HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE FIESTA SAPIANONS.

Thanks to Ms Maridel Olandesca for sending us the programme pasted below. Sapianons who are lucky enough to take great photos during the fiesta celebrations, please share it with us. Those who have video coverage can post it at You Tube then send us the URL and we will provide your link here.

Big Cheers to Johje Pantia, Jed Honrado, Jinky Oxemer, JAEL, ting23 and Tagasuot for keeping the forum board going. That’s the way :  )

The SNHS Alumni Association is going ahead with the second Grand Reunion on July 2010. More info at the forum board or click on the link :  http://www.sapianonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=395

The submissions for The Essay Writing Competition is finally here. Big thanks and appreciation to Ms. Ligaya Ofalla Oro for facilitating the contest and Mrs. Analyn ‘Shiopao’ Bulacan for typing the entries. Without their help and support, this would have not been possible. CONGRATULATIONS to the brave students of SNHS who accepted the challenge. We appreciate all the efforts you put into this. Thank you so much :  ) 

EXTENSION: SOL members can still vote until Febraury 2010 and awarding will be held during the March 2010 recogniton/graduation ceremony at SNHS. Please help us decide the winners. Background information can be accessed through the forum board or just click here: http://www.sapianonline.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=394

The essays can be viewed at the ‘Articles’ Section or click here http://www.sapianonline.com/category/articles 

…. 

Republic of the Philippines

Province of Capiz

MUNICIPALITY OF SAPIAN

Kapistahan et Sapian 2009

                  GRAND OPENING CEREMONIES                   

Coronation of Fiesta Queen 

Playground Demonstration

Theme: “SAPIAN… Mahal kong Bayan, Tulong-tulong kami sa iyong kaunlaran”

SAPIAN GRAND STAND

Poblacion, Sapian, Capiz

July 24, 2009

8:00 A.M.

WWW.SAPIANONLINE.COM

An invitation

PROGRAMME

I. Entrance of Color

——————————   Sapian N.H.S.,CAT – Cadet & Cadette

II. Invocation

——————————-   Rev. Fr. Eugenio D. Caldeo, Jr.

——————————————-  Parish Priest, St.Anne, Catholic Church

III. Philippine National Anthem/  Capiz Hymn

IV. Welcome Remarks

———————————  Hon. Arturo A. Orosco, Sr., Ph.D.

———————————————  Municipal Mayor

V. Intermission Number

——————————— Drum & Lyre Corps, Sapian Elem. School

——————————————-   Trainer, Ms. Maridel B. Olandesca

VI. Introduction of the Honored Guest

———————————- Hon. Arturo A. Orosco,Sr.

VII. Message

———————————–  Hon. Manuel “Manny “ Villar

——————————————— Senator, Republic of the Philippines

VIII. Formal Opening & Declaration of the  Kapistahan et Sapian 09

———————————–  Hon. Arturo A. Orosco,Sr.,Ph.D.

IX. Intermission Number

———————————— Drum & Lyre – Sapian Nat’l High School

X. Coronation of the Fiesta Queen & Royal Court

XI. Playground Demonstration

     A. Reading of the contest rules and criteria

     B. Introduction of the Board of Judges

XII. Contest Proper

A. Sapian National High School

———————— Trainer: Mr. Charloun Quintin Salido Aguilar

B. CAPZU-Sapian Campus

———————— Trainer: Mrs. Candelaria O. Aro

C. Sapian Elementary School

———————— Trainer: Mr. Junel V. Garcia

XIII. Closing Remarks —————  Hon. Ralph C. Odrunia, M.D.

————————————————— Municipal Vice Mayor

XIV. Announcement of Winners

XV. Sapian Hymn

………………………………….   Mr. Manuel J. Francisco & Mr. Danny J. Silva

……………………………………………………………….   Master of Ceremony

            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SAPIAN RELATED  NEWS LINKS

‘Kapistahan et Sapian’ on News Today

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/07/21/kapistahan.et.sapian.slated.july.24.26.html

‘350 senior citizens receive ‘Katas ng VAT’ in Sapian’ on News Today

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/06/16/350.senior.citizens.receive.katas.ng.vat.in.sapian.html

CAPELCO opens 5^th substation on PIA Philippine Information Agency

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090630.htm&no=28

‘Bolante to Sen. Roxas: Peace be with you by Joel E. Capundan’ on News Today

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2009/07/13/bolante.to.sen.roxas.peace.be.with.you.html

 ’Sapian Stages Talahong Festival in Capiz’ on  gov website

http://www.capiz.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99%3Asapi-an-stages-talahong-festival&catid=1%3Alatest-news&Itemid=80

Registration # 13

The History of Agtatacay Norte

My Birth place

            When I first heard about this essay writing contest, I was hesitant to join but when I knew that the topic will be about our province, Sapian, I grab the chance to join because it’s also about my roots that inspires me a lot. I also want to know more about Agtatacay Norte, Sapian, where I was born.

