Aklan

Aklan (Akean) (Aklanon pronunciation: [ak'ɣan]) (Akeanon: Probinsya it Akean; Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Aklan) is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the southwest, and Capiz to the east. Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon province to the north.

This article is about the Philippine province. For other uses, see Aklan (disambiguation).
Aklan
Province
Province of Aklan
Aklan Provincial Capitol
Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Oldest Province in the Philippines
Motto(s): 
"Arangkada, Aklan"
Anthem: "Aklan Hymn"
Location in the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Coordinates: 11°40′N 122°20′E
CountryPhilippines
RegionWestern Visayas (Region VI)
Founded25 April 1956
CapitalKalibo
Government
 • TypeSangguniang Panlalawigan
 • GovernorFlorencio T. Miraflores (PDP-LABAN)
 • Vice GovernorReynaldo M. Quimpo (Nacionalista)
Area
 • Total1,821.42 km2 (703.25 sq mi)
Area rank64th out of 81
Highest elevation
(Mount Nausang)
1,650 m (5,410 ft)
Population
 (2015 census)[2]
 • Total574,823
 • Rank53rd out of 81
 • Density320/km2 (820/sq mi)
 • Density rank23rd out of 81
Divisions
 • Independent cities0
 • Component cities0
 • Municipalities
 • Barangays327
 • Districts1st and 2nd Districts of Aklan
Time zoneUTC+8 (PHT)
ZIP Code
5600–5616
IDD : area code +63 (0)36
ISO 3166 codePH
Spoken languages
Websitewww.aklan.gov.ph

History

Aklan is believed to have been settled in the 12th century by settlers from Borneo, ruled by the chieftain Datu Dinagandan which traded with its neighbouring islands. Aklan then became a part of the Kedatuan of Madja-as.

Towards the end of the 14th century, Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from what is now Batan. In 1433, Datu Kalantiaw's grandson and successor, Datu Kalantiaw III, was said by Jose Marcos to have formulated a set of laws known today as the Code of Kalantiaw. Well respected scholarly long-term Philippine resident historian William Henry Scott, proved these "laws" to be a total fabrication.[3][4][5][6] In 1437, the short-lived dynasty of Datu Kalantiaw ended when Datu Kalantiaw III was killed in battle with the tribes of Datu Manduyog, the legitimate successor of Datu Dinagandan. When Datu Manduyog became the new chieftain, he moved the capital to Bakan (now known as Banga).

Several datus succeeded Datu Manduyog until the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi landed in Batan in 1565 and claimed the island for Spain, in early Spanish accounts it was called El Río de Aclán. Datu Kabanyag was the chieftain at that period and had his capital in Libacao.

In 1942, the Japanese invaded Aklan during World War II and in 1945, combined Filipino and American army along with Aklanon guerrillas liberated Aklan during the war in the Pacific.

Aklan became an independent province through Republic Act No. 1414 signed by Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, separating Aklan from Capiz.[7] The original towns were Altavas, Balete, Batan, Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Malay, Makato, Malinao, Nabas, New Washington, Numancia, and Tangalan, then all part of the province of Capiz. The province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956. José Raz Menez was appointed the first governor of Aklan by President Magsaysay and he served until December 30, 1959. In 1960, Godofredo P. Ramos became the first elected governor but upon resigning to run for Congress he was succeeded by the vice governor, Virgilio S. Patricio. In 1964, José B. Legaspi succeeded Patricio and he held office for two consecutive terms from 1964 to 1971.

A view of Aklan River

Geography

Aklan occupies the northern third of the island of Panay and is bordered by the provinces of Capiz from the southeast and Antique from the southwest. It also faces the Sibuyan Sea from the north. The province covers a total area of 1,821.42 square kilometres (703.25 sq mi)[8], and includes the island of Boracay which is located at its northwestern tip. Mount Nausang, is the highest point in the province, standing at 5,410 ft. ( 1,650 m ) above sea level. Aklan River, is the longest river in the province with 71 km ( 44 mi ) long.

The province features high geographic diversity, ranging from white sandy beaches, mangroves and mountainous landscapes. Situated within the province is the river Akean, which appears unique due to its "boiling or frothing" appearance.

