History of Libacao

Brief History of Libacao

During the reign of Datu Kabunyag, the last Malay chieftain of “Akean” (now Aklan) there lived the spouses Paghari-on and Maria Obo-ob with a son named Malangga as among the early inhabitants of Ag-eangka. As an enterprising woman Maria Obo-ob asked Paghari-on that they build a minoro (or barrio) to make a community for the people outside the settlement of Ag-eangka. The grouping was needed for the safety of the inhabitants and the community was needed for the collective depository of farm products collected by the people at harvest time. The spouses selected the site, which was now part of Barangay Guadalupe, but later, was transferred to where the Barangay Poblacion of Libacao now stands. The clearing, laying of streets and building of houses for the community were believed to have started during the Spanish colonization (sometime in the Easter Season of 1561 in the European Calendar of the Middle Ages). To attract the workers in building the Minoro, Maria Obo-ob killed her cow having a greenish-yellow color. Incidentally there stood in the midst of the clearing a beetle nut tree that bore ripening fruits with yellow green color. In describing the color of the cow and the beetle nuts, the people begun to call the area as “bueagaw” , which means about to ripen. When the Spaniards arrived in Ag-eangka, the people were asked on what was the name of the place and they told them “bueagaw”. Unable to pronounce the name correctly, the Spaniards called the place Libacao. Thus, Libacao was born. In 1927, the government under the Americans founded the first farm schools for non-Christian tribes in Alfonso XII. During the outbreak of the Second World War, the Philippines saw Libacao as the headquarters for resistance movement in Panay Island. Mount Baloy, which separates Aklan from Capiz and Antique, became the hideout of the retreating f orces orces of the USAFFEE’s 6th Military District Command, headed by then General Macario Peralta, Jr. It was General Peralta who was able to contact General Douglas McArthur in Australia and informed the American Commanding General in the Pacific Theater of War that there were guerilla forces in the Philippines who were actively resisting the Japanese Occupation Forces. One time during this war, the Libacaonons driven by their sense of patriotism and love of country organized themselves into “Bolo Battalion” armed merely with “talibong” and spears attacked the Japanese Garrison in Banga, Aklan inflicting heavy casualties on both sides. Political Subdivision

The political subdivision of the Municipality of Libacao is comprised of twenty-four (24) barangays (barrios) including Barangay Poblacion, which is the urban center of the municipality. Each barangay or barrio is headed by a Punong Barangay (barrio chieftain). The Punong Barangay chairs the Sangguniang Barangay Barangay (barrio council) that serves as the law-making or policy-making body of the political subdivision. The Sangguniang Barangay is composed of eight Barangay Kagawads (barrio councilors). These barangay officials are under the direct supervision of the Municipal Mayor and the Department of Interior and Local Government DILG.

PHYSICAL AND NATURAL FEATURES LAND Geography

Libacao is one of the seventeen municipalities of Aklan Province on the northern region of Panay Island. It is situated on the southern part of Aklan bordering the town of Balete on the northeast and the town of Madalag on the southwest. It also borders the towns of Tapaz and Jamindan, Capiz on the southeast and the towns of  Calinog and Lambunao, Iloilo on the southern tip. It likewise borders the towns of Tibiao and Barbaza, Antique,

across the mountain range of Mt. Baloy, on the southwestern region. It lies between the coordinates of 122 degrees longitude and 11 degrees latitude. Libacao is 31 kilometers or about an hour bus/jeepney ride to Kalibo, Aklan’s capital town, via the provincial road that skirts by the steep and narrow hillsides and the winding riverbank of Aklan River, which divides Libacao from the town of Madalag. It has a total land area of 45,091.44 hectares (450.9144 sq. km.) that occupies one-sixth (1/6) of the total land area of the entire Province of Aklan. Topography

