The Province of Aklan has many splendid tourist spots to usher, though its citizens and local government remain more than proud that they own the superb beach destination, Boracay, recently hailed as the Top Island in Asia by renowned American travel magazine, Condé Nast.

In his interview with the Daily Tribune's morning show Gising Na!, Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores highlighted the wide array of destinations that tourists should grab when visiting Aklan.

"Here in Aklan, we actually have a lot of tourist sites to offer. That is what we want to expose, the whole province, not just Boracay. I know, we are aware of that. Some tourists don't know where Aklan is located but when we say Boracay, then they already know," he said.

"That's why we are making noise for tourists to visit the whole province, not just Boracay. And aside from tourist sites, we are very famous for our Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, in honor of Senor Sto. Nino. We hope tourists could come and experience the festivities," he added.

Aklan is situated in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is divided into 327 Barangays grouped into 17 Municipalities, with Kalibo as its capital town.

Aside from Boracay, Aklan has Hinugtan Beach which is located at the heels of the Municipality of Malay, also famous locally, especially on Panay Island; and Jawili Beach, located along the road going to Boracay, according to Miraflores.

And just like other provinces under Alert Level 1, Miraflores said Aklan is already open for travelers, with minimal health protocols in place.

"Wearing of face mask is voluntary, in consonance with the Executive Order and pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. People are already allowed not to wear masks outdoors," he said.

Infrastructure

Meanwhile, Miraflores thanked the national government for ushering them a good budget to improve its infrastructure development.

"When it comes to infrastructure, we're very blessed that we have a hefty budget, especially going to tourism sites here in Aklan. These infrastructure projects are helping tourists to have easy access to destinations. Aside from tourism, Aklan is counting on agriculture, since we are tourism and agricultural province," she said.