It holds the distinction of being the only component city in the province of Iloilo, and ranks as the largest in terms of land area and income, and second only to Oton in population size.
Construction was completed during Padre Pedro Ceberio's tenure, with Salvador “Badong” Panes Perfecto serving as the town's Captain at the time.
According to popular legend, Spanish conquistadors stumbled on a small hut by the river's bank where an old woman was found winnowing pounded rice.
The city is geographically bordered by San Enrique to the north, Dumarao in Capiz to the south, Calinog to the east, and Lemery to the west.
Additionally, other Christian sects present in Passi City include the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Jehovah's Witnesses.
The city's economy relies heavily on agriculture, with a diverse range of crops including rice, corn, vegetables, coconut, sugarcane, and pineapple.
Notably, Passi City has been a major pineapple producer for years and has also been recognized for its involvement in other industries such as fruit processing, wallboard production, metalworking, and cut-flower propagation.
Locally made products like pineapple wine, jam, and fruit preserves have gained recognition through participation in various trade fairs and exhibitions, including the annual Fiesta in the City celebration in May, TUMANDOK in September, and WOW Philippines: the Best of the Region.
Passi possesses favorable physical resources, including fertile soil along rolling hills and narrow valley plains, abundant surface and groundwater, and a climate without distinct dry and wet seasons.
[clarification needed] Attractions in Passi City encompass a variety of sites, including extensive pineapple plantations, cock farms, the Baroque Church of Saint William the Hermit, the historic Muscovado Chimney, the Chameleon Butterfly Garden, the Amorotic caves of Barangay Magdungao, scenic highway vistas offering captivating sunset views, and the aging Railway Bridge spanning the Jalaur River, which warrants preservation efforts and attention.
The Pintados de Pasi Festival, inaugurated in March 1998 to commemorate Passi City's attainment of cityhood, stands as a significant cultural celebration in the heart of Iloilo province.
The festival draws large crowds, with its highlight being theatrical street dancing performances characterized by vigorous and dynamic movements.
Participants adorned in traditional body tattoos, featuring intricate geometrical designs, depict ancestral narratives that showcase the area's heritage and way of life.
Sustaining such a festival relies heavily on historical and cultural sources, which serve as foundational materials preserving the authenticity and significance of the event.
The refinement of the pintado tradition elevated tattooing to an art form, characterized by meticulous order, symmetry, and coordination, eliciting admiration from observers.
[citation needed] The city hosts Christmas events annually from the middle of December until the first Sunday of January at Plaza Paloma.
The festivities typically commence with a grand fireworks display on the opening day, followed by the illumination of lights and the setup of food stalls.
[citation needed] Passi City celebrates the feast of its patron saint, San Guillermo de Ermita (St. William the Hermit), on February 10, accompanied by the coronation of the fiesta queen.
Street parades are held in the mornings, while nightly programs sponsored by various institutions take place in the plaza, followed by dancing.
Carnivals and rides are set up in the plaza for public enjoyment, and small kiosk stores offer a variety of items such as clothing, jewelry, and home decor.
Passi was discovered and established as a mission parish by Spanish explorers in 1584, under the patronage of St. William of Maleval, whose feast is celebrated annually on February 10.
Construction was completed during Padre Pedro Ceberio's tenure, with Salvador “Badong” Panes Perfecto serving as the town's Captain at the time.
The residents of Passi, under the leadership of Captain Badong Perfecto, strongly objected to this, leading to Padre Joaquin's removal from his position not long after.
Spanish-built houses were engulfed in flames, set ablaze by guerrillas, resulting in the town being left vacant for the occupying Japanese forces.
The present church, featuring steel trusses, washed walls, benches, and a new permanent belfry, was constructed along with the demolition of the old parish convent, Assumption School, and former Social Hall under the direction of Msgr.
The restoration included ornate granite flooring, an echo-proof ceiling, decorative stained glass, a large steel door at the main entrance, and modern lighting.
Additionally, on the Eastern side, features such as Avenida de la Virgin Maria, the Adoration Chapel, a parking area, and a large relief map of Passi City can be observed.
On October 26, 2010, the Church of St. William of Maleval observed its Solemn Dedication, an annual event commemorated by the Parishioners to reflect on the abundant grace bestowed upon the Christian Community of Passi.
[21] The city has a strong history in sports and is committed to become the 'Sports Capital of the Western Visayas' by 2028 with a view to diversify from its agro-industrial credentials and enhance the local economy with events and tourism.
[22] The complex will feature a rubberized oval, an improved grandstand, perimeter fencing, and provisions for a future Olympic-sized swimming pool.