Poblacion, Libacao is approximately 240 ft. (799 ms.) above sea level. Libacao’s hills and mountains have some approximate heights of 500 ft. (1,665 ms.) more or less, above sea level. Mt. Nangtud in Dalagsaan is Libacao’s highest mountain with an approximate height of 651.6 ft. (2,150 ms.) above sea level. Libacao has six slope categories, as follows: Slope Category 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Percent of Land in Hectares

Level-to-nearly-level Level-to-nearly-le vel -----------3% or 1,352.74432 has. Gently-sloping-to-undulating Gently-sloping-t o-undulating -5% or 2,254.572 has. Undulating-to-rolling Undulating-to-roll ing ----------10% or 4,509.144 has. Rolling-to-moderately Rolling-to-moderatel y ---------12% or 5,410.9728 has. Steep --------------------------------------- ------------------20% or 9,018.288 has. Very steep ------------------------------------ --------- 50% or 22,545.72 has. (225.4572 sq. km.)

(13.50274 (22.54572 (45.09144 (54.109728 (90.18288

sq. sq. sq. sq. sq.

km.) km.) km.) km.) km.)

Libacao’s Topographic Map shows sloping land formations spread in almost 97% of the entire municipality. The Hydro-geologic Map shows Poblacion area is free from fault line movement, however a strike-slip movement exists on its western part as indicated by high-angle fault-arrow traversing from south to north direction. Soil

Libacao has five soil types identified as follows: Soil Type 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Mt. Soil Undifferentiated Sara Clay Loam Umingan Sandy Loam Alimodian Clay Loam Sigcay Clay San Manuel Clay Loam

Hectares 87 2.13 6.56 168.89 15.57 9.75

Mountain soils undifferentiated are found in barangays Dalagsaan, Oyang, Manika and part of Rivera. Sara clay loam is found in barangay Casit-an; Umingan sandy loam in barangay Calacabian; Alimodian clay loam in barangays Ortega, Pampango, part of Sibalew, Bato-bato, part of Rivera, Agmailig, Magugba, Can-awan, Julita, Guadalupe, Casit-an, Luctoga and Alfonso XII; Sigcay clay in barangays Ogsip, Calamcan, Janlud, Poblacion and Pinonoy while San Manuel clay is found in barangays Bonza, parts of Sibalew, Julita, and Guadalupe. Alienable and Disposable Lands

Around 11,069 hectares (110.69 sq. km.) in Libacao are alienable or disposable lands, which are mainly grassland, with 70% grass covering. Some cultivated areas are mixed bush land and grassland. CLIMATE Seasons

The Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical Astronomic Services Administration (PAG-ASA) has classified the northern portion of Libacao under the 3rd type of climate condition characterized by not very pronounced seasons; relatively wet from May to October and dry during the rest of the year. The driest month is April with

an average rainfall of 90 mm. Dry season lasts from one to three months. Libacao has an annual average rainfall of 2,552 mm. The southern portion of Libacao in the mountainous Dalagsaan is under the 1st type of climate condition, with two pronounced seasons; wet from May to November and dry during the rest of the year. Maximum rain periods are not very pronounced, with an average rainfall of 414 mm. Mountain range shields the area from the northeast monsoon and the trade winds but prone to the southwest monsoon. Average Temperature

As an upland municipality, Libacao’s average low temperature is 21.1 degrees Celsius in January. Its average high temperature is 26.3 degrees Celsius in March.

NATURAL RESOURCES Forest

The classified forestland of Libacao comprised of 20,371 hectares (203.71 sq. km.) or 45.18% of the total forestland of the municipality, while the unclassified (military reservation) comprised of 14,020.241 hectares (140.20241 sq. km.) or 31.09% of the total forestland of the municipality. About 1,993 hectares are under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for commercial purposes, while the non-commercial forest is about 7,309 hectares (7.309 sq. km.). A total of 179.10 hectares of unclassified forest are under the DENR’s program on Integrated Social Forestry located at Barangays Rosal (62 ha) and Ortega (117.10 ha). Another 40 hectares of forestland located in Barangay Guadalupe is allotted to Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School as its open laboratory and training area. Canopies

