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Tapaz, Capiz (Paper)

Tapaz is a 1st class municipality located in Capiz province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It has a population of 47,059 people distributed across 58 barangays. The economy relies on agriculture including crops like cassava, banana, and rice as well as abaca and coconut production. Tourism is also important due to natural attractions like rivers and falls. Politically, the Gardose family has dominated local politics for many years, with Rose Gardose currently serving as mayor. Culturally, festivals like Patabang and traditions like dances like Binanog help preserve the culture of the native populations. Life in rural barangays differs from the municipal center, with less emphasis on education and more focus
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
3K views9 pages

Tapaz, Capiz (Paper)

Tapaz is a 1st class municipality located in Capiz province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It has a population of 47,059 people distributed across 58 barangays. The economy relies on agriculture including crops like cassava, banana, and rice as well as abaca and coconut production. Tourism is also important due to natural attractions like rivers and falls. Politically, the Gardose family has dominated local politics for many years, with Rose Gardose currently serving as mayor. Culturally, festivals like Patabang and traditions like dances like Binanog help preserve the culture of the native populations. Life in rural barangays differs from the municipal center, with less emphasis on education and more focus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tapaz, Capiz

Submitted by:
Diestro, Tanya
Guyod, Maria Louisa Belle
Pacheco, Diadem Anne
Quirao, Roevel Paul

March 7, 2014

Submitted to:
Prof. Cristabel Parcon
Socio 114 Philippine Social Institutions
Instructor

DEMOGRAPHY OF TAPAZ, CAPIZ

Capiz is one of the four provinces of Panay Island in Western Visayas and it is well known to be
the seafood capital of the Philippines. It is located 375 miles southwest of Manila, 136 kilometers
northwest of Iloilo City and 86 kilometers east of Kalibo, Aklan, once a part of the early Malay settlement
known as Aklan. Capiz is composed of 16 municipalities, 1 component city (Roxas City), and 473
barangays. The 16 municipalities is divided into two districts. The first district includes Panay,
Pontevedra, Panitan, Maayon, President Roxas, and Pilar. The second district, on the other hand, includes
Ivisan, Sigma, Mambusao, Sapian, Jamindan, Tapaz, Dumalag, Dumarao, Cuartero, and Dao.
Tapaz is one of the many municipalities in the province of Capiz in Region VI Western
Visayas. Tapaz belongs in the second district and is seated about 42 kilometers southwest of Roxas City
and about 450 km southeast of Manila. By the end of 2007, Tapaz was the home of 47, 059 residents. It is
marked as a 1st class municipality and is classified as partly urban. Tapaz occupies an area of 517.18 km2.
Tapaz is politically subdivided into 58 barangays, which are: Abangay, Acua, Agcococ, Aglinab,
Aglupacan, Agpalali, Apero, Artuz, Bag-Ong Barrio, Bato-bato, Buri, Camburanan, Candelaria, Caria,
Cristina, Da-an Banwa, Da-an Norte, Da-an Sur, Garcia, Gebio-an, Hilwan, Initan, Katipunan,
Lagdungan, Lahug, Libertad, Mabini, Maliao, Malitbog, Minan, Nayawan, Poblacion, Rizal Norte, Rizal
Sur, Roosevelt, Roxas, Salong, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose, San Julian, San Miguel Ilawod,
San Miguel Ilaya, San Nicolas, San Pedro, San Roque, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Santa Petronila, Senonod,
Siya, Switch, Tabon, Tacayan, Taft, Taganghin, Taslan, and Wright.

Tapaz celebrates Patabang Festival every September 21-30 wherein participating groups join in
the celebration resulting into a contest complete with costumes and musical instruments particularly
drums. Sirinadya sa Tapaz became a yearly celebration centered on the Bayanihan Spirit called
Patabang. As the celebration prospered, schools began to participate, adding colour and excitement to
the event.

