Batan, Aklan

Batan, officially the Municipality of Batan (Aklanon: Banwa it Batan; Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Batan; Tagalog: Bayan ng Batan), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 32,032 people. [3]

Batan
Municipality
Municipality of Batan
Batan swamp
Seal
Map of Aklan with Batan highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Batan
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 11°35′N 122°30′E
Country Philippines
RegionWestern Visayas (Region VI)
ProvinceAklan
District1st district of Aklan
Barangays20 (see Barangays)
Government
 [1]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorRodell R. Ramos
 • Vice MayorWilliam R. Bautista Jr.
 • RepresentativeCarlito S. Marquez
 • Electorate23,729 voters (2019)
Area
 [2]
 • Total79.22 km2 (30.59 sq mi)
Elevation
30 m (100 ft)
Population
 (2015 census) [3]
 • Total32,032
 • Density400/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
 • Households
7,929
Economy
 • Income class4th municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence20.96% (2015)[4]
 • Revenue₱82,214,293.84 (2016)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
5615
PSGC
060404000
IDD : area code +63 (0)36
Climate typetropical climate
Native languagesAklan
Hiligaynon
Capiznon
Tagalog
Websitewww.batan.gov.ph

History

Pre-Hispanic Period

Batan was believed to be the seat of the government of Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw III, the promulgator of the Code of Kalantiaw in 1433.[5] The code is a collection of 17 laws used during the time of the Datu before the coming of the Spaniards.[6]

Spanish Colonial Era

Batan is one of the oldest towns founded in Aklan. Batan was formerly an encomienda of Miguel Rodriguez in 1591. The parish in Batan was established by the Augustinians in 1601 under the patronage of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.[7] Batan was first incorporated into Aclan or Aklan (now Kalibo) in 1603 and in 1789 it became an independent municipality. In 1903, Batan was again incorporated to the new town of New Washington and became independent again in 1931.[5]

Independent Philippines

In 1957, the Kalantiaw National Shrine marker was erected by the Philippine Historical and Cultural Society to honor the significance of Datu Kalantiaw where it displays a copy of the “original manuscript” of the Code. It was built on a former school building near the municipal seaport which houses the town's historical mementos and antiques, including the original manuscript of the code which the Spaniards obtained from an old chief and translated.[5] In 2004 however, after years of investigation and historical findings, the National Historical Institute concluded that the Code of Kalantiaw was fake and a hoax. Remnants of the Kalantiaw National Shrine marker still remain in Batan, Aklan and the site area was renovated as a park for tourists and locals.

Geography

Batan is 49 kilometres (30 mi) from the provincial capital of Kalibo and 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Roxas City.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 79.22 square kilometres (30.59 sq mi) [2] constituting 4.35% of the 1,821.42-square-kilometre- (703.25 sq mi) total area of Aklan.

Climate
Climate data for Batan, Aklan
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 28
(82)		 29
(84)		 30
(86)		 32
(90)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 30
(86)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 29
(84)		 28
(82)		 30
(86)
Average low °C (°F) 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 25
(77)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 47
(1.9)		 33
(1.3)		 39
(1.5)		 48
(1.9)		 98
(3.9)		 150
(5.9)		 169
(6.7)		 147
(5.8)		 163
(6.4)		 172
(6.8)		 118
(4.6)		 80
(3.1)		 1,264
(49.8)
Average rainy days 11.4 8.2 9.3 9.7 19.1 25.6 27.4 25.5 25.5 25.2 18.5 14.5 219.9
Source: Meteoblue [8] (Use with caution: this is modeled/calculated data, not measured locally.)

