A portmanteau word, or portmanteau (, ) is a blend of words
Cityhood
Capiz became a chartered city on May 12, 1951, through House Bill 1528, sponsored by Ramón Acuña Arnaldo, the Representative of the First District Capiz. It was approved by President Elpidio Quirino
Elpidio Rivera Quirino (born Elpidio Quirino y Rivera; ; November 16, 1890 – February 29, 1956) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the sixth president of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953.
A lawyer by profession, Quirino enter ...
, Roxas' successor, on April 11, 1951, as Republic Act 603. Consequently, the town was renamed Roxas City after the late Manuel Roxas, the last President of the Commonwealth
A commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has been synonymous with "republic". The noun "commonwealth", meaning "public welfare, general good or advantage", dates from the ...
and the first President of the Third Republic.
The city's first appointed Mayor was Lorenzo Acuña Arnaldo, followed by Ramón Berjamin Blanco, José Dorado, and Juliano Alovera Alba. In 1959, Arnaldo became the city's first elected head. He was succeeded by Teodoro Roxas Arcenas, who himself was succeeded by Juliano Alovera Alba. Alba was also the Representative of the First District Capiz when President Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. ( , , ; September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was a Filipino politician, lawyer, dictator, and kleptocrat who was the 10th president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled under martial ...
declared Martial Law
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or suspension of civil law by a government, especially in response to an emergency where civil forces are overwhelmed, or in an occupied territory.
Use
Marti ...
nationwide on September 21, 1972.
Antonio A. del Rosario, the incumbent Representative of the First District Capiz, was elected to three terms as Mayor, serving from 1998 to 2007. Vicente B. Bermejo, the former governor of the Province of Capiz, was elected Mayor and served from 2007 to 2010.
Roxas City's current mayor is Ronnie T. Dadivas who was elected in 2019.
Geography
Roxas City is situated just east of the north-central coast of Panay Island
Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and has a total population of 4,542,926 as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City ...
with geographic coordinates of 11°35' N, 122°45' E. Its boundaries are: the Sibuyan Sea
The Sibuyan Sea is a small sea in the Philippines that separates the Visayas from the northern Philippine island of Luzon.
It is bounded by the island of Panay to the south, Mindoro to the west, Masbate to the east, and to the north Marinduque a ...
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 north of Iloilo City
Iloilo City, officially the City of Iloilo ( hil, Siyudad/Dakbanwa sang Iloilo; fil, Lungsod ng Iloilo), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines on the island of Panay. It is the capital city of t ...
, from Kalibo
Kalibo, officially the Municipality of Kalibo ( Aklanon: ''Banwa it Kalibo''; Hiligaynon: ''Banwa sang Kalibo''; tgl, Bayan ng Kalibo), is a 1st class municipality and capital of the Province of Aklan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, ...
, from San Jose de Buenavista
San Jose de Buenavista, officially the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista, ( krj, Banwa kang San Jose de Buenavista; hil, Banwa sang San Jose de Buenavista; tl, Bayan ng San Jose de Buenavista), is a 1st class municipality and capital of th ...
and southeast of Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
. Travel time from/to Iloilo City takes 2 hours by land, while travel time from/to Manila is 50 minutes by air and 18 hours by sea.
Climate
Barangays
The City of Roxas is politically subdivided into 47 barangay
A barangay (; abbreviated as Brgy. or Bgy.), historically referred to as barrio (abbreviated as Bo.), is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district, or ward. In metropolitan ...
s of which 31 are urban
Urban means "related to a city". In that sense, the term may refer to:
* Urban area, geographical area distinct from rural areas
* Urban culture, the culture of towns and cities
Urban may also refer to:
General
* Urban (name), a list of people ...
and 16 are rural
In general, a rural area or a countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas and areas with forestry typically are describ ...
