Roxas City facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roxas City
Component city
City of Roxas
Clockwise from top: Roxas City aerial view, Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, Roxas City Bridge over the Panay River, Manuel Roxas statue, Roxas Cathedral
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  Seafood Capital of the Philippines
Anthem: Ang Banwa kong Pinalangga (The Town I Love)
Map of Capiz with Roxas City highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Roxas City Location in Visayas Show map of Visayas Roxas City Location in Philippines Show map of Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas
Province	Capiz
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	1569
Cityhood	May 12, 1951
Named for	Manuel Acuña Roxas
Barangays	47 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	95.07 km2 (36.71 sq mi)
Elevation	7.0 m (23.0 ft)
Highest elevation	383 m (1,257 ft)
Lowest elevation	-2 m (−6.6 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	179,292
• Density	1,885.89/km2 (4,884.44/sq mi)
• Households	43,257
Economy
• Income class	3rd city income class
• Poverty incidence	9.52 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 948.8 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 2,462 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 672.7 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 341.6 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	5800
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)36
Native languages	Capisnon Hiligaynon Tagalog
Website	www.roxascity.gov.ph

Roxas City is a lively city in the Philippines. It is the capital of the province of Capiz. About 179,292 people live here, making it the most populated city in Capiz. It is also the second-most populated city in Western Visayas.

The city was first known as the Municipality of Capiz. It became a chartered city on May 12, 1951. The city was renamed to honor Manuel Acuña Roxas. He was the fourth president of the Philippines. He was also the first president of the independent post-American Third Philippine Republic.

Roxas City is a major hub for education, trade, and business in Northern Panay. It is famous for its seafood. This is why it's called the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines." The city has won awards for being clean and green. It has also been recognized for being "100 percent tobacco-free."

History of Roxas City

Early Beginnings

In 1569, Captain Diego de Artieda arrived from Cebu. He landed in the town of Panay. He declared it the capital of the area. Later, the capital moved to its current location. This was because the town of Capiz was closer to the sea. It also had better places for ships to dock. Ports were built in Libas and Culasi.

The Panay River split the first settlement into two parts. It had smaller rivers flowing from the mountains. These rivers helped communities grow along their banks. The river also irrigated and fertilized the land. During high tide, it filled low-lying areas. These areas became fishponds that are still used today.

Spanish Rule

In 1590, Spanish navy ships from Acapulco, Viceroyalty of Mexico used the port of Capiz. It was a safe place for ships during rough seas. Capiz grew into a busy port. Stone houses were built there. Local leaders in Capiz often married Spanish colonists. Their children, called Principalía, became important. They built homes near the downtown area, called the población. This area had a plaza, a chapel, and government buildings.

In 1746, Capiz became the center of the government. It was separated from Iloilo. In 1814, stone forts were built at Baybay Beach. This was to protect the town from attacks.

The construction of Capiz Cathedral began in 1870. It was built by local people through forced labor. In 1876, Capiz became part of the Diocese of Jaro in Iloilo. The cathedral was finished in 1877.

During the Philippine Revolution, the Spanish government gave up on August 31, 1898. Governor Juan Herrero surrendered to General Ananias Diokno.

American Period

Capiz (around 1917)

After 300 years, the Philippines came under American rule. In the early 1900s, American Baptists arrived. They established schools and hospitals. These included Filamer Christian University and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital.

In 1904, the Capiz Home School was started. It cared for neglected children. This school later became Filamer Christian University. The name "Filamer" combines "Filipino" and "American."

In 1914, an economic problem hit Capiz. A large distillery stopped working. In 1917, Capiz Trade School was founded. It taught woodworking to students. In 1926, a complete high school program was offered. The Culasi Port was also built to handle ships.

Becoming a City

Elpidio Quirino and Manuel Roxas

Capiz officially became a city on May 12, 1951. This happened through Republic Act 603. President Elpidio Quirino approved the law. The town was then renamed Roxas City. It was named after Manuel Roxas, the first president of the Third Republic.

The first appointed mayor was Lorenzo Acuña Arnaldo. Later, he became the city's first elected mayor in 1959. Current mayor Ronnie T. Dadivas was elected in 2019.

Geography

Aerial view of Roxas City

Roxas City is on the north-central coast of Panay Island. It borders the Sibuyan Sea to the north. To the south is Panitan, to the west is Ivisan, and to the east is Panay.

It is about 116 kilometers (72 miles) north of Iloilo City. It is also 250 nautical miles (463 km) southeast of Manila. Traveling from Iloilo City takes about 2 hours by land. From Manila, it takes 50 minutes by air.

Climate

Roxas City has a tropical climate. It experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. The city receives a good amount of rainfall.

