Roxas City is not just the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. It’s in fact a city with a very colorful history and can be best understood by doing a heritage walk tour. Yes, a walk since all the eight heritage sites are located at the heart of the city and is just a mere walking distance from each other.
The heritage walk covers the heritage zone that includes the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Fountain and Capiz Provincial Capitol, Roxas City’s iconic bridge, Birthplace of President Roxas, Panubli-on Museum, and the statue of President Manuel A. Roxas.
The ancestral house of President Manuel A. Roxas is located at the corner of Rizal and Zamora Streets. President Roxas is the fifth president of the country. Roxas City was once named as Capiz but to honor the former president it was changed to Roxas. Just a few minutes walk from his ancestral house is the President Manuel A. Roxas monument standing proud at the center, waving his hand as welcoming everyone.
The Panubli-on Museum is just a walk from the statue . Originally a water chamber constructed some 100 years ago by Pastor Alcaraz the mayor of Capiz (Roxas) at that time. In the 90s, it was converted into a gallery by Congressman Gerardo A. Roxas Jr.
Considered as one of the oldest churches in Panay, the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral which was constructed in 1698 is located just across the museum. The church was destroyed by a typhoon and was later rebuilt in 1728. It is the center of the Roman Catholic faith in Capiz.
The Capiz Provincial Capitol is on the left side of the cathedral. It was built in 1901 upon the order of Sulpicio Jugo Vidal, the first governor of Capiz.
In front of the capitol is one of the oldest monuments dedicated to the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal which was built in 1911 upon the order of Governor Jose Cortez Altavas.
In the middle of the road and just in front of the cathedral and the capitol sits the Roxas City Fountain that has stood the test of time although several repairs were already done to ensure its stability
The Roxas City Bridge also known as the Old Capiz Bridge is one of the oldest infrastructures in Capiz built in 1910. The bridge offers a great view of the Panay River and a beautiful sunset can be seen on a fine weather from the bridge.
Completing the heritage zone is the Roxas City Bandstand just beside the Panay River and facing the Roxas City Hall. Originally built as a gazebo, the bandstand has witnessed major events and social gatherings in the history of the city. It is considered an important venue for Roxas City’s political, social and community affairs.