HISTORY
Tapaz was founded in 1835 but it continued being a part of Dumalag for many years. In 1862 and
1863, two letters were made to declare parish under the patronage of St. Jerome. Governor General
Lemery signed both, but they were never executed. In 1874, Jaro Bishop, Mariano Cuartero, finally
declared Tapaz an independent parish.

The populace of the Barangays, mentioned in the demography, claim that they were established
long before the municipality of Tapaz, but the political boundary was unknown. Jamindan is not
contesting the area, instead they claim the area due to establishment of political boundary on the map,
even in the absence of the technical description. The municipality of Tapaz is contesting the area of
8,025.88 hectares more or less with the municipality of Jamindan and this dispute was already sent to the
Regional and Center Office of the DENR for proper action and assistance to the LGUs concerned.

ECONOMY

We are all aware that Capiz in general is a coastal province best known for its seafood all
over the country. It is considered as the seafood capital of the Philippines but not all
municipalities in Capiz rely their living on seafood industry. Municipality like Tapaz is away
from coastal lines therefore one of their livelihood is farming and tourism.
Recently Agriculture Secretary Proseso Alcala of Capiz Department of Agriculture lead
the symbolic turnover of the tramline project that will facilitate the fast, easy and cheap transport
of produce from farms on the mountains of Tapaz to the nearest road to the poblacion. This
agricultural project will be expected to serve about 150 hectares of agricultural area in Brgy.
Daan Sur and Daan Norte in Tapaz planted with cassava, camote, banana, special rice (aromatic)
and other high value commercial crops. According to the secretary this tramline will also be one
of the livelihood and income-generating project of the municipality of Tapaz wherein they will
implement an ordinance regarding the per kilo of crops will be charged in the transportation of
the products.
Government is doing something to help the people of Tapaz especially the Indigenous
People of the municipality. Last year, around the month of September 2013 the Department of
Labor and employment released a P950, 000 livelihood grant to 321 IPs of Tapaz, Capiz. This

livelihood is about Abaca Production Project that aims to develop the existing abaca production
in Barangays Hilwan and Maliao which were identified by the Fiber Industry Development
Authority as major abaca-producing barangays in Capiz, as well as to enhance the lives of the
indigenous people in these areas.
Since the land of Tapaz, Capiz is rich and favour for agriculture, the Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA), provincial government of Capiz, and the local government unit (LGU) of
Tapaz also took part in helping the economy of the said municipality. They handed over 12,400
seed nuts to the farmers that will help in their livelihood. Not only is their agriculture rich but
also their tourism that calls many tourists attention because of its closure to nature. There are lots
of dams, falls and rivers that surround the municipality and continuous to amaze the tourists and
even the locals. Tourism of Tapaz, Capiz will be further discussed in later portion.

POLITICS
The reigning names in Tapaz, Capizs politics are the family of Gardose and Exmundo. It
is subdivided into 58 barangays and Hon. Rose Gardose is the reigning mayor of the
municipality defeating Boy Exmundo.
Here is the result of the last years election.
Mayor
GARDOSE, ROSE

