Roxas City, Capiz is the capital of Capiz province on the north coast of Panay Island in Western Visayas, facing the Sibuyan Sea. Known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, it is a compact, friendly city of 47 barangays, with a heritage district along the Panay River, a long public beach at Baybay, and a calendar built around faith, food and the sea. It is also the birthplace of Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Philippine Republic, after whom the city is named.

This guide is written by locals for first-time visitors, returning balikbayans and anyone moving to the city for work or school.

Roxas City Capiz at a glance

  • Region: Western Visayas (Region VI), on Panay Island
  • Province: Capiz, of which Roxas is the capital and only city
  • Barangays: 47
  • Population: 179,292 in the 2020 Census of Population and Housing of the Philippine Statistics Authority
  • Language: Hiligaynon (also called Ilonggo), with Capiznon spoken in the province; English and Filipino are widely understood
  • Nickname: Seafood Capital of the Philippines

A short history

Before it was Roxas City, the town was simply called Capiz, the name it shares with the province. Its Catholic parish, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, dates back to the early 1700s, and the town grew around the river, the church and the market.

Manuel Acuña Roxas was born here on January 1, 1892. He became the last president of the Commonwealth and, when independence was proclaimed on July 4, 1946, the first president of the Republic. He died in office on April 15, 1948.

On April 11, 1951, Republic Act No. 603, the Charter of the City of Roxas, turned the municipality of Capiz into a chartered city named in his honor. The new city government was organized on May 12, 1951. You can read more about his life on the city government's page on Manuel Acuña Roxas.

Getting to Roxas City

  • By air: Roxas Airport (code RXS) has direct flights from Manila. Airlines and schedules change, so check with the carriers before booking.
  • By sea: The Port of Culasi in the city handles inter-island ferries, with routes that have included Romblon, Batangas and Manila.
  • By land: Buses and vans connect Roxas City with Iloilo City, Kalibo in Aklan and other Panay towns. Iloilo International Airport is another option if flights to Roxas are full.

Getting around

Tricycles are the everyday way to move around the city, and jeepneys run on the main routes. Taxis and ride-hailing are less common than in bigger cities, so ask your hotel or host for a trusted tricycle driver if you plan a full day of stops. The city is small enough that most heritage sites in the center can be explored on foot.

What to see in the city

The heritage district

The old center around the City Plaza is the best place to start. The city government's Heritage Walk lists nine stops, including:

  • Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Capiz
  • Ang Panublion Museum, a museum inside an old water tank (panublion means heritage)
  • President Manuel Roxas birthplace, an old bahay na bato still kept by the family
  • Roxas City Bridge, built between 1908 and 1910 across the Panay River
  • The bandstand, fountain and Rizal monument at the plaza
  • The Capiz Provincial Capitol

Baybay Beach and the coast

Baybay simply means seashore, and Baybay Beach is the city's long public shoreline facing the Sibuyan Sea. It is the place for sunset walks, morning jogs and seafood dinners. Further out are Olotayan Island, Culajao's mangrove park and the dried fish stalls of Banica. Our full list of Capiz tourist spots covers these and the best stops outside the city.

Pueblo de Panay and the Sacred Heart shrine

In Barangay Dinginan, the Pueblo de Panay township is home to the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Tumandok Hill, with a large statue and wide views of the city and the sea.

What to eat

Seafood is the reason many people visit. Look for oysters (talaba), mussels (tahong), crabs, prawns, squid, grilled fish and diwal, the angel wing clam closely tied to Capiz. Dried fish and other pasalubong are sold around Banica and the public market. Read our guide to why Roxas City is the Seafood Capital of the Philippines for what to order and how to eat responsibly.

Festivals and events

  • Sinadya (Sinadya sa Halaran), December: the city's celebration of the Immaculate Conception, with a river procession, street dancing, food fairs and fireworks. See our Halaran festival guide.
  • Capiztahan, April: the province's celebration of its founding and the memory of President Roxas, with cultural shows and a seafood feast.
  • Christmas season: the plaza lights up from early December, and many families return home for the holidays.

Useful Hiligaynon words

Locals will happily switch to English, but a few words go a long way:

  • Maayong aga – good morning
  • Salamat – thank you
  • Pila ini? – how much is this?
  • Diin ang…? – where is the…?
  • Namit! – delicious!
  • Palihog – please

Practical tips

  • Weather: Like the rest of the country, Capiz has a rainy and typhoon season. If you are visiting in the second half of the year, read our typhoon preparedness checklist.
  • Cash: Banks and ATMs are easy to find in the city center and the malls, but small stalls and tricycles prefer cash.
  • Emergency numbers: Save the national emergency hotline 911 and the local numbers posted on the Roxas City government website.
  • Respect: Dress modestly in churches and ask before photographing people during processions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Roxas City, Capiz known for?

It is known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, as the birthplace of President Manuel Roxas, and for its December Sinadya festival, Baybay Beach and the heritage district along the Panay River.

What language is spoken in Roxas City?

Hiligaynon is the main language, and Capiznon is spoken across the province. Most people also understand English and Filipino.

Why was the town of Capiz renamed Roxas City?

When it became a chartered city in 1951 under Republic Act No. 603, it was named in honor of Manuel Roxas, who was born there and served as the first president of the independent Philippine Republic.

How many days do I need in Roxas City?

Two to three days is enough for the heritage district, Baybay Beach, a seafood dinner or two and a short island or mangrove trip. Add more days if you want to visit other towns in Capiz.

Get involved in Roxas City

The city is full of community events, and some are ours. In 2026 our chapter held the HalaRUN for Juan community run at People's Park, Baybay, with over 600 runners, and on August 7, 2026, unveiled the marker for "Komunidad," a mural by local artist Jonard Villarde at Baia Norte in Baybay.

JCI Roxas Halaran is a chapter of young active citizens, open to men aged 18 to 40, working on projects for Roxas City and Capiz. Whether you grew up here or just moved in, you are welcome. Join the chapter, browse our projects, or download free templates from our resources page.