. It is classified as a second Class Component City belonging to the first legislative District the Province of Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz ( Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It is ...
along with the Municipality of Ma-ayon
Ma-ayon, officially the Municipality of Ma-ayon ( Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Banwa sang Ma-ayon''; tl, Bayan ng Ma-ayon), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Capiz, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,22 ...
, Panay
Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and has a total population of 4,542,926 as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City o ...
, Panitan
Panitan, officially the Municipality of Panitan ( Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Banwa sang Panitan''; tl, Bayan ng Panitan), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Capiz, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 42,565 ...
, Pilar, Pontevedra
Pontevedra (, ) is a Spanish city in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the capital of both the ''Comarca'' (County) and Province of Pontevedra, and of the Rías Baixas in Galicia. It is also the capital of its own municipality whi ...
, and President Roxas.
Demographics
In the 2020 census, the population of Roxas City was 179,292 people, with a density of .
Language
Languages spoken in Roxas City are Capiznon, Hiligaynon, English
English usually refers to:
* English language
* English people
English may also refer to:
Peoples, culture, and language
* ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England
** English national ide ...
, and Tagalog.
Economy
Roxas City is one of the selected Digital Cities 2025 by the I.T. and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ( fil, Kagawaran ng Teknolohiyang Pang-Impormasyon at Komunikasyon}) is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the planning, development and pro ...
(DICT) and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).
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 master-planned city within a city, Pueblo de Panay Pueblo de Panay Township is a mixed-use community development in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines by Pueblo de Panay, Inc. (PDPI). It is the largest township development in the Visayas region of the Philippines, with approximately 55,000 daily foot t ...
, which aims to build a new business district between Lawaan and Sibaguan highways. It is now occupied by several restaurants and hotels, 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 Robinsons Place Roxas
Robinsons Roxas (formerly known as Robinsons Place Roxas), is a shopping mall located at Immaculate Heart of Mary Avenue, Brgy. Lawa-an, Roxas City, Capiz. The mall has a gross floor area of and has a total land area of . It is the 36th operating ...
. The Pueblo de Panay Technopark will house international and national BPO companies such as ePerformax Contact Centers and BPO.
Nearby the decade-old Gaisano Grand Roxas is the location of the first of the many CityMalls of DoubleDragon Properties
DoubleDragon Corporation (formerly, Injap Land Corporation and DoubleDragon Properties Corporation) is a Philippine real estate development company based in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 2009 as a subsidiary of Injap Inves ...
and SM Prime Holdings
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) is a Filipino integrated property developer and a public subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation. It was incorporated on January 6, 1994, to develop, conduct, operate and maintain the SM commercial shopping cent ...
. 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
Roxas Airport ( Hiligaynon: ''Hulugpaan sang Roxas'', Tagalog: ''Paliparan ng Roxas'') is a domestic airport serving the general area of Roxas City and the province of Capiz, in the Philippines. The airport is currently classified as a Class 1 ...
serve as the main gateway to the city from the capital city of Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
. Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PAL), a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc. ( PSEPAL (Philippine Air Lines until 1970), is the flag carrier airline of the Philippines. Headquartered at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay, the airline was founded in 1941 and i ...
and Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific (), is a low-cost airline of the Philippines. Founded in 1988, it is Asia's oldest low-cost airline. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations. The airline operates fl ...
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
Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( tl, Lalawigan ng Batangas ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region on Luzon. Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and La ...
.
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 area. Papaya and jackfruit trees are also cultivated.
Aquaculture (seafood production)
Roxas City as Seafood capital of the Philippines exporting seafood products to various countries such as Taiwan, Japan and the United States.
Phillips Seafood Philippines Corporation is the sole seafood production company with processing plant located in Banica, 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.
Banking
More than 40 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.
Business process outsourcing
PETRA Academy is a non-voice outsourcing company that serves Korean nationals for an online English tutorial. The company is located in 3/F JC TIU Building, Corner Burgos Street and Inzo Arnaldo, Roxas City.
ePerformax Contact Center and BPO is the largest BPO company in Capiz and Northern Panay, ePerformax Contact Center and BPO - Roxas City opened last June 15, 2018, with over 1,000 employees as of 2020 and is targeting to reach 3,000 employees by 2022. It is located in PEZA-approved 7.4 hectares Pueblo de Panay Technopark inside 670-hectare Pueblo de Panay township. ePerformax Contact Center and BPO has also branches in Metro Manila and Cebu.
