The Multiple Names of the People of Capiz

by Leothiny Clavel

The people of Capiz Province predominantly belong to the brown race. Initially,    they were a blend of the indigene, the Negrito, the Indonesian and the Malay, but later the Arab, Chinese, Spanish, American and other races modified the blend. Before the Spaniards arrived in Capiz in 1565, the province was called Ilaya because it was the hinterland of what is now the Aklan Province. In short, in precolonial times, Capiz was part of Aklan (and not the other way around, as many believe) and its people were called Ilayanhon or Ilayanon.

By 2000, the people were known in local print by these four names: Capiceños, Capizeños, Capisnon and Capiznon. This made them the only people in the Philippines who can hardly decide what should be their name and its appropriate spelling.

Position Paper of Book Project Services for Family Saga on the Proposed “Liberation of Capiz” Holiday

(Sent thru Email, December 16, 2010)

We, the officers of Book Project Services for Family Saga, would like to state that it was only the town proper of Capiz (now Roxas City), and not the province of Capiz, that was cleared of the Japanese on December 20, 1944. Allow us to present these pieces of information:

1. On December 20, 1944, the town proper of Capiz was cleared of the Japanese. The area cleared included the Capiz-Loctugan road, the Capiz-Culasi road, the Culasi seaport, Dayao, Tiza Hill, Libas Hill and Mongpong. Among the buildings cleared were the church, the municipal hall, the Provincial Capitol, Emmanuel hospital and Cine Victoria. [Source: Gamaliel Manikan, Guerilla Warfare on Panay Island in the Philippines (1976, 600-609)].
2. For lack of space, we would like to present only one proof that the province of Capiz was not liberated on December 20, 1944. Beyond the poblacion of the municipality of Capiz toward the direction of Iloilo, there were still Japanese soldiers holed up in some secure places. Our proof is

Capiz Historical Institute: Its Inception

By:
Sarreal D. Soquiño–CHI Incorporator

                  

Qualitative Research Seminar Workshop with Professor Leothiny Clavel

                  The need to promote the study of the Capisnon history and culture has now become an urgent task. The continued research and interpretation of our local history will lead us to understand fully well our past in a proper perspective, the Capisnon view. Thus, the founders and pioneering members of the Capiz Historical Institute or CHI have envisioned the organization as the “the center of research, education, training and publication, and prime advocate of Capisnon History and Culture.”  This is the amended vision statement formulated and unanimously approved by the 1st General Assembly of the participants on June 5 & 6, 2009 at the Audio-Visual Conference Center (AVCC) in Filamer Christian College or FCC.

                      To pursue CHI vision statement, the following objectives have been adopted;

• a) Promotion of the Capisnon history & culture;
• b) conduct local historical, folkloric & ethnographic research and various forms of educational activities such as conference, seminar-workshops, dissemination of relevant publications; and
• c) collaborate with the local government units (LGUs) in the promotion of local tourism.

Its Beginning

                      The existence of CHI as an idea commenced when Virgilio S. Clavel [1] or Gil and I unexpectedly met on June 5, 2008 at the Paseo de Roxas[2] in Roxas City, a small commercial area between the historic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Capiz and City Hall. I asked him about a certain fact that appeared in the paper authored by elder brother, Prof. Leothiny S. Clavel, appeared in Diliman Review in 1995. Our brief conversation ended with his proposal to form an organization, something like a historical society in the province (Capiz). He encouraged me to introduce the idea to my colleagues at Filamer Christian College or FCC particularly those who have been teaching History and Social Science courses. I took it seriously, and we both agreed to gather selected colleagues and friends for a brainstorming.

64th Anniversary of the Liberation of Panay and Romblon

March 18 has been declared a non-working special holiday in the islands of Panay and Romblon including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas in line with the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the liberation of Panay and Romblon.

The celebration will be observed at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro, Iloilo City. It is the only military cemetery established outside Metro Manila and the venue of the bloodiest battle of the guerilla forces against the Japanese Imperial forces.

