)	253.0 (9.961)	246.9 (9.72)	232.6 (9.157)	240.4 (9.465)	321.6 (12.661)	225.0 (8.858)	172.4 (6.787)	2,118.8 (83.417)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.10 mm)	14	10	9	5	10	16	17	17	17	19	17	17	168
Average relative humidity (%)	79	79	82	83	78	75	78	80	80	81	81	80	80
Source: PAGASA[10]

History

Spanish colonial period

In 1569, Captain Diego de Artieda who was sent by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi from Cebu, landed on the town of Panay and proclaimed it as the capital. Later the capital was moved to its present site upon realising that the town of Capiz was near the sea with better docking facilities. The Spaniards saw the long coastal cover and envisioned a trading and shipping center. Ports were constructed in Libas and later in Culasi.

A river meanders across the town, dividing it in two. Tributaries from the mountains flowed into the head of Panay River through settlements formed along its shores, irrigating and fertilizing the land. It provides water to fishponds during high tide.

In 1590, the navy of Acapulco, Mexico made Capiz Port its naval yard where ships sought shelter when the sea was rough. Capiz grew into a bustling port and houses of stone were built. The social and political status enjoyed by the native chieftains of Capiz often resulted in mixed marriages with the Spaniards. The mestizo descendants became the base of the principalia or influential citizens. Their privileged positions allowed them to build houses around the favored square of the poblacion - around the church and the government complex.

Their children became the beneficiaries of the Augustinian mission in 1593.

In 1746, Capiz was made the seat of the politico-military government, although it was ecclesiastically controlled by the Bishopric of Cebu. In the latter part of 1795, under Gobernadorcillo Miguel Bautista, the old road to Baybay Beach was built as an extension of San Roque Street.

The town of Capiz was frequently attacked by Muslims that in 1814, stone forts at Baybay Beach (Baluarte) were built through the initiative of Gobernadorcillo Jose Consolacion.

In 1870, the ground was broken for the foundation of the Cathedral of Capiz under the guidance of Reverend Apolonio Alvarez. It was built by sturdy hands, sweat and blood of Capizeños who were victims of forced labor.

In 1876, the diocese of Jaro in Iloilo was erected and Capiz came under its jurisdiction. In 1877, the cathedral was finally finished. Prior to its construction, a chapel was built in Burgos Street beside the municipal building.

In August 1899, the Spanish colonial government represented by Governor Juan Herrero formally surrendered to General Ananias Diokno in Baybay Beach.

American colonial period

At the turn of the century, after 300 years of Spanish domination, the United States of America took over Spain as a colonial power. By the early 1900s, Protestant missionaries arrived in the Philippines. By agreement of the major Protestant denominations, the Philippines were divided into mission territories. Western Visayas went to the American Baptists, hence Baptist institutions such as Filamer Christian University, Central Philippine University, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital. In August 1904, Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Robbins were entrusted with care of three little children. This situation of neglected homeless children touched their hearts which led to the establishment of Capiz Home School, with the first building as a gift from the American Baptist Foreign Mission society. The Capiz Home School now Filamer Christian University is located in Roxas City, Capiz, "Filamer" is the combined name of Filipino and American (Fil-Amer) who ventured together in providing Christian education in the Philippines.

In 1914, economic debacle hit the town of Capiz when the Ayala Distillery grounded to a halt. What could have been an ambitious forerunner of nationalized industrialization became the victim of the Internal Revenue Law under American control.

In 1917, Division Superintendent of Schools F.E. Hemingway founded Capiz Trade School for intermediate pupils and offered woodworking as the only vocational course. The next division superintendent opened Capiz High School.

In 1926, Division Superintendent Arthur Wittman authorized teaching of complete secondary curriculum in the Capiz Trade School. In the same year, Culasi Port was built to accommodate inter-island ships.

Philippine Republic period

On February 15, 1951 the diocese of Capiz became a separate ecclesiastical jurisdiction from Jaro. Its first bishop was Msgr. Manuel Yap. In the same year, former Vice Mayor Libertad Conlu became the first female mayor of Capiz.