Administrative divisions

Aklan is comprised of 17 municipalities.[8] The province is divided into 2 legislative districts for congressional representation.[8]

Political map of Aklan
Municipality[lower-roman 1] Population ±% p.a. Area[8] Density (2015) Barangay
(2015)[2] (2010)[9] km2 sq mi /km2 /sq mi
Altavas 4.3%24,619 23,919 +0.55% 109.05 42.10 230 600 14
Balete 5.0%28,920 27,197 +1.18% 118.93 45.92 240 620 10
Banga 6.9%39,505 38,063 +0.71% 84.53 32.64 470 1,200 30
Batan 5.6%32,032 30,312 +1.06% 79.22 30.59 400 1,000 20
Buruanga 3.3%19,003 16,962 +2.19% 88.50 34.17 210 540 15
Ibajay 8.6%49,564 45,279 +1.74% 158.90 61.35 310 800 35
Kalibo † 14.0%80,605 74,619 +1.48% 50.75 19.59 1,600 4,100 16
Lezo 2.6%15,224 14,518 +0.91% 23.40 9.03 650 1,700 12
Libacao 4.9%28,241 28,005 +0.16% 254.98 98.45 110 280 24
Madalag 3.2%18,389 18,168 +0.23% 269.60 104.09 68 180 25
Makato 4.7%27,262 25,461 +1.31% 64.60 24.94 420 1,100 18
Malay 9.2%52,973 45,811 +2.80% 66.01 25.49 800 2,100 17
Malinao 4.0%23,194 24,108 −0.73% 186.01 71.82 120 310 23
Nabas 6.3%36,435 31,052 +3.09% 96.82 37.38 380 980 20
New Washington 7.8%45,007 42,112 +1.27% 66.69 25.75 670 1,700 16
Numancia 5.6%31,934 29,862 +1.29% 28.84 11.14 1,100 2,800 17
Tangalan 3.8%21,916 20,277 +1.49% 74.59 28.80 290 750 15
Total 574,823 535,725 +1.35% 1,821.42 703.25 320 830 327
 †  Provincial capital      Municipality
  1. The globe  icon marks the town center.

Government Officials (Elected)

Member of the House of Representative

Representative, 1st District of Aklan:

Hon. Carlito S. Marquez

Representative, 2nd District of Aklan:

Hon. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr.


Governor: Florencio T. Miraflores

Vice Governor: Atty. Reynaldo M. Quimpo


Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members

1st District:

  1. Hon. Nemesio P. Neron
  2. Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz
  3. Hon. Juris B. Sucro
  4. Hon. Harry C. Sucgang
  5. Hon. Immanuel L. Sodusta

2nd District:

  1. Hon. Jose Miguel M. Miraflores
  2. Hon. Jay E. Tejada
  3. Hon. Esel L. Flores
  4. Hon. Nelson T. Santamaria
  5. Hon. Ramon S. Gelito

PCL President: (Philippine Councilors League)

Hon. Teddy C. Tupas

ABC President: (Association of Barangay Captains)

Hon. Ciriaco T. Feliciano

SK Provincial Federation Chairman:

Hon. Blessie D. Jizmundo

Demographics
Population census of
Aklan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 380,497—    
1995 410,539+1.43%
2000 451,314+2.05%
2007 495,122+1.29%
2010 535,725+2.91%
2015 574,823+1.35%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[2][9][9]

The population of Aklan in the 2015 census was 574,823 people,[2] with a density of 320 inhabitants per square kilometre or 830 inhabitants per square mile.

Ethnic groups

The main inhabitants of the province are the Aklanon, who are part of the Visayan ethnic group. Other inhabitants include the Negrito, locally known as the Ati and the Sulod, a lesser known tribal group living in the hinterlands of Panay. Other Visayans also present are the Hiligaynon, Karay-a, and Capiznon.

Population by ethnicity (2000)[10]
Ethnicity Number
Aklanon
 
 434,869 (96.56%)
Hiligaynon
 
 3,375 (0.75%)
Tagalog
 
 2,271 (0.50%)
Kankanaey
 
 1,281 (0.28%)
Cebuano
 
 939 (0.21%)
Others
 
 4,816 (1.07%)
Not Reported
 
 2,802 (0.62%)

Based on the 2000 census survey, Aklanon comprised 96.56% (434,869) of the total provincial population of 450,353. Other ethnic groups in the province were the Hiligaynon at 0.75% (3,375), Tagalog at 0.5% (2,271), Kankanaey at 0.28% (1,281), and Cebuano at 0.21% (939).[10]

An Ati family in Kalibo

Languages

The most prominent languages in the province are Akeanon (Aklanon Proper), Malaynon, and Buruanganon. Akeanon is spoken by a majority of the people, while Malaynon is spoken in Malay and Buruanganon is spoken in Buruanga. Other regional languages used include Hiligaynon, Ati, Kinaray-a, and Capiznon.