Xilium is located in Capiz Government and Business Center. It is a home-grown BPO company from Iloilo City, Philippines. It was founded in 2011 by an Ilongga, Vanessa Belleza and an American partner, Don Wickelgren. The company has grown steadily from a 5-person startup to a full-scale organization with more than 100 employees and a second branch in Roxas City, Capiz. Xilium is hiring Virtual Medical Assistants (VMAs) for US Healthcare Account.
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
Panay Railways Inc. is a government-owned and controlled corporation of the Philippines headquartered in La Paz, Iloilo City on the island of Panay. It is a subsidiary of Phividec Railways Inc. of the Philippine Veterans Investment Developmen ...
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
Roxas Airport
Roxas Airport ( Hiligaynon: ''Hulugpaan sang Roxas'', Tagalog: ''Paliparan ng Roxas'') is a domestic airport serving the general area of Roxas City and the province of Capiz, in the Philippines. The airport is currently classified as a Class 1 ...
(RXS) is an airport serving the general area of Roxas City, the entire province of Capiz
Capiz, officially the Province of Capiz ( Capiznon/ Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; tl, Lalawigan ng Capiz), is a province in the Philippines located in the central section of Western Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Roxas. It is ...
, and Northern Iloilo in the Philippines. The airport is classified as a Class 1 principal airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP, ; fil, Pangasiwaan sa Abyasyong Sibil ng Pilipinas) is the civil aviation authority of the Philippines and is responsible for implementing policies on civil aviation to assure safe, econo ...
.
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.
Roxas Airport has three daily flight bound to Manila, two flights by Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific (), is a low-cost airline of the Philippines. Founded in 1988, it is Asia's oldest low-cost airline. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations. The airline operates fl ...
and one flight by Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines (PAL), a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc. ( PSEPAL (Philippine Air Lines until 1970), is the flag carrier airline of the Philippines. Headquartered at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay, the airline was founded in 1941 and i ...
. The airport also has a direct link to Mactan–Cebu International Airport
Mactan–Cebu International Airport ( ceb, Tugpahanang Pangkalibutan sa Mactan–Sugbo; fil, Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Mactan–Cebu; ) is an international airport serving Metro Cebu and serves as the main gateway to the Central Visayas region ...
in Cebu
Cebu (; ceb, Sugbo), officially the Province of Cebu ( ceb, Lalawigan sa Sugbo; tl, Lalawigan ng Cebu; hil, Kapuroan sang Sugbo), is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, and consists of a main island and 167 ...
courtesy of a daily flight by Cebgo
Cebgo, Inc., operating as Cebgo (stylized in all lowercase as cebgo), is the regional brand of Cebu Pacific. It is the successor company to SEAIR, Inc., which previously operated as South East Asian Airlines and Tigerair Philippines. It is now o ...
, a subsidiary of Cebu Pacific
Cebu Air, Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific (), is a low-cost airline of the Philippines. Founded in 1988, it is Asia's oldest low-cost airline. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations. The airline operates fl ...
.
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, 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 telephone Service provider in Roxas City providing landline connections to almost all of the municipalities. These are: Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
, INNOVE (Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom, Inc., commonly shortened as Globe, is a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines. The company operates the largest mobile network in the Philippines and one of the largest fixed-line and broadband networks ...
) and Bayan Telecommunications
Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (BayanTel) is a telecommunications company headquartered in Quezon City, Philippines serving areas in Metro Manila, Bicol and local exchange service areas in the Visayas and Mindanao regions combined, cover a popula ...
.
