Aklan

{{about|the Philippine province}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = {{PH_wikidata|name}}

| native_name = {{Native name|mis|Akean|paren=omit}} (Aklanon)

| settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}}

| image_skyline = {{Photomontage

| photo1a = Boracay Island, Philippines - panoramio.jpg

| photo2a = Cathedral Kalibo.jpg

| photo2b = Ati-Atihan Festival Participant.jpg

| photo3a = Bakhawan Eco-Park - panoramio (3) (cropped).jpg

| photo3b = Church of Lezo, Aklan.jpg

| photo4a = Aklan Provincial Capitol.jpg

| size = 250

| spacing = 2

| color = transparaent

| border = 0

}}

| image_caption = (from top: left to right) Boracay, Kalibo Cathedral, Ati-Atihan Festival, Bakhawan Ecopark, Lezo Church, and Aklan Provincial Capitol

| image_flag = PH-AKL Flag.png

| flag_size = 120x80px

| image_seal = Seal_of_Aklan.png

| seal_size = 100x80px

| image_shield =

| nickname =

| motto = "Arangkada, Aklan"

| anthem = "Aklan Hymn"

| image_map = Aklan in Philippines.svg

| map_caption = Location in the Philippines

| image_map1 = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250}}{{hidden end}}

| coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}}

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = {{PH wikidata|country}}

| subdivision_type1 = Region

| subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}}

| established_title = First settled

| established_date = 13th century

| seat_type = Capital
{{nobold|and largest municipality}}

| seat = {{PH wikidata|seat}}

| leader_party =

| leader_title = Governor

| leader_name = Jose Enrique M. Miraflores (Lakas)

| leader_title1 = Vice Governor

| leader_name1 = Reynaldo M. Quimpo (Lakas)

| leader_title2 = Legislature

| leader_name2 = Aklan Provincial Board

| area_footnotes = {{cite web |title=List of Provinces |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |work=PSGC Interactive |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board |access-date=14 May 2014 |location=Makati City, Philippines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419000512/http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |archive-date=19 April 2016}}

| area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}}

| area_rank = 64th out of 81

| elevation_max_m = 1,777

| elevation_max_point = Mount Timbaban

| population_footnotes = {{PH census|current|06}}

| population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}}

| population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}

| population_rank = 51st out of 81

| population_density_km2 = auto

| population_density_rank = 23rd out of 81

| population_demonym = Aklanon

| demographics_type1 = Divisions

| demographics1_title1 = Independent cities

| demographics1_info1 = 0

| demographics1_title2 = Component cities

| demographics1_info2 = 0

| demographics1_title3 = Municipalities

| demographics1_info3 = {{Collapsible list

| titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;

| title = 17

| Altavas

| Balete

| Banga

| Batan

| Buruanga

| Ibajay

| Kalibo

| Lezo

| Libacao

| Madalag

| Makato

| Malay

| Malinao

| Nabas

| New Washington

| Numancia

| Tangalan

}}

| demographics1_title4 = Barangays

| demographics1_info4 = 327

| demographics1_title5 = Districts

| demographics1_info5 = Legislative districts of Aklan

| timezone = PHT

| utc_offset = +8

| postal_code_type = ZIP Code

| postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}

| area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}}

| area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}

| iso_code = {{PH wikidata|iso_code}}

| blank_name_sec1 = HDI

| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.660 ({{fontcolor|orange|Medium}})

| blank1_name_sec1 = HDI rank

| blank1_info_sec1 = 29th in Philippines (2019)

| blank1_name_sec2 = GDP (2022)

| blank1_info_sec2 = 63.57 billion
$1.084 billion {{Cite web |title=2021 to 2023 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP)|url=https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/grdp/tables |access-date=April 26, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority|website=openstat.psa.gov.ph}}

| blank2_name_sec2 = Growth rate

| blank2_info_sec2 = {{increase}} 22.5%

| blank_name_sec2 = Spoken languages

| blank_info_sec2 = {{hlist | Aklanon | Malaynon | Hiligaynon | Ati | Kinaray-a |