There are two kinds of canopy that can be found in the mountainous areas of Libacao. One is the open canopy; these are mature trees covering about 50% of the total forest cover. The other one is the closed canopy, mature trees that cover about 50% of the total forest cover of the municipality. Vegetation

Libacao’s dense vegetation is found in the hills and mountains. Cultivated farmlands suited for  vegetables, vegetables, rice and other cereal crops are mostly found on the long stretch of valleys along riverbanks. Root crops, coconuts, bamboo, hemp plantations and fruit trees are grown in the upland areas. Wildlife

Thickly forested mountains have suitable ecosystem that can sustain diverse wildlife habitat. The municipality had declared an area of 10 hectares (0.1 sq. km.) forestland as wildlife conservation zone where spotted wild deer, monkeys, wild boars and wild birds have been frequently sighted, proofs that wildlife inhabits the mountainous forestland of Libacao. Minerals

The sedimentary minerals originated from Mount Baloy’s mountain chain are carried down stream through the Aklan River accumulating on the riverbeds and along the riverbanks. These high qualities sand and gravel suited for construction works and manufactures of concrete products are quarried in large quantities from the southwestern towns to the northeastern and northwestern towns of the province. Recent discovery of precious gems and stones in Libacao is proof of the unmeasured economic value that these untapped mountains of  Libacao may provide to the community in the near future. Water

Since Libacao has a moist climate with much rainfall, it has numerous creeks and rivers. Rivers and creeks tend to flow slowly and steadily all year long during dry months but rapidly during rainy months. Aklan River is the largest body of water that originates in the mountainous region of Dalagsaan in Libacao. The Department of 

Environment and Natural Resources has classified Aklan River as the biggest source of fresh water in Aklan with riverbeds and tributaries flowing down from Libacao to Madalag, Banga, Malinao, Lezo towards west and between Numancia and Kalibo towards Sibuyan Sea on the eastern seaboard of the province. Libacao has numerous natural springs and waterfalls. Ground waters are also abundant in the municipality and despite the water services catered by the Libacao Water District, most of the people still use deep or shallow wells as source for their domestic water supply. SOCIO-ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL FEATURES PEOPLE Population

Based on census conducted by the National and Statistics Office in 2000, the Municipality of Libacao has a total population of 25,983. Annual Growth Rate

From 1990 to 1995, Libacao had an annual growth rate of 1.18 percent, this means that from the total population of 21,429 in 1990 it increased to 22,812 in 1995. And from 1995 with an annual growth rate of 2.83 percent it reached a total population of 25,983 in 2000. The National and Statistics Office, however, provided a ten-year growth rate linear computation from 1990 to 2000 where it derived a relatively lower annual growth rate for the Municipality of Libacao by 1.94 percent. This ten-year growth rate linear computation of 1.94 percent is used as the basis of computation for the 2000 to 2010 Projected Population Table. Projected Population

Based on this projection, the Municipality of Libacao will have a projected total population of 28,601 for 2005. And by 2010 it will have a projected total population of 31,486. Doubling Time

Using the geometric computation, the doubling time, which is a demographic occurrence where the population of the Municipality of Libacao will double its size, will occur in 2046 after 36 years with a projected total population of 62,972 from the 2010 projected total population of 31,486. Population Density

The population density of the municipality is measured by dividing the total population by its estimated land area of 450.9144 sq. km. (45,091.44 hectares) shows as follows: 1. In 1990 with a total population of 21,429, it had a population density of 48 persons per square kilometer (100 has.); 2. In 1995 with a total population of 22,812 it reached a population density of 51 persons per square kilometer (100 has.); 3. In 2000 with a total population of 25,983, it had a population density of 58 persons per square kilometer (100 has.) 4. By 2005 with a projected total population of 28,601, it will have a population density of 99 persons per square kilometer (100 has.); and 5. By 2010 with a projected total population of 31,486, it will have a population density of 109 persons per square kilometer (100 has.) Households

The total number of households of the municipality in the 2000 Census was recorded at 4,962 with an average size of 5 members per household.