Cellular telephone facilities are also provided by three cellular companies namely Smart Communications
Smart Communications Inc., commonly referred to as Smart (and officially stylized/ self-styled as SMART), is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., a telecommunications and digital services provid ...
, Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom, Inc., commonly shortened as Globe, is a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines. The company operates the largest mobile network in the Philippines and one of the largest fixed-line and broadband networks ...
and Dito Telecommunity
Dito Telecommunity Corporation (stylized as DITO), formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. or Mislatel is a telecommunications company in the Philippines which is also engaged in the business of multimedia and information tec ...
.
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 College of Management – Master of Management Program Roxas Extension 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 alongside 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.
Plazas and public parks
Capiz Provincial Park
This landmark is located within the perimeter of Barangay Tiza, Roxas City fronting the Capiz National High School. It has lush 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 Barangay 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.
Healthcare
Roxas City is gearing up toward a 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.
# Capiz Emmanuel Hospital (Filamer Christian University - Capiz Emmanuel Hospital), founded by 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. Capiz Emmanuel Hospital is the first Baptist hospital in the Philippines. It is affiliated with Filamer Christian University.
# 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.
# Roxas Memorial Provincial (General) Hospital, The 150-bed capacity public hospital is moving to Capitol Hills, Lanot, Roxas City. The new 300-bed capacity hospital is currently under-construction while the OPD is already completed.
# Capiz Doctors' Hospital is in Water Village, Lawaan, Roxas City. The facility is a 100-bed capacity hospital.
# The Health Centrum Hospital and Wellness Center is a 40-bed capacity level 2 hospital and is open for expansion in the future.
Education
Roxas City is considered as the center of Education in Northern Panay. The city hosts 4 universities and various colleges.
Universities
The city has one national (program extension) university, one state university, one private university, and one satellite campus of a private university.
* Capiz State University - Roxas City (main)
** Capiz State University - Dayao Campus
*Filamer Christian University
Filamer Christian University (FCU) is a private Baptist Christian university located in Roxas, Capiz. It is affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
History
The university has its origins in the founding of Capiz Home School ...
- Roxas Avenue, Roxas City
*University of the Philippines Visayas
The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV or UP Visayas) is a public research university in the Philippines with campuses and facilities throughout the Visayas. A constituent university of the University of the Philippines system, it teaches ...
(Master of Management Program Roxas Extension) - Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City
*University of Perpetual Help System
The University of Perpetual Help System is a network of two universities consisting of nine campuses in the Philippines.
History
Established in 1968 by Dr. Jose de Guzman Tamayo and his wife Dra. Josefina Laperal Tamayo as Perpetual Help Hospita ...
- Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, 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
Aswang is an umbrella term for various shape-shifting evil creatures in Filipino folklore, such as vampires, ghouls, witches, viscera suckers, and werebeasts (usually dogs, cats, pigs). The aswang is the subject of a wide variety of myths, s ...
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
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, also called Immaculate Conception Day, celebrates the sinless lifespan and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, celebrate ...
, 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
All Souls' Day, also called ''The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed'', is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, observed by certain Christian denominations on 2 November. Through prayer, intercessions, alms and ...
and All Saints Day
All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the saints of the church, whether they are know ...
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
Angel wing, also known as airplane wing, slipped wing, crooked wing, and drooped wing, is a syndrome that affects primarily aquatic birds, such as goose, geese and ducks, in which the last joint of the wing is twisted with the wing feathers poi ...
or ''diwal'', which neared extinction in Capiz until protected and cultivated in Roxas City.
''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 personalities
Politics
* Pedro Gil
Pedro Gil (November 13, 1889 – January 5, 1965) was a Filipino physician, journalist, and legislator. Gil served in different distinguished roles - as a labor leader, as a doctor of medicine, as a crusading newspaperman, as a social worker, and ...
, was a physician, journalist, and legislator. He was elected representative for the south District Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
on the Democratra party ticket. He became Minority Floor Leader in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
* Manuel Roxas
Manuel Acuña Roxas (born Manuel Roxas y Acuña; ; January 1, 1892 – April 15, 1948) was a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the fifth president of the Philippines, who served from 1946 until his death due to heart attacks in 194 ...