          So where should I start? I suddenly thought of talking to people in our place then I thought of my distant relative who is now 93 yrs. Old, Proceso Obuyes. So I went to him the next day to collect some information about the history of Agtatacay Norte.

          Agtatacay, as its original name of the place, is one of the barangays in Sapian, Capiz. Usually, people in the Philippines especially the locals were into superstitious belief. Some people say that Agtatacay came from the word Agta which means beast or half human, half beast. Others say it came from the word tagay-tagay which means a jigger or liquor because men before were fun of drinking liquor. But according to the elders, it comes from the word tacay-tacay which means dividing evenly. Before the Japanese occupation, in order for the people to earn money, they would go to places where owners of a rice plantation or sugar cane plantation or any place that can give jobs to them. They would divide their work to everyone who is there. In that way, everybody gets a job and could have income and could survive their everyday living. That’s where the word Agtatacay came from.

          Before World War II, during the Spanish occupation, the head of the barangay were then called Tiniente del Barrio which means Captain of the Barrio. In, 1938, Melicio Olmo was the first Tiniente del Barrio of Agtatacay, follwed by Buenvenido Obuyes in 1942. Conrado Obuyes stepped in the following term. When Numeriano Ofalla got the position, one of the Councilor (Sanguniang Bayan at present) of the town of Sapian at that time was Iluminado Ofalla, who was his older brother, sponsored a law subdividing Agtatacay intyo three barrios as Agtatacay Norte, Agtatacay Sur and Agtatacay Silab. Barangay Agtatacay Norte was lead by the different barangay captains up to the present namely: Innocentes Olmo, Alfredo Orale, Nunceriano Ofalla (was voted again), Proceso Obuyes, Antonio Olino, Gregorio Onag, George Francisco as barangay captain, followed by Diopanese Orale, Diopilino Orocero, Diopilino Olmo at present and now active Brgy. Capt. Sotero Ofalla. That made the barangay a little progressive.

          After my research about my barangay, I became more proud to be one of the locals there. Locals of Agtatacay Norte are very religious and peace living people. They are also socially and culturally active. If given the chance to promote one barangay, I could promote Agtatacay Norte for its fresh seafoods that can get from the place, fresh air from the beach and the very hospitable people around.

Research from:

Mr. Proceso Obuyes (93 yrs. Old)

Mr. Diopanese Orale (70 yrs. Old)

Mrs. Helen Olmo (above 70 yrs. Old)

Mr. Olpiano Olmo (above 70 yrs. Old)

Brgy Capt. Sotero Ofalla (52 yrs. Old)

Registration No. 12

Sapian: From PAST to PRESENT

Sapian is situated at the northern part of Panay Island, 27 kms. West of Roxas City. It is bounded on the north by the Sapian Bay, on the Ivisan on the Northeast and Batan, Aklan on the west side. Lies on coordinates 122.36’5” north latitude, Sapian is the last municipality of Capiz towards Aklan side.

The municipality is very accessible towards the neighboring provinces Iloilo, Aklan, antique and Roxas City. Buses and jeepneys are the chief means of transportation for passengers within the municipalities of Capiz as will as to the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Aklan and Antique.

The Sapian total land area covered is 15,878.1 sq.kms which are subdivided into ten (10) barangays namely; Barangay Majanlud,Dapdapan, Poblacion, Maninang, Agsilab, Bilao, Damayan, Agtatacay Sur, Agtatacay norte, and Lonoy.

Hill ranges are found on the borders of the municipality along ivisan, Sigma, Mambusao, Altavas, and Batan in Aklan. The coastal plain stretches from the foot of the hills of Sapian Bay are planted mostly to lowland rice while the swampy area is extensively converted into fishpond. Coconuts, woods, and other fruit trees as well as bamboos and bananas abound in the portion of town.

