The Municipality of Panay, also known as Banwa sang Panay, is a third-class municipality in the province of Capiz, Philippines. It had a population of 48,890 people according to the 2020 census.
Panay, pronounced as “Pan-ay”, used to be the capital of Capiz province. It is located 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) east of Roxas City.
Pan-ay is home to the famous Santa Monica Church, which is made of coral stone and houses the largest Catholic church bell in South East Asia.
History
The municipality of Panay, which was previously known as Bamban, is located in the province of Capiz in the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 48,890. The name Panay was given by the early Spanish colonizers, meaning “mouth of the river.” The town was once the provincial capital of Capiz, and it was founded in 1572 (or 1581 according to some sources). The town was a center for trade and commerce, and was home to a flourishing textile industry that exported cloth to Europe. It was also the birthplace of the grandfather of President Manuel Roxas, who opened one of the largest rum and wine distilleries in the area.
The town is famous for its Santa Monica Church, which is home to the largest Catholic Church bell in Asia. The first church was built before 1698, but it was later damaged by typhoons and had to be rebuilt multiple times. The current church, which was restored in 1884, is best known for its 10.4-ton bell, which was cast from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townspeople. The bell is inscribed with an inspiring message, reading, “I am God’s voice which shall echo praise from one end of the town of Panay to the other, so that Christ’s faithful followers may enter this house of God to receive heavenly graces.”
Panay is politically subdivided into 42 barangays.
- Agbalo
- Agbanban
- Agojo
- Anhawon
- Bagacay
- Bago Chiquito
- Bago Grande
- Bahit
- Bantique
- Bato
- Binangig
- Binantuan
- Bonga
- Buntod
- Butacal
- Cabugao Este
- Cabugao Oeste
- Calapawan
- Calitan
- Candual
- Cogon
- Daga
- Ilamnay
- Jamul-awon
- Lanipga
- Lat-asan
- Libon
- Linao
- Linateran
- Lomboy
- Lus-onan
- Magubilan
- Navitas
- Pawa
- Pili
- Poblacion Ilawod
- Poblacion Ilaya
- Poblacion Tabuc
- Talasa
- Tanza Norte
- Tanza Sur
- Tico
Climate