Majority Age Level

Majority of the population in Libacao ranged between the age of 5-9 years old with a population size of 3,821. It is followed by age 10-14 years old with a population size of 3,567, then age 15-19 years old with a population size of 2,886, and age 20-24 years old with a population size of 1,838. Sex Ratio

It is also notable that in Libacao, the males are dominant with a total population size of 13,146 as compared to females with a total population size of 12,837 or with a sex ratio of 1.02:1 (1.02 males in 1 female).

Labor Force

The potential labor force of the municipality with age that ranged from 15 years old and over has a population size of 14,416 or 55.48 percent of the total population. ECONOMY Crops

As an agricultural town, farming, livestock and poultry raisings are the major economic activities in the Municipality of Libacao that contribute to 70 percent of the income of its population. Abaca, bananas, bamboo, coconuts, rice and corns are the major agricultural crops produced in the locality. Almost 33% of the total agricultural land is devoted to abaca, banana and bamboo plantations, 32% to coconuts, 29% to rice and 2% to corn. Minor crops are comprised of vegetables, fruits and root crops like cassava, gabi and sweet potato. Fruit trees raised are jackfruits, mangoes, lanzones, citrus and avocado. Most male household members are engaged in general farming activities while the female are engaged in rice, vegetables, corn and root crops farming. Industry

Other economic activities range from light to medium cottage industries such as abaca (hemp) rope making, rattan and nito basket making, bamboo mat making, pina clothe weaving, wood carving, furniture making, iron works, lumber yard, sand and gravel quarrying, livestock and poultry raising. Employment

Employment in the Municipality of Libacao ranged from professional, technical, business and agricultural related jobs. Most of the professionals and technical men are either employed in government service or in private practice. The professional group comprised of lawyers, medical and dental doctors, engineers, architect, veterinarian, doctors of philosophy, public school teachers, national and local government civil servants. The technical group comprised of electronic technicians, automotive technicians, draftsman, foreman, carpenters and masons. Like the business group, the professional and technical groups in Libacao, only represent a minority component of the employed sector. Farmers and farm workers represent the majority of the employed sector in Libacao. Per Capita Income

Libacao has an estimated per capita income of Php700 based on the recent population survey. Banking

The Libacao Development Cooperative, a leading primary cooperative in the province of Aklan serves the banking needs of the local populace. It is the main source of financing and conduit for micro-lending to small and medium scale industries and enterprises and host to the local branch of the Western-Union money transfer.

HOUSING

Based on the 2000 population survey, Libacao has 4,550 occupied housing units of two (2) types: (1) Single House, and (2) Duplex. Household Ratio

The single house type accounts for 4,439 housing units, with 4,521 occupying households or having a household population size of 25,983. On the other hand, the duplex type accounts to 13 housing units with 13 occupying households or having 64 household population size. The general ratio of household to occupied housing units is 1.02, while the ratio of household population to occupied housing units is 5.71. HEALTH Health Facilities and Personnel

Libacao has a municipal health office and a 10-bed community hospital, which provide the basic health and medical services to the community. The Municipal Health Officer heads the Rural Health Unit with the assistance of local health personnel comprised of a nurse, a sanitary inspector and 7 midwives. The Chief of  Hospital administers the provincial government-run community hospital with health staff namely; a medical technologist, nurses, dentist, attendants and other hospital personnel. And due to inadequate hospital facilities, most medical cases however are referred to the provincial hospital or to private hospitals in Kalibo and other hospitals in Iloilo City. There are two (2) ambulance vehicles servicing the locality, one belongs to the community hospital and the other one to the local government unit. Both were donated by the PCSO, (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office). Causes of Death

The leading causes of morbidity in Libacao for the last five (5) years ranged from pneumonia topping the list, followed by cancer, ulcer, congestive heart failure, diarrhea and typhoid fever. Crude Birth Rate

