Antique (province)

Antique
Province
Province of Antique
Flag Seal
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 11°14′N 122°06′E / 11.23°N 122.1°E / 11.23; 122.1Coordinates: 11°14′N 122°06′E / 11.23°N 122.1°E / 11.23; 122.1
Country	Philippines
Region	Western Visayas (Region VI)
Founded	1780[1]
Capital	San Jose de Buenavista
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlalawigan
• Governor	Rhodora Cadiao (NUP)
• Vice-Governor	Edgar Denosta (NUP)
Area[2]
• Total	2,729.17 km2 (1,053.74 sq mi)
Area rank	49th out of 81
Population (2015 census)[3]
• Total	582,012
• Rank	52nd out of 81
• Density	210/km2 (550/sq mi)
• Density rank	44th out of 81
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	0
• Municipalities	18 Anini-y Barbaza Belison Bugasong Caluya Culasi Hamtic Laua-an Libertad Pandan Patnongon San Jose de Buenavista San Remigio Sebaste Sibalom Tibiao Tobias Fornier Valderrama
• Barangays	590
• Districts	Lone district of Antique
Time zone	PHT (UTC+8)
ZIP code	5700–5717
IDD : area code	+63 (0)36
ISO 3166 code	PH-ANT
Spoken languages	Kinaray-a Caluyanon Hiligaynon Cuyonon Ati Tagalog English
Website	antique.gov.ph

Antique (Pronunciation: /ɑːnˈtiːkɛ/) or (/ɑːnˈtiːkɛ/) is a province of the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. Its capital is San Jose. The province is situated in the western section of Panay Island and borders Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo to the east, while facing the Sulu Sea to the west.

Etymology

Antique was one of the three sakup (districts) of Panay before Spanish colonizers arrived on the islands. The province was known at that time as Hantík, the local name for the large black ants found on the island.^[4] The Spanish chroniclers, influenced by the French, recorded the region's name as Hantique, which was then read as 'antique (silent 'h'). The locals then pronounced the name into its present name "Antique" (än-ti-ké)

History

Historians believe that the earliest people who settled on the island of Panay were tribal Negritos or Atis. Oral history, relayed as the "Maragtas", states that ten "datus" or minor tribal chieftains from Malay escaped persecution from a city called Odtohan from Borneo due to a tyrant ruler called Makatunaw.^[5] The ten datus, led by Datu Puti, sailed northward with their families and communities, landing on Panay after departing Borneo.^[6] There are claims that the narrative of the Maragtas is dated to 1212 to fit with the transition of the Sri Vijayan Empire to Majapahit but there are no written evidence about this, nor there are any existing claims that links the datus to Borneo. Nevertheless, the Maragtas narrative is to be considered as part of the local history of the people.

Upon arrival, the Malay datus met the Ati chieftain Datu Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan. They offered the chieftain a salakot (wide-brimmed hat)^[7] (out of exaggeration, the present day locals believed to be of pure gold) which includes a golden necklace, earrings, bracelets and trinkets they wore when they fled Borneo among other gifts of pearls and fine clothes as a display of respect and to buy the land for them to live. Datu Marikudo responded to the datus' generosity by giving the Malayans the lowlands and moving to the mountains with his Ati tribe as the mountains are sacred to them. The legacy of this landing is commemorated annually in Antique during the Binirayan festival.^[8]

The island of Panay was then divided into three sakups: Hantik, Aklan and Irong-Irong. Aklan became the present-day Aklan and Capiz, Irong-Irong became Iloilo, and Hantik (also called Hamtik or Hamtic) became Antique. Hantik was named for the large black ants found on the island called "hantik-hantik".^[9]

The sakup of Hantik was given to Datu Sumakwel, one of the ten datus, and who, according to tradition, was a sword master and wisest of them. The three sakups were later governed as a political unit called the Confederation of Madyaas, also under Datu Sumakwel. Datu Sumakwel founded the town of Malandog, considered to be the first Malay settlement in the country. Malandog is now a barangay in the present-day municipality of Hamtic, which was named after the historic sakup.

During the Spanish colonial period, the coastal province was vulnerable to attacks by Moro raiders. Under the direction of the Spanish friars, a series of watchtowers, like the 'Old Watchtower' in Libertad and Estaca Hill in Bugasong, were built to guard Antique.

In 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army landed in Antique and occupied the province during the Second World War.