Onhan | Capiznon | Tagalog | English }}

| website = {{PH wikidata|website}}

| established_title1 = Founded

| established_date1 = {{PH wikidata|founded}}

}}

Aklan, officially the Province of Aklan,{{Efn|{{langx|akl|Probinsya it Akean}} {{IPA|akl|akˈɤan|}}; {{langx|hil|Kapuoran sang Aklan}}; {{langx|tl|Lalawigan ng Aklan}}}} is a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital and largest town is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay Island, bordering Antique to the southwest, and Capiz to the southeast. Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon province to the north.

Aklan is most well-known for Boracay, a resort island 0.8 kilometer north of the tip of Panay. It is known for its white sand beaches and is considered one of the more prominent destinations in the country. The Ati-Atihan Festival of Kalibo has also been known worldwide, hence declared "The Mother of all Philippine Festivals." It is an annual celebration held on the third Sunday of January to honor the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus). The festival showcases tribal dancing through the town's main streets to the tune of ethnic music, with participants in indigenous costumes and gear.{{Cite web |title=Invest in Aklan {{!}} The Official Website of Aklan Province |url=https://aklan.gov.ph/economy-and-investment/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |language=en-US}} {{PD-notice}}

History

{{more citations needed section|date=June 2021}}

=Early history=

Aklan is believed to have been settled in the 13th century by settlers from Borneo, ruled by Datu Bangkaya, with his seat at Madyanos, near present-day Numancia.

=Spanish colonial era=

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.

=Japanese occupation=

In 1942, the Japanese invaded Aklan during World War II. In 1945, combined Filipino and American army along with Aklanon guerrillas liberated Aklan during the war in the Pacific.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

=Philippine independence=

Aklan (Akean) became an independent province through Republic Act No. 1414 signed by Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, separating Aklan from Capiz.{{cite web|title=Republic Act No. 1414 – An Act to Create the Province of Aklan|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno1414.html|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library|access-date=18 March 2016|date=25 April 1956}} 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. Jose 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.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

Geography

File:Aklan River seen on Madalag Aklan.jpg

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 {{convert|1,821.42|km2}}{{PSGC detail|nscb}}, and includes the island of Boracay which is located at its northwestern tip.

Mount Nausang, is formerly the highest peak in Aklan, standing at {{cvt|5,190|ft|abbr=on}}, the discovery of Mount Timbaban is much higher, with an elevation of {{cvt|5,830.1|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level, Mount Timbaban is not considered as independent mountain, it is still part of Mount Madja-as sub-summit with only Topographic prominence peak of {{cvt|30|m|abbr=on}} above the isolation from the Parent peak. Located 6 km northwest of Mount Nausang and 4.8 km northeast of Mount Madja-as in Antique. Aklan River, is the longest river in the province with a total length of {{cvt|91|km|abbr=on}} 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 comprises 17 municipalities.{{PSGC detail|nscb}} The province is divided into two legislative districts for congressional representation.{{PSGC detail|nscb}}

File:Ph_fil_aklan.png

class="wikitable sortable" style="table-layout:fixed;text-align:right;background-color:white;font-size:95%;border-collapse:collapse;"
scope="col" style="border-width:thin 0 0 thin;" class="unsortable" rowspan="2" |

! scope="col" style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:left;padding-right:1.5em;" class="unsortable" colspan="2" | Municipality{{efn-lr|name=Coord}}

! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan="3" | Population

! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{PSGC rubric}}

! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan="2" | Area{{PSGC detail|nscb}}

! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan="2" | Density{{thinsp}}{{small|(2020)}}

! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Barangay|Total number of barangays}}

style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;" colspan="2" |

! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" colspan="2" | {{small|(2020)}}{{PH census|2020|06}}

! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" | {{small|(2015)}}{{PH census|2015|06}}