NUP

9,972

EXMUNDO, BOY

LP

6,464

Vice-Mayor
GARDOSE, BOB

LP

8,398

GIMENO, NET

NUP

7,395

Member, Sangguniang Bayan - Lone Dist


GABUCAY, INDAY

NUP

9,428

FARINAS, IBONG

NUP

8,803

GARDOSE, MA. FE

LP

8,251

GLORIA, TOTO ARTHUR

NUP

7,995

GLUMALID, MEDYO

LP

7,827

PIO, ENAN

LP

7,640

FALSIS, RUSKIN

NUP

7,333

BELLO, TATA

NUP

7,050

GARBO, TEOD

NUP

6,245

JIMENEZ, BONG BONG

LP

6,225

GADONG, LORETO

LP

6,218

GIMENO, JOEMARIE

NUP

5,419

GIALOGO, EDGARDO

LP

5,150

GERVERO, SANDRA

LP

4,604

CARTAGENA, RODEL

NUP

2,949

Source: Comelec Rappler Mirror Server

On the other hand let us take a look at the set of elected officials of Tapaz for the term of
2010-2013 in Table 1. It can be observed that there is a family dynasty that is taking over in
Tapaz. The Gardose family is the one dominating in the politics of the municipality.
Mayor of Tapaz: Rosemarie Fecara Gardose
Vice-Mayor of Tapaz: Bob Galicto Gardose
Councilors of Tapaz:
Arturo Palomar Gloria II
Ruskin Bias Falsis
Ma. Jeala Gicole Gimeno
Teodulfo Garde Garbo
James Ganzon Glumalid
Karen Artuz Palomar
Diosdedit Gallenero Jimenez Jr.
Jelly Gano Farinas

Table 1 - Tapaz Officials 2010-2013

ARTS AND CULTURE

The barangay of Tapaz has strange practices that tackled on the mystical. They kept their
most beautiful female offspring hidden from sunlight until the day of her betrothal. Folks
believed that this will give her the magical powers of a babaylan. Whenever planting season
arrives, the young sunlight-deprived lady is taken out to dance and chant in the fields under the
moonlight. They believe that it will ensure an abundant harvest. The entire tribe became known
for this practice of hiding their beautiful females from sunlight, locally known as 'bukot', and
hence, the word 'binukot' which means 'to hide' or to 'keep'. This epic is reenacted by a dancedrama portrayed by selected individuals in school events and cultural heritage appreciation
events.
Tapaz also showcases their native dance. Binanog is a courthisp dance of the mountain
tribes. They are the vanishing remnants of pre-Malayan Indonesian immigrants to Panay. This is
performed by the local tribe and its choreography is patterned after a bird, Banog or a hawk.
Today, they still perform this dance to the tune of their very own musical instruments like the
agong or gong, the tambur or a drum made of deerskin, and the subing which resembles a
bamboo wind instrument. The original choreography arranged around ancient Indonesian fertility
rites is retained.
The barangay celebrates their version of Ati-atihan. They call it Sirinadya sa Tapaz and
it has become a yearly celebration. The festival is centered on the Bayanihan Spirit they call
patabang (cooperation). Schools participated in tribal dance competitions to increase the
festivity spirit and excitement of Tapaznon. The tribal dance usually re-enacts the life and
struggles of the Sulodnon and how they refused to submit to Spanish authorities.
They used to celebrate May flower festival but it was removed in 2012 by Archbishop
Jose F. Advincola. It was removed because it was held simultaneously with Flores de Mayo. He
was insulted that the organizers still pursued to hold the event even they knew it would create a
conflict with the celebration of Flores de Mayo.
The people of the interior most town of Tapaz, Capiz, home of the mountain people,
speak Kinaray-a with the few older folks retaining some Ligbok words.

LIFE IN TAPAZ

Life in Tapaz is not really the typical rural lifestyle. In the poblacion, people go to work
in the municipal hall and children go to school, this also the same as in the barangays near the
poblacion. In the far flung barrios however as in the mountainous barangays, life basically is the
usual way of life depicted in movies and/or documentaries. People in these barangays do not
place much importance on education, firstly, because they are far from good schools and that
they would rather have their children work.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Tapaz is also known for its closeness to nature. Local and non-local tourists come and go
to relax, find adventure and peace of mind. Tapaz is best known to its Marugo Dam Resort and
Pangilatan Falls.

Marugo Dam Resort

Marugo Dam Resort located just three kilometers away from the town proper of Tapaz. It is
a lake known as Marugo and this is actually a dam. This dam was created last September 2008
and it has a peaceful ambiance and a picturesque green hilly mountain of Tapaz, Capiz. It is
owned and managed by Mr. Roberto Palomar.
The floating nipa cottage that can accommodate up to 15 persons are one the main reasons
why people keep coming back. You could find time for yourself, family and friends to relax and
enjoy the beauty of nature. The place is breath-taking with its enticing beauty and the travel is
worth it especially when you get to submerge yourself in a pool at the top of the mountain
viewing the whole scenery of the place.

