Antique: Echoes of the Past, A Province Forged in Legend and History

Nestled on the western coast of Panay Island, the province of Antique is a land where ancient legends intertwine with a rich historical tapestry, charting its course from a pre-colonial settlement to a modern-day province. Often described as a "stretch of plain and mountain," Antique's unique geography and the indomitable spirit of its people are deeply rooted in its fascinating origins.

The Legendary Genesis: The Arrival of the Bornean Datus

The most compelling and celebrated origin story of Antique, and indeed the entire Panay Island, harks back to the mid-13th century with the epic arrival of the Ten Bornean Datus. Fleeing the tyrannical rule of Sultan Makatunaw in Borneo, these ten chieftains, led by Datu Puti, embarked on a perilous journey across the South China Sea.

Their voyage brought them to the shores of what is now known as Malandog, Hamtic, Antique. Here, they famously purchased the lowlands of Panay from the indigenous Ati chieftain, Marikudo, in exchange for a golden salakot (native hat) and a long gold necklace. This seminal event, often romanticized as the "Barter of Panay," laid the foundation for the first Malay settlements in the Philippines.

Upon their successful settlement, Datu Puti then divided Panay into three sakups or districts:

• Hantik (later to become Antique), governed by Datu Sumakwel.

• Akean (now Aklan and Capiz), ruled by Datu Bangkaya.

• Irong-Irong (now Iloilo), under the leadership of Datu Paiburong.

Hantik, the ancestral name of Antique, was derived from the large red ants (locally known as hantic-hantic) that infested the area. Under Datu Sumakwel, Hantik prospered, establishing its own legal code, known as the "Maragtas Code," which governed the customs and traditions of the early Antiqueños. This period is vividly commemorated annually during the Binirayan Festival, a vibrant cultural extravaganza that reaffirms Antique's strong connection to its legendary past.

The Spanish Colonial Era: Transformation and Consolidation

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they found the sakup of Hantik a thriving community. The Spanish, however, had difficulty pronouncing "Hantik" and eventually Hispanized it to "Antique."

During the early years of colonization, Antique was administered as part of Oton, Iloilo, due to its strategic importance as a major port and trading center. The Spanish introduced Christianity, established churches, and implemented a new system of governance. Despite the changes, the industrious spirit of the Antiqueños persisted, with agriculture and fishing remaining the primary livelihoods.

The strategic coastal location of Antique also made it vulnerable to Moro raids, leading to the construction of watchtowers and fortifications along its coastline, remnants of which can still be seen today.

From Sub-Province to Independent Province: The American Period

The advent of American rule in the early 20th century marked a pivotal moment in Antique's administrative history. On April 13, 1901, the Philippine Commission Act No. 114 officially organized Antique as an independent province. This act separated it from its larger neighbor, Iloilo, solidifying its distinct identity and paving the way for its autonomous development. This date is now recognized as Antique's Provincial Day, commemorating its formal establishment as a self-governing entity.

A Legacy of Resilience and Identity

From the legendary canoes of the Bornean Datus to the formal declaration of its provincial status, Antique's origins are a testament to migration, adaptation, and an enduring sense of community. The province has faced various challenges throughout history, from colonial subjugation to natural calamities, but the Antiqueños have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Today, Antique remains a province proud of its heritage, celebrating its legends and cherishing its history. It stands as a vibrant reminder that understanding where we come from is crucial to knowing where we are headed, with the echoes of Datu Sumakwel's Hantik still resonating in the heart of every Antiqueño.