Barangays

Roxas City is divided into 47 areas called barangays. Each barangay has smaller parts called puroks and sitios.

Most of these barangays are considered urban areas. The rest are rural.

Demographics

Roxas City Hall

Welcome arch to Roxas City

Roxas City Center

In 2020, Roxas City had 179,292 people. This means there were about 1,886 people per square kilometer.

Languages Spoken

The main languages spoken in Roxas City are Capiznon and Hiligaynon. People also speak English and Tagalog.

Economy

Robinsons Place Roxas

Roxas City is becoming a "Digital City" by 2025. This means it's growing in technology and business services.

The city gets its electricity from CAPELCO. The Metro Roxas Water District provides clean drinking water. They say their water is the cleanest in the region.

The city's urban area is expanding. A large new area called Pueblo de Panay is being developed. It will have new businesses, restaurants, and hotels. It also has the 40-meter tall Sacred Heart of Jesus (Roxas, Capiz) statue. This area is home to Robinsons Place Roxas, a large mall. Many fishponds are being turned into new homes and shopping areas.

The National Port of Culasi and Roxas Airport are the main ways to enter the city. They connect Roxas City to Manila. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights.

Farming and Fishing

Roxas City's economy is mostly based on farming and fishing. These activities use about 37% of the city's land. The city is growing towards more trade and industry. It is a major center for business in Capiz. Rice and melons are the main crops. Papaya and jackfruit are also grown.

Seafood Production

Fish cages in Roxas

Roxas City is known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines." It exports seafood to countries like Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. Phillips Seafood Philippines Corporation has a processing plant here. Oyster and milkfish farms are common. They use the natural bays and coastal areas.

Business Services

More than 45 banks operate in Roxas City. This includes a branch of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Several malls are located in Roxas City. These include SM City, Robinsons, and Gaisano Grand.

The city also has Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies. These companies provide services like online English tutorials. ePerformax Contact Center and BPO is the largest BPO company in the area. It employs over 1,000 people.

Infrastructure

Public Transportation

Roxas City uses passenger jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles for transport. The Capiz Cabs are taxis that can carry up to seven passengers. They serve the entire Panay Island.

Pueblo de Panay also has its own "Libot Vehicles." These are larger trucks used for transport within Pueblo de Panay.

Transport Terminals

Roxas City has two main transport terminals:

• Roxas City Integrated Terminal is in Lawaan. It serves passengers traveling to Aklan and Iloilo. It also has buses going to Manila.
• Roxas City Eastern Terminal is in Banica. It serves passengers traveling to Iloilo province.

Railroad

From 1907 to 1989, Panay Railways had a train line. It ran from Roxas City to Iloilo City. There are plans to bring back the Panay Railways.

Roxas Airport

Roxas Airport

Philippine Army Servicemen at the Roxas Airport

Roxas Airport (RXS) serves Roxas City and Capiz province. It is a Class 1 principal airport. In 2013, a budget of Php 215 million was approved for its expansion. This included adding night landing facilities.

The airport has daily flights to Manila. These flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia.

Port of Culasi

The Port of Culasi is the main port for Roxas City. It has been a trading center since Spanish times. It connects Roxas City to places like Romblon, Batangas, and Manila. The Philippine Coast Guard also has a station here. Two RORO vessels, 2GO Travel and Starlite Ferries, operate from this port.

Other Seaports

• Port of Libas is a fishing port. It provides a safe place for fishing boats. It is also a center for trading seafood.
• Port of Banica is a trading route to parts of Masbate Island. It is believed to be where Captain Diego de Artieda landed in 1569.

Communication

Roxas City has many communication services. These include telephone, mobile, and internet services. There are also telegraph, telex, and post offices.

Three main companies provide telephone services: Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, INNOVE (Globe Telecom), and Bayan Telecommunications. Mobile phone services are provided by Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Dito Telecommunity.

Convention Facilities

• El Circulo Convention Center is a Mediterranean-style building. It hosts weddings and other events. It also houses a program from the University of the Philippines Visayas.
• Gerry Roxas Foundation Resource Center hosts meetings and conventions for government groups.
• CAP Auditorium hosts major events, cultural shows, and educational events.

Other large venues include Capis Mansion Ballroom and La Hacienda Hotel.

Sports Venues

• Villareal Stadium is the largest stadium in Western Visayas. Built in 1962, it can seat 20,000 people. It has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a gym. It has hosted many sports events, including the Palarong Pambansa.
• Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center can seat 5,000 people. It hosts regional and local basketball games. It is also a venue for beauty pageants.
• Capiz Gymnasium has 6,000 seats. It hosts sports events like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games. It is also used for various national and local events.