Capiz became a chartered city on May 12, 1951 through House Bill 1528 sponsored by Ramon Acuña Arnaldo, the representative of the First District of Capiz. It was approved by President Elpidio Quirino on April 11, 1951 as Republic Act 603.^[11] Consequently, the town was named Roxas City after her greatest son, President Manuel Acuña Roxas, the last president of the Commonwealth and the first president of the Philippine Republic.

The first appointed mayor was Lorenzo Acuña Arnaldo followed by Ramon Berjamin Blanco, Jose Dorado and Juliano Alovera Alba. In 1959, Lorenzo Acuña Arnaldo again became the head of the city as the first elected mayor. The next mayor was Teodoro Roxas Arcenas who was succeeded by Juliano Alovera Alba who was also the representative of the First District of Capiz at the House of Congress when Martial Law was declared.

Hon. Antonio A. Del Rosario, who is now the Congressman of the 1st District of Capiz, was elected to three terms as mayor of Roxas City, serving from 1998 to 2007.

Hon. Vicente B. Bermejo, who is the former governor of the province of Capiz, was elected mayor and served for three years, from 2007 to 2010.

The incumbent mayor of Roxas City is Hon. Angel Alan B. Celino, who also served as Vice Mayor of the city from 2004 to 2007.^[12]

Historical Account of Pedro G. Gallardo, O.S.A.

Capiz is located on a small island formed by the Panay and Banica rivers. The Panay Rivers was famous, it is said by the great number of caimanes (alligators).

The soil is poor in the northern part of the island and is most productive only in the southern part. It is bounded by the Mindoro sea, the Panay River, Loctugan, the Mindoro Sea and Ibisan.

It enjoys balmy atmosphere and offers very picturesque views, especially from the open sea. This town was accepted in 1693 as a visita of the town of Panay. Fr. Agustin Estrada was named prior that same year. In 1707, it was declared an independent parish under the advocation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The private council of 1716 created this town which was originally named El Puerto de Capiz, a vicariate under Fr. Pedro Vivaldi (?) as prior-vicar. In 1728, the convent was relieved from paying any rent to San Agustin Monastery. And likewise, in 1732. This suggests that the convent was rather poor or that the priors were building the parochial edifices. By this time, Loctugan and Ibisan were assigned to it as visitas. In the middle of the 18th century, Capiz was declared the capital city of the province of the same name which later became “the most famous sea port and the biggest ministry the Augustinians had in that province.” Capiz (or Capis) was renowned all over for its shells, the capis used for window panes on houses and convents all throughout the Philippines. Tradition holds that this is the place where the Visayas dialect is spoken with “more propriety and musicality” and where “women dress with more neatness, and elegance” The Capizeños showed special loyalty to Spain during the British invasion, by sending money and ammunition to Manila and jailing the alcalde mayor, Señor Quintanilla, who was caught “conducting secret negotiation to hove the province handed over peacefully to the British.”

In 1732, Capiz had 2,327 souls. In 1760 Capiz had 3,971 of which 16 were Spaniards. In 1896, its population increased to 17,683. In 1990, it reached 103,171.

Capiz was a progressive city in 1891, its exports through the sea port, reached 1,800,000 pesos and imports were valued at 900,000 pesos. It was a joy to watch, in the old times, the many boats converging, often at the same time, at the port to load rice.” The primitive church was built before 1698, the year in which the typhoon of January 4 destroyed it together with the convent. According to a document, the priest found it difficult “to rebuild them because the people were not used to work.” Fortunately, Fr. Domingo Horbegoso, minister of Capiz, started building the church in 1728, the year in which the convent was relieved from paying any rent to San Agustin Monastery. The construction seemed to have continued, at least until 1732 .

