Casay

Casay is a barangay (village) in Anini-y, Antique, Philippines. It is located 10 kilometers east of Anini-y town.Located between the barangays of Mabuyong in the west and Iba and Casay Viejo (small Casay, former part of Casay but later it was separated and was recognized as a new barangay) in the northeast. At the east and south is the seashore overlooking the Negros Island, Sipalay and the vast Sulu Sea. And at the north is Igpalge and Igbarabatuan. Visitors from other provinces often mistook Casay for a town, when in fact it is just a barangay. Part of the reason is the unique beauty and location of the place. Indeed, Casay is a scenic place located between the Sulu sea and the mountains of southern Antique. A congressman once referred to Casay as a "showcase Barangay of Antique".

Name Origination

Casay took its name from a large number of trees that grew there which iscalled casay, though casay trees can now only be sparingly seen in the area.

Population

The people of Casay are called "Casaynons". They are mostly friendly, jolly, religious, and courteous, especially to visitors. The people are predominantly Catholics and are genuinely proud of their Catholic heritage. Among the various family clans populating Casay are the Auxilian, Gomez, Abiera, Navales and Diana clans. It is also home to the Clarito, Pandagani, Huele, Forcado, Roderos, Pahotahog, Guzman, Niego, Formarejo, Lacurom, Payofelin, Sadaya, Famarato, Valle, Senores, Osuyos, Cazenas, Bacugan, Erispe, Opleario clans and their extended families. Casay has a good number of professionals and OFW's (overseas Filipino workers) consisted mostly of seafarers, domestic helpers, carpenters, etc. Almost every household has a member who is an OFW. Literacy rate is high as Casay has an elementary school and a private (Catholic) high school. Most common industry is farming ang fishing, including milkfish fry-catching during summer.

Celebrations

Casay holds an annual fiesta for the patron saint, St. Therese of Avila on the 15th of October, but celebration starts on the 13th of October.

The Parish of Casay

The Parish of St. Therese of Avila was founded on 1901, by a Mill Hill missionary priest Fr. Antonio Smale (which died on the same year). Casay parish was the 2nd oldest parish that was established in the whole Panay island. It celebrated the 100th year as a parish on the 15th of May 2006.