Panay | The Heritage Capital of Capiz

“The Heritage Capital of Capiz” it was declared by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Capiz to the historic town of Panay. Pan-ay, whose name is also carried by the entire island of Panay in Central Philippines where the town is located, was founded by the Spanish Augustinian friars in 1581 and became the second Spanish settlement in the country next to Cebu. It was once the center of Catholicism because of its great baroque church - Sta Monica Parish Church that widen its popularity to the whole island and out of the 16 municipalities of Capiz, it was the first organized community in the province by virtue of its being its first capital during the early Spanish regime. Panay indeed has a rich history, colorful culture, natural wealth and hospitable people that are worth visiting. It is one of the province's major food producers. Its fishponds that produce milkfish, crabs, shrimps and prawns constitute 7,000 hectares or about one-half of the town's total land area.