Capiz was founded in 1693 under the advocation of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.^[13]

Demographics

Population census of Roxas City
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1990	103,171	—
1995	118,715	+2.66%
2000	126,352	+1.35%
2007	147,738	+2.18%
2010	156,197	+2.05%
2015	167,003	+1.28%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][14]

Economy

The city gets its power from the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO). The Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD) supplies drinking water to the populace, MRWD claims they have the cleanest and safest potable water in the region. Supplementing the water supplied by Metro Roxas Water District (MRWD) are wells with hand pumps and artesian wells which are constructed through the Barangay Water Program (BWP) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The city's urban area now expanded to the southern part primarily on the site of the 400 hectares (990 acres) master-planned city within a city, Pueblo de Panay, which aims to build a new business district between Lawaan and Sibaguan highways. It is now occupied by several restaurants and hotels, 40 metres (130 ft) high Sacred Heart of Jesus (Roxas, Capiz) shrine (the tallest in the Philippines), Sitio Uno by Pueblo Residences (Roxas City's first condominium), and the 37,500 m² (404,000 sq ft) Robinsons Place Roxas. The Pueblo de Panay Technopark will house international and national BPO companies.^[15]

Nearby the decade-old Gaisano Grand Roxas is the location of the first of the many CityMalls of DoubleDragon Properties and SM Prime Holdings. Roxas City is experiencing a "real estate boom" due to rapid conversions of fishponds into subdivisions and commercial areas.

The National Port of Culasi and Roxas Airport serve as the main gateway to the city from the capital city of Manila. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific has a daily flight to/from the capital city, Manila. The M/V Love-1 of Moreta Shipping Lines provides shipping going to Manila North Harbor and The Super Shuttle RoRo and 2GO Travel links Culasi to Batangas.

Agriculture

Roxas City has an agri-based economy. Farming and fishing are the major economic activities which claim 37.05% of the city’s total land area. Although agricultural, the city is now moving towards commercialization and industrialization as it is the center of trade and commerce not only in the province of Capiz but also in the northern part of Panay Island. Rice and melons are the major crops grown in this region. Many locals have papaya and jackfruit trees.

Aquaculture (seafood production)

Roxas City as Seafood capital of the Philippines supplies export seafood products to various countries such as Taiwan, Japan and the United States. Phillips Seafood Philippines Corporation is the sole seafood production company in Roxas City. The main aquaculture farms are oyster and milk fish farms that take advantage of natural tidal bays and other low lying areas near the coast. Their seafood processing plant is located in Banica, Roxas City.

Banking

Close to forty banks are currently operating in Roxas City to serve personal and entrepreneurial savings. Furthermore, through PPP, several financial assistance from banks are utilized for infrastructure developments in Roxas City. Many of these banks have armed guards.

Infrastructure

Public Transport

Roxas City is served mostly by passenger jeepneys, metered taxis and motorized tricycle within the city limits.

The Capiz Cabs (metered taxis) of Roxas City are made of SUV type and can carry seven maximum passengers and serve to any point of Panay Island. Most of them are designed in colorful packaging and can be seen all the time in Roxas Airport.

The Pueblo de Panay Libot Vehicles are new additions to the transportation system primarily within Pueblo de Panay. These vehicles are customized Isuzu NHR Trucks and are bigger than the usual passenger jeepneys.

Transport Terminals

Roxas City has two Transport Terminals located at the city's perimeter areas, these are:

Roxas City Integrated Terminal located at the Pueblo de Panay in Lawaan is the transport hub serving passengers to/from the provinces of Aklan and Iloilo and roll on-roll off (RORO) buses plying Roxas-Manila(Cubao). The Php 50 million newly erected integrated terminal was done thru PPP by the LGU and Pueblo de Panay Inc.

Roxas City Eastern Terminal located in Banica, Roxas City is the transport hub serving passengers to/from the province of Iloilo.

Railroad

From 1907 to 1989, Panay Railways operated a railroad from Roxas City to the port area of Muelle Loney along the Iloilo River in Iloilo City. A revival of Panay Railways has been approved by the Regional Development Council - Region VI and is currently under feasibility study.

