Antique Province, Philippines

People of Antique

• As of the 2020 Census, Antique Province had a population of 612,974.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 582,012, reflecting a steady growth rate over five years.
• Antique is home to the indigenous Iraynun-Bukidnon people, who reside in the upland areas of Valderrama, Laua-an, and Barbaza. They are known for their rice terrace engineering, oral epics, and spiritual traditions rooted in the Kinaray-a language.
• The major dialect spoken is Kinaray-a, also called Hiniraya, which is distinct from Hiligaynon and Tagalog. While Kinaray-a shapes local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Antique

• Antique is located on the western coast of Panay Island in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 11.1667°N latitude and 122.0833°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 2,730.67 square kilometers, with a rugged seahorse-shaped terrain bordered by the Sulu Sea to the west and the Panay mountain range to the east. Its highest elevation is Mount Madja-as, rising to 2,117 meters above sea level. The climate is tropical, with a pronounced wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The capital of Antique is San Jose de Buenavista, and the Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Badiang, where a new government center is being constructed to replace the decades-old capitol building.
• Most people reach Antique via land and sea. Buses connect the province to Iloilo and Kalibo, while the Port of San Jose and Port of Culasi serve inter-island travel. The nearest airport is Evelio B. Javier Airport in San Jose, offering flights to Manila and Cebu.

Tourist Attractions of Antique

• Malalison Island: A scenic island off Culasi known for its rolling hills, white sand beaches, and coral reefs.
• Tibiao River: Offers river tubing, kayaking, and the famous Kawa Hot Bath experience in large cauldrons.
• Mararison and Batbatan Islands: Ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and community-based eco-tourism.
• Mount Madja-as: The highest peak in Panay, revered in local folklore and popular among trekkers.
• Binirayan Festival: Held every December, this cultural celebration commemorates the arrival of the ten Bornean datus and the founding of Antique. It features street dancing, theatrical performances, and heritage exhibitions.

Economy of Antique

• In 2023, Antique posted a GDP of ₱72.46 billion, up from ₱70.69 billion in 2022, reflecting a growth rate of 2.5%.
• Major contributors to the economy include:
  • Agriculture: Rice, sugarcane, coconut, and root crops are widely cultivated.
  • Fisheries: Coastal communities rely on marine resources for livelihood and trade.
  • Tourism: Eco-tourism and cultural heritage sites are gaining traction.
  • Construction: Grew by 32.1% in 2023, driven by infrastructure projects.
  • Accommodation and food services: Expanded by 35.8%, reflecting tourism recovery.

Educational Institutions of Antique

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • University of Antique (UA): A state university with campuses in Sibalom, Tibiao, and Hamtic. Offers programs in engineering, education, agriculture, and business.
  • St. Anthony’s College: A private Catholic institution in San Jose offering liberal arts, nursing, and teacher education.
  • Advance Central College: Offers vocational and technical courses in IT, hospitality, and business.
  • UA Tario Lim Ruiz Campus: Located in Tibiao, focusing on fisheries, marine sciences, and eco-tourism.

History of Antique

• Antique traces its origins to the pre-Hispanic settlement of Hamtik, believed to be one of the earliest Malay communities on Panay Island. Oral traditions recount the arrival of the ten Bornean datus who established sakups (districts), with Hamtik becoming the center of the sakup now known as Antique.
• Spanish colonizers arrived in 1569, renaming Hamtik to Hantique, and later Antique. The province became a politico-military district in 1790, with governance centered in San Jose de Buenavista.
• Antique was officially established as a province on March 10, 1917, under the American colonial government. It was recognized for its strategic coastal location and rich cultural heritage.
• Today, Antique is known as “The Land Where the Mountains Meet the Sea,” blending rugged terrain with vibrant traditions. Its Binirayan Festival honors the province’s founding story and continues to inspire civic pride and cultural renewal.

Elected Officials of Antique

• As of the 2025 elections, Antique Province is led by:
  • Governor: Paolo Everardo S. Javier
  • Vice Governor: Genevive L. Reyes
  • Representative (Lone District): Loren Legarda
  • Provincial Board Members: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Antique Election Results.

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