AKLAN

Description

Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines, organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, as the Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz. It became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.

Geography

Aklan encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and nearby Boracay Island, both situated within the Visayas island group and having an estimated land area of 181, 789 hectares. Cadastrally located between 12 degree N, 11 degree 19' S and between 121 degree 50' W, 122 degree 35' E, the province is bordered by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, the Sibuyan Sea on the northeast and the east, by the province of Antique on the west, and by the province of Capiz on the south. The northernmost limit of Aklan is Lapuz-Lapuz point on Boracay Island (Malay), while the southernmost limit is that point in the municipality of Libacao where the borders of Aklan, Antique, Capiz meet. The easternmost part of the province is the eastern shoreline of Mambuquiao Bay in the municipality of Batan; the westernmost location is Pucio Point (Buruanga).

Political Subdivision

The province is composed of 17 municipalities, the largest in land area being Libacao, and the smallest, Lezo. Each municipality maintains a municipal government whose seat is the poblacion. It has 327 barangays.

Climate

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Service Administration, the province of Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat different climates. The coldest month is experienced in January measuring 26 degree rises steadily to an average of 29 degree in May, and then declines gradually to the January level. The best time to visit is on the months of October to May.

Population

The total number of the population of Aklan as of the year 2000 is 451,314.

Language / Dialect

The Aklanons primarily speak Akeanon. The people also speak English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano.

Major Industries

Most Akeanons derive livelihood from rice, corn, coconut, abaca, and pottery making. Fishponds and offshore fishing employ many persons in the province. What thrive in Aklan are small-scale industries like pinya cloth weaving, abaca and bamboo handicraft. Pottery making and pop rice (ampaw) making are local industries that have augmented the people's livelihood in this province. Residents living near the banks of the river make clay pots and jar the old-fashioned way, as others engage in pop rice making. Popularly known as "ampaw" in the local dialect, it is processed from cooked rice, dried, deep fried with oil and sugar, and then molded into the same sizes and dried slowly.

Economy

The province of Aklan is designated as a second class province. Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island one kilometer 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 country. Because of this, there is frequent air travel to the province's airports in Kalibo and Caticlan. Kalibo Airport is about ten minutes from the main plaza. Kalibo Airport serve direct flights to and from Incheon and Taipei, South Korea through international flights served by Asian Spirit, Mandarin Airlines and Pacific Pearl Airways. More air links will soon be offered with Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai 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 inhabitants also migrate seasonly to other provinces and islands, particularly Negros, to work mostly in plantations. Some of these migrants include minors. Despite its vibrant tourism industry and substantial agriculture, the province is still considered as one of the poorer provinces in the country with more than 30% of the population living below the national poverty line.