Roxas Airport (RXS)

Roxas Airport (RXS) is an airport serving the general area of Roxas City, the capital of the province of Capiz, in the Philippines. The airport is classified as a Class 1 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

In 2013, the national government has approved the Php 215 million budget for the expansion of the Roxas Airport including installation of night landing facilities.^[16]

Roxas Airport has 3 flights daily and 4 flights on selected days courtesy of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

Port of Culasi

The Port of Culasi is the port serving the entire area of Roxas City and the gateway port of Northern Panay. This port is the trading and shipping center during the Spanish Colonialism. Currently, it has routes from Roxas City to Romblon, Masbate, Sibuyan, Dumaguit, Cadiz, Estancia, Carles, Batangas and Manila. The Philippine Coast Guard-Roxas and the 1st Search and Rescue Hub of the PCG and a mini-hospital are also located here. In 1926, Culasi Port was built by the construction firm Pedro Siochi and Company to serve as trans-shipment point for inter-island vessel that carries vital products for the people living in Capiz, and its neighboring provinces such as Aklan and Northern Iloilo as well.

Currently, 2 RORO vessels are operating the port namely: 2GO Travel and Supper Shuttle RORO both are bound to Batangas.

Domestic Seaports and Fishing (marine) Port Facilities

The Port of Libas or Libas Fishing Port, provides anchorage to fishing vessel; and serves as center for trade of marine products in the province.

The Port of Banica, serves as a trading route from Roxas City to different parts of Masbate Island. This wharf is said to be the site where Captain Diego de Artieda who was sent by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi from Cebu landed in 1569.

Communication

Available communication services in Roxas City are: telephone services including domestic and international direct dial, facsimile; mobile communications, internet, telegraph and telex stations, post offices and other messengerial and courier services.

There are three (3) telephone service providers in Roxas City providing landline connections to almost all of the municipalities. These are: Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, INNOVE (Globe Telecom) and Bayan Telecommunications.

Cellular telephone facilities are also provided by three (3) cellular companies namely Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular.

Convention Facilities

El Circulo Convention Center, the Mediterranean-inspired convention center is the latest infrastructure of Pueblo de Panay. The convention center hosts wedding and other important events. Pueblo de Panay proposes to add resorts and hotels near the convention center by 2017. Currently, it houses the University of the Philippines Visayas - Roxas Extension Master of Management and holds classes every Saturday.

Gerry Roxas Foundation Resource Center at the Roxas City Center, serves as host of several symposia, meetings, and convention for government sectors.

CAP Auditorium, owned by College Assurance Plan also hosts major events such as national,regional and local conventions and serves as a venue for cultural presentations and educational events.

Other big venues in Roxas City that can accommodate International and National gatherings are the Capis Mansion Ballroom at Banica, the Main Hall at La Hacienda Hotel and MVW Restaurant and Hotel.

Sports Venues and Stadium

Villareal Stadium - is the biggest stadium in Western Visayas. Built in 1962, the 20,000 seating capacity stadium has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fully air-conditioned 6,000 capacity gym (Capiz Gymnasium), rubberized oval and paved tennis, volleyball, football and basketball courts. The 10-hectare sports complex has become the official venue of various events aside from sports such as the 2nd Annual One Visayas Festival in 2010. It has also become a major forerunner in promoting sports tourism in the province of Capiz. The sports complex had hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1963, Philippine University Games (Unigames) in 2011 and numerous WVRAA and WVPRISAA events.

Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center - the civic center has 5,000 seating capacity and a host for Regional and Local basketball sports events like WVRAA, WVPRISAA and Intercollegiate basketball leagues in the city. The civic center usually serves as the venue for Mutya sa Sinadya sang Halaran beauty pageant.

Capiz Gymnasium - this gym has 6,000 seating capacity and has been a host of several sports events such as Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), WVRAA, WVPRISAA, Unigames, etc. The gymnasium serves also a venue for various National, Regional, and Local events.

New Road Networks

The Roxas City Government, thru the Capiz Provincial Government, identified Roxas City Circumferential Road as one of their priority projects. Roxas City Circumferential Road would serve as a by-pass road for traffic of goods and passengers going to and from Culasi Port and Panay town and the adjoining northeastern towns of Capiz, without passing thru the central business area of Roxas City. The Roxas City Circumferential Road is one of four road projects being proposed by DPWH VI under the Panay Roads Investment Development (PRIDE) to be funded by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation. Although most of the construction on the road projects is done by hand. Many of the road projects are politically motivated and cause undo stress and burden on the locals who live along side the major roads. Some locals have lost there property to the government in road projects with little to no compensation.

