Roxas City history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Roxas City is deeply rooted in the past, long before it achieved its modern status. Initially, the settlement was known as the municipality of Capiz and was part of the early Malay settlements on Panay Island. The official birth date of the modern city is considered to be May 12, 1951, when the City Charter was signed. At that time, it was renamed in honor of its most distinguished son — Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Third Philippine Republic.

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by a fortunate combination of natural and administrative factors that transformed it into the province's hub:

• Geography and Waterways: The city is situated at the mouth of the Panay River, which flows into the Sibuyan Sea. This strategic location made it a natural port and a trading gateway for the entire region.
• Administrative Status: As the capital of the Capiz province, the city historically concentrated political power, educational institutions, and commercial activity, contributing to a constant influx of population.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's economic foundation has always relied on the gifts of the sea and fertile lands. Thanks to extensive coastal zones and the river mouth, fishing and aquaculture flourished here, which later earned Roxas City the unofficial yet prestigious title of the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines".

Culturally, early Capiz was formed under strong Spanish influence, which is reflected in the city planning, the architecture of ancestral houses, and religious structures. The local community harmoniously combined the lifestyle of fishermen and farmers with a developing urban intelligentsia.

Key Historical Milestones

The history of Roxas City is a journey from a small coastal settlement to a thriving provincial capital. Below are the major dates that shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• 1693 — Foundation of the settlement of Capiz as an independent parish, marking the beginning of its administrative structure formation.
• 1746 — The city officially becomes the capital of the province, taking over this status from the neighboring town of Panay, which strengthened its political significance.
• 1877 — Completion of the current Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, which became the spiritual center of the region.
• January 1, 1892 — Manuel Acuña Roxas, a distinguished statesman and the future first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines, was born in the city.
• Early 20th Century — Active infrastructure development, including the construction of the bridge over the Panay River, connecting the city's trading districts.
• April 11, 1951 — President Elpidio Quirino signs Republic Act No. 603, approving the charter of the new city.
• May 12, 1951 — The official inauguration of the city took place, renaming the municipality of Capiz to Roxas City in honor of its famous native.
• 1992 — Two major local holidays were merged into the "Sinadya sa Halaran" festival, becoming one of the most vibrant cultural events in the region.
• 2000s — The city firmly secures the unofficial title of "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" due to the development of aquaculture and gastronomic tourism.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Roxas City represents a consistent transition from a colonial settlement to a modern agro-industrial and tourism hub. The key stages that defined the city's current appearance and economy are highlighted below:

• Designation as Provincial Capital (1746)
  The transfer of the administrative center from the neighboring town of Panay to Capiz (now Roxas) was the starting point of urbanization. This decision concentrated political power and trade here, laying the foundation for future population growth and urban development.
• Formation of the Architectural Ensemble (19th Century)
  The construction of the stone bridge across the Panay River and the erection of monumental religious structures defined the historic look of the center. These objects not only improved district connectivity but also created a cultural heritage that attracts tourists today.
• Achieving City Status (1951)
  The transformation of the municipality of Capiz into the independent Roxas City gave local authorities greater autonomy. This event stimulated the development of urban infrastructure, the education system, and public utilities necessary for a growing city.
• Development of a National Harbor (Culasi Port)
  The modernization of Culasi Port turned the city into a key logistics hub for northern Panay. The port ensured regular maritime connections with Manila and other islands, which is critical for the export of local produce.
• Industrialization of Aquaculture
  The shift from traditional fishing to the systematic farming of fish (Bangus) and shrimp became an economic breakthrough. This solidified the city's brand as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines," making the export of marine resources the basis of local prosperity.
• Modernization of Roxas Airport
  Having its own airport receiving commercial flights from the capital opened the region to business and tourism. Transport accessibility became a catalyst for the development of the service sector and the hotel industry.
• Construction of the Pueblo de Panay District (21st Century)
  A large-scale development project creating a new business and residential district shifted the center of activity. This is the first project of this level on Panay Island, introducing modern urban planning standards, shopping malls, and IT parks, thereby diversifying the city's economy.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Roxas City serves as a visual chronicle of its history: from the old Spanish layout in the center to modern development projects on the outskirts. The urban development of the city can be roughly divided into three key stages, each leaving a unique mark on the cityscape.

