Aklan
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Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Kalibo and is located at the northwest portion of Panay island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the southeast. Aklan faces Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north.
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Image:Ph_seal_aklan.png
2000 census—451,314 (24th smallest)
Density—248 per km² (29th highest)
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—0
Municipalities—17
Barangays—327
Congressional districts—1
Aklan is famous for two things: Boracay and the Ati-Atihan Festival. The island of Boracay, just one kilometer from northern tip of Panay has one of the best white sand beaches in the world, the most known of which is the White Beach stretching four kilometers along the western coast of the island. Tourists also flock to see the annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo held every January. The festival is a feast dedicated to Santo Niño or the Baby Jesus, and revelers paint their faces with black soot and wear bright-colored costumes.
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People and Culture
Aklanon refers to the people of Aklan province in the Philippines, their language and culture. According to folk belief, Aklan derived its name from a river called Akean.
Economy
Geography
Political
Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities.
Municipalities
Physical
History
Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.
The capital of Akean changed several times. Towards the end of the 14th century Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from the present Batan, which was captured in 1399 by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw, who forthwith ruled Aklan. In 1433, the son of Kalantiaw III laid down a written code of laws now known as the Code of Kalantiaw. The short-lived Kalantiaw dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, legitimate successor to Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog became the new ruler, he moved the capital to Bakan (ancient name of Banga) in 1437. Several datus succeeded Manduyog and when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabanyag was ruling Aklan from what is now the town of Libacao.
Aklan finally became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. This law was authored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos .The province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956.
External links
- The Official Website of the Provincial Government of Aklan
- The Official Website of the Municipality of Malinao, Aklan
- The Official Website of Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival
- The Official Website of Philippine Department of Tourism
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Regions and Provinces of Visayas Western Visayas: Aklan | Antique | Capiz | Guimaras | Iloilo | Negros Occidental Central Visayas: Bohol | Cebu | Negros Oriental | Siquijor Eastern Visayas: Biliran | Eastern Samar | Leyte | Northern Samar | Samar | Southern Leyte