! style="border-top:0;" |

! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" | km2

! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|sq{{thinsp}}mi}}

! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" | /km2

! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|/sq{{thinsp}}mi}}

! style="border-top:0;" |

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.5373|N|122.4881|E|name=Altavas|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Altavas

| {{percent and number|25,639|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 24,619

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|25,639|2015.3315|24,619}}

| {{convert|109.05|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|25,639/109.05|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 14

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.5564|N|122.3797|E|name=Balete|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Balete

| {{percent and number|30,090|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 28,920

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|30,090|2015.3315|28,920}}

| {{convert|118.93|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|30,090/118.93|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 10

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.6382|N|122.3322|E|name=Banga|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Banga

| {{percent and number|40,318|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 39,505

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|40,318|2015.3315|39,505}}

| {{convert|84.53|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|40,318/84.53|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 30

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.5869|N|122.4962|E|name=Batan|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Batan

| {{percent and number|33,484|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 32,032

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|33,484|2015.3315|32,032}}

| {{convert|79.22|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|33,484/79.22|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 20

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.8442|N|121.8884|E|name=Buruanga|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Buruanga

| {{percent and number|19,357|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 19,003

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|19,357|2015.3315|19,003}}

| {{convert|56.44|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|19,357/56.44|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 15

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.8184|N|122.1649|E|name=Ibajay|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Ibajay

| {{percent and number|52,364|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 49,564

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|52,364|2015.3315|49,564}}

| {{convert|158.90|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|52,364/158.90|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 35

scope="row" style="border-width:medium 0 medium medium;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.7089|N|122.3640|E|name=Kalibo|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-width:medium 0 medium;" | Kalibo

| style="border-width:medium medium medium 0;padding-right:0.7em;" | †

| {{percent and number|89,127|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 80,605

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|89,127|2015.3315|80,605}}

| {{convert|50.75|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|89,127/50.75|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 16

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.6679|N|122.3286|E|name=Lezo|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Lezo

| {{percent and number|15,639|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 15,224

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|15,639|2015.3315|15,224}}

| {{convert|23.40|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|15,639/23.40|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 12

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.4806|N|122.3024|E|name=Libacao|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Libacao

| {{percent and number|28,272|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 28,241

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|28,272|2015.3315|28,241}}

| {{convert|254.98|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|28,272/254.98|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 24

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.5269|N|122.3063|E|name=Madalag|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Madalag

| {{percent and number|18,890|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 18,389

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|18,890|2015.3315|18,389}}

| {{convert|269.60|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|18,890/269.60|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 25

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.7116|N|122.2926|E|name=Makato|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Makato

| {{percent and number|29,717|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 27,262

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|29,717|2015.3315|27,262}}

| {{convert|103.45|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|29,717/103.45|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 18

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.9002|N|121.9100|E|name=Malay|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Malay

| {{percent and number|60,077|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 52,973

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|60,077|2015.3315|52,973}}

| {{convert|66.01|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|60,077/66.01|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 17

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.6439|N|122.3076|E|name=Malinao|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Malinao

| {{percent and number|24,517|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 23,194

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|24,517|2015.3315|23,194}}

| {{convert|186.01|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|24,517/186.01|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 23

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.8288|N|122.0933|E|name=Nabas|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Nabas

| {{percent and number|40,632|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 36,435

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|40,632|2015.3315|36,435}}

| {{convert|96.82|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|40,632/96.82|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 20

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.6473|N|122.4356|E|name=New Washington|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | New Washington

| {{percent and number|47,955|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 45,007

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|47,955|2015.3315|45,007}}

| {{convert|66.69|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|47,955/66.69|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 16

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.7058|N|122.3280|E|name=Numancia|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Numancia

| {{percent and number|35,693|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 31,934

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|35,693|2015.3315|31,934}}

| {{convert|28.84|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|35,693/28.84|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 17

scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|11.7740|N|122.2604|E|name=Tangalan|region:PH-AKL_type:city|format=hidden}}

| colspan="2" style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" | Tangalan

| {{percent and number|23,704|615,475|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}

| 21,916

| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|23,704|2015.3315|21,916}}

| {{convert|62.03|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| {{convert|{{sigfig|23,704/62.03|2}}|PD/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}

| style="text-align:center;" | 15

class="sortbottom"