Barangays

Batan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays.[9]

PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2015 [3] 2010 [10]
060404001 Ambolong 7.2% 2,302 2,047 ▴ 2.26%
060404002 Angas 4.9% 1,577 1,456 ▴ 1.53%
060404003 Bay-ang 6.6% 2,120 2,096 ▴ 0.22%
060404005 Cabugao 7.5% 2,408 1,948 ▴ 4.12%
060404004 Caiyang 2.9% 941 832 ▴ 2.37%
060404006 Camaligan 8.8% 2,821 2,616 ▴ 1.45%
060404007 Camanci 8.2% 2,628 2,544 ▴ 0.62%
060404008 Ipil 1.5% 484 504 ▾ −0.77%
060404009 Lalab 9.3% 2,990 2,820 ▴ 1.12%
060404010 Lupit 4.9% 1,562 1,593 ▾ −0.37%
060404011 Magpag-ong 4.2% 1,359 1,432 ▾ −0.99%
060404012 Magubahay 1.7% 550 596 ▾ −1.52%
060404013 Mambuquiao 4.5% 1,442 1,418 ▴ 0.32%
060404014 Man-up 3.0% 972 911 ▴ 1.24%
060404015 Mandong 5.3% 1,701 1,525 ▴ 2.10%
060404016 Napti 3.5% 1,120 1,011 ▴ 1.97%
060404017 Palay 4.3% 1,371 1,453 ▾ −1.10%
060404018 Poblacion 5.0% 1,611 1,547 ▴ 0.77%
060404019 Songcolan 3.6% 1,160 1,122 ▴ 0.64%
060404020 Tabon 2.9% 913 841 ▴ 1.58%
Total 32,032 30,312 ▴ 1.06%

Demographics
Population census of Batan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 14,315—    
1939 11,966−0.50%
1948 14,714+2.32%
1960 17,466+1.44%
1970 20,025+1.37%
1975 21,248+1.20%
1980 23,393+1.94%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 25,710+0.95%
1995 26,415+0.51%
2000 27,889+1.17%
2007 29,243+0.66%
2010 30,312+1.32%
2015 32,032+1.06%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [3] [10] [11][12]

In the 2015 census, Batan had a population of 32,032. [3] The population density was 400 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,000/sq mi).

Local government

As of the May 2019 Philippine National and Local Elections, Batan's local government unit is currently led by:

  • Mayor – Rodell R. Ramos (PDPLBN)
  • Vice Mayor – William R. Bautista, Jr. (PDPLBN)

The members of the Sangguniang Bayan (Councilors) of the Lone District of Batan are:

  • JK Amir "Bodjyk" L. Demeterio (PDPLBN)
  • Dr. Rina "Ghaga" V. Sarceno (IND)
  • Anna Lisa "Liezl" B. Panado (PDPLBN)
  • Eric A. Del Rosario (PDPLBN)
  • Adam C. Mamay (PDPLBN)
  • Joena B. Parco (NPC)
  • Dennis "Bocay" A. Perlas (IND)
  • Myrlin "Em" S. Cortes (PDPLBN)

[13] [14]

Attractions
Kalantiaw Shrine Bridge
  • Tinago Lake or locally known as Tinagong Dagat, is located between the town (near Brgys. Ipil and Tabon) and Altavas. It is an 8-kilometre (5.0 mi) long and 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) wide "hidden sea" from Batan Bay by two islands. Fringed with mangroves and thick undergrowth, it has a rocky beach and it is one of the town's rich fishing grounds. It is also ideal for speed boating and water skiing.
  • Ob-Ob Hill – The 200-metre (660 ft) high and rocky Ob-Ob Hill is located east of Poblacion, Batan in barangay Songcolan and it has a sweeping view of the Sibuyan Sea, fish ponds and rice fields. At the foot of the hill is a beach ideal for underwater cave diving, scuba diving, fishing and water sports.
  • Kalantiaw Shrine Marker is a historical marker named after Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw III, the third chief of Panay, who is said to have instituted a legal code in Batan in 1433.
  • Mambuquiao Marine Protected Area and Fish Sanctuary is a coral reef turned into a fish sanctuary. Locally called pito, it has the highest live coral cover in Salian Bay. It is ideal for boating, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
  • Macawiwili Mountains is located in Barangay Lalab.
  • Puting Bato is a protected wildlife area located in Barangay Angas.
  • Pandan Hills is a verdant hill in Barangay Bay-ang overlooking the Sibuyan Sea. It is dubbed as Batan, Aklan's version of Batanes' Marlboro Hills.
  • Old Spanish relics from the Spanish colonization period such as the Spanish cannon, Spanish distilleries and old Spanish cemeteries with brick facade can still be seen in Batan, Aklan.
  • Aroma Beach Resort is located in Barangay Napti.
  • Borabocay Beach Resort is located in Barangay Songcolan.
  • Waterfront Beach Resort is located in Barangay Songcolan.
  • Mambu Rise Beach Resort is located in Barangay Mambuquiao.
  • Paradwys Beach Resort is located in Barangay Napti.
  • Casa Del Mar is located in Barangay Ambolong.
  • RainForest Botanical Garden is located in Barangay Ambolong.
  • The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Poblacion, Batan. It is considered as one of the oldest churches in Aklan.

