Official Description and meaning of the seal Under Mo. 16-01

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION AND MEANING OF THE SEAL UNDER MO 16-01

(Designed by Peter Marlon H. Exmundo based on the general specifications of Mayor Romualdo G. Exmundo, Jr., MD, with inputs from Nona G. Vista, Engr. Victorio Jimenez and Ma. Theresa G. Nepomuceno)

1. Mountain Ranges — The two twin-peak mountain ranges symbolizes the hinterlands and tropical forests of Tapaz and the location of Tapaz at the heart or center of Panay Island. 

2. River — the River at the center of the two mountain ranges symbolizes the three largest river systems in the Island of Panay that begins in Mt. Nacuron, in Brgy. Hilwan, a hinterland barangay of Tapaz. Panay River, a 152-kilometer long river feeds the 230,587-hectare Panay River System in the Province of Capiz, or almost 88% of the total land area of the province. Aklan River flows to the Province of Aklan and feeds the Aklan River System in the Province. Both rivers share the same stream in Mt. Nacuron. One of the major streams feeding the main stream feeding Jalaur River, which is located in Calinog, Iloilo, is located in Mt. Nacuron. Jalaur River, feeds the Jalaur River System in the Province of Iloilo.

3. Head of a Deer — The head of the Philippine Spotted Deer, a deer that is endemic in Western Visayas, particularly in the central region of Panay Island (but gradually becoming extinct and given by the DENR a conservation status of IUCN (EN)), with the scientific name of Cervus alfredi, has always been the unique symbol of Tapaz. Symbolizing the once rich fauna and wildlife of Tapaz, it also symbolizes the indigenous people and cultural heritage of Tapaz. The head has eight horns, four on each antler. Two of the horns, one on each antler, are small buds. In Chinese Astrology, the deer, being a swift and agile animal, symbolizes better economic growth and opportunities. The number eight symbolizes continuity and prosperity in the Chinese beliefs. The two small developing horns also symbolize growth. The seasonal shedding and regrowing of the antlers symbolize eternity and constant renewal of the municipality towards progress and development. The deer is facing east where the sun rises.

4. Branch of Leaves — The branch of leaves at the left mountain range symbolizes farming, the chief industry and source of income of Tapaz. As a branch of laurel leaves, it also symbolizes the dignified role of the farmers in our country and the excellent contributions of the Tapaznons in national and international development. 

5. The Morning Sun — The morning sun, which is placed at the center of the two mountain ranges, as it rises over the east to begin a new day with its seven rays symbolizing hope and faith for a better future. It also symbolizes our unity with our Filipino brothers and sisters, because the morning sun, which is notable in most Asian flags and seals, symbolizes the sun rising from the East. The number seven is also a mystical and lucky number in most cultures and beliefs. For the Jews, the number seven is the symbol of perfection, thus we have the seven cardinal virtues, the seven beatitudes and the seven habits of highly successful people. Its seven rays symbolize the seven cardinal virtues, and the seven beatitudes 

6. The Bird — the bird, specifically the dove, traditionally symbolizes The Holy Spirit. Love and bravery are traditionally symbolized by the color red. The red silhouette of the bird flying in the center of the morning sun symbolizes the spirit of bravery, peace and love living in every soul of each Tapaznon, nourished by the Holy Spirit. However, in the seal the bird is not just a dove but also a parrot or tikoy the official bird of the municipality (which is found in the hinterland of Tapaz and whose number is fast depleting). Its common name in English is “Blue Nape Parrot” and its scientific name is “Tanygnathus luzonensis”. It is placed in the center of the sun and the mountain peaks as a symbol of our unity as Tapaznons under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The bird is facing east where the sun rises. 

7. The Blue Background — The background, which is sky blue, symbolizes the clear sky over Tapaz. The color sky blue is usually attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, and as the color of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Province of Capiz. 

8. Stars — The circle of Fifty-eight six-point gold stars along the inner border of the seal symbolizes the component barangays of the municipality. The six-point star is also known as the Star of David and by its Jewish Name, Mogen David (Shield of David). Its use in the seal of the municipality is our affirmation of our Christian faith and heritage, considering that Jesus Christ belongs to the house of King David of Israel. The Star of David is also the symbol Judaism, the elder religious brother of Christianity. 

9. Captions — The seal is surrounded by the following captions: “SAGISAG NG MUNISIPYO NG TAPAZ” (color blue using Bangle as font) and “LALAWIGAN NG CAPIZ” (color red, using Bangle as font). The use of Tagalog or Filipino in the captions symbolizes the unity of the Tapaznons with the Filipino people. The blue and red colors of the captions are the two main colors of the Philippine flag and seal. 

10. Numbers — Dividing the two captions are the numbers “1874” and “2005” in gold or yellow orange color. 1874 was the year Tapaz was separated from Dumalag with the appointment of Don Pedro Gimeno as our first local chief executive, which is called at that time as Capitan Mayor, and Padre Jose Aparicio as our first parish priest; and 2005 was the year the new seal was adopted.