Colonial Era: Spanish Heritage (18th–19th Centuries)

The historic city center is formed according to the classic canons of Spanish urban planning prescribed by the "Laws of the Indies." Life centered around the main plaza, where the church and administrative buildings were located.

• Style: Colonial Baroque, "Bahay-na-bato" (house of stone and wood).
• Landmark Sites:
  • Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral: The dominant feature of the old city. A massive stone structure that has survived numerous reconstructions, it preserves the spirit of old Capiz and remains the center of religious life.
  • Roxas Ancestral House: A traditional Filipino mansion combining a stone ground floor and a wooden upper tier with large capiz shell windows. It is a vivid example of the architecture of the local elite from the late 19th century.

American Period and Early 20th Century

With the arrival of the American administration, features of utilitarianism and neoclassicism appeared in the city's architecture. During this time, the focus shifted to the development of civil infrastructure: bridges, schools, and administrative buildings made of concrete were built.

• Style: Neoclassicism, early industrial style.
• Landmark Sites:
  • Capiz Provincial Capitol: A monumental building with columns, reflecting the austerity and formality of administrative architecture of that time.
  • Ang Panublion Museum: A unique example of adaptive reuse of an engineering structure. Originally built in 1910 as a water tank, this circular object today serves as the city museum, preserving its historical appearance.
  • Panay River Bridge: An engineering structure that connected trading districts and became a symbol of economic growth at the turn of the century.

Modernity: Modernism and New Districts (21st Century)

In recent decades, the vector of city development has shifted from the river to the highlands. Modern development is characterized by comprehensive territorial planning, the use of glass and concrete, and the creation of multi-functional spaces.

• Style: Modern functionalism, commercial modernism.
• Landmark Sites:
  • Pueblo de Panay: A massive new district representing a "city within a city." It features modern commercial buildings, wide avenues, and integrated green zones.
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine: A giant statue atop a hill in the Pueblo de Panay district, which has become a new symbol of the city and an example of modern religious monumentalism.

Distinguished Figures of Roxas City

Roxas City is the birthplace of many distinguished Filipinos whose names are forever inscribed in the country's history. These individuals brought fame to their homeland through politics, arts, and social activism.

Statesmen and Lawyers

• Manuel Acuña Roxas (1892–1948)
  First President of the Third Philippine Republic
  The most famous native of the city, in whose honor Capiz was renamed Roxas City. Manuel Roxas played a key role in rebuilding the country after World War II and in the Philippines gaining independence from the USA. His home in the city center is now a national historical monument.
• Gerardo "Gerry" Roxas (1924–1982)
  Senator and Political Leader
  The son of President Manuel Roxas, who continued the political dynasty. Known as a principled legislator and defender of democratic institutions. His contribution to the development of liberal politics in the Philippines remains a significant legacy for the region.
• Josefa Abiertas (1894–1929)
  Lawyer and Feminist
  The first woman to graduate from the Philippine Law School. A native of Capiz, she became a symbol of the struggle for women's rights and social justice in the early 20th century, breaking stereotypes about the role of women in the professional sphere.

Arts and Culture Figures

• Jovita Fuentes (1895–1978)
  Opera Singer, National Artist of the Philippines
  A legendary singer who gained international recognition as "Maestra." She became the first Filipina to achieve success on the opera stages of Europe and the USA, particularly famous for her performance as Cio-Cio-San in "Madame Butterfly." Fuentes actively promoted the development of music in her homeland.
• Daisy Ontiveros-Avellana (1917–2013)
  Theater and Film Actress, Director
  Awarded the title of National Artist of the Philippines for Theater. Co-founder of the "Barangay Theater Guild," she made an invaluable contribution to popularizing dramatic arts in the country, adapting classic works for the Filipino stage.