Batan also has pristine beaches, abundant marine life, seafood (Batan is known for its crabs, lobster, and shrimps), coconut products, grain produce, root crops, fruits, and large forests.[5]

Local Festivals
  • Santo Niñohan or Ati-Ati and Malakara Festival (in honor of the Holy Child) is celebrated every third Saturday and Sunday of January. This festival is very similar to the well-known Ati-Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan. Its difference from Kalibo's Ati-Atihan is that participants are required to use native and indigenous materials as the main components of their costumes and props.
  • Immaculate Conception, Batan's Municipal and Religious Fiesta, is celebrated every December 8. It is a weeklong celebration composed of various activities like street parades, foodfest, dance competition, basketball tournament, drum & lyre competition, boat race, marathon, a showcase of local products from each barangay, consecrated mass & flower offering at Kalantiaw Shrine, Lakambini ni Kalantiaw beauty pageant, merrymaking and a concert at the local playground or park performed by DJs, dance groups and OPM bands or artists like Rocksteddy, Hale, Siakol, Brownman Revival and Arnel Pineda.
  • Juez De Cuchillo is always held every October 19 to commemorate the capture and beheading of 79 innocent Batangnon civilians on October 19, 1943, by the Japanese Imperial Army. A program, re-enactment and flower offering are held at the site where the victims were beheaded and slaughtered by the Japanese soldiers. A marker was erected by local officials and relatives of the victims for their remembrance.[15]

Education

Elementary
  • Batan Elementary School
  • Batan Learning Center
  • Bay-ang Elementary School
  • Nicolas R. Delgado Elementary School
  • Cabugao Elementary School
  • Caiyang Elementary School
  • Camaligan Elementary School
  • Camanci Elementary School
  • I Learn Child Center – Batan
  • Ipil Elementary School
  • Lalab Elementary School
  • Lupit Elementary School
  • Magubahay Elementary School
  • Mambuquiao Elementary School
  • Mandong Elementary School
  • Man-up Elementary School
  • Napti Elementary School
  • Palay Elementary School
  • Songcolan Elementary School
  • Tabon Elementary School
  • Talangban Elementary School

Secondary
  • Angas Integrated School
  • Batan Academy (A National School)
  • Batan Academy (A National School) – Lalab Extension
  • Bay-ang – Magpag-ong National High School
  • Camaligan National High School
  • Camanci National High School
  • Ipil Integrated School
  • Kalantiaw Institute (KI)
  • Napti Integrated School
  • Rizal J. Rodriguez Sr. National High School
  • Tabon Integrated School
  • Mandong Integrated School

Tertiary
  • Batan Integrated College of Technology (formerly BCC or Batan Community College)

References
  1.  Municipality of Batan | (DILG)
  2. "Province: Aklan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. Census of Population (2015). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  4. "PSA releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  5. http://biyahero.net/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=44&sobi2Id=119&Itemid=56
  6. "Batan" Archived 2011-09-03 at the Wayback Machine. Aklan Directory. Retrieved on 2011-11-03.
  7. "Aklan Tour - Batan" Archived November 5, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Panublion. Retrieved on 2011-11-03.
  8. "Batan: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  9. "Municipal: Batan, Aklan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  10. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  11. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region VI (Western Visayas)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
  12. "Province of Aklan". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  13. https://www.localpulse.net/election-results/region-vi/aklan/winners-batan-aklan-local-elections-2019-results-28547/
  14. https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2019NLE/ListsOfCandidates/TentativeListsofCandidates/LOCAL/REGIONVI/AKLAN.pdf
  15. http://madyaaspen.blogspot.com/2012/10/juez-de-kutsillo-in-batan-aklan.html

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