(1892–1948), first President of the independent Republic of the Philippines
* Gerardo Roxas
Gerardo Manuel de Leon Roxas Sr. (August 25, 1924 – April 19, 1982), better known as Gerardo M. Roxas or simply Gerry Roxas, was one of two children of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas. He was the father of Gerardo "Dinggoy" A. ...
(1924–1982), Philippine Senator and son of President Manuel Roxas
* Manuel Roxas II
Manuel "Mar" Araneta Roxas II (; born May 13, 1957) is a Filipino politician who served as a Senator of the Philippines. He is the grandson and namesake of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas. He served in the Cabinet of the Philippines a ...
(born 1957), Philippine Senator, grandson of President Manuel Roxas and former Department of the Interior and Local Government
The Department of the Interior and Local Government ( fil, Kagawaran ng Interyor at Pamahalaang Lokal), abbreviated as DILG, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public saf ...
secretary
* Gerardo Roxas Jr. (1960-1993), grandson of President Manuel Roxas and former Congressman
* Lina Laigo, served as Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development from June 30, 1995, to June 30, 1998, under the Ramos Administration.
Business
* Edgar Sia
Edgar "Injap" Jaruda Sia II (born 1977) is a Filipino businessman. He is the chairman of DoubleDragon Corporation (a joint business venture with Tony Tan Caktiong), and the founder of the Mang Inasal fast food restaurant chain.
In 2011, Sia ...
, is the chairman of DoubleDragon Properties
DoubleDragon Corporation (formerly, Injap Land Corporation and DoubleDragon Properties Corporation) is a Philippine real estate development company based in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 2009 as a subsidiary of Injap Inves ...
and the founder of Mang Inasal
Mang Inasal Philippines, Inc., also known as Mang Inasal, ( Hiligaynon for "Mr. Barbecue") is a barbecue fast food restaurant chain in the Philippines, established in Iloilo City in 2003.
History
The company was started by Edgar "Injap" Sia ...
fast food restaurant chain
Beauty pageants
* Geraldine Villarruz Asis (born 1965) - Binibining Pilipinas
Binibining Pilipinas (abbreviated as Bb. Pilipinas; ) is a national beauty pageant in the Philippines that selects Filipina representatives to compete in one of the Big Four international beauty pageants: Miss International and selects two ot ...
Universe 1987, Miss Universe 1987
Miss Universe 1987, the 36th Miss Universe pageant, was held on 27 May 1987 at the World Trade Centre in Singapore. Bárbara Palacios of Venezuela crowned her successor Cecilia Bolocco of Chile. 68 contestants competed in the pageant.
Results ...
semifinalist
Entertainment
* Gina Alajar
Regina Liguid Alatiit (born June 28, 1959), professionally known as Gina Alajar (), is a FAMAS and Gaward Urian Award winning Filipino film and television actress and television director.
Career
Since appearing as a child actress in the earl ...
, actress and director
* Daisy Avellana
Daisy Avellana (January 26, 1917 – May 12, 2013) was a Filipino stage actress and theater director
A theatre director or stage director is a professional in the theatre field who oversees and orchestrates the mounting of a theatre productio ...
(1917–2013), actress and theater director
* Sharmaine Arnaiz
Sharmaine Arnaiz (born Sharmila Velasco Pribhdas Shahani; November 1, 1974 in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines) is a Filipino actress.
Biography
She was born Sharmila Velasco Pribhdas-Shahani to an Indian father and a mother of Hiligay ...
(born 1974), actress
* Paolo Bediones
Paolo Antonio Barba Bediones (born March 17, 1974) is a Filipino television host, newscaster, radio commentator and actor.
Bediones started his career as a commercial model, and later transitioned to television show hosting. He is best known ...
