The “Dakong Lingganay” or Panay Bell, located in the belfry of Santa Monica Church in Panay, Capiz, is the largest bell in Southeast Asia, made in 1879 using gold and silver from the townspeople. Weighing over 10 metric tons and standing five feet tall, it was cast by Don Juan Reina and surrounded by nine smaller bells. It also carries a Spanish inscription, calling people to worship, and is still rung yearly on the church’s anniversary, its sound reaching up to 8 kilometers. The bell holds deep historical, spiritual, and social value, symbolizing the town’s faith and guiding daily life during the Spanish colonial period. It also stands out for its aesthetic and cultural importance, attracting tourists and showing the fine craftsmanship of its time. Despite its age, it remains mostly intact, though it faces threats like vandalism, earthquakes, and oxidation, and is now protected under Republic Act No. 10066.
Photo Credit/s:
Marc Leo Layson, 2024
Mappers:
Ronnel B. Bechayda, Paul Joseph B. Beloria, Prince Evan D. Dinero
Tags:
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