Three former Capiz governors present at Capiztahan 2026 opening

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Three former governors of Capiz were present during the opening of Capiztahan 2026 on Monday morning in front of the under-construction provincial capitol in Pueblo de Panay here.

Led by incumbent Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro, the presence of former governors Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras, former Pontevedra Mayor and Gov. Esteban “Dodoy” Contreras, and former Panay Mayor and Gov. Vicente Bermejo drew mixed reactions from netizens.

Castro said the presence of the former provincial leaders is a sign of political unity for the good of the province.

Others, however, dismissed it as a mere show or “pakita lamang” ahead of the coming election season.

Nonoy Contreras was defeated twice by Castro in the past two gubernatorial elections.

Almost all municipal mayors, including Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, were present.

There were reports that Castro and Dadivas had not been on good terms in recent months, but the city mayor’s presence suggested otherwise.

Also present were 1st District Rep. Howard Guintu and 2nd District Rep. Jane Castro.

The 2026 Capiztahan Festival runs from April 13 to 19, marking the 125th founding anniversary of the province’s civil government.

The weeklong celebration includes the Maragtas Street Food Market, cultural shows, Sine Maragtas, traditional games known as Hinampang, and the Saot Capiz Folk Dance Competition.