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion of the people and Christian festivals such as Christmas and Lent are regarded with high importance. Meanwhile, Christian icons such as the Santo Niño are regarded as cultural symbols of the people. Animism, however, is still practised by the Ati. The Aglipayan Church or the Iglesia Filipina Independiente is the second most predominant religion in the province. Other religions in the province include Iglesia ni Cristo and Islam.

Economy
A view of the Grotto in Boracay at dusk. Tourism is the main industry in Boracay.

The province of Aklan is designated as a first class province.[8]

Agriculture

Aklan depends on agriculture, with palay being the top produce in the province. Rice plantations had an area of 42,218 hectares (104,320 acres) (0.39 percent of the total provincial agricultural area).[11]

With the implementation of the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) umaru rice production program using the Hybrid rice, production is expected to increase by 15 percent or an average of 10 metric tons per hectare in the succeeding years. However, the problem of low price support for rice still continues to affect the production sector.

In general, Aklan is sufficient in meat and other livestock and poultry products,[11] though in the inventory of livestock and poultry in the year 2000, hog and chicken had a decrease in population from 114,890 heads of hogs and 886,597 heads of chickens in 1999 to 95,950 heads of hogs and 782,820 heads of chicken in the 2000. The decrease in production were attributed to the following factors: high cost of feeds, feed supplements and biologics; livestock and poultry diseases; increasing price of chicks; and, high cost of labor.

Coconut still occupies the largest area planted among major permanent agriculture crops. The total area planted with coconut is 32,276 hectares (79,760 acres).[11] Ibajay ranks the largest with 4,317 hectares (10,670 acres); followed by Balete with 2,611 hectares (6,450 acres); Banga with umaru 2,314 hectares (5,720 acres); Makato with 2,089 hectares (5,160 acres); and, Altavas with 2,054 hectares (5,080 acres). All the rest of the municipalities have areas below 2,000 hectares (4,900 acres). However, in terms of copra production, Makato ranks number one with 2,770 metric tons per year; next is Balete with 2,669; and Libacao with 2,399. The rest produce less than 2000 metric tons. Total production is 25,375 metric tons annually.

Other crops produced include banana (Lakatan), mango, rambutan, and lanzones; and fiber crops such as piña fiber and abaca.[11]

Aquaculture

Fishpond areas had a total area of 7,807.14 hectares (19,291.9 acres).[11] Of the total fishpond areas, 4,512.04162 hectares (11,149.4977 acres) are with Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA); 138.85672 hectares (343.1224 acres) are with permits; 2,729.02636 hectares (6,743.5710 acres) are on process/application; and, 370.0 hectares (914 acres) are titled.

Industry

Aklan is a top producer of abaca,[12] which are dyed and made into cloths or place mats, bags, wall decors and fans.[11]

The piña cloth, considered as the "Queen of the Philippine Fabrics", is a prime produce of Kalibo, weaved from its unique crude wooden or bamboo handloom.[11]

Lezo is known for its red clay, used by the natives to make pots, vases and various novelty items.[11]

Transportation

Airports

Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) north from the tip of Panay. It is known for its white sandy beaches and is considered as one of the more prominent destinations in the Philippines. Because of this, there is frequent air travel to the province's airports in Kalibo and Caticlan. Kalibo International Airport is about ten minutes from the main plaza. Kalibo Airport serve direct flights to and from Taipei; Hong Kong; Shanghai and Beijing in China; Incheon, Busan, and Chengdu through international flights served by Air Asia Zest Airways, ANA, Jin Air, Tiger Air Philippines, Etihad Airlines and PAL Express, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines.

The following are the airports in Aklan:

Kalibo International Airport

Seaports

The following are the seaports in the province:

  • Alegria Port
  • Batan Port
  • Cagban Port
  • Caticlan Jetty Port
  • Tabon Port
  • Tambisaan Port
  • Gibon Port
  • Colong-Colong Port
  • Dumaguit Port
  • Kalibo Jetty Port
  • New Washington Port

Culture

Despite the prevalence of Christianity, native beliefs about the aswang and the babaylan are still prevalent among the people. Kulam or witchcraft, locally known as amulit is still feared by many residents.

