Panay Island

Geography of Panay

Panay is an island belonging to Western Visayas (Region VI) in central Philippines. It is divided into 4 provinces namely Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. Panay has a total land area of 11, 692.50 km².

Its boundaries are the Visayan Sea on the east, the Cuyo East Pass on the west, the Sibuyan sea and the province of Romblon on the north; Sulu Sea on the southwest and Guimaras Strait on the south.


The topography of Panay is characterized by relatively wide stretch of coastal lowlands with rugged hills and mountains on the interiors. There are no volcanos on Panay Island.

Climate of Panay

Panay has a diverse climate. The western half of Aklan, Iloilo and western tip of Capiz is characterized by two pronounced seasons: dry season from November to April and wet season during the rest of the year. In other areas of the island, the climate is characterized by seasons where maximum rain period are not pronounced and the dry season last only from one to three months. Rainfall patterns show a peak rainfall during month of September and lowest on March to April.

Agriculture on Panay

The productive agricultural land area in Panay totaled to 4,566.88 km² and the rest is grassland, woodland, wetland and mountains. The island produces muscovado, coconut, banana, fruits, root crops and vegetables. Panay is being considered as the second largest rice producing region in the Philippines.

Fishing in and around Panay

Panay has a long stretch coastline that covers 52 municipalities & barangays that offer wealth that support diversity of marine life in terms of fish species, coral reefs and mangrove areas. For inland fishery, a vast resource includes of 881 rivers, 27 lakes and 42 lagoons which are available for direct fishing and cultural purposes. A large scale government program restores the damaged coral reefs (dynamite and cyanid fishing). First results can be seen off the cost of Aklan

Industries on Panay

The major economic industries in Panay are farming, rice and corn milling, moscuvado production, fishing, mining and trading. Other important industries are livestock and poultry raising and cottage industries such as rattan craft, food preservation, and confectionery manufacturing. The island has also a competitive advantage in the production of sea weeds, pineapples, mangoes and cashew.

Facilities on Panay

The road network of Panay is almost 2000 kilometers. Iloilo has the longest stretch of paved roads. Panay has several sea ports and airports for both water and air travel. Telephone, cellphone and Internet services are available in most areas. Electricity and water supply are widely available. Fresh water is limited to cities and bigger municipalities.

People and Culture on Panay

In 2000 census, people of Panay have reached 3,501,560. The population increased by 6% from 1995.

There are three major dialects in Panay – Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon and Akeanon. Kinaray-a is the widely spoken dialect by the people of Antique, most parts of Iloilo and Capiz. Hiligaynon is spoken mainly in Iloilo urban areas and Capiz while Akeanon (Aklanon) is spoken in Aklan.

Seven other minor dialects is also known namely Ati spoken by the Ati or Aeta, Sulodnon by the Tumandok in Capiz and Antique, Caluyanon, Ragatnon, Cuyunin, Malaynon and Onkan is also spoken in some of the towns and islets of Panay.