During the Japanese Insurgencies and Occupation (1942-1944), the military general headquarters and camp bases of the 6th and 62nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was active from January 03, 1942 to June 30, 1946 and the military general headquarters and camp bases of the 6th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was re-activated between October 28, 1944 and June 30, 1946. Additionally, during the implementation of the anti-imperial Japanese military operations on Panay Island between 1942 and 1945 in the Antique province, Filipino military forces aided the local guerrilla resistance against the Imperial Japanese Army.

Between 1944 and 1945, Philippine Commonwealth forces of the 6th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the 6th and 62nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army defeated the Japanese troops and liberated the province. The liberation was achieved with the active support of recognized local guerrillas.

Geography

Antique is one of the five provinces comprising Western Visayas or Region VI, and one of the four provinces in the island of Panay.

The province, with a total land area of 2,729.17 square kilometres (1,053.74 sq mi),^[10] is an elongated stretch of land occupying the entire western side of the island. It is bounded by the rugged central mountains of Panay, bordering on the provinces of Aklan in the northeast, Capiz on the east, Iloilo in the southeast and the Sulu Sea on the west. Its western-most and northernmost point is Semirara Island at 12°07′10″N 121°21′10″E / 12.11944°N 121.35278°E / 12.11944; 121.35278, while its eastern tip is approximately 11°01′N 122°19.5′E / 11.017°N 122.3250°E / 11.017; 122.3250. Anini-y is the province's most southerly point at 10°24′24″N 121°57′38″E / 10.40667°N 121.96056°E / 10.40667; 121.96056. Resembling a seahorse in shape, it is 155 kilometres (96 mi) long and 35 kilometres (22 mi) at its widest point.

Antique has rugged and varied land. Nogas Island, Hurao-Hurao Island and Mararison Island have long stretches of white sand beaches that are ideal for shell-hunting. Batbatan Island on the other hand, appeals to scuba divers because of the well-preserved coral reefs. Mount Madia-as (or Madjaas), on the border with Aklan, is the highest peak on Panay. This 2,113-metre-high (6,932 ft) mountain^[11] is a dormant volcano with lakes and 14 waterfalls. It is said to be the legendary home of Bulalakaw, the supreme god of the ancients, and beckons as a challenge for hikers and trekkers.

Administrative divisions

Antique is subdivided into 18 municipalities. San Jose de Buenavista serves as the provincial capital, the center of commerce and trade, and the seat of the provincial government and national government agencies.