From the hills, twelve (12) creeks and small rivers drain at Sapian Bay. All in all, these inland waters extend to 89 kms, which provide irrigation water in some areas and even made the municipality rich and abundant with seafoods product in which some were transported to Roxas City.

The Sapian Bays cover area of 3 sq. kms. Of marine water shed. The seacoast is dominated by farms with its lines bamboo poles loaded with “tahong” and “talaba”. Along the 1.5 coast lines could be found the Gugma Beach with its clean, gray sand and nature- sculptured rocks. At this point, the watershed is relatively shallow and deep gradually to not more than six feet in area around 400 meters from the shoreline even at high tide. The beach is a perfect place for swimming, wading, boating, exploring rock formations and observing various marine livelihood projects (green mussel culture, fish cage/ ponot, the seaweeds and Capiz shell gathering).

The municipal total land area is abundant with regard to total natural resources is concern. The Sapianons have lately made the land more productive with the planting of mahogany tress and fruit trees  such, mangos, lansones, rambutans, kangkong, string beans, egg plants and others vegetables tribe along the road side and open fields. The conservation Piape and Bakhaw trees of the swam is being under taken with fervor. With Sapianons will full protection of Sapian Bay there bountiful catch of mabalad, kitang, lapu-lapu and other marine fishes.

            Sapian was founded on hilltop more than 300 years ago, it is safe to assume that it must have been in the late years of the 17 century when a tiny settlement on a hilltop was published by groups of wondering people. No definite place was cited on the hilltop[ but folk stories have it that it was cited on the hilltop catadman, a distance of half kms. Esat of the present cite of poblacion. The old side of catadman hilltop is known as “Laging Banwa” or old town. It was said that the old settlement on the hilltop was strategically choose to serve as convenient look out for marauding moros rampantly raiding settlements during those days. At any point on the hilltop, moros, in their vintas could be spotted when they enter Guibongan or Sapian Bay. Thus the people amply warned to get organize and protect their selves. catadman hilltop is close to the sea coast and is surrounded by vast swamp that cradle river and streams rich with fish and all forms of sea foods largely depended by upon the in habitants for their livelihood.

            Long after the Spaniards occupation in 1568, some Spanish shoulders set foot on the hilltop settlement. The first person they met was sent on an errand. He was holding a salapu when the Spaniards stopped the boy to inquire what is the name of the place. The boy perplexed by the strange looks of the castellan figures and in comprehensive of Spanish tongue spoken, answered hesitatingly in faltering voice “Sapi”, fifty centavo silver coins where said to have to have been circulated after  the Spanish occupation. These coins were locally called salapi meaning half a peso. Thus, the Spaniards named the villag “SAPIAN” shortly afterward, the settlement was organized as the town of Sapian.   

Registration No. 10

History of Barangay Bilao

            History is a record of past- event, the study and analysis, or we can say it is an experience of a specific person or things, a significant past. Everything around us has its own history. History of the places is one of common. The history of one place, you should know by now.

            Bilao is now a barangay. So we will go back to its own history on how Bilao got its name. it is one of the biggest Barrio of Sapian. The name Bilao derived from the word “Sabilao” which is a king of grass that easily drives in any kind of soil. It grows at the top of the roots. It grows abundantly that you could not even insert your feet while walking in the way. According to recorded source, Bilao gots its name Spanish regime. That time two boys were playing hide and seek. They were wearing Sabilao grass on their head. Some Spanish soldier passed nearby where one boy is hiding. Spanish soldier asked the boy if what is the name of the place. The boy didn’t understand what he is talking. He ran away shouting Sabiao because the boy thought that the Spanish soldiers were planned to get there Sabilao grass on their head. The Spanish cannot speak Sabilao so, he shortens it to Bilao, and from that time the place is called already Bilao.

            During the Spanish occupation some Spanish soldiers who first set foot on his place found a hard time lifting their feet, “ Hey who’s there?” shouting the grass clinging on their feet “ Sabilao” syllable “Sa” shouted “ Bilao” come back please  come out from your hiding place.

