Antike
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Antique (), officially the Province of Antique, is a
province A province is an administrative division within a country or sovereign state, state. The term derives from the ancient Roman , which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire, Roman Empire's territorial possessions ou ...
in the
Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
located in the
Western Visayas Western Visayas (; ; ) is an Regions of the Philippines, administrative region in the Philippines, numerically designated as Region VI. The region comprises the islands of Panay and Guimaras Island, Guimaras. It consists of five Provinces of the ...
region In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as areas, zones, lands or territories, are portions of the Earth's surface that are broadly divided by physical characteristics (physical geography), human impact characteristics (human geography), and ...
. Its capital and most populous town is
San Jose de Buenavista San Jose de Buenavista, officially the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality and capital of the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According ...
. The province is situated in the western section of
Panay Island Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and a total population of 4,542,926, as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City of I ...
and borders
Aklan Aklan, officially the Province of Aklan, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital and largest town is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay, Panay Islan ...
,
Capiz Capiz (), officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon language, Capiznon/Hiligaynon language, Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; ), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the central part of the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines ...
, and
Iloilo Iloilo ( ; ), officially the Province of Iloilo (; ; ; ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital and largest city is Iloilo City, the regional center of Western Visayas and politically independen ...
to the east, while facing the
Sulu Sea The Sulu Sea (; Tausug: ''Dagat sin Sūg''; ; ) is a body of water in the southwestern area of the Philippines, separated from the South China Sea in the northwest by Palawan and from the Celebes Sea in the southeast by the Sulu Archipela ...
to the west. The province is home to the indigenous Iraynun-Bukidnon, speakers of a dialect of the Kinaray-a language, who have crafted the only rice terrace clusters in the
Visayas The Visayas ( ), or the Visayan Islands (Bisayan languages, Visayan: ''Kabisay-an'', ; Filipino language, Filipino: ''Kabisayaan'' ), are one of the three Island groups of the Philippines, principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, a ...
through indigenous knowledge and sheer vernacular capabilities. The rice terraces of the Iraynun-Bukidnon are divided into four terraced fields, namely, General Fullon rice terraces, Lublub rice terraces, Bakiang rice terraces, and San Agustin rice terraces. All of the rice terrace clusters have been researched by the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts The National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines (NCCA; , ) is the official government agency for culture in the Philippines. It is the overall policy making body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, d ...
and various scholars from the
University of the Philippines The University of the Philippines (UP; ) is a Higher education in the Philippines#State universities and colleges, state university system in the Philippines. It is the country's national university, as mandated by List of Philippine laws, Re ...
. There have been campaigns to nominate the Iraynun-Bukidnon Rice Terraces, along with the
Central Panay Mountain Range Central Panay Mountain Range is the longest and largest mountain range in the island of Panay and Western Visayas in the Philippines. With a total length of long north–south and width east–west. Mount Madja-as is the highest point with an ...
, into the
UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
World Heritage List World Heritage Sites are landmarks and areas with legal protection under an international treaty administered by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, or scientific significance. The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritag ...
.


Etymology

Antique was one of the three (districts) of
Panay Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and a total population of 4,542,926, as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City of Il ...
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. The Spanish
chroniclers A chronicle (, from Greek ''chroniká'', from , ''chrónos'' – "time") is a historical account of events arranged in chronological order, as in a timeline. Typically, equal weight is given for historically important events and local events, t ...
, influenced by the French, recorded the region's name as ''Hantique'' (with the silent 'h'), but this was only adopted in areas near Malandog River in present
Hamtic Hamtic, officially the Municipality of Hamtic (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality in the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 52,68 ...
town which then became the provincial capital (shortly before Bugason and San Jose). The province bearing its former capital's name is spelled and pronounced as "Antique" (än-ti-ké), without 'h' and pronounced in (Kinaray-a) dialectic way.