	Municipality [lower-roman 1]		Population			±% p.a.	Area[10]		Density		Brgy.
			(2015)[3]		(2010)[12]		km2	sq mi	/km2	/sq mi
10°25′52″N 121°55′36″E / 10.4312°N 121.9266°E / 10.4312; 121.9266 (Anini-y)	Anini-y		7000360000000000000♠3.6%	21,201	20,349	+0.78%	66.17	25.55	320	830	23
11°11′45″N 122°02′20″E / 11.1958°N 122.0389°E / 11.1958; 122.0389 (Barbaza)	Barbaza		7000390000000000000♠3.9%	22,704	21,775	+0.80%	154.36	59.60	150	390	39
10°50′15″N 121°57′44″E / 10.8374°N 121.9621°E / 10.8374; 121.9621 (Belison)	Belison		7000230000000099999♠2.3%	13,539	12,807	+1.06%	19.78	7.64	680	1,800	11
11°02′39″N 122°03′53″E / 11.0441°N 122.0646°E / 11.0441; 122.0646 (Bugasong)	Bugasong		7000580000000000000♠5.8%	33,642	32,264	+0.80%	203.71	78.65	170	440	27
11°55′57″N 121°32′51″E / 11.9324°N 121.5475°E / 11.9324; 121.5475 (Caluya)	Caluya		7000610000000000000♠6.1%	35,496	30,046	+3.22%	132.13	51.02	270	700	18
11°25′33″N 122°03′22″E / 11.4257°N 122.0561°E / 11.4257; 122.0561 (Culasi)	Culasi		7000710000000000000♠7.1%	41,228	39,086	+1.02%	228.56	88.25	180	470	44
10°42′02″N 121°58′52″E / 10.7006°N 121.9810°E / 10.7006; 121.9810 (Hamtic)	Hamtic		7000830000000000000♠8.3%	48,592	45,983	+1.06%	113.03	43.64	430	1,100	47
11°08′34″N 122°02′30″E / 11.1429°N 122.0416°E / 11.1429; 122.0416 (Laua-an)	Laua-an		7000450000000000000♠4.5%	26,072	25,211	+0.64%	100.72	38.89	260	670	40
11°46′11″N 121°55′07″E / 11.7697°N 121.9185°E / 11.7697; 121.9185 (Libertad)	Libertad		7000280000000099999♠2.8%	16,429	15,669	+0.91%	97.00	37.45	170	440	19
11°43′11″N 122°05′40″E / 11.7198°N 122.0945°E / 11.7198; 122.0945 (Pandan)	Pandan		7000590000000000000♠5.9%	34,333	32,494	+1.05%	113.98	44.01	300	780	34
10°54′48″N 121°59′42″E / 10.9133°N 121.9950°E / 10.9133; 121.9950 (Patnongon)	Patnongon		7000640000000000000♠6.4%	37,176	35,102	+1.10%	167.92	64.83	220	570	36
10°44′37″N 121°56′28″E / 10.7436°N 121.9411°E / 10.7436; 121.9411 (San Jose de Buenavista)	San Jose de Buenavista	†	7001107009999900000♠10.7%	62,534	57,847	+1.49%	48.56	18.75	1,300	3,400	28
10°49′52″N 122°05′18″E / 10.8312°N 122.0882°E / 10.8312; 122.0882 (San Remigio)	San Remigio		7000550000000000000♠5.5%	31,935	30,446	+0.91%	406.98	157.14	78	200	45
11°35′24″N 122°05′43″E / 11.5899°N 122.0953°E / 11.5899; 122.0953 (Sebaste)	Sebaste		7000310000000000000♠3.1%	17,907	17,270	+0.69%	111.64	43.10	160	410	10
10°47′20″N 122°01′03″E / 10.7889°N 122.0175°E / 10.7889; 122.0175 (Sibalom)	Sibalom		7001104000000000000♠10.4%	60,306	56,058	+1.40%	201.30	77.72	300	780	76
11°17′19″N 122°02′03″E / 11.2886°N 122.0342°E / 11.2886; 122.0342 (Tibiao)	Tibiao		7000460000000099999♠4.6%	26,748	24,513	+1.68%	177.42	68.50	150	390	21
10°30′58″N 121°56′42″E / 10.5162°N 121.9451°E / 10.5162; 121.9451 (Tobias Fornier)	Tobias Fornier		7000570000000000000♠5.7%	33,046	30,669	+1.43%	112.12	43.29	290	750	50
11°00′06″N 122°07′46″E / 11.0018°N 122.1294°E / 11.0018; 122.1294 (Valderrama)	Valderrama		7000330000000000000♠3.3%	19,124	18,442	+0.69%	273.79	105.71	70	180	22
	Total			582,012	546,031	+1.22%	2,729.17	1,053.74	210	540	590
		†  Provincial capital					Municipality
↑ The globe  icon marks the town center.

Climate

Climate data for Antique
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	29.9 (85.8)	30.8 (87.4)	32.2 (90)	33.6 (92.5)	33 (91)	31.8 (89.2)	30.9 (87.6)	30.8 (87.4)	31.1 (88)	31.2 (88.2)	31.2 (88.2)	30.4 (86.7)	31.41 (88.5)
Average low °C (°F)	22.8 (73)	23 (73)	23.5 (74.3)	24.2 (75.6)	24.6 (76.3)	24.3 (75.7)	23.9 (75)	23.8 (74.8)	23.8 (74.8)	23.8 (74.8)	23.5 (74.3)	23.1 (73.6)	23.69 (74.6)
Average rainy days	7	5	6	4	11	16	18	18	16	16	10	9	136
Source: Storm247[13]

Demographics

Population census of Antique
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1990	406,361	—
1995	431,713	+1.14%
2000	472,822	+1.97%
2007	515,265	+1.19%
2010	546,031	+2.13%
2015	582,012	+1.22%
Source: National Statistics Office[3][12][12]

The population of Antique in the 2015 census was 582,012 people,^[3] with a density of 210 inhabitants per square kilometre or 540 inhabitants per square mile.

Antiqueños are seafaring people that share many characteristics with their Panay neighbors. However, the steep slopes and the rugged, long mountain ranges of Antique have isolated it from the rest of Panay. Hence, they have developed their own distinct language called Kinaray-a. This dialect is of Austronesian origin characterized by the predominance of r's and schwa sounds spoken with a lilting gentle intonation.

The Antiqueños are noted for their industry. They are renowned weavers throughout the Visayas. The Bugasong patadyong, a tube cotton fabric of plaid design, is highly valued because of its fineness of weaving. Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry.