            However, the boy did not appear so the Spanish soldiers went away down heard. Then the boy come out his hiding place and he was full of Sabilao grass on his head. The father of the boy asked, “Where did you hide my boy?’ the boy answered “ Sa Bilao” hastly speaking sa bilao was shouted to bilao. The Bilao is an imagination to every Bilaonon what so ever he or she has to strived to improved his/her way in order to contribute to the progress of Bilao in the years to come. That’s hour Bilao got its name. Beyond compare the name bilao is also an inspiration to all Bilaonon.

            According to another source, Bilao before was a mountain area of place, when the time come that the place was putted its road, then somebody called as a half mountain.

            The barangay captain before was called “ Tenientes” not a captain, “Konsehal” as “kagawad” right now. The following names were the past tenientes of Barangay Bilao as a sort of information about the former leader of Bilao before, Here are the following:

            The total Land area that the time was 16,528.48, the total numbers of voter was only 1,616.

My interview was:

 Mrs. Lucrecia Oro; 65 years old, retired history teachers of Bilao, Elemantary School

Mrs. Diema Cordova and Mrs. Feresita Oloroso a 47 years, residing at Bilao, Sapian , Capiz

Registration No. 9

As the time passed by………….

        Many were called but few have chosen. Yes, we Sapianon should be grateful because we have chosen to be the residents of this municipality. Where prosperity is found. Where hospitality is a tradition. Moreover, love for other people is a culture. But, how Sapian has been established?

            Sapian- a coastal town twenty seven (27) kilometers west of Roxas City extending up to the boundary of Aklan. Because of this, the inhabitants speak a mixture of Capiz and Aklan dialects. Valuable informative account lifted from the survey report conducted by the Public Affairs Unit, APC, Camp Cram, Quezon City, during the administration of the thirties (30’s) happily jibe with the local fabled tales and folk stories that transcended generation so that it became possible to capture vital pieces of the past of Sapian and write this Brief History with at least some jest of authentic suggestions.

            Although no accurate date is cited to back up the pieces of information, the area survey report claims that Sapian was founded on a hilltop more than three hundred (300) years ago and has one of the oldest histories among the towns of Capiz province. Counting 300 years back, it is safe to assume that it must have been in the late years of 1700 or 17^th century when a tiny cited on the hilltop was established by groups of wondering people. No definite place was cited on the hilltop but folk stories have it that it was on the hilltop of Catadman, a distance of half kilometer east of the present site of Poblacion. The old site of Catadman hilltop is now known as ” Laging Banwa” or old town. It was said that the old settlement on the hilltop was strategically chosen to serve as a convenient look out for Marauding Moros rampantly raiding settlements during those days. At any point on the hilltop, Moros, in their vitas could be spotted when they entered Guibongan or Sapian bay.

            On the hilltop Catadman was also wthe site of the ” Bukay nga Lingganay” (White bell) which were used by the people during the time to call the attention or warned the villagers if there were in dangers. According to folklore and stories when the ‘”bukay nga lingganay” rung it reaches to the Moroland. The ” Bukay nga Lingganay” White bell is a part of corporate or official seal of the municipality of Sapian.

            Thus, the people were amply warned to get organized and protect themselves. Catadman hilltop is so close to the sea coast and is surrounded by vast swamps, which cradle rivers and stream rich with fishes and all forms of sea foods, shell fishes largely depended upon by the inhabitants for their livelihood. Until, lately the swamps were covered by tall giant mangrove trees and other form of vegetation where monkeys jumped from tree to tree in wild abandon and where different species of birds abound including giant herons, hawks, and wild ducks as well as migrating egrets from Australia, which seasonally come in hoards. The thickly forested swamps provided safe refuge for the evacuees during the Japanese war but now most of the swampy areas are cleared and instead fishpond dikes landscape the kilometric seacoast, beautifully punctuated by the mussels farm dominating the Sapian bay with its line of bamboo pools loaded with green mussels and “Talaba” that bunch like grapes around the base, hare and there.

            Another folk story told and retold for generations reveal that the first Sapianons were the descendants of Datu Kalantiaw a law giver from Batan, Aklan where forebears came from the balangay of Datu Bankaya who rules the northern part of the island of Panay after its purchase from the native Datu Marikudo with a gold salakot and a gold necklace for his wife.