New Road Networks

The Roxas City Circumferential Road is a major project. It will help traffic flow better. This road will bypass the city center. It will connect Culasi Port to Panay town.

The Pueblo de Panay Road Network has four to six lanes. It connects the national highway to other areas. The Health Centrum Complex also has new roads. These roads connect directly to the main highway.

Plazas and Public Parks

Capiz Provincial Park

This park is in Barangay Tiza. It is a green space with many gardens. It has three monuments that show the city's history and culture. There is also an outdoor theater shaped like a turtle. This park is a beautiful spot for visitors.

Roxas City Plaza/Halaran Plaza

Roxas chess plaza

This park is in the center of the city. One part is near the Panay River. It has the famous Roxas City Bandstand. This is where the agreement to make Capiz a city was signed. There is also a life-size chess plaza.

The other part of the plaza faces Roxas City Hall. It used to have many pine trees. After Typhoon Yolanda, some trees were lost. Here, you can find the Manuel A. Roxas Monument. Nearby is the Panublion Museum. This museum, once a water tank, tells the story of Roxas City.

La Playa de Roxas People's Park

This park is in Barangay Baybay. It faces the Sibuyan Sea. It has a colorful dancing fountain. There is a beach for swimming and a grassy area. The park also offers affordable street food and a playground for children. At one end is the Seafood Court. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at good prices.

Healthcare

Roxas City is becoming a medical hub in Northern Panay. Hospitals and health centers are improving. The city has one government hospital and four private hospitals.

Roxas City has been recognized as a "Smoke Free City." This is due to efforts by both public and private groups. They work together to improve healthcare.

• Capiz Emmanuel Hospital was founded in 1908. It is a 100-bed hospital. It was the first Baptist hospital in the Philippines. It is connected with Filamer Christian University.
• Saint Anthony College Hospital of Roxas City was founded in 1956. It has 135 beds. It was started to meet the need for more healthcare in the city.
• Roxas Memorial Provincial (General) Hospital is a public hospital. It has 150 beds. A new, larger hospital with 300 beds is being built.
• Capiz Doctors' Hospital is a 100-bed hospital in Water Village, Lawaan.
• The Health Centrum Hospital and Wellness Center is a 40-bed hospital. It plans to expand in the future.

Education

Roxas City is a center for education in Northern Panay. It has four universities and many colleges.

Universities

• Capiz State University - Roxas City Main Campus
  • Capiz State University - Dayao Satellite College
• Filamer Christian University - Roxas Avenue, Roxas City
• University of the Philippines Visayas (Master of Management Program Roxas Extension) - Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City
• University of Perpetual Help System - Pueblo de Panay, Lawaan, Roxas City

Colleges

St. Pius X Seminary

Festivals

Sinadya Sa Halaran

Roxas City Sinadya sa Halaran Beauty Pageant 2010

The Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is celebrated in the first week of December. It remembers the founding of the city. The Diwal Festival also highlights the city's role as the "Seafood Capital." The Aswang Festival celebrates local myths and folklore.

The Halaran ("Offering") and Sinadya ("Celebration") used to be separate. Sinadya was held with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Halaran was usually in late October. Now, the two festivals are combined. The province and city share the costs.

Diwal Festival

The Roxas City Seafood Festival celebrates the diwal, or Angel Wing clam. This clam almost disappeared in Capiz. But it has been protected and grown in Roxas City.

Capiztahan Festival

The Capiztahan is celebrated every second week of April. It is a joint effort by Roxas City, Capiz Province, and One Capiz.

Notable Personalities

Business

• Edgar Sia is the chairman of DoubleDragon Properties. He also founded the Mang Inasal fast food chain.

Entertainment

• Gina Alajar, actress and director
• Daisy Avellana (1917–2013), actress and theater director
• Sharmaine Arnaiz (born 1974), actress
• Paolo Bediones (born 1974), TV host and journalist
• Noreen Joyce Guerra (born 1991), actress and model

Sports

• Jeckster Apinan, a professional basketball player

Music

• Emil Mijares, a jazz musician and musical director
• Barbie Almalbis (born 1977), singer
• Mikoy Morales, actor, singer, and model
• Jovita Fuentes, known as the First Lady of Philippine Music. She was the first woman to receive the National Artist Award.

Social Sciences

• Josepha Abiertas (1894–1929), a feminist and lawyer from Capiz

Sister Cities

Roxas City has friendly ties with other cities:

Local

• Quezon City, Philippines (since March 2013)

International

• San Bernardino, California, U.S.A.
• Guam, U.S.A.
• Balıkesir, Turkey

See also

In Spanish: Roxas (Cápiz) para niños