Batan, officially the Municipality of Batan (Aklanon: Banwa it Batan; Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Batan; ), is a third-class municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 33,932 people.

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. The code is a collection of 17 laws said to have been used during the time of the Datu before the coming of the Spaniards. The Code of Kalantiaw was later proven to be a fraud.

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. Batan was first incorporated into Aclan or Aklan (now Kalibo) in 1603 and in 1789 it became an independent municipality. The 1818 Spanish census showed that there were 2,255 native families and 56 Spanish-Filipino families flourishing here.

In 1903, Batan was again incorporated to the new town of New Washington and became independent again in 1931. <small>(Use with caution: this is modeled/calculated data, not measured locally.)</small>

| date = 1 May 2020

Barangays

Batan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Demographics

In the 2024 census, Batan had a population of 33,932. The population density was .

Language

Aklanon is the main dialect of Batan while Hiligaynon is also spoken and understood in the municipality. Capiznon is also used due to Batan’s proximity to Capiz.

Economy

Government

Based on the official results of the May 2025 Philippine Mid-Term Elections, Batan's local government unit is led by:

• Mayor - Mike Ramos (AKSYON)

• Vice Mayor - Bodjyk Demeterio (AKSYON)

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

1. William Bautista Jr. (LAKAS)

2. Pogi Perlas (NPC)

3. Chan Chan David (LAKAS)

4. Eric Del Rosario (NPC)

5. Kap Nonong Jacinto (AKSYON)

6. Bong Penalba (AKSYON)

7. Joy Ramos (LP)

8. Doc Dee Bautista (LAKAS)

Tourism

  • Tinago Lake or locally known as Tinagong Dagat, is located between the town (near Brgys. Magpag-ong, Ipil and Tabon) and Altavas. It is an long and wide "hidden sea" from Batan's 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. It is also one of the sources of fresh oysters in Batan.
  • Ob-Ob Hill – The 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. It is also one of the rich fishing grounds in Batan.
  • Kalantiaw Shrine Marker is a historical marker named after Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw III, the third chief of Panay, who is said to have instituted the Code of Kalantiaw 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 facades can still be seen in Batan, Aklan.
  • Aroma Beach Resort is located in Barangay Napti. It features a saltwater pool.
  • Borabucay Beach Resort is located in Barangay Songcolan. It is the favorite hangout place of Batangnons and Capiznons.
  • Waterfront Beach Resort is located in Barangay Songcolan. It is one of the newest resorts in Batan that is just beside the Borabucay resort.
  • Mambu Rise Beach Resort is located in Barangay Mambuquiao. It is a lifestyle resort and features live bands during weekends.
  • Paradwys Beach Resort is located in Barangay Napti.
  • Casa Del Mar is located in Barangay Ambolong.
  • RainForest Botanical Garden is located in Barangay Ambolong. It is an event place that features vegetables, herbal plants, fruit-bearing trees, and flowering plants.
  • The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Poblacion, Batan. It is considered

Education

The Batan Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

  • 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 Integrated School
  • Man-up Elementary School
  • Napti Elementary School
  • Palay Elementary School
  • Songcolan Elementary School
  • Tabon Elementary School
  • Talangban Elementary School

Secondary schools

  • 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

Higher educational institution

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

References

  • [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]