History


Early history

Historians believe that the earliest people who settled on the island of Panay were tribal
Negrito The term ''Negrito'' (; ) refers to several diverse ethnic groups who inhabit isolated parts of Southeast Asia and the Andaman Islands. Populations often described as Negrito include: the Andamanese peoples (including the Great Andamanese, th ...
s or Atis.
Oral history Oral history is the collection and study of historical information from people, families, important events, or everyday life using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews. These interviews are conducted with people who pa ...
, relayed as the "
Maragtas The ''Maragtas'' is a work by Pedro Alcantara Monteclaro titled (in English translation) ''History of Panay from the first inhabitants and the Bornean immigrants, from which they descended, to the arrival of the Spaniards''. The work is in mix ...
", states that ten "
datu ''Datu'' is a title which denotes the rulers (variously described in historical accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs) of numerous Indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. The title is still used today, though no ...
s" or minor tribal Malay chieftains escaped persecution from a city called Odtojan from
Borneo Borneo () is the List of islands by area, third-largest island in the world, with an area of , and population of 23,053,723 (2020 national censuses). Situated at the geographic centre of Maritime Southeast Asia, it is one of the Greater Sunda ...
due to a tyrant ruler called Makatunaw. The ten datus, led by Datu Puti, sailed northward with their families and communities, landing on Panay after departing Borneo. The authenticity of this narrative is disputed but nonetheless continues to be a part of the local history of the people of Antique. According to the Maragtas, the Bornean datus upon arrival met with the Ati chieftain Datu Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan. They offered the chieftain a
salakot Salakot is a traditional lightweight headgear from the Philippines commonly used for protection against the sun and rain. Variants occur among ethnic groups, but all are shaped like a dome or cone and can range in size from having very wide br ...
(wide-brimmed hat) (believed to be of pure gold by present-day locals) as well as a golden necklace, earrings, bracelets and trinkets they wore when they fled Borneo. The gifts also include pearls and fine clothes as a show of respect to the indigenous people. Datu Marikudo responded to the datus' generosity by giving them the lowlands and moving to the mountains with his Ati tribe as the mountains are sacred to them. The legendary arrival of Bornean boats at the shores of Antique is commemorated annually in the
Binirayan festival The Binirayan Festival is an annual month-long cultural festival in the province of Antique, Philippines, held every December. The festival commemorates the arrival of Malay migrants prior to the Spanish conquest, as documented in Maragtas, a c ...
. The island of Panay was then divided into three : Hantik, Akean and Irong-Irong. Irong-Irong became
Iloilo Iloilo ( ; ), officially the Province of Iloilo (; ; ; ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital and largest city is Iloilo City, the regional center of Western Visayas and politically independen ...
, Akean became the present-day
Aklan Aklan, officially the Province of Aklan, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital and largest town is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay, Panay Islan ...
and
Capiz Capiz (), officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon language, Capiznon/Hiligaynon language, Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; ), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the central part of the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines ...
, and Hantik (also called Hamtik or Hamtic) became Antique. Hantik was named for the large black ants found on the island called "hantik-hantik".


Spanish colonial era

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
watchtower A watchtower or guardtower (also spelt watch tower, guard tower) is a type of military/paramilitary or policiary tower used for guarding an area. Sometimes fortified, and armed with heavy weaponry, especially historically, the structures are ...
s, like the 'Old Watchtower' in Libertad and Estaca Hill in
Bugasong Bugasong, officially the Municipality of Bugasong (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 34,676 people. Making it 8th most populous municipality in the province of ...
, were built to guard Antique. In 1790, Antique was converted into a politico-military province with the town of Antique (now
Hamtic Hamtic, officially the Municipality of Hamtic (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality in the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 52,68 ...
) as its first capital. The provincial seat of government was later transferred to Bugasón (old name of
Bugasong Bugasong, officially the Municipality of Bugasong (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 34,676 people. Making it 8th most populous municipality in the province of ...
), and finally to
San Jose de Buenavista San Jose de Buenavista, officially the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality and capital of the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According ...
. By the end of the 1700s, Antique had 9,228 families.ESTADISMO DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS TOMO PRIMERO By Joaquín Martínez de Zúñiga (Original Spanish)
/ref>ESTADISMO DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS TOMO SEGUNDO By Joaquín Martínez de Zúñiga (Original Spanish)
/ref>


Japanese occupation

In 1942, the
Imperial Japanese Army The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA; , ''Dai-Nippon Teikoku Rikugun'', "Army of the Greater Japanese Empire") was the principal ground force of the Empire of Japan from 1871 to 1945. It played a central role in Japan’s rapid modernization during th ...
landed in Antique and occupied the province during the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
. 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 The Commonwealth of the Philippines (; ) was an unincorporated territory and commonwealth of the United States that existed from 1935 to 1946. It was established following the Tydings–McDuffie Act to replace the Insular Government of the Phi ...
Army was active from January 3, 1942, to June 30, 1946, and the military general headquarters and camp bases of the 6th Constabulary Regiment of the
Philippine Constabulary The Philippine Constabulary (PC; , ''HPP''; ) was a gendarmerie-type military police force of the Philippines from 1901 to 1991, and the predecessor to the Philippine National Police. It was created by the Insular Government, American occupat ...
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 Constabulary 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.


