Batan, Aklan

Batan
Municipality
Map of Aklan showing the location of Batan
Batan Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 11°35′N 122°30′E / 11.583°N 122.500°E / 11.583; 122.500Coordinates: 11°35′N 122°30′E / 11.583°N 122.500°E / 11.583; 122.500
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)
Province	Aklan
District	Lone district
Barangays	20
Government[1]
• Mayor	Delfina Ramos
Area[2]
• Total	79.22 km2 (30.59 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
• Total	30,312
• Density	380/km2 (990/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	5615
Dialing code	36
Income class	4th

Batan is a fourth class municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, Batan has a population of 30,312 people.^[3]

History

Pre-Hispanic Period

Batan was believed to be the seat of the government of Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw III, the promulgator of the Code of Kalantiaw in 1433.^[4] The code is a collection of 17 laws used during the time of the Datu before the coming of the Spaniards.^[5]

Spanish Colonial Era

Batan is one of oldest town founded in the province Aklan. Batan was formerly an encomienda of Miguel Rodriguez in 1591. The parish in Batan was established by the Augustinians in 1601 under the patronage of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.^[6] Batan was first incorporated to Aclan or Aklan (now Kalibo) in 1603 and in 1789 it became an independent municipality. In 1903, Batan was again incorporated to the new town of New Washington and became independent again in 1931.^[4]

Independent Philippines

In 1957, the Kalantiaw National Shrine marker was erected by the Philippine Historical and Cultural Society to honor the significance of Datu Kalantiaw where it displays a copy of the “original manuscript” of the Code. It was built in this former school building near the port which houses the province's historical mementos and antiques, including the original manuscript of the code which the Spaniards obtained from an old chief and translated.^[4] In 2004 however, after years of investigation and historical findings, the National Historical Institute concluded that the Code of Kalantiaw was fake and a hoax. Remnants of the Kalantiaw National Shrine marker still remain in Batan.

Demographics

Batan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays.^[2] Population data is from the May 2010 Census:^[3]

Places to See and Explore in the Historic Town of Batan, Aklan

Batan has many natural resources and untouched scenic spots that could entice adventurers, explorers and thrill seekers or those who wants to escape city life and relax in a simple and quiet town. Some of its prized natural and cultural treasures are:

• Tinago Lake - also known as Tinagong Dagat. It is located between the town (near Brgys. Ipil and Tabon) and Altavas. It is an 8-km. long and 4-km. wide “hidden sea” hidden from Batan Bay by two islands. Fringed with mangroves and thick undergrowth, it has a rocky beach and is one of the province's rich fishing grounds. It is also ideal for speed boating and water skiing.
• Ob-Ob Hill - The 200-m. high, rocky Ob-Ob Hill, located east of the Poblacion in Brgy. Songcolan, has a sweeping view of the Sibuyan Sea, fishponds and golden rice fields. At the foot of the hill is a beach ideal for spelunkers, underwater cave divers, beachcombers, and water sports enthusiasts.
• Kalantiaw National Shrine Marker - It's a historical marker named after Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw III, third chief of Panay, who instituted a legal code here in 1433.
• Mambuquiao Marine Protected Area and Fish Sanctuary - It is an existing reef turned into a fish sanctuary. Locally called pito, it has the highest live coral cover in Salian Bay. It is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Macawiwili Mountains - located in Barangay Lalab
• Putting Bato - a protected area for wildlife in Barangay Angas.
• Pandan Hills - a refreshing verdant hills in Bay-ang overlooking the Sibuyan Sea.
• Old Spanish relics - from the Spanish colonization period such as the Spanish cannon, Spanish distilleries and old Spanish cemeteries with brick facade can be seen in Batan.
• Aroma Beach Resort - a popular beach resort for those who wants to stay overnight and relax in an untouched beach paradise.
• The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - One of the oldest church in Aklan.

Batan also has beautiful and pristine beaches, abundant marine life, great sea foods (Batan is famous for its crabs, lobster, and shrimps), coconut products, grain produce, root crops, luscious fruits and large green forests.

^[4]

Education

Elementary

Secondary

Tertiary

• Batan Integrated College of Technology (formerly BCC or Batan Community College)

Festivals and Celebrations in Batan, Aklan

• AISAFPSA - Angas Integrated School Alumni and Former Pupil/Student Association (every April)
• Sto. Ninohan or Ati-atihan and Malakara Festival (in honor of the Holy Child) - celebrated every third Saturday and Sunday of January. This festival is the same as Ati-atihan. Its difference from Kalibo's famous Ati-atihan is that participants are required to use native and indigenous materials as the main component of their costumes.
• AFPLESA - Alumni and Former Pupils of Lupit Elementary School Association (every 2nd week of May)
• BAAFSA of Batan Academy Alumni celebration (every month of May)
• KIAFSA of Kalantiaw Institute Alumni celebration (every month of May)
• BESA of Batan Elementary School Alumni celebration (every month of May)
• BMNHSAFSA of Bay-ang Magpag-ong National High School (Every 2nd Week of May)
• CCRAFSA of Rizal J. Rodriguez, Sr. National High School (Every third week of May)
• Immaculate Conception Batan's Municipal Fiesta (every December 8)
• Father's Day - A unique celebration held every December 31 just in time for the New Year countdown
• Juez De cuchillo - Held every 19 October to commemorate the capture and beheading of 79 innocent civilians in Batan, Aklan on October 19, 1943 by the Japanese Imperial Army. A simple program is always held at the site of the building where the victims were slaughtered. A marker was established by local official and relatives of the victims of Japanese atrocities.^[7]
• PRINCE OF THE YEAR / FATHER OF THE YEAR - Held every 31 of December to honor all the sons and fathers of Centro, Mandong, Batan, Aklan.
• KING OF THE YEAR- Held every 7th day of January to honor all the sons with a good character/record of Brgy Angas, Batan, Aklan

Local government

As of May 2013, the Batan local government unit is led by:

• Mayor - Delfina Ramos
• Vice-mayor - Dante Reyes

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Lone District of Batan:

• William Bautista
• Joena Parco
• Adonis Sarceno
• Em Cortes
• Medard Placer
• Bocay Perlas
• Dede Sugapong
• Eric del Rosario

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Batan, Aklan.

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information

	New Washington	Sibuyan Sea
	Banga		Sapian Bay
		Batan
		Balete / Altavas	Sapian

Province of Aklan Kalibo (capital) Municipalities Altavas Balete Banga Batan Buruanga Ibajay Kalibo Lezo Libacao Madalag Makato Malay Malinao Nabas New Washington Numancia Tangalan