Aklan, Province in Western Visayas, Philippines
Aklan covers the northern third of Panay Island and spreads across varied terrain that runs from coastal strips to forested uplands. The area is divided into several municipalities, with Kalibo serving as the administrative center and gateway to the nearby resort island.
The area broke away from a larger administrative unit on April 25, 1956, through Republic Act No. 1414 and gained independent provincial status. The decision reflected local demand for direct control over internal matters and the formation of a distinct political identity.
The Ati-Atihan Festival takes place every January in Kalibo, filling the streets with drums, dancing and religious devotion as participants paint their faces and dress in traditional costumes. The week-long event draws locals and visitors who honor the Santo Niño and share a communal celebration that turns the area into a lively stage for music and processions.
Kalibo International Airport connects the area with many domestic and international destinations, making arrival straightforward from distant regions. Buses and vans run from the airport to surrounding towns and the coast, with travel times ranging from half an hour to several hours depending on the destination.
The Aklan River flows more than 90 kilometers through the entire province, supplying water to rice paddies, fish ponds and many small settlements along its course. The banks provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, while fishermen cast nets in the shallow water and local families use the river for daily needs.
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