| Aklan Akean |
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| — Province — | |||
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| Map of the Philippines with Aklan highlighted | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Philippines | ||
| Region | Western Visayas (Region VI) | ||
| Founded | April 25, 1956 | ||
| Capital | Kalibo | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Province of the Philippines | ||
| • Governor | Carlito Marquez (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) | ||
| • Vice Governor | Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo (Nacionalista) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 1,821.42 km2 (703.3 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 66th out of 80 | ||
| Population (2007) | |||
| • Total | 495,122 | ||
| • Rank | 53rd out of 80 | ||
| • Density | 271.8/km2 (704/sq mi) | ||
| • Density rank | 20th out of 80 | ||
| Divisions | |||
| • Independent cities | 0 | ||
| • Component cities | 0 | ||
| • Municipalities | 17 | ||
| • Barangays | 327 | ||
| • Districts | Lone district of Aklan | ||
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP Code | |||
| Spoken languages | Aklanon, Malaynon, Ati, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Tagalog, English | ||
Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas. Its capital is Kalibo. It is located at the northwest portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique Province to the southwest, and Capiz Province to the east. Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon Province to the north.
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Aklan is considered to be the oldest province in the country and is believed to have been established in the 12th century by settlers from Borneo ruled by the chieftain Datu Dinagandan which traded with its neighbouring islands.
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 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.[1][2][3][4] 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. 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 finally became a separate province through Republic Act No. 1414 signed by President Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, separating Aklan from Capiz.[5] 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 Kalibo.
This law was authored by Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos and the province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956. Ramos became the first congressman of Aklan, he was succeeded by José B. Legaspi. The third congressman, serving until the declaration of martial law in 1972, was Rafael B. Legaspi. 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.
Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities.
Aklan occupies the northern third of the island of Panay and is bordered by the provinces of Iloilo from the south, Capiz from the east and Antique from the southwest. It also faces the Sibuyan Sea from the north. The province includes the island of Boracay which is located at its northwestern tip.
The province boasts high geographic diversity, ranging from white sandy beaches, mangroves and mountainous landscapes. It also boasts the river Akean, which appears unique due to its "boiling or frothing" appearance.
Several endemic species in the Philippines are located in the province. Examples include endangered animals such the Philippine Spotted Deer (Cervus alfredi), the Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons), and the Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides panini). As of 2007, conservation efforts are being made by the Aklan State University and the DENR with varying success.
The province of Aklan is designated as a first class province.[6]
Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island located one kilometre 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 , Shanghai and Incheon, South Korea through international flights served by Zest Air, Mandarin Airlines, China Airlines and Philippine Airlines. More air links will soon be offered with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing direct flights in the pipeline establishing and cementing Kalibo's reputation as the international gateway to the Western Visayas region.
Farming is the basic livelihood in the interior while fishing is the basic livelihood in the coasts. Poorer residents also migrate seasonly to other provinces and islands, particularly Negros, to work mostly in plantations. Some of these migrants include child labor.
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 located at the hinterlands of Panay. Other Visayans are also present such as the Karay-a, the Hiligaynon and the Capiznon.
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, Aklan . Other regional languages used include;
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.
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.
The province is known for its festivities which includes the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo. 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.
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.
| Tablas Strait | Romblon Sibuyan Sea |
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| Antique | Sibuyan Sea | |||
| Aklan | ||||
| Capiz |
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