This historical volume was commissioned by Central Philippine University in Iloilo, Philippines, as part of a national push in the post-war era to collect and reconstruct regional histories. It was spurred by a resurgence of Filipino nationalism that sought to ground the nation’s identity in its own historical traditions, moving beyond the often-biased accounts written by foreign chroniclers. The work provides a comprehensive history of Panay Island, which comprises the modern provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. The narrative begins with the island's geological and legendary origins, including the famous Maragtas account of the Malayan datus who settled the region. It explores the culture and social structure of the early settlers and covers the entire span of foreign domination, from the Spanish colonial period through the Philippine Revolution, the American regime, and the resistance against the Japanese occupation during World War II. It concludes by detailing Panay's political and socioeconomic landscape in the post-war era, reviewing its religious influences, literature, and the lives of its most prominent historical figures.
History of Panay