ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) -- The local parish of the centuries-old Sta. Monica Church in Panay town led the ringing, before dawn of Dec. 21, of the Panay Bell or the "Dakung Lingganay," which is recognized as the Biggest Catholic Church Bell in Southeast Asia.

This is to commemorate the Panay Bell's 144th anniversary.

"Joined and witnessed by the townsfolk of Panay town and other church-goers, the bell was rung 144 times - symbolic of the years since it was cast in the 19th century from the 70 sacks of gold and silver coins collected from its townsfolk," said part the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) social media post.

the  other of the town of Panay, so that the faithful followers of Christ may come to this house of God to receive the heavenly graces.”

Reportedly, the bell can be heard from eight kilometers distance when it was rung in the earlier days.

The Sta. Monica Church that houses the Panay Bell is declared a National Historical Landmark by then National Historical Institute now National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). (JBG/AAL/PIA Capiz/PTCAO)