Dumalag, one of the central towns in the province of Capiz. Located by the slopes of several mountain on hilly but fertile land irrigated by the Panay and Malisbug rivers and other rivulets. Bounded by Dao, Dumarao, Cuartero, Calinog and Tapaz. It was founded by the Augustinians in 1590, formerly known as “ayombon”. But in 1613 the original name was replaced with Dumalag.
Several folklore have been counted on how the town came to be called. One version attributed to the “dumalaga” or “Spring Chicken” where could have been abundance during the spaniards arrival. Another legends attribute to one of its Patron Saint MArtin of Tours, who imprinted his images and that of his horse against the stiff, rocky white wall of Mt. Panginraon after routing the “pulahan” . And last, when spaniards came , the women laundering in the river were asked the name of the town. The question was about the yellow fallen leaves of a tree floating on the river, the answered was “dalag” meaning “yellow” thus the name Dumalag came. In terms of transportation, bus or jeepney, has approximately one hour and thirty minutes drive and run 45 kms. distance from Roxas City. It is practically two to three half hours from Kalibo and two hours from IloIlo City by the same means of transportation.
The second biggest church in Capiz was founded in 1590 under the advocation of Saint Martin Bishop of Tours. The churh, made of yellow sand stone, is 70 m and 18 m wide. It has two doors at the side and one in front, six arched windows between columns reaching up to the roof which is suported by massive buttresses.It has five bells brought in 1881 by Fr. Lesmes Perez.
The leading natural attraction of Dumalag is the Suhot Springs and caves being marked by the towering Panginraon range. It is located about one and a half kilometer distance from the town center. The natural bridge and the famed caves of Suhot lead into minimally explored caverns which are claimed to strech neighboring municiplaity. The many chambers of the Suhot caves are grown over with stalactites and stalagmites of considerables size and lengts. At the mouth of the caves, near the natural bridge, is a spring with surfurous, salty water that is considered by the local folks as healthy for bathing. In more recent years, Suhot Spring and caves have become a favorite destination for people coming from other places that visiting Dumalag.