            Datu Bankaya nd his scion Kalantiaw settled in Batan as most people choose to stay along seacoast and nearby rivers in abundance of food. Some of their followers used to travel eastward in times of hunting and fishing that they discovered down the coast by the bay was a place rich and plenty. The water of the bay was teeming with fish and the aquatic resources were inexhaustible. Convinced about the story of the beautiful bay their families came along and settled near the river mouth at bthe coast of the bay.

            The later generation of this small group of settlers, founded the first Sapian settlement in the late 17^th century.

            How Sapian got bits name is told in a legend. Long after the Spanish occupation in 1568 or after 132 years of Spaniards in the Philippines, some Spanish soldiers set foot on the hilltop settlement. The first person they met was a boy who was sent to errand and he was holding a “Salapi”.

            The Spaniard stopped the boy to inquire of the name of the place, the boy perplexed by the strange looks of the Castellan figures and incomprehensive of the Spanish tongue spoken, answered hesitatingly in faltering voice, “Sapi”. Early fifty centavos silver coin were said to have been circulated after the Spanish occupation. These coin were locally called” Salapi” means half a peso. And thus, the Spaniards named the village “SAPIAN”. Shortly afterward, the town was organized as the town of SAPIAN. But no one could tell the exact etymology of the word. Sapian celebrates its foundation day every 21^st day of July which commemorate to our municipal and religious fiesta as per Sangguniang bayan Resulution No.14,s of 1997 featuring “Tilibyugan” a one week celebration of thanks giving and merry makings an honor of our beloved patron St. Anne.

            In the Spanish regime after the “Municipio” was organized, the Spanish authorities began apoointing town officials led by the ” Capitan Municipal”, the “Teniente Absolute”, the “Curra Parrocos”, “Juez De Sentenciales” an the”Maestro Municipal”. The first Capitan Municipal was Simeon Alayon.

            During the American regime the name of the town executive was changed from “Capitan” to “Presidente” and was assisted by their respective” Vise Presidente”. The other town officials Were Justice of the Peace , the Councilors, the Municipal Treasurer and the Chief of Police. The first “President” was Elias Oro with Simeon Tupaz as the   “Vise Presidente”.

            Under the Commonwealth Government, the name of the executives became “Alcalde” and “Vise Alcalde”

The following officials bear the title of town’s mayor:

Hon. Nemisio Oloroso                                            1931-1935

Hon. Angel Arboleda                                                         1935-1939

Hon .Diosdado Honrado                                        1939-1945

Hon. Simplicio Ochon                                                        1945-1946

Hon. Narciso Oducado                                           1947-1954

Hon. Julio Orillos                                                    1954-1959

Hon. Zoe Herrera                                                    1960-1967

Hon. Manuel Oloroso                                                         1968-1971

Hon. Ishmael Orillos                                                           1972-19865

Hon. Diosdado Honrado                              Nov. 1986-1987

Hon. Rodel Obordo                                                 1988-1998

Hon. Remedios Olivera Oñas                                1998-2007

Hon. Arturo Orosco Sr. Ph. D.                              2007-present

            At the end, it is not for how we memorize the history of Sapian that we can show our love and care for our beloved hometown. It is when we show our concern to our fellow Sapianon. It is when we remember that  wherever we are, whatever we do, how successful we are, we are always be a true Sapianon!!!!!!!

I have interviewed the following person:

Mr. Renato Roldan

Mrs. Lagrimas Montina

Mr. Redentor Obligar

Mr. Bassanio Tupaz

Mrs. Cresenciana Irada

Registration No. 8

The Amazing History of “Sapian”

         Municipality of Sapian is real replica of government by the people and where sustainable development through people’s participation in a way of life.

            Sapian is located at the northern portion of panay, island, 27 kms. West of Roxas City. It is bounded on the North of Sapian Bay, on the northeast by Ivisan, on the west bay Batan Aklan.

            The upland, lowland and coastal areas of Sapian is abound with natural resources. The sapianons have made the land more productive through planting of mahogany trees and fruit trees such as mangoes, lanzones, rambutan, oranges, and vegetable tribes along the road side and open fields. With sapianons willful protection of Sapian bay, there is bountiful catch of Mabalad, Kitang, lapu-lapu and other marine fishes.

            Ms. Edna Obordo said, that Sapian was founded on hilltop, more than 300 years ago, and has one of the oldest histories among the Capiz Province. Sapian is safe to assume to have the late years of the 17^th century when a tiny settlement on a hilltop was established by groups of wonderful person.