(born 1974), commercial model, television host, journalist, newscaster, and radio announcer
Sports
* Jeckster Apinan, a professional basketball player
*Jose Maxian, World Boxing Council
The World Boxing Council (WBC) is an international professional boxing organization. It is among the four major organizations which sanction professional boxing bouts, alongside the World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation ...
(WBC) champion in the super featherweight International Youth
*Glenn Peter Yap, shooting forward and number 8 overall pick of Alaska Aces in the 2000 Philippine Basketball Association
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is a men's professional basketball league in the Philippines composed of twelve company-branded franchised teams. Founded in 1975, it is the first professional basketball league in Asia and is the se ...
(PBA) annual draft
Music
* Emil Mijares
Emil Mijares (March 16, 1935 – October 15, 2007) was a Filipino jazz musician.
Mijares was born in 1935, the son of Emilio Montilla Mijares, Sr. and O Belo Mijares, and grew up in Roxas City in the province of Capiz. He emerged in the 1950 ...
, was a jazz vibraphonist
The vibraphone is a percussion instrument in the metallophone family. It consists of tuned metal bars and is typically played by using mallets to strike the bars. A person who plays the vibraphone is called a ''vibraphonist,'' ''vibraharpist,' ...
and pianist
A pianist ( , ) is an individual musician who plays the piano. Since most forms of Western music can make use of the piano, pianists have a wide repertoire and a wide variety of styles to choose from, among them traditional classical music, ja ...
, and was a musical director on Filipino television, as well as a composer, arranger, bandleader and producer.
* Barbie Almalbis
Yvette Barbra Hontiveros Almalbis-Honasan (born August 26, 1977), better known as Barbie Almalbis, is a Filipino singer-songwriter.
Formerly the lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle, she pursued a solo career in 20 ...
(born 1977), singer, former frontman of Hungry Young Poets
Hungry Young Poets (aka HYP) was a band founded in the Philippines in 1996. They were originally formed as a duo by Barbie Almalbis (guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter) and Ricci Gurango (bassist). After releasing their first and only self-titled ...
and Barbie's Cradle
Barbie's Cradle was a Filipino alternative rock band, formed in 1998 by the remaining members of Barbie Almalbis' previous band, Hungry Young Poets, and disbanded in 2005 when Almalbis took up a solo career. The band released three albums, ''Ba ...
.
* Mikoy Morales
Vincent Marco Chu Morales (born December 11, 1993), professionally known as Mikoy Morales, is a Filipino actor, model, singer, comedian, and television personality. Along with Ruru Madrid, Zandra Summer and Elle Ramirez, he is a runner-up on '' ...
, is an actor, singer & model. He joined the Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break.
* Jovita Fuentes, Dubbed the First Lady of Philippine Music. The first female recipient of the National Artist Award.
Social sciences
* Josepha Abiertas (1894–1929), feminist and lawyer who was born and raised in Capiz
Sister cities
Roxas City has the following sister cities:
Local
* Quezon City
Quezon City (, ; fil, Lungsod Quezon ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read in Filipino as Kyusi), is the List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a populatio ...
, since March 2013
International
* San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino (; Spanish for "Saint Bernardino") is a city and county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States. Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the city had a population of 222,101 in the 2020 cen ...
, U.S.A.
* Guam
Guam (; ch, Guåhan ) is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the United States (reckoned from the geographic cent ...
, U.S.A.
* Balıkesir
Balıkesir () is a city in Turkey and is the capital city of Balıkesir Province. Balıkesir is located in the Marmara region of Turkey and has a population of 338,936. Between 1341–1922, it was the capital of Karasi.
History
Close to mo ...
, Turkey
See also
*
References
External links
* Philippine Standard Geographic Code
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
Philippine census information
*
{{Authority control
Roxas City
Cities in Western Visayas
Populated places in Capiz
Provincial capitals of the Philippines
Populated places established in 1693
1693 establishments in the Philippines
Component cities in the Philippines
Port cities and towns in the Philippines