Religion

The people of Antique are predominantly Christians, with the Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan as its largest denomination. Even today, the Aglipayan Church remains influential in both the society and politics of the province. Other religious denominations in the province are the Roman Catholics, Protestants and Nontrinitarian such as Baptist Churches, Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Church of Latter Day Saints, among others.

In the mountains, remnants of ancient folk beliefs persist. Babaylans or native priestesses continue to divine the future, heal the sick or conjure spells.

Economy

Agriculture

For the year 1998, production of palay, the primary crop of the province, registered a total of 177,521 metric tons (mt.) or 4,438,025 cavans from 58,847 hectares with an average yield of 3.02 metric tons per hectare. An increase of 8,280 mt. or 16.37 percent over last years (1997) production was observed because the area harvested has increased by 9,822 hectares or 5.86 percent. However, the average yield per hectare decreased by 0.3 mt. per hectare or 0.09 percent. The average yield per hectare for irrigated lands is 3.39 mt., 2.63 mt. for rain-fed farms, and 1.57 for upland areas. The province regularly harvests enough to feed its population. This year, there is a surplus of 83,756 mt. or 2,093,900 cavans of palay.

Copra, the second major agricultural commodity, registered a total production of 15,712 mt. in 1998 reflecting a decrease of 965 mt. (5.78%) as against last years (1997) yield of 16,677 mt. The main bulk of copra came from the municipality of Caluya where this area accounts for 44 percent of the total copra output of the province. The area planted with coconuts constitutes about 34 percent of the total area of the province. Caluya, together with Pandan, account for more than half (53%) of the total provincial figure in terms of area planted, number of bearing trees, nuts production and copra yield.

For current year, data on production of other field crops are the following: corn, 650 metric tons; legumes (moonbeams, peanuts and other beans), 1,689 metric tons; muscovado sugar, 2,280 metric tons; root crops (camote, cassava, ube, etc.), 3,434 metric tons; vegetables (leafy, fruit and root), 870 metric tons; banana, 11,102 metric tons; and mango, 1,330 metric tons.

Fishery

By the end of the year, preliminary data for the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reported that the total volume of fishery products reached 24,299 metric tons. The aquaculture sector yields the highest production during the inclusion of seaweeds in this sector.

Fishing is the major source of livelihood for households in the 15 coastal municipalities.^[14] The rich fishing grounds of the Cuyo East Pass, Sulu Sea, and the municipal waters along the approximately 296.8-kilometre (184.4 mi) coastline, make fishing a promising venture. The fishing season is year round and peaks during December to June. A total of 17,437 households are directly dependent on fishing, and 39,055 households are indirectly dependent on it.

Livestock and poultry

Livestock and poultry raising in the province is through backyard or commercial system of production. Data from Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) revealed that from 1,441,660 head of livestock and poultry in 1997, the number rose to 1,547,944 in 1998, an additional 106,284 heads, indicating a 7.37% growth. The main reason behind this growth is the increase in poultry production of almost 7.88 percent.

Forestry

Forest products include bamboo, rattan, buri, bariw, nito, log, charcoal, abaca, herbal vines and plants, wild flowers and others. These forest resources are of undetermined quantity, and are used as raw materials in the construction industry, furniture and handicraft.

A large percentage of forestland is classified as protected (59.29 percent or 70,338.52 hectares). A little more than 50 percent of the total forestland is vegetated. The municipalities of Culasi, San Remigio and Valderrama registered the highest vegetative cover with an area of 13,005 hectares (32,140 acres), 8,637.50 hectares (21,343.7 acres) and 6,35 hectares respectively. The remaining 40.71 percent or 48,296.48 hectares (119,343.2 acres) are classified as production forests.

Trade, commerce, and industry

Major products shipped out of the province are palay, rice, copra, muscovado sugar,^[14] legumes, fruits and vegetables, livestock, fish and fish preparations, and seaweeds. Manufacture items like native gifts, toys, and housewares are sold in major cities of the country and abroad. Principal mined products exported include coal, marble, silica, copper and gemstones.

The main goods entering the province are construction materials, dry goods, groceries, canned and bottled products, fertilizers and others.

The capital town of San Jose de Buenavista is the center of business in the province while Culasi is the center of the North.

Economically potential towns are San Jose, Sibalom, Caluya, Culasi, Pandan, Hamtic, Tibiao, Bugasong and Patnongon.