            There is no definite place was cited on the hilltop but folk stories have it on the hilltop catadman a distance of half kilometer east of the present site of Poblacion. The old site catadman hilltop is now known as “Laging Banwa” or “old town”. The old settlement on the hilltop was strategically chosen to serve as a convenient look out for Marauding Moros  rampantly raiding settlements during those days. At any point on the hilltop, Moros on their vitas could be spotted when they enter Guibogan or Sapian Bay.

            Ms. Merly Ombega sited a story based from folk stories that long after Spaniards occupation in 1568, some Spanish soldiers setfoot on the hilltop settlement. The first person they meet was sent on an errand. He was holding a salapi when the Spaniards stopped the bay perplexed by the strange looks of the castellan figure and in comprehensive of Spanish tongue spoken answered hesitatingly in faltering voice “sapi” Fifty centavo silver coin were locally called Salapi means half a peso. Thus the Spaniards name the village “Sapian” shortly afterward the settlement was organized as the town of Sapian.

            Sapian now a place where gugma is service Sapianon actively participated in the advancement of their beloved town. The neighborhood groups are partrners of their municipal government in the developments, specially the clean and green program inspired by the people had made Sapian a town of love, peace and progress.

            Mrs. Juvy Selorio told that the people of Sapian has not only maintained their cleanliness and beauty but it has also made an impact on which are confirm to be essential in the process of physical health, socio-economic and political development. The general cleanliness may infact be attribute to both the Sapianon’s nature love and working hand in hand to sustain collective enthusiasm of the people of sapian to provide a stable base for people participation.

Sources:

• Ms. Ena Obordo – an elementary teacher, 49 yrs. Old
• Ms. Merly Ombega – an elementary teacher, 52 yrs. Old

Mrs. Juvy Slorio – an element

Registration No. 6

Sapian as a Town of Love, Peace and Progress

         Long after the Spanish occupation in 1568, some of the Spanish soldiers set foot on the hilltop of Catadman, a settlement area which serves as the watch tower or a convenient lockout  for Marauding  Moros Raiding the settlement during those days. The first person they met in Catadman was a boy who was sent to an Errand, and he was holding a “Salapi”

            The Spanish stopped the boy to inquire what the name of the place. The boy perplexed by the strange look of the Castellan figures and incomprehensive of the Spanish tongue spoken, answered hesitatingly in a faltering voice “SAPI”. Earlier fifty centavos silver coin were said to have been circulated often the Spanish occupation. These coins were locally called “Salapi” means half a peso. And thus the Spaniards named the village “Salapi”. Shortly afterward, the town was organized as the town of “SAPIAN” But no one could tell the exact etymology of the word.

            Sapian is located in the northern portion of Panay Island. It is the town next to Ivisan, Northwest of Roxas city. It is bounded on the North by Sapian Bay, on the Northeast by Municipality of Ivisan, East by Municipality of Sigma, on the South by the Municipality of Batan in Aklan. It is the Boundary town of Capiz and Aklan. Its location is in the coordinates 122 36 north longitude 11 30’ north latitudes.

            It is also accessible by land transportation to Iloilo, Aklan,Antique and Roxas City. Buses and Jeepers are the chief means of transportation for passengers within the Municipalities of Capiz as well as to the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Aklan and Antique.

            The total land area of Sapian is 10, 65467 sq. km. which were divided into 10 Brgy. Including Poblacion which is the center of government trade and business.

            The Basic Population Data Municipality of Sapian has a total no. of population with 24,395 no. of household: 4, 365, Total no. of males: 11,326, Total no. of females. 11, 208, Crude birth rate: 18.11, Crude death rate: 5.08, infant:  4.49, Maternal death rate has 4.49 also, fetal death rate has “0” data and the total   land area has 15,878.

The Climate of Sapian is characterized by two pronounced seasons, namely: the dry and the wet or rainy seasons, the dry seasons being from June to January. Like other municipalities, Sapian falls under type 3, climate where rainfall is more or less distributed evenly t6hroughout the year and dry season, on certain months, is not even pronounced.

The province of Capiz is not within the typhoon belt. It has occasional tropical storm and typhoon, which may occur when the wind blows from northeast and northwest of Sibuyan sea. Sapian does not have big rivers to cause prolonged flooding that usually happens in like Mambusao, Sigma, Dao, Cuartero, Panitan, Pontevedra and Panay.