Philippine independence


During the Marcos dictatorship

One of the significant events of the Philippines's Martial Law era was the Bacong Bridge Massacre, which took place in the town of
Culasi Culasi, officially the Municipality of Culasi (; ; ), is a 1st class municipality in the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,494 people. Making it fou ...
, Antique on December 19, 1981. Sometimes also known as the Culasi incident, it involved the
Philippine Constabulary The Philippine Constabulary (PC; , ''HPP''; ) was a gendarmerie-type military police force of the Philippines from 1901 to 1991, and the predecessor to the Philippine National Police. It was created by the Insular Government, American occupat ...
killing 5 protester-farmers at the Bacong River bridge in Culasi's Barangay Malacañang. The victims were identified as Leopoldo A. Anos, Aquilino M. Castillo, Fortunato M. Dalisay, Remegildo P. Dalisay, and Joel B. Plaquino, and were later honored at the Philippines'
Bantayog ng mga Bayani The Bantayog ng mga Bayani (), sometimes simply referred to as the Bantayog, is a monument, museum, and historical research center in Quezon City, Philippines, which honors the martyrs and heroes of the struggle against the Martial law under F ...
, which recognizes the heroes and martyrs who fought the authoritarian regime.


Contemporary

In 2014, the first ever Philippine rice terraces found outside the Cordilleras was discovered in Antique through satellite and a team of scientists and locals. The heritage site, known as the Antique Rice Terraces of the Panay-Bukidnon people, is believed to be at least 200 years old. In 2017, the province hosted the
Palarong Pambansa The Palarong Pambansa ( Filipino for "National Games") is an annual multi-sport event involving student-athletes from the different regions of the Philippines. The event which was known as the BPISAA Games from its inception in 1948 until 197 ...
for the very first time.


Geography

Antique is one of the six provinces comprising
Western Visayas Western Visayas (; ; ) is an Regions of the Philippines, administrative region in the Philippines, numerically designated as Region VI. The region comprises the islands of Panay and Guimaras Island, Guimaras. It consists of five Provinces of the ...
or Region VI, and one of the four provinces on the island of
Panay Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and a total population of 4,542,926, as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City of Il ...
. The province, with a total land area of , 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 Aklan, officially the Province of Aklan, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital and largest town is Kalibo. The province is situated in the northwest portion of Panay, Panay Islan ...
in the northeast,
Capiz Capiz (), officially the Province of Capiz (Capiznon language, Capiznon/Hiligaynon language, Hiligaynon: ''Kapuoran sang Capiz''; ), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the central part of the Western Visayas Regions of the Philippines ...
on the east,
Iloilo Iloilo ( ; ), officially the Province of Iloilo (; ; ; ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital and largest city is Iloilo City, the regional center of Western Visayas and politically independen ...
in the southeast and the
Sulu Sea The Sulu Sea (; Tausug: ''Dagat sin Sūg''; ; ) is a body of water in the southwestern area of the Philippines, separated from the South China Sea in the northwest by Palawan and from the Celebes Sea in the southeast by the Sulu Archipela ...
on the west. Its westernmost and northernmost point is
Semirara Semirara is an island in the Philippines located in the Caluya archipelago which is situated south of Mindoro Island. It is under the jurisdiction of the town of Caluya in the province of Antique. It is a major site of coal mining in the Philipp ...
Island at , while its eastern tip is approximately . Anini-y is the province's most southerly point at . Resembling a seahorse in shape, it is long and at its widest point.


