Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 1,760.30 square kilometers and is composed of 17 municipalities with a total of 327 barangays. The capital of the province is Kalibo. The name Aklan is derived from the word “akae” or “Akean,” meaning “to boil” or “where the river boils,” referring to the bubbling or boiling appearance of the Akean River.

History

Aklan is considered the oldest province in the Philippines, with its history tracing back to the pre-Hispanic era. It was originally part of the ancient settlement of Madya-as, a confederation of barangays formed by ten Bornean datus who fled from Borneo in the 13th century. Aklan, together with Capiz, was part of the legendary Sakup na Panay, with Aklan named after the Akean River. Early settlers of the area, the Ati people, were known to have traded and lived peacefully with the Malay datus. During the Spanish period, Aklan was governed as part of Capiz Province for more than 400 years. However, the people of Aklan strongly expressed their desire for independence from Capiz due to cultural and geographical differences. This clamor was finally recognized when Aklan was declared a separate province on April 25, 1956 through Republic Act No. 1414, authored by Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos. Since then, Aklan has thrived as its own province, gaining recognition not only for its rich cultural heritage but also for being the home of the world-famous island of Boracay.