Pangilatan Falls Ecotourism Park

The best waterfalls in Western Visayas can be found in Tapaz, Capiz and it t is known as the
Pangilatan Falls Ecotourism Park.
The Pangilatan Waterfalls Ecotourism Park is composed of a main waterfalls which has a
water drop off of about 81 ft., countless mini-falls whose water drop offs are between less than a
foot to as high as 7 ft., the total length of which is at least 3.5 kms and could go as far as 8 kms
and a viewing area on the highest point of Barangay Artuz. From here, one could see the rolling
hills and mountains of Tapaz and neighboring towns as far as Calinog, Iloilo in the south and
Libacao, Aklan in the north.
Residents used to call it Pangilat-kilatan based on the Visayan root word kilat, which
means lightning. It is said that lightning used to strike the place whenever somebody tries to fish
in the falls even during summer of sunny days. The name was later modified to Pangilatan.
The Park has several cottages which visitors could rent during their stay. Visitors could tour
the Park by following the trails and hanging bridges, or simply frolic along the streams and enjoy
their cool and soothing caress. Everyone could also enjoy horseback riding and should not miss
the main falls with its 81-foot water drop by going down through a 140-step stairway.

HOW TO GET THERE

Ungka Terminal serves jeepneys and commuter vans bound for Central Iloilo towns and
Tapaz, Capiz. The terminal is located at the boundary of Jaro, Iloilo City and Pavia town.
To get to Ungka Terminal, ride a Jaro CPU Ungka from Jaro Plaza or along Iznart Street in
downtown Iloilo City.

Travel from Iloilo City to Tapaz


You travel a distance of 74 Km travelled in 1 day(s).
You spend a total of 67 Minutes - 1 hour(s) 7 minutes(s) travelling in 1 day(s).
Day 1
(74 Km)

Day's Travel Plan: Iloilo City --> Tapaz

Travelled Distance: 74 Km
Time spent in Traveling: 67 Minutes - 1 hour(s) 7 minutes(s)
* The above is an approximate. Current Road Conditions, Weather, Traffic, Time of day, Other
local factors, etc. might affect travel plans.

Sources:

Bigcas, V. (2013). Tapaz Farmers To Get Tramline Project. My Capiz Gazette. Retrieved from
[Link] on
March 4, 2014.
[Link]
Retrieved on March 4, 2014.
[Link]
Retrieved on March 4, 2014.
[Link]
Retrieved on March 4, 2014.
[Link]
Retrieved on March 4, 2014.

Common questions

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Tapaz is known for its picturesque natural attractions such as the Marugo Dam Resort and the Pangilatan Falls Ecotourism Park. These attractions offer breathtaking views and various recreational activities, drawing tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. Marugo Dam Resort, with its unique floating nipa cottages, provides a tranquil escape, while the Pangilatan Falls features a variety of waterfalls and scenic trails. These sites contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists, boosting hospitality and related sectors, and promoting sustainable tourism development while preserving natural resources .

The practice of 'bukot' in Tapaz, where young girls are kept from sunlight until their betrothal, serves as a cultural rite intended to confer mystical qualities associated with the 'babaylan.' This practice indicates a cultural framework where women are ascribed special roles tied to spirituality and fertility but also suggests a form of control and preservation tied to gender roles. It reflects the historical and ritual importance of women while also embodying patriarchal elements that dictate female behavior and autonomy, revealing complex interactions between tradition, gender, and societal expectations .