Physical Features

Antique has rugged and varied land.
Nogas Island Nogas is a government naval reservation island in Antique Province, Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific ...
, Hurao-Hurao Island and
Mararison Island Mararison, also known as Malalison, is a small island and a barangay in Culasi in the Antique Province, on the island of Panay in the Philippines. Geography Mararison Island has a total land area of . Tuyong-tuyong Hill is the island high ...
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 reef A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose polyps cluster in group ...
s.
Mount Madja-as Mount Madja-as is a large dormant volcano and the highest peak on the island of Panay and Western Visayas region in the Philippines, second highest mountain in the entire Visayas, after Mount Kanlaon on Negros. With an elevation of above sea ...
is located in
Culasi Culasi, officially the Municipality of Culasi (; ; ), is a 1st class municipality in the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,494 people. Making it fou ...
, is the highest peak on the island of
Panay Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and a total population of 4,542,926, as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City of Il ...
. This mountain is a
dormant volcano A volcano is commonly defined as a vent or fissure in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. On Earth, volcanoes are most often ...
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.
Mount Nangtud Mount Nangtud is the second highest peak on the island of Panay, in the Philippines and third highest mountain in the Visayas, after Mount Kanlaon and Mount Madja-as. With an elevation of above sea level, it is located geographically within Jam ...
, is the second highest mountain in Antique and Panay island with an elevation of above sea level, located between Antique and Capiz border. Antique has nine major rivers, the longest is
Sibalom River The Sibalom River is the longest river in the province of Antique (province), Antique in Panay island Philippines. With a total length of and a drainage basin covering , it is the largest river system in Antique and fourth longest in Panay afte ...
73 km, followed by Paliwan River 58.2 km, Cangaranan River 57.4 km, Dalanas River 34.6 km, Cairawan River 31.5 km, Ypayo River (Patnongon) 29.2 km, Tibiao River 26.4 km, Malandog River 17.8 km and Bacong River 16.2 km. List of peaks in Antique by elevation. *
Mount Madja-as Mount Madja-as is a large dormant volcano and the highest peak on the island of Panay and Western Visayas region in the Philippines, second highest mountain in the entire Visayas, after Mount Kanlaon on Negros. With an elevation of above sea ...
*
Mount Nangtud Mount Nangtud is the second highest peak on the island of Panay, in the Philippines and third highest mountain in the Visayas, after Mount Kanlaon and Mount Madja-as. With an elevation of above sea level, it is located geographically within Jam ...
*
Mount Baloy Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, ...
* Mount Balabag * Mount Agbalanti *
Mount Kigas Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, ...
* Mount Igbanig * Mount Sipanag *
Mount Igdalig Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...
* Mount Tiguran * Mount Tigatay * Mount Dumara *
Mount Sansanan Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...
*
Mount Anoy Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, ...
* Mount Balabag, Seb. * Mount Acotay * Mount Tinayunga *
Mount Tuno Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...
* Mount Tigancal * Mount Tigbararing *
Mount Tigdagano Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...
* Mount Manlagbo *
Mount Aningalan Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...