Banks and other financial institutions

As of 1998, Antique has a total of eleven rural banks, five private commercial banks and three government banks: the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines have branches at San Jose de Buenavista and Culasi, Antique. There are also 51 multi-purpose cooperatives and four credit cooperatives.

Establishments

An establishment is an economic unit which engages under a single ownership or control. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) classifies establishments as manufacturing, trade and service. For 1998, fourteen manufacturing establishments were reported. Such manufacturing establishments are making hollowblocks, wood furniture, steel/wood, packed foods, metal craft, threshers, soap and sidecars. Service establishments totaled 117 and a total of 294 trade establishments.

Airports

Evelio Javier Airport (Antique Airport) is the only airport serving the province. The other, Semirara Airport in Caluya is a municipal airport.

Seaports

Seaports in the province include the Lipata Port in Culasi and the San Jose Port in San Jose de Buenavista.

Mineral resources

Antique has deposits of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources.^[14] The metallic mineral resources include copper, gold, chromite, pyrite, iron, manganese and ferro alloy and limestone. Copper deposits in Barbaza and San Remigio are estimated to have a volume of 36,255 metric tons and 59,445 metric tons respectively. Pyrite deposits in Valderrama and Sibalom are estimated at 120,000 metric tons while limestone deposits in Culasi are estimated at 30 billion metric tons.

The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) confirms the presence of gold in Mt. Dumara, Laua-an extending as far as Lumboyan, Barbaza. An analysis conducted in ore deposits indicated that 39.75 grams of gold can be found in a metric ton of ore. Non-metallic deposits include sulfides, clay, sulfur, oil and gemstones. Marble deposits are estimated at 1.8 billion metric tons in Libertad, and 2.3 billion metric tons in Pandan. Coal reserves in Caluya are estimated to be 1.6 million metric tons.

An indication of oil deposit was recently discovered at Maniguin Island in Culasi.

Tourism

The whole stretch of coastal areas in Antique is suited for scuba diving. Starting from the southern town of Antique tourists can drop by Sira-an Hot Spring, claimed to be a medical spring. The next destination is the capital town San Jose de Buenavista passing by Malandog Marker, site of the first Malayan Settlement. Tourism amenities like restaurants, shopping malls, pasalubong centers, accommodations and beach resorts are present. Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, can be found in Sibalom Natural Park.^[15] In the municipalities of Patnongon and Laua-an, tourists interested in traditional methods can visit muscovado mills and watch how muscovado sugar is processed. Products made with muscovado are also available; Laua-an is noted for its long butong-butong (a candy made with muscovado sugar). Tibiao has the Bugtong Bato Falls and the Fish SPA. From Culasi, Mount Madia-as can be seen, the "Mount Olympus" of Antique. Sebaste has the Igpasungaw Falls, the Sebaste Inland Resort and the most visited Saint Blaise Church, where devotees of St. Blaise make a pilgrimage every year during the annual fiesta. Pandan has Malumpati Health Spring and Bugang River—declared as the cleanest body of water in the whole country by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran—where rafting and river boating can be experienced. This is the most developed tourism area with a tour package. Libertad is known for its bariw mat and bag weaving.

Binirayan festival

Started in San Jose in 1974 by governor Evelio Javier, this is a week-long festival that includes colorful street parades, beach shows, plaza concerts, a beauty contest and trade fair. "Binirayan" biray, or "sailboat" in Kinaray-a (Antique's local language), refers to the Pre-Hispanic legend of the Bornean datus to reach Malandog beach, where they befriended the Atis (Aetas) and eventually started a civilization. Antique tradition holds that it was founded by Bornean Malays in the 12th century, although this had been long debunked as a hoax. According to legend, 10 Bornean datus (chieftains) claimed Panay island and their leader, Datu Sumakwel, founded the settlement in Malandog, Hamtik, Antique.^[16]

Education

Universities and colleges

Notes

References

• PPDO. Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan. San Jose, Antique. 2008
• Vanzi, Sol Jose. "The Many Facets of Antique." Philippine Headline News Online.
• Website of the Provincial Government of Antique (old) "The Provincial Government of Antique". Archived from the original on 2009-10-25. 

External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Antique.

• Media related to Antique (province) at Wikimedia Commons
• Geographic data related to Antique (province) at OpenStreetMap
• Official Website of the Provincial Government of Antique

		Aklan
	Palawan / Sulu Sea		Aklan Capiz Iloilo
		Antique
		Sulu Sea