Unlike other coastal municipalities in Capiz that rely heavily on the seafood industry, Tapaz is more focused on agriculture due to its location away from the coast. The primary economic activities in Tapaz include farming and tourism. The municipality benefits from projects like the tramline project, which aids in the transport of agricultural produce from mountain farms to markets, and the Abaca Production Project, which supports indigenous people's livelihood. Additionally, Tapaz has a rich agricultural landscape favored for various crops like cassava, camote, banana, and special rice. The local government also supports coconut farming by distributing seed nuts to farmers .

The Abaca Production Project is pivotal for community development among Indigenous Peoples in Tapaz, providing both economic and social benefits. By leveraging local resources like abaca and enhancing agricultural techniques, the project boosts income levels and economic stability for Indigenous households. It promotes sustainable practices and strengthens cultural ties as traditional skills are preserved and utilized. Such projects foster self-sufficiency and resilience, encouraging community empowerment and participation in local and regional economies, contributing positively to the overall development of the indigenous communities involved .

Cultural events like the 'Binanog' dance in Tapaz play a crucial role in reinforcing historical identity and community coherence. This dance connects current inhabitants to their pre-Malayan Indonesian heritage, preserving ancient traditions. By mimicking the movements of a hawk and incorporating traditional music, the 'Binanog' dance evokes a shared understanding of historical narratives linked to fertility rites and local folklore. It strengthens cultural bonds among community members and ensures the transmission of these cultural narratives to future generations, supporting a cohesive community identity rooted in shared history .

The 'Sirinadya sa Tapaz' festival is deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Tapaz, highlighting the Bayanihan Spirit or 'patabang,' which signifies cooperation. This festival involves tribal dances that reenact the life and resistance of the Sulodnon people against Spanish colonial forces, reinforcing a sense of cultural pride and historical awareness among Tapaznon. By including local schools in the festival, it fosters community participation and keeps the traditions alive for future generations. It reflects the communal values and the collective ancestral heritage of the residents, thereby playing a crucial role in the cultural identity of Tapaz .

Tapaz has several unique cultural practices, notably the tradition of 'binukot,' where the most beautiful female offspring are kept hidden from sunlight until their betrothal. This tradition is believed to grant them magical powers and is historically significant as it connects to ancient Indonesian fertility rites. Additionally, the 'Binanog' dance, a courtship dance mimicking the movements of a hawk, reflects the cultural heritage of pre-Malayan Indonesian immigrants to Panay. These practices, along with the annual 'Sirinadya sa Tapaz' festival, celebrate the Bayanihan Spirit and reinforce the cultural identity of the Tapaz people while providing continuity of their historical roots .

Political boundary disputes, such as the one between Tapaz and Jamindan over 8,025.88 hectares, can pose significant challenges to local governance. Such disputes can lead to administrative complications, hinder effective resource management, and strain relationships between neighboring municipalities. They may also affect development projects and alter jurisdictional responsibilities. The involvement of the DENR to mediate the dispute highlights the complexity and importance of resolving such issues to ensure effective governance and cooperative development efforts across municipalities .

The political scene in Tapaz, Capiz is dominated by the Gardose and Exmundo families. Mayor Rose Gardose leads the municipality, supported by other family members holding significant political positions, indicating a form of political dynasty. The results of the elections showcase the dominance of the Gardose family in local politics, as evidenced by the election of Rose Gardose as mayor and Bob Gardose as vice mayor. This dominance is indicative of political continuity and potential influence wielded by select families, a common characteristic of political dynasties in local Philippine politics .

The Department of Agriculture plays a significant role in supporting the agricultural sector in Tapaz. One notable initiative is the tramline project, which enhances the transportation of farm produce from mountainous areas to markets, benefiting around 150 hectares of agricultural land. This infrastructure project aims to boost local agriculture by facilitating easier access to markets, reducing transportation costs, and supporting economic growth. Additionally, the department collaborates with local government units to distribute resources such as seed nuts, enhancing farming capacity and supporting the livelihoods of residents, particularly indigenous communities .

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