River systems

List of rivers in Antique by length. *1.
Sibalom River The Sibalom River is the longest river in the province of Antique (province), Antique in Panay island Philippines. With a total length of and a drainage basin covering , it is the largest river system in Antique and fourth longest in Panay afte ...
73 km ** Tipulu-an River 33.1 km *** Mao-it River 15.8 km ** Maninila River 31.1 km ** Cansilayan River 12.5 km *2. Paliwan River 58.2 km ** Paningayan River 18.7 km ** Bucayan River 14.1 km ** Nawili River 12.6 km *3. Cangaranan River 57.4 km ** Cadi-an River 25 km ***
Baloy River Baloy is both a given name and a surname. Notable people with the name include: * Baloy McCowen (1893–1959), American illustrator * Baldomero Aguinaldo y Baloy (1869–1915), leader of the Philippine Revolution *Felipe Baloy (born 1981), Panamania ...
15.4 km *4. Dalanas River, Barbaza 34.6 km ** Mali-ao River 26.3 km ** Kigas River 16.2 km ** Mamara River 11.3 km ** Bajay River 10 km ** Memero River 6.2 km ** Nalusdan River 5.8 km *5. Cairawan River, Laua-an 31.5 km ** Cabay-ang River 19.5 km *6. Ypayo River, Patnongon 29.2 km *7. Tibiao River, Tibiao 26.4 km *8. Malandog River, Hamtic 17.8 km *9. Bacong River, Culasi 16.2 km *10.
Hamtic River Hamtic, officially the Municipality of Hamtic (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 52,685 people, making it the third most populous municipality in the province o ...
, Hamtic 15.2 km *11. Carit-an River, Patnongon 15.1 km *12.
Casay River Anini-y, officially the Municipality of Anini-y (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 22,018 people. Making it 14th most populous municipality in the province of An ...
, Anini-y 14.3 km *13. Asluman River, Hamtic 13.8 km *14. Ipil River, Belison 13.4 km *15. Iba River, Anini-y 13.1 km *16. Bulanao River, Libertad 12.3 km *17. Bacalan River, Sebaste 11.5 km *18. Inyawan River, Libertad 11.4 km *19. Sabang River, Bugasong 11.4 km *20. Panganta River, Culasi 10.6 km *21. Paningayan River, Culasi 10.4 km *22. Binangbang River, Barbaza 10.4 km *23. Bugang River, Pandan 10.3 km *24. Patnongon River, Patnongon 10.2 km *25. San Roque River, Libertad 10.1 km *26. Carit-an River, Sebaste 8.7 km *27. Dao River, Tobias Fornier 8.6 km *28. Ypayo River, Sebaste 8.2 km *29. Linaban River, Hamtic 8.2 km *30. Panukayan River, Pandan 8.2 km *31. Nauring River, Pandan 7.8 km *32. Cala-cala River, Sebaste 7.7 km *33. Bongol River, Culasi 7.6 km *34. Duyong River, Pandan 7.6 km *35. Aureliana River, Patnongon 7.5 km *36. Idio River, Sebaste 7.5 km *37. Burabod River, Pandan 7.3 km *38. Union River, Libertad 7.2 km *39. Carit-an River, Culasi 7.1 km *40. Patria River, Pandan 6.1 km *41. Guija River, Bugasong 5.9 km *42. Aguila River, Sebaste 5.5 km *43. Bitadnon River, Culasi 5.4 km *44. Aras-asan River, Hamtic 5.4 km *45. Igbarawan River, Patnongon 5.2 km *46. Nalupa River, Barbaza 5.1 km *47. San Andres River, Pandan 5.1 km *48.
Paz River The Río Paz () is a river in southern Guatemala. Its sources are located in the Quezalapa mountains in the north of Jutiapa. From there it flows in a south-westerly direction and marks the border with El Salvador for most of its course before r ...
, Libertad 4.9 km *49. Barusbus River, Libertad 4.9 km *50. Laua-an River, Laua-an 4.6 km *51. Mapatag River, Hamtic 4.6 km *52. Nauhon River, Sebaste 4.2 km *53. Mauno River, Laua-an 3.8 km *54. Banban River, Laua-an 2.4 km *55. Yapo River, Barbaza 2.3 km *56. Intao Creek, Laua-an 2.1 km *57. Bahuyan Creek, Barbaza 1.3 km


Waterfalls

List of waterfalls in Antique. *Tigmalmos Falls in Tibiao *Bugtong Bato Falls in Tibiao *Inyawan Falls in Libertad *Sigbungon Falls in Barbaza *Macalbag Falls in Barbaza *Kamalasag Falls in Sebaste *Igpasungaw Falls in Sebaste *Bulwang Falls in Sebaste *Nabarao Falls in Sebaste *Capnayan Falls in Laua-an *Kataw Falls in Culasi *Cadiao Falls in Barbaza *Sayay Falls in Barbaza *Libog Falls in Culasi *Halat Falls in Bugasong


Climate

The rainy season in Antique is from June to November, and the summer season is from December to May.


Administrative divisions

Antique is subdivided into 18
municipalities A municipality is usually a single administrative division having municipal corporation, corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality' ...
.
San Jose de Buenavista San Jose de Buenavista, officially the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality and capital of the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According ...
serves as the provincial capital, the center of commerce and trade, and the seat of the provincial government and national government agencies.


Demographics

The population of Antique in the 2020 census was 612,974 people, with a density of . San Jose is the most populous town in the province. 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 The Karay-a language (, or ; ) is an Austronesian regional language in the Philippines spoken by the Karay-a people, mainly in Antique. It is one of the Bisayan languages, along with Aklanon/Malaynon, Capiznon, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon. ...
. This language is of
Austronesian Austronesian may refer to: *The Austronesian languages *The historical Austronesian peoples The Austronesian people, sometimes referred to as Austronesian-speaking peoples, are a large group of peoples who have settled in Taiwan, maritime Sout ...
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 on looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry.


Language

Kinaray-a The Karay-a language (, or ; ) is an Austronesian regional language in the Philippines spoken by the Karay-a people, mainly in Antique. It is one of the Bisayan languages, along with Aklanon/Malaynon, Capiznon, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon. ...
is the dominant language of Antique. Hiligaynon is also widely used and it is understood by the population. Aklanon is also spoken in the northern part of the province that borders Aklan especially in the towns of Pandan and Libertad.


