Aklan
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| Basic data | |
|---|---|
| Region : | Western Visayas |
| Capital : | Calibo |
| Population : | 574,823 August 1, 2015 census
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| Population density : | 316 inhabitants per km² |
| Area : | 1,821.42 km² |
| PSGC : | 060400000 |
| Governor : | Carlito S. Marquez |
| structure | |
| - Highly urbanized cities | |
| - provincial cities | |
| - municipalities | 17th |
| - Barangays | 327 |
| - electoral districts | 1 |
| Location of the province in the Philippines | |
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Coordinates: 11 ° 40 ' N , 122 ° 20' O Aklan is the smallest province on the island of Panay , to the island nation of the Philippines belongs. Aklan has a size of 1,821.42 km² and 574,823 inhabitants (as of August 1, 2015). The capital of the province is Kalibo .
Peoples, religion and language
people
Most of the natives of the province belong to the Aklanon ethnic group, who fall under the Visayan ethnic group. Other indigenous people include the Negrito , such as the ethnic group known as Ati, and the Sulod, a somewhat lesser-known group that is native to the hinterland of the island of Panay. Other Visayans settled in the province are the Karay-a, the Hiligaynon and the Capiznon.
religion
Roman Catholic is the dominant religion within the population of Aklan. Christian festivals like Christmas and Lent are seen as important and significant events. Christian icons such as Santo Niño are also cultural symbols of this area. The area of the province forms the diocese of Kalibo .
Among the Ati, however, animistic thinking ("all-soulfulness") is still widespread, just as there is a tendency towards natural religious rites among many residents of other religions . Despite the predominance of Christianity , the superstition in vampire beings such as Aswangs and in natural healers, the Babaylan , is still everywhere among the locals , just as many are afraid of Kulam, Filipino witches, who are referred to as "amulites" in this area .
language
But there are over 50 different dialects. Aklanon is widely spoken in the province of Aklan . The most common language in Aklan is the Aklanon dialect, which combines the Akeanon and Malaynon languages. Akeanon is used by the majority of the provincial residents, while Malaynon is mainly found in the area around the town of Malay . Other languages resident in the province include the Ati, Hiligaynon , Kinaray-a, Capiznon, and Tagalog languages .
geography
Aklan occupies the northern third of the island of Panay and is bounded by the province of Iloilo in the south , by Capiz in the east and by Antique in the southwest. Finally, the Sibuyan Sea expands to the north and the Aklan River delta , known as the Kalibo Wetlands , lies on its coast . The province also includes the island of Boracay , which is located on its northwestern tip.
topography
The province has a very varied landscape, ranging from white sandy beaches, mangroves to the Central Panay Mountains , with deeply cut valleys. The river Akean runs through it, which is noticeable for its “foaming and bubbling” appearance, which its water causes by its rapid current.
Flora and fauna
In addition to the various species known in the Philippines, the province is also home to endangered animal species, such as the Prince Alfred deer ( Cervus alfredi ), the Visayas pustular pig ( Sus cebifrons ) and the Tariktonic hornbill ( Penelopides panini ).
The Ylang-Ylang flower grows in the province of Aklan .
economy
Rice , coconut , bananas , abacá and wheat are the province's agricultural products.
Gold , silver , copper and manganese are the existing mineral resources.
Administrative division
The province of Aklan is divided into 17 independently administered municipalities.
history
Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean , is considered to be the oldest province in the country. It is believed that it was founded by settlers from Borneo under the leadership of Datu Dinagandan before 1213 . From the beginning of Spanish colonial rule to the time when Filipino was established as the Filipino national language, Aklan was called Acean and the provincial capital Kalibo was called Calivo .
Towards the end of the 14th century, the capital of the empire was settled in what is now Batan . It was moved after the place was taken by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw and the throne had to be surrendered to him. In 1433, Kalantiaw's great-grandchildren formulated a series of laws that are now known as the Code of Kalantiaw .
The brief period of the Kalantiaw dynasty ended in 1437 when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, the legitimate descendant of Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog rose to be the new leader, he made Bakan (now Banga ) the new capital of the empire.
Various dates followed Manduyog until the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi landed in Batan in 1565 . At that time Datu Kabanyag ruled and the seat of his rule was in Libacao .
In 1942, the Japanese imperial forces landed in Aklan and quickly took control of Panay Island and the entire archipelago. In 1945, Filipino and American troops, together with Filipino guerrillas, liberated Aklan from the Japanese occupation.
Aklan was eventually separated from Capiz and declared an independent province by Republic Act No. 1414, signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956 . The province was officially inaugurated on November 8, 1956.
Legends
The most famous legends surrounding the settlement of the island are the Maragtas legend and the legend about the Kalantiaw law , both legends are known all over the Philippines, even if there is a controversy about their authenticity .
Attractions
The following places are worth visiting in the Aklan region:
- Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park
- Boracay Island
- The Buswang Beach
- The Hawili Falls.