New Washington, Aklan, Philippines

New Washington, Aklan: The Mussel and Oyster Capital

Location and Access

The charming municipality of New Washington is strategically nestled in the northeastern part of the province of Aklan, within the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) of the Philippines. It is situated along the coast of the Sibuyan Sea and the eastern shore of Batan Bay, giving it vital access to rich fishing grounds and maritime transport routes. Geographically, it borders the provincial capital, Kalibo, making it highly accessible and economically interconnected with the seat of the provincial government.

Most travelers and residents access New Washington through a variety of efficient modes, facilitated by its proximity to the region’s main gateway:

• By Air: The primary and most common gateway is the Kalibo International Airport (KLO), located in the adjacent capital. From KLO, New Washington is just a relatively short land journey, typically taking about 30 to 45 minutes by public transport (van or bus) or private vehicle, depending on the traffic.

• By Land: The municipality is directly served by the main national highway network of Aklan. This makes bus and van travel from major cities in Panay Island—such as Iloilo City and other areas—simple and direct, often stopping at central terminals easily linked to the municipal center.

• By Sea: While major passenger ferries are concentrated in Kalibo, the local New Washington Wharf is critical. It serves as a vital point for fishing fleets and local coastal trade, using motorized outrigger boats (pump boats) for transport between nearby towns and islands, which are essential for the daily movement of goods and people.

Population and Demographics

According to the official 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH), the municipality of New Washington recorded a total population of 47,855 residents. This figure demonstrates a robust, steadily growing community that supports the municipality’s strong agricultural and aquaculture sectors. The population is distributed across its numerous barangays, balancing rural farming communities with densely settled coastal areas. As with the rest of Aklan, the primary language spoken is Aklanon (or Akeanon), a distinctive Visayan dialect. This high concentration of people supports a large labor force crucial for the municipality’s economic specialization.

Proximity of Government Headquarters to Major Ports

The administrative center of the municipality, the New Washington Municipal Hall, is highly integrated with the community’s major transport points, allowing for efficient administration of local affairs, especially those related to coastal resource management.

• To New Washington Wharf (Sea): The Municipal Hall is situated in the poblacion (town center) and is exceptionally close to the main New Washington Wharf area. The distance is typically less than one kilometer, meaning it is easily accessible within a 5 to 10-minute tricycle ride or a short walk. This proximity ensures rapid oversight of the fishing and trading activities concentrated at the port.

• To Kalibo International Airport (Air): The nearest major air hub is KLO in Kalibo. The distance from the Municipal Hall to Kalibo International Airport is approximately 15 to 20 kilometers. Travel by public utility vehicle or bus generally takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, making official travel relatively efficient.

• By Bus/Land Terminal: The main bus and public transportation stops are centrally located, ensuring the municipal government is easily reachable by land travelers, usually within a swift tricycle journey from the transport hubs.

Main Contributing Industry and Economic Profile

New Washington’s economy is undeniably dominated by Aquaculture and Agriculture, which have earned it the popular and well-deserved title: the “Mussel and Oyster Capital of Aklan.”

1. Aquaculture: The primary economic driver is the extensive farming and harvesting of green mussels (tahong) and oysters (talaba) within the rich waters of Batan Bay. This sector provides income and livelihood for a vast segment of the coastal population. The municipality’s output is highly prized and distributed widely throughout Panay Island and beyond.

2. Agriculture: Inland areas are dedicated to farming, with primary crops including rice (making it a staple food producer for Aklan), coconut, and abaca.

3. Services: A supporting services sector facilitates this trade, encompassing local market retail, transportation logistics, and small-scale manufacturing related to food processing.

While specific, independently verified Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data for the municipality is not publicly consolidated and ranked on a national scale like that of a province, its sustained and high-volume production in specialized aquaculture ensures it remains a top-tier and stable economic contributor among the municipalities of Aklan province. Its specialization gives it a unique competitive advantage within the regional economy.

Current Elected Leaders (2025-2028 Term)

Based on the verified results from the local elections in May 2025, the municipal government of New Washington is led by the following officials, overseeing the implementation of local ordinances and executive programs for the 2025-2028 term. (Note: The following results are based on the final verified counts published by the official election monitoring body.)