! scope="row" style="border-right:0;" |

! colspan="3" style="border-left:0;text-align:left;font-size:medium;font-variant:small-caps;letter-spacing:0.05em;" | Total

! style="text-align:right;" | 615,475

! style="text-align:right;" | 574,823

! style="text-align:right;" | {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|615,475|2015.3315|574,823}}

! style="text-align:right;" | 1,760.30

! {{convert|1,760.30|km2|disp=number|2}}

! style="text-align:right;" | {{sigfig|615,475/1,760.30|2}}

! style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|{{sigfig|615,475/1,760.30|2}}|PD/km2|disp=number}}

! style="text-align:center;" | 327

class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;line-height:1.3em;border-top:double grey;"

| colspan="2" style="border-width:thin 0 0 thin;" |

| colspan="5" style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:center;padding:0.7em 0;" | {{Color box|white|†|border=darkgray}}{{thinsp}}Provincial capital

| colspan="6" style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:left;padding:0.7em 0;" | {{Color box|white|border=darkgray}}{{thinsp}}Municipality

class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;line-height:1.3em;font-size:110%;"

| colspan="13" style="border-top:0;padding:0 12em;" |

{{notelist-lr|refs=

{{efn-lr|name=Coord|The globe File:WMA button2b.png icon marks the town center.}}

}}

Demographics

{{Philippine Census

| align= left

| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}

| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}

| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}

| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}

| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}

| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}

| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}

| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}

| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}

| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}

| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}

| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}

| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}

| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}

| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}

| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}

| 2025 =

| 2030 =

| footnote = Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH census|2015|06}}{{PH census|2010|06}}{{PH census|2010}}

}}

The population of Aklan in the 2020 census was 615,475 people,{{PH census|current|06}} with a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|615,475/1,821.42|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or}}.

=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.

{{bar box

| title = Population by ethnicity (2000)

| titlebar = #CCCCFF

| left1 = Ethnicity

| right2 = Number

| barwidth = 6.5em

| float = right

| bars =

{{bar pixel | Aklanon | #000040| 96.56| | {{number and percent | 434,869 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

{{bar pixel | Hiligaynon | #707094| 0.75| | {{number and percent | 3,375 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

{{bar pixel | Tagalog | #AFAFC3| 0.50| | {{number and percent | 2,271 | 450,353 | 2 | pad=yes}} }}

{{bar pixel | Kankanaey | #C3C3D2| 0.28| | {{number and percent | 1,281 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

{{bar pixel | Cebuano | #D2D2DE| 0.21| | {{number and percent | 939 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

{{bar gap|


}}

{{bar pixel | Others | #404070| 1.07| | {{number and percent | 4,816 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

{{bar pixel | Not Reported | #9494AF| 0.62| | {{number and percent | 2,802 | 450,353 | 2}} }}

}}

Based on the 2000 census survey, Aklanon accounted for {{percent and number|434,869|450,353|2}} of the provincial population of 450,353. Other ethnic groups in the province were the Hiligaynon at {{percent and number|3,375|450,353|2}}, Tagalog at {{percent and number|2,271|450,353|2}}, Kankanaey at {{percent and number|1,281|450,353|2}}, and Cebuano at {{percent and number|939|450,353|2}}.{{cite web|title=Aklan: Population Growth Rate up to 2.05 Percent in 2000; Table 5. Household Population by Ethnicity and Sex: Aklan, 2000|url=http://census.gov.ph/content/aklan-population-growth-rate-205-percent-2000-results-2000-census-population-and-housing-nso|website=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421142905/http://census.gov.ph/content/aklan-population-growth-rate-205-percent-2000-results-2000-census-population-and-housing-nso|archive-date=21 April 2015|date=24 July 2002}}

File:Aeta family at Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.jpg.]]