There are 6 types of soil found in Sapian. There are the Alimodian Clay loam, the Santa Rita clay loam, Bontog clay loam, the Santa Louisiana clay loam and the thy hydrosol sandy loam, Sapian clay loam. In terms of land capability, Sapian belongs to the class A. The land nearly level and well drained. The northern portions of Sapian belong to Category X, and are suited for fishponds and or mangrove reforestations. Upland barangays are categorized as class which the areas are suited for pasture or forest.

            For the transportation, the Municipality of Sapian, National Road has 36. 07 km. and he municipal road of 1.5 km. and also we have the Brgy. Road with 101.2 km.

            Sapian has a total of 1.56 km. concrete municipal streets, 36.07 km. concrete national roads or highway, 18.54 km. provincial road and 101.2 km. farm to the market roads enter connecting provincial roads, national highways and even to the adjoining municipality of Batan in Aklan. It has 30 passenger jeepney transporting passenger from Sapian to Roxas city and vise versa. Aside from jeepney, 10 buses from Aklan, Philcab Vans for hire passes from Aklan to Roxas City and vise versa. Philtranco, Dimple Star and Ceres Liner connect Manila to Caticlan and Sapian in Western Visayas.

            Based on the National Standards, the municipality particularly urban areas need to construct additional road linked of 7.956 km. to meet the standard requirements set forth for urban brgy, 56.30 km. respectively for rural brgy. The “Bilao Camansi” provincial road was constructed since 1965; still its conditions were very poor because of intermittent maintenance program of the provincial government. These roads are one of  the important road sections because it links to 4 Barangay. As well as an access road to the municipality of Batan, province of Aklan where the Batan port is situated. The Bilao-Binlit- Burias, Mambusao, and Capiz is not properly maintained by the concerned agencies. At present, such road to national, road and need improvement to provide better accessibility and mobility same through with the Dapdapan Oyong Road linking to the Municipality of Sigma.

            As a coastal town, Sapian fishery and aquatic resources is reach and promising with Bangus culture top project is important because almost all of the swampy areas along the coast were converted to productive fishponds. Besides, bangus, crabs, shrimps, and prawns yield through out the year. In Sapian bay mussel culture was developed, it intermixed with oysters. Different species of shell fishes are found in Sapian bay, which could not be found in the other bays of the Philippines.

            Bangus, crabs, shrimps, prawns are marketed in big qualities in Manila which other species of fish are sold to local market and or neighboring provinces like Aklan, Iloilo and other towns of Capiz like Mambusao, Jamindan, Dao, Cuartero, Dumalag and to the farthest municipality like Tapaz Along the Inland stream and rivers, fish traps and fishnets are lined to catch any kind of fish, mollusk and crustaceans that may pass during low tide. Children, men, and women had enjoyed hand catches small crabs, shrimps, tilapia and the most fish called “tanga”. The major fishery products range from bangus or milkfish, prawn, mud crabs, shrimps, Capiz shell, oysters, mussel, nylon shells, angel shells and many others.

            Based on the record of the Municipal Assessor, Sapian had a total of 20202 hectares of productive fishponds which represent 19.24% with an estimated production of 1.5 metric ton per hectares.

            In terms of Agriculture, Sapian is an Agro fishery community. Its economy divided from Agriculture and fishery. The passage of R.A no. 8435 known as agriculture and fisheries modernization Act of 1997, whose primary objectives is to arrest the alarming trend responsible for dwindling agricultural productivity and shrinking farms. These acts aim to improve the quality of life of the farmers and fisher folks with the advent of RA 7160 particularly rule V Article 25 of the implementing rules and regulations.

            The local Government Units shall provides basic services and facilities but not limited to agriculture and fisheries on the site research trough:

1. Disposal of livelihood and profiling, fingerlings and other seedlings for agriculture.

2. Establishment of seed farms, planting materials fruit trees, coconuts, medicinal plants, vegetables demonstration forms and other trees and crops.

3. Implementation of water and soil resources management utilization and conservation projects.

4. Enforcement of fishery laws in water including protection conservation of all marine resources and mangroves.

Minor agricultural products are corn vegetables, bananas, camote, legumes and other root crops. With the presence of modern farming and other technologies to boast Agri fishery productivity.