Roxas City Circumferential Road is divided into two sections:

Section I starts at the Culasi Port and passing at the side of Cadimahan River, crosses the said river wherein two bridges will be constructed. Section II starts at the junction of the Ivisan-Roxas National Road and eventually joins the national highway going to Panay and Pontevedra towns.

Pueblo de Panay Road Network - a four-lane to six-lane high impact roads connecting the national highway in Lawaan to the highways in Brgys. Dinginan and Sibaguan.

The Health Centrum Complex Road Network - newly access roads developed by the Health Centrum Inc. to connect direct access from the main highway of Banica to the complex recently. The roads are also connected to the bridge that connects Tiza and Banica.

Overpass

Roxas City has two Overpass:

• CAPSU Overpass - located in Fuentes Drive, this flyover is built from the main campus to the Annex Building of Capiz State University - Roxas City
• FCU Overpass - located in Roxas Avenue, this flyover serves Filamer Christian University and neighboring establishments including Hercor College - Lawaan Campus.

Plazas and Public Parks

Capiz Provincial Park

This landmark is located within the perimeter of Brgy. Tiza, Roxas City fronting the Capiz National High School. It has lushful greeneries and houses several pocket gardens. The park has three monuments that represent the historical and cultural diversities of Roxas City. A turtle-shape outdoor theater nests at the Western part of the park. Another platform is situated at the Southern area, which can accommodate numerous public events. This park perfectly resembles a simple yet picturesque nook for local and foreign tourists.

Roxas City Plaza/Halaran Plaza

Located at the heart of the city, this park has two divisions. The first division lies near the Panay River banks. It houses a famous landmark (Roxas City Bandstand), where it is the exact location were signing of MOA, chartering Municipality of Capiz into City of Roxas. At the right-end of the first division, stands the life-size chess plaza.

The second division of Roxas City Plaza faces the right side of Roxas City Hall. It has several pine trees, but after the ravaging Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, several trees were uprooted and only few are currently existing. Travelers can visit Manuel A. Roxas Monument in this park. The monument faces with Jose Rizal Monument at the far-end of the Capitol. Few steps from M.A.Roxas monument is the only water-tank turned into Museum in the Philippines. The Panublion Museum serves as the "Story Teller" of Roxas City's History.

La Playa de Roxas People's Park

This public park is situated at Brgy. Baybay, Roxas City. It faces the Sibuyan Sea and the scenic coastline of Northern Panay. At the left-end of the Park showcases the colorful dancing fountain. There is a beach that people swim at and the park has grass area and security both. The park also has cheap street food and a children's playground. At the right-end of the park is the kapis shells-inspired Seafood Court, where the City's marine products are served fresh at very reasonable prices.

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Roxas City is gearing up for medical-hub in Northern Panay as several hospitals and health institutions are upgrading. Currently, the city has one government-owned hospital with two sites and four private hospitals. Through the aid of public empowerment, City of Roxas took off its landfall in the Hall of Famer for Red Orchid (Smoke Free City) in the Philippines. With the partnership of Private and Government sectors, several health propaganda were established to strengthen the health care delivery system. Today, several business tycoons are eyeing to put up world-class health facilities in the City.

1. Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, The hospital is one of the living legacies of the American Baptist Mission in Capiz. Dr. Frederick Meyer, a former administrator of the hospital, also wrote the early history of Capiz. This 100-bed capacity tertiary hospital was founded in 1908.
2. Saint Anthony College Hospital of Roxas City, The 135-bed capacity was founded in June 1956 by Mr. and Mrs. Pio Bernas who, having realized the need for more health care facilities in Roxas City and in Capiz, initiated the project with the help of Dr. Gaudencio Ortañez.
3. Roxas Memorial Provincial (General) Hospital, The 150-bed capacity public hospital is moving to Mission Hills, Lanot, Roxas City. The new 300-bed capacity hospital is currently under-construction while the OPD is already completed.
4. Capiz Doctors' Hospital Capiz Doctor's Hospital is moving in Water Village, Lawaan, Roxas City. The management has recently conducted ground breaking ceremony and is planning to have a 100-bed capacity hospital.
5. The Health Centrum The vital component of the 30 hectares The Health Centrum Medical Tourism Park. It is the first ever medical tourism facility in the Western Visayas region. Currently, the Health Centrum Hospital is a 60-bed capacity tertiary hospital and is open for expansion in the future.

Education

Roxas City is considered as the center of Education in Northern Panay.^[17] The city hosts 3 universities and various colleges.

Universities

The city has one national (extension) university, one state university and one private university.

• University of the Philippines Visayas - Roxas Extension (UPV-R) - Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City
• Capiz State University - Roxas City (main)
• Capiz State University - Dayao
• Filamer Christian University - Roxas Avenue, Roxas City

Colleges

Festivals

Sinadya Sa Halaran

The Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is celebrated the first week of December in commemoration of the founding of the city followed by the Diwal Festival signifying the city's importance as the country's "Seafood Capital" along with the Aswang Festival that symbolizes the heritage of myth and folklore in the province.

There used to be two separate festivals, the Halaran ("Offering") and the Sinadya ("Celebration"), the former is celebrated by the Province of Capiz and the latter by the City of Roxas. The Sinadya was formerly held at the same time as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which was celebrated by the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral. The Halaran was usually held by the last week of October each year (A prelude to All Souls Day and All Saints Day festivals). However, because of the costs of holding two separate festivals year, the two festivals were merged, with both the Province of Capiz and the City of Roxas contributing to the expenses.

Diwal Festival

The Roxas City Seafood Festival is held to commemorate and promote the resurgence of the Angel Wing or diwal, which neared extinction in Capiz until protected and cultivated in Roxas City.^[18]

Capiztahan Festival

The Capiztahan is celebrated every second week of April combined joint forces from City of Roxas, Province of Capiz and One Capiz.

Aswang Festival

Short-lived festival dealing with supernatural characters and Capiz folklore. It was discontinued due to the protests from religious groups.

Notable people

Politics

• Manuel Acuña Roxas (1892–1948), first President of the independent Republic of the Philippines
• Gerardo Roxas (1924–1982), Philippine Senator and son of President Manuel Roxas
• Manuel Roxas II (born 1957), Philippine Senator, grandson of President Manuel Roxas and currently the Department of Interior and Local Government (Philippines) secretary
• Gerardo Roxas, Jr., grandson of President Manuel Roxas and former Congressman

Entertainment

• Gina Alajar, actress and director
• Daisy Avellana (1917–2013), actress and theater director^[19]
• Barbie Almalbis (born 1977), singer, former frontman of Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle.
• Maria Margarita Moran Roxas - Floirendo (born 1953) - Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1973, Miss Universe 1973 winner. A granddaughter of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas, she has also been known as Margie Morán Róxas and later as Margie Morán Róxas De Floirendo or simply Margie Morán. She is so far the last Philippine representative to the Miss Universe Pageant to bring home the crown until 2015.
• Geraldine Villarruz Asis (born 1965) - Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1987, Miss Universe 1987 finalist
• Sharmaine Arnaiz (born 1974), actress
• Paolo Bediones (born 1974), commercial model, television host, journalist, newscaster, and radio announcer

Social Sciences

• Josepha Abiertas (1894–1929), feminist and lawyer who was born and raised in Capiz^[20]

Sister cities

Roxas City has the following sister cities:

Local

• Quezon City, Metro Manila

International

• San Bernardino, California, U.S.A.
• Balıkesir, Turkey^[21]

See also

• List of renamed cities and municipalities in the Philippines

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Roxas City.

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine census information
• Sen. Jose Altavas
• Roxas City Government Official Website

		Sibuyan Sea
	Ivisan		Panay
		Roxas
		Panitan