=Languages=

The most prominent dialects in Aklan are Akeanon, Malaynon, and Buruanganon. Akeanon is spoken by a majority of the people, while Malaynon is spoken in Malay and Buruanganon is spoken in Buruanga. Hiligaynon is also widely spoken and understood in the province. Another dialect used is Ati, which is spoken by the tribe of the same name famous for the Ati-Atihan festival. Kinaray-a is spoken in the western part of the province bordering Antique. Capiznon is spoken in the eastern part of the province bordering Capiz. Tagalog and English are used in administration and business as the national official languages.

=Religion=

{{unreferenced section|date=May 2020}}

==Catholicism==

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.

==Others==

Other religions in the province include Members Church of God International (MCGI),{{Cite news |date=July 26, 2023 |title=A Joyous Celebration: Bro. Daniel Razon Visits Brethren in Capiz, Aklan, and Antique |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=678843513606235 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=MCGI Cares}} Iglesia ni Cristo, and Islam.

Economy

{{stack|float=left|{{PH poverty incidence}}}}

Image:Boracay Blue Calm.jpg at dusk. Tourism is the main industry in Boracay.]]

The province of Aklan is designated as a first class province.{{PSGC detail|nscb}}

=Agriculture=

Aklan depends on agriculture, with palay being the top produce in the province. Rice plantations had an area of {{convert|42,218|ha}} (0.39 percent of the total provincial agricultural area).{{cite web|title=Economy|url=http://aklan.gov.ph/economy/|website=Province of Aklan|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317190547/http://aklan.gov.ph/economy/|url-status=dead}}

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, 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 was 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.

Coconuts still occupies the largest area planted among major permanent agriculture crops. The total area planted with coconut is {{convert|32276|ha}}. Ibajay ranks the largest with {{convert|4,317|ha}}; followed by Balete with {{convert|2,611|ha}}; Banga with umaru {{convert|2,314|ha}}; Makato with {{convert|2,089|ha}}; and, Altavas with {{convert|2,054|ha}}. All the rest of the municipalities have areas below {{convert|2000|ha}}. 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 bananas (Lakatan), mangoes, rambutan, and lanzones, as well as fiber crops such as piña fiber and abaca.

=Aquaculture=

Fishpond areas had a total area of {{convert|7,807.14|ha}}. Of the total fishpond areas, {{convert|4,512.04162|ha}} are with Fishpond Lease Agreement (FLA); {{convert|138.85672|ha}} are with permits; {{convert|2,729.02636|ha}} are on process/application; and, {{convert|370.0|ha}} are titled.

=Industry=

Aklan is a top producer of abaca,{{cite news|last1=Villanueva|first1=Venus G.|title=Aklan still among top abaca producers in Phl|url=http://www.thedailyguardian.net/index.php/local-news/7952-aklan-still-among-top-abaca-producers-in-phl|access-date=18 March 2016|work=The Daily Guardian|ref=Venus G. Villanueva|quote=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.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327090008/http://www.thedailyguardian.net/index.php/local-news/7952-aklan-still-among-top-abaca-producers-in-phl|archive-date=2016-03-27|url-status=dead}} which are dyed and made into cloths or place mats, bags, wall decors and fans.

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

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

{{clear left}}

Government

Elected Officials:

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-break}}

:* 1st District:

  1. Nemesio P. Neron
  2. Mark V. Quimpo
  3. Mark Ace L. Bautista
  4. Teddy C. Tupas
  5. Apolinar C. Cleope

{{Col-break}}

:*2nd District:

  1. Jay E. Tejada
  2. Romeo M. Dalisay
  3. Jupiter Aelred G. Gallenero
  4. Bayani M. Cordova
  5. Plaridel M. Solidum

{{Col-end}}

  • PCL President (Philippine Councilors League): Roly O. Equiña, Jr.
  • ABC President (Association of Barangay Captains): Ralf A. Tolosa
  • SK Provincial Federation Chairman: Edmundo M. Tolentino, Jr.