Religion


Catholicism

The people of Antique are predominantly
Catholics The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics worldwide as of 2025. It is among the world's oldest and largest international institut ...
, with the
Catholic Church The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the List of Christian denominations by number of members, largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics Catholic Church by country, worldwid ...
as its largest denomination. While the
Iglesia Filipina Independiente The Philippine Independent Church (; ), officially referred to by its Philippine Spanish name (IFI) and colloquially called the Aglipayan Church, is an Independent Catholic, independent catholic Christian denomination, in the form of a Religi ...
or the IFI, also known as the Aglipayan Church, is the second largest religious denomination in the province. The IFI being the tangible fruit of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Imperialist remains significant in the present-day Antique. Both the Roman Catholic and IFI are influential in both the society and politics of the province.


Others

Other religious denominations in the province are the Members Church of God International (MCGI),
Protestants Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emphasizes Justification (theology), justification of sinners Sola fide, through faith alone, the teaching that Salvation in Christianity, salvation comes by unmerited Grace in Christianity, divin ...
and
Nontrinitarian Nontrinitarianism is a form of Christianity that rejects the orthodox Christian theology of the Trinity—the belief that God is three distinct hypostases or persons who are coeternal, coequal, and indivisibly united in one being, or essence ( ...
cults such as,
Iglesia ni Cristo The (INC; ; ) is an independent Nontrinitarianism, nontrinitarian Christianity, Christian Christian denomination, church founded in 1913 and registered by Felix Manalo, Félix Manalo in 1914 as a corporation sole, sole religious corporation ...
,
Seventh-day Adventist Church The Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) is an Adventist Protestant Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week in the Christian (Gregorian) and the Hebrew calendar, as the Sa ...
,
Jehovah's Witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination that is an outgrowth of the Bible Student movement founded by Charles Taze Russell in the nineteenth century. The denomination is nontrinitarian, millenarian, and restorationist. Russell co-fou ...
, and
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, informally known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church, is a Nontrinitarianism, nontrinitarian Restorationism, restorationist Christianity, Christian Christian denomination, denomination and the ...
, among others. In the mountains, remnants of ancient folk beliefs persist.
Babaylan Filipino shamans, commonly known as (also ''balian'' or , among many other names), were shamans of the various ethnic groups of the pre-colonial Philippine islands. These shamans specialized in communicating, appeasing, or harnessing the sp ...
s or native priestesses continue to divine the future, heal the sick or conjure spells.


Economy


Agriculture

For the year 1998, production of
palay Rice is a cereal grain and in its domesticated form is the staple food of over half of the world's population, particularly in Asia and Africa. Rice is the seed of the grass species ''Oryza sativa'' (Asian rice)—or, much less commonly, ...
, 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 Copra (from ; ; ; ) is the dried, white flesh of the coconut from which coconut oil is extracted. Traditionally, the coconuts are sun-dried, especially for export, before the oil, also known as copra oil, is pressed out. The oil extracted ...
, 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 the copra came from the municipality of
Caluya Caluya, officially the Municipality of Caluya (; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 38,908 people, making it the sixth most populous municipality in the province. ...
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.


Fishery

Fishing is the major source of livelihood for households in the 15 coastal municipalities. The rich fishing grounds of the Cuyo East Pass, Sulu Sea, and the municipal waters along the approximately 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 a 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, 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. One of the most notable flowers to be thriving in the Antiqueño mountains would be the rafflesia, one of the biggest flowers in the world. Rafflesia is Antique's provincial flower. 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 , and 6,35 hectares respectively. The remaining 40.71 percent or are classified as production forests.


Trade, commerce, and industry

Major products shipped out of the province are palay, rice, copra, muscovado sugar, legumes, fruits and vegetables, livestock, fish and fish preparations, and seaweed. Manufactured items like native gifts, toys, and housewares are sold in major cities of the country and abroad. Principal mined products exported include
coal Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable amounts of other Chemical element, elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Coal i ...
,
marble Marble is a metamorphic rock consisting of carbonate minerals (most commonly calcite (CaCO3) or Dolomite (mineral), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) that have recrystallized under the influence of heat and pressure. It has a crystalline texture, and is ty ...
,
silica Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula , commonly found in nature as quartz. In many parts of the world, silica is the major constituent of sand. Silica is one of the most complex and abundant f ...
,
copper Copper is a chemical element; it has symbol Cu (from Latin ) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orang ...
and
gemstones A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, semiprecious stone, or simply gem) is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut or polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments. Certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli, opal, a ...
. 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 San Jose de Buenavista, officially the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista (; ; ), is a municipality of the Philippines, municipality and capital of the Philippine Province, province of Antique (province), Antique, Philippines. According ...
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. With the revival of Antique Airport (also called Evelio Javier Airport), commercial flights have resumed and may contribute to the development of the commerce and tourism industry especially in the capital town, San Jose.


