How a Philippine coastal town transformed into the nation's premier seafood capital
In short: Originally a modest municipality known as Capiz, this city evolved from a colonial naval yard into a thriving hub of trade and industry. Today, it is celebrated as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, balancing its rich historical roots with a modern real estate boom and expanding digital infrastructure.
The city’s history is deeply tied to its geography. Originally settled as the municipality of Capiz, it was strategically positioned near the sea, which allowed it to serve as a naval yard for Spanish ships arriving from Acapulco as early as 1590. The Panay River, which divided the original settlement, provided essential irrigation and created lowlands that were eventually converted into the commercial fishponds that define the region's economy today. This abundance of marine life eventually earned the city its current nickname, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, with its products now exported to markets in Taiwan, Japan, and the United States.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the town grew in both political and economic stature. By 1746, it became the seat of a politico-military government, and by 1891, it was a bustling port city with significant export activity. The town was renamed Roxas City in 1951 in honor of Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Third Philippine Republic, who was a native of the area. This transition marked a new era for the city, which has since evolved into a center for education, logistics, and commerce in the province of Capiz.
In recent decades, the city has undergone rapid development. The urban landscape is shifting as fishponds are converted into commercial zones and residential subdivisions, a trend described as a real estate boom. Major projects like the 670-hectare Pueblo de Panay master-planned development now host modern business districts and the tallest shrine in the country, the 40-metre Sacred Heart of Jesus. As the city moves toward further industrialization, it has also been selected as one of the Digital Cities 2025, aiming to integrate international business process outsourcing companies into its growing economy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Roxas City
- Also: Wikidata — Roxas City · CC0
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