Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 2,594.64 square kilometers and is composed of 16 municipalities, 1 component city, and a total of 473 barangays. The capital of the province is Roxas City. The name Capiz is derived from the word 'kapid,' meaning twin, in reference to the mythology of twin sons of early settlers in the area.

History

Capiz has a rich history that traces back to pre-colonial times when it was already a thriving settlement along the Panay River and the northern coasts of Panay Island. Early inhabitants engaged in fishing, farming, and trading with neighboring islands and even foreign merchants. The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, and in 1566, Miguel López de Legazpi established one of the first Spanish settlements in Panay due to its fertile lands and abundant resources. Capiz eventually became an important center of governance, religion, and agriculture under Spanish rule, with churches, schools, and government structures built to consolidate colonial control. During the American period, Capiz continued to develop as a trading and agricultural hub. It played a significant role during World War II, with local resistance fighters joining the guerrilla movement against Japanese occupation. After the war, the province rebuilt and steadily progressed in terms of economy and education. In 1951, the capital was officially named Roxas City, in honor of President Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines, who was a native of the province. Today, Capiz is known as the 'Seafood Capital of the Philippines,' highlighting its strong fishing industry and cultural heritage.