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 hollow blocks, wood furniture, steel/wood, packed foods, metal craft, threshers, soap and sidecars. Service establishments totaled 117 and a total of 294 trade establishments.


Mineral resources

Antique has deposits of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources. The metallic mineral resources include copper, gold, chromite, pyrite, iron, manganese and ferro alloys 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 on ore deposits indicated that 39.75 grams of gold could 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 deposits 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 of San Jose de Buenavista passing by Malandog Marker, site of the first Malayan Settlement and the newly constructed Marina Bay. Tourism amenities like restaurants, two shopping malls,
pasalubong ''Pasalubong'' (Tagalog language, Tagalog, " omethingfor when you welcome me") is the Filipino people, Filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home. ''Pasalubong'' can be any gift or souvenir br ...
centers, accommodations and beach resorts are present.
Rafflesia ''Rafflesia'' (), or stinking corpse lily, is a genus of Parasitic plants, parasitic flowering plants in the family Rafflesiaceae. The species have enormous flowers, the buds rising from the ground or directly from the lower stems of their host p ...
, the largest flower in the world, can be found in
Sibalom Natural Park Sibalom Natural Park is a protected area in the Philippines on the island of Panay in the municipality of Sibalom, Antique. It was proclaimed a natural park on 23 April 2000. It is considered one of the last remaining lowland rainforests on P ...
. 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 kawa bath, Bugtong Bato Falls and the Fish SPA. From Culasi,
Mount Madja-as Mount Madja-as is a large dormant volcano and the highest peak on the island of Panay and Western Visayas region in the Philippines, second highest mountain in the entire Visayas, after Mount Kanlaon on Negros. With an elevation of above sea ...
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. San Remigio was recently tagged as the summer capital of the province with cool weather to enjoy and a strawberry farm.


Binirayan festival

Started in San Jose in 1974 by governor
Evelio Javier Evelio Bellaflor Javier (October 31, 1942 – February 11, 1986) was a Filipino politician. He served as governor of the province of Antique and was an opponent of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination on February 11, ...
, this is a week-long festival that includes colorful street parades, beach shows, plaza concerts, a beauty contest and a trade fair. "Binirayan" biray, or "
sailboat A sailboat or sailing boat is a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails and is smaller than a sailing ship. Distinctions in what constitutes a sailing boat and ship vary by region and maritime culture. Types Although sailboat terminology ...
" 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 called erroneously as a hoax, recent studies show there is support for this claim in contemporary records from Chinese annals and as well as early Spanish records pre dating the maragtas work by Moteclaro. According to legend, 10 Bornean
datu ''Datu'' is a title which denotes the rulers (variously described in historical accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs) of numerous Indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. The title is still used today, though no ...
s (chieftains) claimed
Panay Panay is the sixth-largest and fourth-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of and a total population of 4,542,926, as of 2020 census. Panay comprises 4.4 percent of the entire population of the country. The City of Il ...
island and their leader, Datu Sumakwel, founded the settlement in Malandog, Hamtik, Antique.


Transportation


Roads

Antique has a total road length of including a National Road linking the province from Libertad in the north to Anini-y in the south. Transportation services are generally provided by tricycles, jeepneys, vans and buses. There are also daily buses to
Manila Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the Capital of the Philippines, capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City, with a population of 1,846,513 people in 2020. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on ...
via the
roll-on/roll-off Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, Trailer (vehicle), trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their ...
nautical highway and other neighboring provinces and cities including Iloilo City and Kalibo.


Airports

Evelio Javier Airport (Antique Airport), located in San Jose de Buenavista, is the only airport in the province with flights to Manila operated by PAL Express. Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique, Caluya has an airstrip that has chartered flights to Manila.