The Trade of Industry of Municipality of Sapian promote Industrialization and full employment used on sound agricultural development, agrarian reform, through in industries that make full and efficient way of human and natural resources and which are competitive in both domestic foreign markets. The industry in the locality is predominantly agri-fishery based. Being coastal town. There was neither large industry nor light industries, which employed no. of worker. The municipality has 10 stationary baby coco rice mills. And 5 traveling coco rice mills from adjoining  municipality of Ivisan and Mambusao which may contributes as one of the other sources of revenues of the local government.

The business and trade facilities, the municipality has the market, the extension market, which presently have 50 market stalls, were all occupied. The proposed expansions will be on build op0erate transfer scheme as authorized by the local legislative body. The small wharf located at Sitio Angkin, Poblacion with an area of one hundred square meters serve as a venue for food exchanged and center of the distribution of marine products to intermediate users and on consumers.

For banking and credit need of the municipality, Sapian has a Valiant Bank Incorporated is in the lone banking institution that catered the banking and credit needs of the populace and a lot of private money lender. Other money lenders were private persons who engage in short term loans at interest to non-bankable vendors and professionals.

            The availability of basic infrastructure facilities like concrete road network, telephone exchanged and power accelerates the growth of the business industry in the municipality.

The municipality of Sapian has a total of 427,1 hectares classified forest land or area of public domain of which 364.67 hectares is located  in Bilao 62.43 hectares located at Majanlud respectively. However, there are vast areas of forest trees planted on the high , rough mountainous to the mountains, which perennials trees with total area planted is 40-42 hectares, which serves as watersheds of the barangays. Other barangays have 3 hectares to 5 hectares.

Forest trees could be found at the high mountainous boundaries of the municipalities of Ivisan, Sigma and Mambusao in Capiz. As a coastal town, vast of mangroves along the sea coast extending along the streams where water is brackish and composed mainly of Bakawan, api-api and like which serves as natural habitat and breeding ground of crustaceans and other marine organism.

Sapian is served by the NAPOCOR thru Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO Inc.) situated at Barangay Timpas, Panitan Capiz for power and electricification needs. It was established in 1976 and operated on the same year. Prior to the establishment of the Capelco, the municipal Government of Sapian had its own electric power supply, which serves only the Poblacion, for a reason that for its limited Capacity.

Now a day, 9 barangays were served by the Capelco which other baranggay got their electric power from Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco). December 1999 records shows that out of four thousand four hundred fifty (4450) households and establishments were served by the Capelco. The power line extension in the far-fling sitios of the barangays were finance by the municipal government of Sapian, through build operate transfer scheme of the Capiz Electric Cooperatives, to meet the power services back log.

For educational institutions, Sapian has II Elementary Schools, 2 National high schools and 3 Private kindergarten schools. Also in Sapian we have our health services, we have the Health Centers and 7 barangay health center.

In tourism, Sapian has its own way in contribution to the increase of market demand for tourism industry. It is the infusion of preserving and promoting natural beauties of the environment, culture, History and heritage, festivals and celebrations; and livelihood programs for maximum potential that with benefit not only the local government but the entire community of Sapian.

This municipality of coastal town in, it covers nine out of 10 barangays. Talaba and Tahong are very rich in production in this areas. Since Sapian is abundant with sea food products, it was initiative to the local government            Unit organize a Talahong festival every second Friday and second Saturday of May each year that promotes the local products as its best.

The Mangrove in Sapian Bay with an area of 4,500 hectares, and it spreads the long trench of rich and thick mangrove trees along the coastline and river banks. Approximately one hectare of mangrove tree produces up to 3.6 tons o9f liter fall annually; and one hectare of healthy mangrove ecosystem produces about 1.08 tons of fish per year. (Schatz 1991)

Some of the benefits of mangroves to human are clean water, fish, and shellfish, medicine, wood, honey, alcohol, shoreline, protection, research, education, biodiversity, recreation and tourism attraction. Sapian has its beautiful Historical Land Marks just like the Jose P. Rizal Park, Andres Bonifacio Monument, The Sapian Landmark, The Veterans Park and of course the Welcome Arch.

References:

Mr. Fredrick Oleo

Municipal Consultant Tourism and

Cultural affairs

Mr. Bassanio V. Topaz

Municipal Planning and Development

Coordinator

Mrs. Risil O. Luching

Municipal Treasurer