Cuisine

Two main dishes associated with Aklan and Aklanons are inubaran[13] and binakol.[14][15]

Inubaran, is a Filipino chicken stew or soup made with chicken cooked with diced banana pith, coconut milk (gata) or coconut cream (kakang gata), a souring agent, lemongrass, and various spices. The souring agent (called aeabihig) is traditionally either batuan fruits (Garcinia morella) or libas leaves (Spondias pinnata). The name means "[cooked] with ubad (banana pith)", not to be confused with ubod (palm heart); although ubod can sometimes be used as a substitute for ubad which can be difficult to acquire. Variants of the dish can also be made with other types of meat or seafood. It is a type of ginataan.[16][17]

Binakol, also spelled binakoe, is a Filipino chicken soup made from chicken cooked in coconut water with grated coconut, green papaya (or chayote), leafy vegetables, garlic, onion, ginger, lemongrass, and patis (fish sauce). It can also be spiced with chilis. Binakol can also be cooked with other kinds of meat or seafood. It was traditionally cooked inside bamboo tubes or directly on halved coconut shells.[18][19]

Festivals

The province is known for its festivities which includes the Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo.[20] Originally, the festival was to celebrate the treaty between the Ati and the Malayan tribes who settled in the Island. The Ati live in the mountain regions and the Malay people in the flatlands or close to the water. The festivity begins on the dry season, at which time the Ati come down from the mountains to trade and celebrate with the Malayan tribes. When the Spaniards settled in the region and converted the Malays to their Christian religion, they asked the Malays to celebrate this festivity to coincide with the Feast of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) which is usually held during the third week of January.

Bariw Festival is a unique festival showcasing the skills of every Nabasnon in weaving bags, mats and hats made of bariw leaves – the prospering livelihood in the municipality. It is highlighted by the dance performance of local talent and ingenuity to the beat of the drums and indigenous rhythm celebrated every May 14 of the year.

Bugna Festival is a festival showcasing the different locally produced products and eco-tourism destinations of Tangalan like the marine sanctuary and coral garden, Afga Point, Campo Verde, Jawili Falls, Bughawi beach and reforestation project every May 16 of the year.

Kali-Ugyon Festival (kali stands for Kalipayan or happiness and Ugyon meaning "unity"). This is the festival celebrated in Libacao every December 30 to January 1, costumed in modern and indigenous outfits bringing people together on the streets for merry-making and to drive away evil spirits in the coming New Year.

Literature

Aklanons are known for their literature, which includes the epic of Kalantiao. Certain Aklanons, such as Melchor F. Cichon, Roman Aguirre, have produced several notable literary works in the province.

Ati – Atihan Festival

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), held on the third Sunday of January in the town of Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, on the island of Panay. It originally came from Batan, Aklan, then adopted later by some neighboring towns. The name Ati-Atihan means "to be like Atis" or "to make believe Atis", the local name for the Aeta aborigines who first settled in Panay Island and other parts of the archipelago.

The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions. It has inspired many other Philippine Festivals including the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo City, both adaptations of the Kalibo's Ati-Atihan Festival, and legally holds the title "The Mother of All Philippine Festivals" in spite of the other two festivals' claims of the same title.

The costumes worn at the festival is patterned after the African tribal design like those seen at the Rio Carnaval.

A 1200 A.D. event explains the origins of the festival. A group of 10 Malay chieftains called Datus, fleeing from the island of Borneo settled in the Philippines, and were granted settlement by the Ati people, the tribes of Panay Island. Datu Puti made a trade with the natives and bought the plains for a golden salakot, brass basins and bales of cloth. They gave a very long necklace to the wife of the Ati chieftain. Feasting and festivities followed soon after.

Some time later, the Ati people were struggling with famine as the result of a bad harvest. They were forced to descend from their mountain village into the settlement below, to seek the generosity of the people who now lived there. The Datus obliged and gave them food. In return, the Ati danced and sang for them, grateful for the gifts they had been given.

The festivity was originally a pagan festival from this tribe practicing Animism, and their worshiping their anito god. Spanish missionaries gradually added a Christian meaning. Today, the Ati-Atihan is celebrated as a religious festival.