Crude birth rate (CBR) or the number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year in Libacao for 2004 is 21.24 percent. Infant mortality rate (IMR) or the number of deaths to infant less than 1 year old for every 1,000 population in a given year is 13.42 percent. There is no recorded maternal death in the municipality for the same  period. Libacao’s crude death rate (CDR) or the number of deaths for every 1000 population in a given year is 0.29 percent. General Hygiene

The general hygiene practice in Libacao is still the major problem outside its urban center. An estimated 84 percent of barangay residents in Libacao are using open pit type of toilets, which are susceptible to cause contagious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and other illnesses. On the average, only 13 percent of barangay residents are using water-sealed toilets and the remaining 1 percent using flush toilets. EDUCATION Literacy

Based on the 2000 Census, the literacy rate in Libacao was recorded at 76.33 percent, with 14,232 literate population out of 18,645 population 10 years old and over of both sexes, while the remaining 4,413 or 23.67 are illiterates. School Attendance

In the 2000 population survey, about 11,538 out of 22,466 household population 5 years and over of both sexes were in elementary grades in the Municipality of Libacao. Around 3,534 were in high school with 1,032 graduated and 2,502 undergraduates. While in the tertiary, 1,246 were college undergraduates; 406 held academic degree and 217 21 7 had either master’s degree, law degree or Ph.D.

Schools

The Municipality of Libacao at present has 31 public elementary schools, 12 of which are intermediate schools and 19 primary schools. It has 2 secondary schools, namely: Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School, Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School Annex in Barangay Guadalupe and Loctuga National High School. The Libacao College of Science and Technology is the only tertiary school in town offering associate courses. The local government unit subsidizes the Libacao College of Science and Technology , which was created in 2001 under the directive of Mayor Charito I. Navarrosa. LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

The dominant language spoken in Libacao is Aklanon with 4,674 households speaking the native language out of the recorded 4,692 households based on the 2000 Census. Cultural Trait

Libacaonons are generally friendly and hospitable people. Their unique cultural trait however is such that they are clannish, which sometimes demands blind loyalty to the family and clan from every family member. This trait had been attributed to the “ubusan ng lahi” (family vendetta), a prolonged feud between warring families, which may last for decades and could take heavy fatalities from both sides. In the recent past, Libacao had been categorized as “hot spot” municipality due to the prevalence of lawlessness caused by family vendettas. Recent surveys however showed that this “ubusan ng lahi” is a misconstrued trait of the upland indigenous people whose strong sense of justice demands quick retribution and does not appreciate well the established processes of the government’s justice system. Cultural Dances, Artifacts and Festivals

The native dances of Libacaonons are; “Pahid sa Marapayao,” “Sotis,” “Baludan,” “Inagong,” “Mazurka,” “Inamo”, “Binanog” and “Sampok -Kaeayo” The known artifacts in Libacao are the “talibong” (sharpened long  bolo), “agong” (brass cymbal), “taming,” (shield), “bangkaw,” (spear), “tibod,” (clay jar), “sapot” (a bolo with pure silver handle handl e and artistic design) and “sibat” (arrows). Libacao has several festivals, among them are “Kalig“Kalig-uyon” held every December 30 – 1st – 1st day of the incoming year and the “Baesa” Festival (fastest bamboo raft contest and parade of colorful bamboo rafts) held during the town fiesta every 24th of November. Cultural Practices

“Hongaw” (arranged family marriage with ethnic marriage ceremony), “Bas“Bas-ing” (conflict settlement among warring families), and “Dupli” (multiple marriages) are still the existing but gradually becoming endangered cultural practices of the indigenous people (IP’s) who live in the mountainous regions of Libacao, such as in sitio Taroytoy and Aytabag in Manika and sitio Taban, Pula and Maytaraw in Dalagsaan. RELIGION Dominant Religion

Roman Catholic is the dominant religion in Libacao with a population size of 21,642 or 83.29 percent out of the 25,983 total population of the municipality. The different Christian Protestant sects are spread in the 14.41 percent of the total population, while the other non-Christian religions have shared in the 2.30 percent remaining. Municipal Religious Feast

St. Catherine of Alexandria is Libacao’s Patron Saint in whose honor, the town’s annual municipal and religious fiesta is celebrated every November 25. PEACE AND ORDER

The relative peaceful situation of the social environment, which the town of Libacao now enjoys under the present leadership as compared to the previous administrations, contributes to the recent influx of small to medium investments in the municipality.

