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It was one of the three political
units, “Sakops”, into which Panay
was divided, the other two being
Hamtic (now Antique) and
Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). The
province gained its independence
during the rule of President
Magsaysay, by the Republic Act
1414. Aklan got separated from
Capiz. The people of Aklan are
known as “Aklanons”. Like any
typical Visayan, Aklanons have a
very easy-going spirit and known is to have a relaxed attitude in
life. But underneath this
easy-going appearance lies ardent
independence; they have a very
strong ethnic pride brought by
their past history. In fact,
numerous shrines were built in
honor of the warriors who took
part in the province’s battle for
freedom. The Freedom Shrine in
Kalibo, Kalantiaw Shrine in Batan,
Ingus-Ingus Hill in Buruanga and
Agtawagon Hill in Balete are the
symbols of the people’s pride.
Aklan’s main crops include rice,
copra, coconut, corn and abaca.
The surrounding seas of the
island produce distinct types of
fish, oyster and seaweeds while
smaller fishponds cultivate
prawns, crabs and milkfish.
Smaller industries such as loom
weaving, gifts and house ware,
metal craft, cut flowers, clay
based products, furniture and
food processing are the people’s
other sources of income.
Kalibo, the provincial capital
town, is known for the
world-renowned Ati-Atihan
Festival celebrated every third
week of January in honor of Sto.
Niño and in- commemoration of the
tenth-century land deal between
the Bornean Datus and primeval “Atis,”.
The festival is marked by a
frenzied merriment in the streets
where revelers in colorful
costumes paint their faces and
bodies in black to imitate the
appearance of the “Ati” and dance
uninhibitedly to drumbeats.
Above all, the province is best
recognized for its beautiful
beaches that attract thousands of
travelers, both local and foreign.
The sand of Boracay's White Sand
Beach is almost impossibly fine
in texture while the surrounding
waters are warm, clear and blue.
Added to this scene are the
coconut palms nodding in the gentle
sea breeze and the island assumes
the mantle of the perfect
tropical paradise. Aside from
their famous beaches, Jawili
Falls, a seven-basin tiered
waterfall, and Ignito Cave,
locally known as the Elephant
Cave, are two of the natural
attractions in the province.
Many tourists come to this place
all-year round. Choose among the
very affordable hotels such as
357 Boracay,
Boracay Beach House,
Banana Saging Guesthouse,
Club Panoly,
Club Ten
and
Fairways & Bluewater. |
