Makato


Makato, officially the Municipality of Makato, is a municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 30,650 people.
The town is the home of the Ati-Atihan Festival, a historic celebration that attracts devotees from across the Philippines and abroad to honor Sto. Niño through vibrant cultural and religious activities.

History

Established in the thirteenth century, the town’s name had been acquired by accident. Thinking that the Spaniards came to ask the route along the river, the native answered “Makato” which meant “that way”. The Spaniards recorded the name Makato in 1800, thinking it was the name of the town. In 1901, the town merged with Tangalan to form the new municipality of Taft, named after the then Governor-General of the Philippines and future United States President, William Howard Taft. But in 1917, it was reverted to its former name. In 1948, the arrabal of Tangalan, comprising the barrios of Tondog, Jawili, Dumatad, Afga, Baybay, Dapdap, Pudyot, Tagas, Tamalagon, Panayakan, Vivo, Lanipga, Napatag and Tamoko, was separated from Makato to form the municipality of Tangalan.

Geography

Makato is located at. It is from Kalibo, the provincial capital.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of constituting of the total area of Aklan.

Barangays

Makato is politically subdivided into 18 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2024 census, Makato had a population of 30,650 people. The population density was.

Economy

Religion

Domicile of the Santo Niño and Ati-Atihan Festival known throughout the province and a week ahead of Kalibo, Makato has been celebrating the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals” in admiration of the Holy Child.

Government

Elected officials

Mayor: Ramon Anselmo Martin D. Legaspi III
Vice Mayor: Leoncito Y. Mationg
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
  • Nilo M. Amboboyog
  • Marlene Mae Blaire T. Igham
  • Nerli F. dela Cena
  • Randy R. Vargas
  • Rhine I. Roldan
  • Abencio Honeyboy P. Torres III
  • Leoncito Y. Mationg
  • Steven M. Tejada
Liga ng Barangay : Shirly M. Lagradante
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation: Dina Mae Taladro

Infrastructure

The Aklan Sports Complex, opened in 2010, is located here in Makato. It hosted the 2010 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet.

Education

The Makato 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

  • Alibagon Primary School
  • Cabatanga Elementary School
  • Cajilo Elementary School
  • Calangcang Elementary School
  • Calimbajan-Tina Elementary School
  • Castillo Elementary School
  • Cayangwan Elementary School
  • Christ the King Kindergarten
  • Col. D.U. Tenazas Memorial School
  • Dioscoro T. Tejada Elementary School
  • Libang Elementary School
  • Little Angels Montessorie School
  • Mantiguib Elementary School
  • Quirico T. Tabanera Elementary School
  • Tibiawan Elementary School
  • Tugas-Dumga Elementary School

    Secondary schools

  • Aklan Central Institute
  • Anselmo B. Legaspi National High School
  • Bagong Barrio Integrated School
  • Baybay-Alibagon Integrated School
  • Dr. Ramon B. Legaspi Sr. National High School
  • Makato Integrated School