In 2012, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the ICHCAP of UNESCO published Pinagmulan: Enumeration from the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The first edition of the UNESCO-backed book included the Ati-atihan Festival, signifying its great importance to Philippine intangible cultural heritage. The local government of Aklan, in cooperation with the NCCA, is given the right to nominate the Ati-atihan Festival in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

The people attend masses for the Santo Niño, and benefit dances sponsored by government organizations. The formal opening mass emphasizes the festival’s religious event. The procession begins with a rhythmic drumbeats, and dances parading along the street. The second day begins at dawn with a rosary procession, which ends with a community mass, and procession. The phrase "Hala Bira! Pwera Pasma!" is originally associated with the Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival as the revelers and devotees keep on going with the festivities all over the town from morning to the wee hours of the next morning, rain or shine, for one week or even more. They believe that the miraculous Child Jesus will protect them from harm and illness. The highlight of the festival occurs on the last day, the third Sunday of January, when groups representing different tribes compete for tourists' attention and prizes. The festival ends with a procession of thousands of people carrying torches and different kinds of images of the Santo Niño. The contest winners are announced at a masquerade ball which officially ends the festival.


Universities and colleges

Aklan is the home of the Regional Science High School for Region VI (RSHS-VI), one of the specialized system of public secondary schools in the Philippines.

Flora and Fauna

Philippine spotted deer

Several species endemic to the Philippines are found in the province. Examples include endangered animals such the Philippine spotted deer (Cervus alfredi), the Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons), and the Visayan hornbill (Penelopides panini). As of 2007, conservation efforts are being made by the Aklan State University and the DENR with varying success. Three mangrove species are in the World's Red List namely Avicennia rumphiana (Vulnerable), Ceriops decandra (Nearly Threatened) and Camptostemon philippinense (Endangered) are documented in the forest of Ibajay, Aklan.

See also

References
  1. "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  2. Census of Population (2015). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  3. "The Fraudulent Code of Kalantiáw". Archived from the original on 18 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-09.
  4. Augusto V. de Viana (2006-09-17). "The Order of Kalantiaw? Haosiao!". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 2007-09-15. Retrieved 2007-07-09. (archived from the original Archived 2007-03-10 at the Wayback Machine on 2007-09-15)
  5. Scott, William Henry (1984). Prehispanic Source Materials for the study of Philippine History. New Day Publishers. pp. 132–134. ISBN 971-10-0226-4.
  6. Agoncillo, Teodoro C. (1990) [1960]. "History of the Filipino People" (8th ed.). Quezon City: Garotech Publishing: 26–28. ISBN 971-8711-06-6. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  7. "Republic Act No. 1414 – An Act to Create the Province of Aklan". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. 25 April 1956. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  8. "Province: Aklan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  9. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  10. "Aklan: Population Growth Rate up to 2.05 Percent in 2000; Table 5. Household Population by Ethnicity and Sex: Aklan, 2000". Philippine Statistics Authority. 24 July 2002. Archived from the original on 21 April 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
  11. "Economy". Province of Aklan. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  12. Villanueva, Venus G. "Aklan still among top abaca producers in Phl". The Daily Guardian. Archived from the original on 2016-03-27. Retrieved 18 March 2016. KALIBO, Aklan – The province of Aklan continues to be one of the country’s top 10 abaca producers, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez. Abaca fiber production in Aklan also rose by 50.89 percent in 2011, which reached 1,874,691 kilograms in 2011, with an estimated value of P75 million. Production in 2010 was 1,242,344 kilograms.
  13. Polistico, Edgie (2017). Philippine Food, Cooking, & Dining Dictionary. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9786214200870.
  14. "Chicken Binakol: Subtly Sweet Tinola With Coconut". CASA Veneracion. 2018-11-13. Retrieved 2019-07-30.
  15. "Chicken Binakol | Panlasang Pinoy Meat Recipes". Retrieved 2019-07-30.
  16. Polistico, Edgie (2017). Philippine Food, Cooking, & Dining Dictionary. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 9786214200870.
  17. "Going local: 6 Aklanon food you should try". Langyaw. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  18. Veneracion, Connie. "Chicken Binakol: Subtly Sweet Tinola With Coconut". Casa Veneracion. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  19. "Chicken Binakol". Panlasang Pinoy Meaty Recipes. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  20. "Vibrant Kalibo". Province of Aklan (official government website). Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
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