The cessation of the previous family feuds and hostilities as well as the notable absence of criminal activities that once had been prevalent in this town can be attributed to the strong leadership of the present administration in mediating warring families and apprehending criminal elements in the community. Business Confidence

Remarkably, the return of confidence of the business sector in the area, once considered as “hot spot” in insurgency and other prevalent crimes, only shows of the trust of the community to the incumbent leadership in its effectiveness in curbing lawlessness in the area. It also shows that having the political will to enforce and uphold the laws is the hallmark of good governance and efficient administration which brings back public confidence to the government. In general, law enforcement is vested with the members of the Philippine National Police assigned in the Municipal Police Office, which is under the direct control and supervision of the Mayor who issues directives for law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the locality. GOVERNMENT The Local Chief Executive

The Municipality of Libacao, like all other local government units in the country, has its own governing institution known as the municipal government. The executive department is under the direct control and supervision of the Mayor who serves as its local chief executive. Executive Power

The Mayor represents the municipality in his official capacity and executes in full all its proprietary rights. The Mayor is vested with the power to implement all the local laws passed by the legislative body and other national laws applicable within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality. He directs and supervises the day to day operations of the local government unit with the support of all the heads of offices under the executive department. Presidential Supervision

In general, the local government units are under the supervision of the President of the Philippines through the Department of Interior and Local Government, which acts as the over-all supervising and arbitration agency of  the national government for the local government units. Source of Legal Rights and Inherent Powers

All the legal rights and inherent powers of the local government units and the local officials are prescribed in the statutory provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The Legislative Body Primary Functions

The Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) is the legislative body of the municipal government. It is distinct from but has a co-equal power with the executive office. Its primary functions among others, are the legislation of ordinances or resolutions, budgetary appropriations, and authorization of the local chief executive to enter into any contracts with either private or government entities. Composition

The Sangguniang Bayan is comprised of the Vice-Mayor, who serves as the presiding officer of the legislative body, and other ten (10) SB Members, eight of whom are popularly elected in a generally held local election and hold office for a three (3) years’ term. Like the Mayor and the Vice-Mayor, Vice-Mayor, the elective members of the body may seek reelection for three consecutive terms.

The other two (2) members of the local legislative body sit as an ex-officio members by virtue of their election as either president of the federation of sangguniang kabataan (local youth council) or federation president of the association of barangay chairmen (barrio chairmen). Revenues Sources

Revenues of the local government units are classified into two main sources; one is from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which is the share of the municipality from the nationally collected taxes in the locality, such as land taxes and other real property taxes. The other one is from the local taxes and fees derived from business permits or licenses and other regulatory measures imposed by the municipal government. IRA Fund

The single biggest source of revenue of the local government units all over the country is from IRA, where allocations for infrastructure projects, development programs, major government services and salaries of local government officials and employees are taken. Basic Services

The basic services common to all local government units are infrastructure projects, solid waste disposal and environmental management, livelihood programs, social welfare services, protective services, medical, dental and reproductive health services. Development programs such as early childhood program, supplemental feeding and nutrition program, day care program, technical assistance program to the farmers, and the financial assistance program to the needy are part of the basic services rendered by the municipal government. All these basic services are distributed to the different offices under the executive department of the local government unit for implementation. The rationale of basic services is premised from the principle of the time good for the greatest number.” honored maxim: “The greatest  good PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES Communication Postal Service

