Aklan Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Lourdes Magno Castillo, born on December 28, 1953, in Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan, is an Assistant Commissioner at the Commission on Audit (COA) in the Philippines. She grew up in North Cotabato, where she graduated as valedictorian, and later earned degrees in Commerce and Public Administration, including a doctorate. Castillo began her government career at the National Irrigation Administration before serving nearly 40 years at COA, rising to the highest career rank of Assistant Commissioner. She led various sectors within COA, improving financial reporting and pushing forward gender and development programs, which earned the agency a top-level recognition. In 2018, she ...

Significant Personalities

ADELINA MALICSE

Aklan, Malay

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Adelina Malicse, born on October 22, 1940, in Barangay Kabulihan, Malay, Aklan, is a traditional midwife known locally as a paltera and healer. Coming from a family of healers, she continued their work, although she has stopped delivering babies in recent years. Adelina completed a short training course in midwifery and has delivered over 100 babies, keeping detailed records of her patients. She believes her healing abilities are guided by a mythical being called “tihoe,” and she uses rituals, chants, and natural remedies like suha leaves for treatment. Her role as a paltera is important historically and socially, as she ...

Significant Personalities

SALVACION T. TROPA

Aklan, Makato

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Salvacion Tapal Tropa, born on September 29, 1942, is the last known practitioner of the traditional Yaya ritual in Calimbajan, Makato, Aklan, performed before pag-gaeab or ani (rice harvest). She also served as an assistant traditional midwife and is skilled in herbal healing, traditional physical therapy (hilot), and leading Catholic prayers during burials and community events. Salvacion learned her healing skills and rituals from her grandmother and parents, and she continues to share her herbal liniments made from natural plants like ginger and virgin coconut oil, giving them freely to those in need.

Significant Personalities

DR. ARTEMIO CASTRO NABOR

Aklan, Madalag

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Dr. Artemio Castro Nabor, born in Madalag, Aklan in 1900, was a teacher, optometrist, journalist, and public servant known for his strong advocacy for Aklan’s history and identity. He studied optometry in Manila while working and later became an editor of several publications, including Ro Akeanon, which promoted the separation of Aklan from Capiz. In 1936, he served as Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Labor and helped develop the Eight-Hour Labor Law. During World War II, he led a bolo-armed resistance group called the Farmer-Labor Battalion against the Japanese. His most notable work was his research into Aklan’s ...

Significant Personalities

JAIME ESPAÑOLA

Aklan, Libacao

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Jaime Española, a 103-year-old traditional healer from Barangay Dalagsaan, Libacao, Aklan, began practicing healing at the age of 18, a skill he inherited from his mother. Known locally as Palanublihon, his healing methods use native herbs like dahon it kadios and kasla to treat various ailments. Though he no longer performs some traditional rituals due to his age, many in his community still attest to the effectiveness of his healing. He believes his guidance comes from kaeag, unseen spirits who help him reveal the nature of a person’s illness and instruct him on the specific herbs to use for treatment.

Significant Personalities

MARCOS ENERO COCHIENGCO

Aklan, Lezo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Marcos E. Cochiengco, born on April 25, 1873, was a Filipino politician from Lezo, Aklan, who lived to the age of 104. He was the son of a Chinese father and a Filipina mother and studied at Liseo de Manila in his youth. During his lifetime, he held various important roles, including Katipunero lieutenant during the revolution, Chief of Police, Notary Public, Judge, and Mayor of Lezo. He helped establish the town cemetery and was a key figure in the separation of Lezo from Numancia in 1942. He also played a part in Aklan’s separation from Capiz in 1956.

Significant Personalities

COLONEL JOSE CALIZO LALISAN

Aklan, Ibajay

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Col. Jose Calizo Lalisan, born in Ibajay, Aklan in 1918, was a dedicated teacher turned decorated military officer who played a vital role during and after World War II. When the war broke out, he joined the USAFFE and later helped organize a local guerrilla group that fought Japanese forces, contributing to the liberation of Panay Island. After the war, he continued serving in the military, rising to leadership positions in the Philippine Army and Military Intelligence Service, where he helped dismantle communist operations in the 1950s. For his bravery and service, he received several honors, including the Military Commendation ...

Significant Personalities

ANNETE NABAYRA MORALES

Aklan, Banga

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Annette Nabayra Morales is an educator and musician from Banga, Aklan, known for her work as a composer, singer, instrumentalist, and organist. She teaches at Aklan State University and serves as the choirmaster at the local parish church, blending her passion for music with her commitment to community service. Her original compositions, such as Banga, Banwa Kong Hinigugma and Titser Ko, Idolo Ko preserve local traditions. She has an extensive academic background and uses her knowledge to promote cultural pride through education. Morales is also a spiritual leader in her parish, using music to strengthen faith and bring people together. ...

Significant Personalities

SENATOR JOSE CORTES ALTAVAS

Aklan, Altavas

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Jose Cortes Altavas was a Filipino revolutionary, lawyer, and politician born in Balete, Capiz, on September 11, 1877. He joined the fight against Spain during the Philippine Revolution and later became a respected public servant, serving as councilor, governor, congressman, senator, and Constitutional Convention delegate. Altavas played a key role in supporting the political rise of Manuel Roxas, who eventually became the first president of the Republic of the Philippines. He helped improve infrastructure by promoting the Panay Railroad and building highways that connected Capiz to Iloilo and Aklan. He also led efforts to make Jimeno (Altavas) an independent municipality, ...

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

PAGHIMAEAD

Aklan, Jawili, Tangalan

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Paghimaead is a traditional palm reading ritual practiced by spiritual healers in Barangay Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan, used to predict a person’s future and guide their decisions. The healers perform the ritual by examining the lines on a person’s palms, always beginning with prayer to seek guidance and healing power. Many locals, including those working abroad, still rely on this practice for insight into their fate, and the healers often teach their patients how to do it themselves. Before modern medicine, spiritual healers were the main source of healing in the area, as many believed their methods were more effective and ...

LOURDES MAGNO CASTILLO

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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