Transportation

=Road=

Aklan is accessible via highways and buses. Buses with routes from Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique connect Aklan with neighboring provinces. The Iloilo–Capiz–Aklan Expressway (ICAEx) is a proposed expressway on the island of Panay that will run from Iloilo City to Caticlan, Malay. A {{Convert|1.2|km|mi|abbr=|adj=on}} limited-access bridge connecting Caticlan to Boracay is also being proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as part of its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.{{Cite web |last=Guardian |first=Daily |date=2024-08-02 |title=Boracay Bridge to get PPP funding in 2025 budget |url=https://dailyguardian.com.ph/boracay-bridge-to-get-ppp-funding-in-2025-budget/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Daily Guardian |language=en-US}}

=Airports=

File:Kalibo Airport, Philippines.jpg

Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island {{convert|1|km}} north from the tip of Panay. It is known for its white sandy beaches and is considered one of the most 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 itself is about ten minutes from the main plaza. Both airports serve direct flights to and from Taipei; Hong Kong; Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu in China; and Incheon and Busan in Korea, through international flights served by Air Asia Zest Airways, All Nippon Airways, Jin Air, Tiger Air Philippines, Etihad Airlines and PAL Express, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines.

The following are the airports in Aklan:

=Seaports=

The following are the seaports in the province:

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  • 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

{{div col end}}

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{{Cite book|title=Philippine Food, Cooking, & Dining Dictionary|last=Polistico|first=Edgie|publisher=Anvil Publishing, Inc|year=2017|isbn=9786214200870}} and binakol.{{Cite web|url=https://casaveneracion.com/chicken-binakol-tinola-coconut/|title=Chicken Binakol: Subtly Sweet Tinola With Coconut|date=2018-11-13|website=CASA Veneracion|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-30}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.panlasangpinoymeatrecipes.com/chicken-binakol.htm|title=Chicken Binakol {{!}} Panlasang Pinoy Meat Recipes|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-30}}

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.{{cite book |last1=Polistico |first1=Edgie |title=Philippine Food, Cooking, & Dining Dictionary |date=2017 |publisher=Anvil Publishing, Inc. |isbn=9786214200870}}{{cite web |title=Going local: 6 Aklanon food you should try |url=http://langyaw.com/2014/06/03/6-aklanon-food-try/ |website=Langyaw |date=3 June 2014 |access-date=6 June 2019}}

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.{{cite web |last1=Veneracion |first1=Connie |title=Chicken Binakol: Subtly Sweet Tinola With Coconut |url=https://casaveneracion.com/chicken-binakol-tinola-coconut/ |website=Casa Veneracion |date=13 November 2018 |access-date=20 April 2019}}{{cite web |title=Chicken Binakol |url=http://www.panlasangpinoymeatrecipes.com/chicken-binakol.htm |website=Panlasang Pinoy Meaty Recipes |access-date=20 April 2019}}

Linapay also known as tinamuk, is a dish related to Laing but from Aklan in the Western Visayas. It is made from pounded freshwater shrimp (ueang) mixed with gawud (grated young coconut meat) and wrapped with taro leaves (gutaw) and cooked in coconut milk.

=Festivals=

The province is known for its festivities which includes the Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo.{{cite web|title=Vibrant Kalibo|url=http://aklan.gov.ph/tourism/kalibo/|website=Province of Aklan (official government website)|access-date=26 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318005617/http://aklan.gov.ph/tourism/kalibo/|archive-date=18 March 2016}} 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.

== Ati-Atihan Festival ==

{{Main|Ati-Atihan festival}}

File:Parade-Goers At Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines.jpg

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 City 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", being the oldest festival in the Philippines and in spite of the other Sinulog and Dinagyang 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 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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, was 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 streets. 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 third Saturday 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 on the third Sunday. The contest winners are announced at a masquerade ball which officially ends the festival.

== Bariw Festival ==

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 ==

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-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.

Universities and colleges

{{directory|1=section|date=September 2018}}

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.

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Flora and Fauna

Image:Cervus alfredi.jpg]]

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.

Notable people

See also

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}