Since 1978 the postal station in Libacao has been in service with personnel composition of 1 postmaster and 2 mail carriers. In 1980’s the postal service had improved with 5 mail carriers with motorcycles servicing the 24 barangays of Libacao. Presently, the postal station with reduced personnel of 2 mail carriers still caters postal services to the entire Municipality of Libacao. The Libacao Telegraph Station has been in service even before the postal office came into existence in the municipality. Tele Communication Services

For the past 7 years however, the tele-communication investments in the Municipality of Libacao have significantly advanced. First, the installation and operation of the PLDT Calling Station followed by the operation of a landline telephone service in 1998 by the Panay Telephone Corporation (Pantelco), a private telecommunication firm in the Province of Aklan. Other tele-communication services follow suit such as the Libacao Cable Television Corporation in 1999 and the entry of Globe and SMART cellular tower facilities in 2004. The recent proliferation of personal computers and internet connection enabled local residents to likewise avail of the modern information technology facility such as; e-mail, fax, computer chat, etc. Transportation Public Transport System

The public transport service is no longer a problem in Libacao as compared in the 1970’s or 1980’s. Today, every 15 minutes there is either a bus or a jeep plying the 31 kilometers route from Kalibo to Libacao and vice versa for an hour ride. The temporary transport terminal for Libacao is located near the Chowking fast food

chain in Kalibo. The single type motorcycles are the common public utility carriers serving the residents within Poblacion and the 24 barangays. This is being augmented by bus and jeepneys every Thursdays, Libacao’s market day. Power Power Transmission Service

The Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Akelco) beginning in 1980’s to date provides the power supply to the Municipality of Libacao. As the only power transmission utility in Aklan, Akelco gets its power supply from the National Power Corporation based in Palimpinon, Negros Oriental, through submarine cable with a generating capacity 21,200 kilowatt. Power allocation for the Province of Aklan is between 13.85 to 14 percent and transmitted over a distance of 180 kilometers from Palimpinon to Kalibo. The four provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Antique in the island of Panay are sharing this power supply from Palimpinon, which creates undue stress to the generating capacity and renders the system vulnerable to power interruptions. The standard line voltage being served to consumers by Akelco is 220 volts. Water Utility Service Local Water District

The Libacao Water District is the only water utility service provider that supplies potable water within the urban center of Barangay Poblacion in the Municipality of Libacao. Protective Services Municipal Police Personnel

The 14 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned to the Libacao Police Station render the only protective service of the Municipality of Libacao. This under manned police force maintains the day to day peace and order situation among the 24 barangays of the municipality. The present police force is however being augmented by members of the Barangay Tanods which are active and operational in all barangays. Military Outpost

The two military outposts in Barangay Alfonso XII and Barangay Luctoga complement the Municipal Police Station in Libacao. Each military outpost is equipped with radio communications system. The two military personnel assigned for anti-insurgency operations likewise maintain peace and order in the remote barangays. These non-commissioned officers also act as commanders of several active CAFGU (civilian volunteers) units in the locality. Fire Protection Service

Apparently, there is no Fire Protection Bureau in the municipality of Libacao, which could provide effective fire prevention service in case of unforeseen fire incidents in the face of the growing household population size in the municipality. At present however, there is an organized Volunteer Fire Brigade comprised of 158 members with traditional fire equipment such as pails, ropes, sands and axes. Infrastructure Services Municipal Hall and Office Facilities

The newly renovated municipal hall of Libacao dignifies its constituencies, the Libacaonons. Almost all the departments under the executive branch are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, telephones and fax machines, and personal computers, thus provide better working condition to officials and employees. The modern session hall of Libacao symbolizes the legislative authority of the municipality, where the members of  the legislative body holds its deliberative meetings. Farm-to-Market Roads