Proclamation No. 1728: Feb. 23, Special Holiday for All Schools in observance of the 23rd Anniversary of the EDSA Power Revolution

February 23 was declared as a Special Holiday in all schools nationwide.  This declaration was based on the Proclamation No. 1728 signed by the Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as ordered by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to Sec. Ermita, this special holiday for all private and government schools in all levels is in relation to the observance of the 23rd Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which brings reforms to the political, social and economic status of the Philippines. This serves as an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere.

This years 23rd EDSA Peoples Power Anniversary’s theme is ”Pag-asa ng Bayan: Sakripisyo sa Pagbabago Para sa Kaunlaran”.  This commemoration pays honor to the patriotism, courage and humanity of those who participated in the EDSA People Power Revolution to restore democracy in the Philippines.

 

THE CAPIZEÑOS: March of Excellence

And since the character of Capizeños has been molded through the years in the crucible of excellence, Capiz and Capizeños have nowhere to go but on the top of the heap, so to speak.  

     In her universally acclaimed magnum opus, THE MARCH OF FOLLY(New York:  Ballatine Books, 1984), Professor Barbara W. Tuchman, eminent American historian, and two-time winner of Pulitzer Prize, chronicles the turning points in history that illustrate the very heights of the acts of folly – the Trojan War, the breakup of the Holy See provoked by Renaissance Popes, the loss of the American Colonies by Britania’s George III, and the United States own persistent folly in Vietnam.  Professor Tuchman defines folly as the pursuit of policies or goals contrary to one’s own interests, despite the availability of feasible alternatives. 

      According to Professor Tuchman, “a phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place of period is the pursuit by government than of almost any other human activity.  In this sphere, wisdom, which may be defined as the exercise of judgment acting on experience, common sense and available information, is less operative and more frustrated than it should be.  Why do holders of high office so often act contrary to the way reason points and enlightened self-interest suggests, why does intelligent mental process seem so often not to function?” 

      In contrast to the march of folly by other people, the distinctive feat among Capiceños is the pursuit of excellence in varied fields of endeavors and vocations.  It seems to appear that throughout the ages, Capiceños have pursued goals, professions and carriers with dogged determination and excellent performance. 

The Revolutionary Uprising in the Ilaya Section of Capiz (1897-1898) by Sarreal D. Soquiño

     The excesses of the Spanish colonial regime, compounded with the abuses of the guardia civiles (civil guards), had exacerbated further the miserable lives of the inhabitants of Ilaya (now Capiz)¹, located at the northeastern portion of Panay island, Philippines. As the majority of the population of the province- referring only in the Ilaya section – relied its material sustenance on agriculture, the implementation of Maura Law)² deepened social discontentment as the said royal decree had allowed wealthy and opportunists landholders maliciously acquired more lands at the expense of the poor faming families. There is an account known to local historians that showed the capacity of the Capisnons to react violently against any forms of colonial abuses. In the earlier period of the 17^th century, a group of native residents of Capiz town (now Roxas City) took up arms, seized an African-Spanish officer, named Duran, threatened to kill him and set fire his house because the angry people could no longer tolerate his abusive ways. Duran was described as extremely cruel officer because he imposed severe punishments to native residents who violated colonial laws such as rendering of the 15-day labor without pay in any government construction projects, prolonged physical beatings, and payment of tribute.)³

 

Capiz Historical Institute: Initial step to put history in its proper perspective

History is no doubt very important in the life of a nation.  In our case, Capiceños,  history must be boosted  at the local level in order for us to move forward, to progress as a province and as a people.  It is said that those who do not try to look back into their past cannot reach their destination or have a clearer grasp of the future. In some cases though, when we try to take even a “peek”  at our glorious past , what we get are distorted facts.  Even the most competent historians can sometimes fall victims to manipulations within their midst.

Members of the the Capiz Historical Institute (L-R: Sarreal Soqueño, Ramon Atinon, Romeo Arceño, Jorgen Gregorio, Gerry Pagharion, Jubert Lago and Alger Inocencio

 

 

one functions of the group, … would be to conduct an inventory all historical landmarks in the province