Seaports

Seaports in the province include the ''Lipata Port'' in Culasi and the ''San Jose Port'' in San Jose de Buenavista. Lipata Port in Culasi is used to travel to Caluya.


Government


Education


Universities and colleges

* Advance Central College (''ACC'') (''San Jose, Antique'') * University of Antique (''Main Campus'') Sibalom, Antique ** University of Antique (''Tibiao Campus'') ** University of Antique (''Hamtic Campus'') ** University of Antique (''Caluya Campus'') ** University of Antique (''Libertad Campus'') * University of the Philippines - Visayas Extension Campus (''Pandan, Antique'') * Pandan Bay Institute (''Pandan, Antique'') * Saint Anthony's College (''San Jose, Antique'') * STI Antique (''San Jose, Antique'') * Vicente A. Javier Memorial Community College (''Culasi, Antique'')


Notable people

*Loren Legarda - senator, journalist, and UN Global Champion for Resilience *Jerry Navarro Elizalde - Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts - Painting *
Evelio Javier Evelio Bellaflor Javier (October 31, 1942 – February 11, 1986) was a Filipino politician. He served as governor of the province of Antique and was an opponent of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination on February 11, ...
- Filipino lawyer, civil servant, politician, and an opposition leader during the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination on February 11, 1986, allegedly by allies of Marcos, was one of the sparks of the People Power Revolution later that month. * John Iremil Teodoro - Filipino writer, university professor and freelance journalist. He is also a multi-awarded poet and playwright, one of the country's leading pioneers in gay literature and the most published author in Kinaray-a to date. *Alex C. Delos Santos - a Karay-a writer and theater artist based in San Jose, Antique, the Philippines. He completed his Master of Education with an academic excellence award from the
University of the Philippines The University of the Philippines (UP; ) is a Higher education in the Philippines#State universities and colleges, state university system in the Philippines. It is the country's national university, as mandated by List of Philippine laws, Re ...
in the Visayas. His research and writing interests are in culture and arts and gay literature. *Richard Yee - Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Philippine Basketball Association. *Alberto A. Villavert - Filipino politician who led the Philippine Province of Antique between 1937 and 1946 both as an appointed and elected Governor. He was first elected as presidente municipal (town mayor) of Antique's capital town of San Jose in 1928 and was the youngest presidente municipal in his time at the age of 24 and then became governor of the province in 1937. Villavert became an Antique Representative of the National Assembly from 1943 to 1944. During World War II, he served in the USAFFE and subsequently appointed as Governor of the Province again from 1946 to 1947 and then elected and served the same post from 1948 – 1951. *Megan Young - Filipino-American actress, model, TV host and beauty queen. She won the Miss World Philippines title and was later crowned as Miss World 2013 in Bali, Indonesia. She is the daughter of Victoria Talde who hails from Pandan, Antique. *Lauren Anne Young - Filipino-American actress and model. She is the younger sister of actress and Miss World 2013 Megan Young. *Genevieve L. Asenjo - Filipino poet, novelist, translator and literary scholar in Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon and Filipino. Asenjo is an associate professor at De La Salle University in Manila. In 2010, she founded Balay Sugidanun (The House of Storytelling). *Lisa Macuja-Elizalde - Ballerina *Calixto Zaldivar – former representative, Lone District of Antique (1934–1935), former governor of Antique (1951–1955) and former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1964–1974). Former president of the National Lay Organization of the Iglesia Filipina. Honored at the
Bantayog ng mga Bayani The Bantayog ng mga Bayani (), sometimes simply referred to as the Bantayog, is a monument, museum, and historical research center in Quezon City, Philippines, which honors the martyrs and heroes of the struggle against the Martial law under F ...
as among the heroes and martyrs who fought the Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos, authoritarian dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. *Nelia Sancho (1951–2022) - Filipina Beauty Queen and Fashion Model born in Botbot, Pandan, Antique was Binibining Pilipinas 1969 1st-Runner Up to Gloria Diaz, and Queen of the Pacific 1971 winner. *Jansen Magpusao - actor from Pandan, Antique who portrayed the lead role in 2019 Cinemalaya film John Denver Trending by Arden Rod Condez *Alfredo Lim, Alfredo Siojo Lim, former senator and former mayor of City of Manila. He is the Son of Quintin Lim Sr.


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)


External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Antique (Province) Antique (province), 1780 establishments in the Philippines Provinces of the Philippines Provinces of Western Visayas States and territories established in 1780