Major infrastructure undertakings under the leadership of Mayor Charito A. Navarosa are listed as follows: 1. Concreting of Poblacion-Polo, Banga road 2. Opening of Libacao-Balete road, bounding the two municipalities of Libacao and Balete on the southeast. 3. Opening of Libacao-Jamindan road, on the southeastern provincial boundary between Aklan and Capiz 4. Opening of farm-to-market roads in different barangays Taroytoy road and Can-awan-Oyang road.

of Libacao, particularly the Manika-

These are the flagship infrastructure projects of the incumbent leadership whose vision is to provide parameters for the realization of sustainable development for the Municipality of Libacao. Solid Waste Disposal and Environmental Management Garbage Dumpsite

Solid waste disposal and environmental management is one area of government public service program, which has not escaped from the agenda of the incumbent local chief executive. Under his directive, a plan has been laid out to purchase a lot property where a permanent garbage-dumping site will be located for a centralized solid waste disposal system. Waste Disposal Practices

Solid waste disposal practices in Libacao vary from burning of garbage to compost piling but burning is more prevalent among the majority of the populace. Government officials have been encouraging the community to adopt compost piling as a safe waste disposal method that would enhance the fertility of soil in their respective backyards. Flood Control Program

The river control program of Libacao consists of providing flood control dikes on some critical areas in Poblacion and other barangays along the river bank that are affected by massive soil erosion caused by occasional flashfloods during heavy rains. Other Environmental Concerns

Development programs with corresponding fund requirements have been initiated for other environmental concerns such as the maintenance of public cemetery and the prevention of slash-and-burn practices and illegal logging activities of some upland barangay folks, who in effect denuding the forest areas that provide watersheds for the Aklan River. The Office of the Mayor, in close coordination with the various government agencies like the Department of  Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine National Police had remained steadfast in monitoring illegal logging activities and in apprehending violators thereof, if only to ensure that the municipality’s forest and other natural resource are adequately preserved and protected in order to maintain ecological balance at all times. TOURISM Eco-Tourism Potentials Natural Springs and Waterfalls

Libacao is endowed with so many natural water springs, creeks and waterfalls and breathtaking scenic beauty, however the public knows only five interesting scenic spots in the locality. These are; (1) Mayubay Basins in Guadalupe; (2) Boray Falls in Rosal; (3) Sinandigan Falls in Oyang; (4) Oyang Falls in Sitio Kaeasag, Oyang; and (5) Manimpa Falls in Can-awan.

The popular Boray Falls has an approximate height of 1,000 ft. with 4 ascending basins and a beauty to behold. It is also the site of the Mini-Hydro Electric project. Highest Peak

Mt. Nangtud is the highest peak in Central Panay with a GPS (global positioning system) recorded height of  2,150 meters above sea level. It is one of the mountains belonging to the mountain range of Mt. Baloy found in Barangay Dalagsaan on the southwestern portion of Libacao bounding the municipalities of Barbaza and Tibiao, Antique. Indigenous people of Manika and Dalagsaan called Mt. Nangtud as “Iglangit” meaning gateway to heaven because of the clouds and fogs that surrounds its peak. Mountaineering groups from Bacolod and Iloilo trekked an average of 2-3 days to reach its peak. Lodging Houses

Presently, Libacao has no lodging houses but private homes are open to visitors who come and spend the night in the town. Eating places are available in public market. Buses, jeeps and motorcycles provide the basic public transportation for the municipality. Opening Taroytoy as Summer Capital of Central Philippines

Libacao has an upland frontier named Taroytoy, a rainforest area located in Barangay Manika on the southernmost portion of the municipality bounding the towns of Calinog and Lambunao in Iloilo that is known for its cold temperature even during daytime. Mayor Charito I. Navarosa now spearheads the plan to open Taroytoy as an alternative tourist destination in Aklan. It is being eyed as the summer capital of central Philippines next to Baguio because of its cold climate. Opening Libacao as an alternative tourist destination in the province of Aklan would bring in major investments that would redound to greater socio-economic development for this upland municipality, which has remained poor and impoverished despite of all its potentials for growth.