This set of officials, comprising the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and the eight elected Councilors, are tasked with steering the municipality’s development, with a key focus on public works and environmental sustainability.

Major Universities and Colleges

New Washington is a key educational hub in Aklan, providing crucial tertiary education that aligns with the province’s economic needs, meaning young people do not always need to migrate to major metropolitan areas for quality schooling.

The most notable institution is the Aklan State University (ASU) – New Washington Campus. ASU is the premier state university in the province, and its New Washington campus is pivotal in offering programs highly relevant to the local economy. The campus is particularly renowned for its strong offerings in:

• Fisheries and Marine Science: Directly supporting the aquaculture and coastal management sector.

• Agricultural Technology: Producing professionals vital for modernizing rice and other crop production.

• Teacher Education and Technology: Developing the local workforce and future educators.

This commitment to specialized education ensures that local youths have access to high-quality, practical learning experiences that prepare them for careers in Aklan’s dominant industries.

Must-See Tourist Attractions

New Washington offers a peaceful, ecotourism-focused experience that beautifully showcases its commitment to nature and its rich coastal environment.

• Bakhawan Eco-Park: This is the municipality’s most celebrated attraction. It is a massive, over 220-hectare successful community-led reforestation project. Visitors can walk along the kilometer-long, winding bamboo bridge that penetrates deep into the dense mangrove forest, offering breathtaking views and a direct appreciation of this vital coastal ecosystem, which acts as a natural barrier against storm surges.

• Sampaguita Gardens Resort: Known as the “Home of the Sampaguita Dolls,” this major resort and tourist complex features extensive garden landscapes, a large Catholic religious shrine, and significant seasonal displays, especially during the Christmas season.

• New Washington Wharf: An authentic spot where visitors can experience the local flavor, observing the daily catch and purchasing ultra-fresh, locally harvested mussels and oysters directly from vendors.

• The Motag Living Museum: Situated in a nearby barangay, this attraction offers a preserved, immersive look into the traditional Aklanon rural way of life, including hands-on activities like rice planting and cultural performances.

Yearly Festivals: Celebrating Culture and Bounty

The spirit of New Washington comes alive through its annual festivals, which combine deep religious faith with local cultural pride.

• Sto. Niño Ati-atihan: This religious and cultural celebration takes place every January. It is New Washington’s version of the famous Ati-atihan festival, honoring the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). It features lively, colorful tribal dancing, street parades, and the signature rhythmic drumming that fills the air, symbolizing the community’s resilience and strong Catholic devotion.

• New Washington Town Fiesta: Held in honor of the town’s patron saint (usually in December or early January), the town fiesta is a significant community event for family gatherings, street parties, and, particularly, a dazzling display of the Parol (Christmas Lanterns) in the poblacion area, transforming the center into a major light spectacle.

• Seafood and Harvest Celebrations: Although not a single formalized “festival” on the national level, the town’s calendar is dotted with numerous local barangay fiestas and market events that celebrate the massive harvests of its famous mussels and oysters, showcasing the quality of its primary produce through local cooking competitions and feasting.

A Brief History of the Pearl of Aklan

The history of New Washington is deeply rooted in the pre-colonial era. Originally known by the names Fonda Laguingwan and later Bilibili, the area was a small but strategically located settlement along the coast. During the Spanish colonial period, it was recognized for its potential as a trading and administrative post, eventually being established as a separate pueblo (town) from the nearby Batan.

The municipality adopted its modern name, New Washington, in 1904 during the American colonial period, in honor of the first President of the United States, George Washington. This renaming marked a period of administrative reorganization and modernization.

Throughout the 20th century, New Washington flourished as a center for agriculture and fishing. Its enduring legacy today is its pioneering role in environmental protection. The development and success of the Bakhawan Eco-Park, which transformed a once-denuded coastal area into a massive, thriving mangrove forest, is a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to balancing economic livelihood (aquaculture) with ecological stewardship. This balance makes New Washington an ideal model for sustainable coastal development in the Philippines.

You can see more about the region’s educational institutions and access via the airport in this video: Aklan State University’s New Washington Campus, Kalibo International Airport.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.