Caticlan history

Origins and Formation of Caticlan

Caticlan, serving today as a vital transport hub of the Philippines, has a history inextricably linked to the development of the Municipality of Malay and the province of Aklan. Its transformation from a quiet coastal village into the bustling "gateway" to Boracay Island is driven by its unique geographical location.

Foundation and Administrative Status

• Early History: Historically, the territory of Caticlan was inhabited by ethnic groups populating Panay Island. For a long time, the settlement existed as a small fishing community within the Municipality of Buruanga.
• Administrative Separation: A significant milestone occurred on 15 June 1949, when a law was enacted establishing the Municipality of Malay (which included Caticlan) as a separate administrative unit. From this moment, more active development of local infrastructure began.

Key Development Factors

Several circumstances determined Caticlan's transformation into a strategically important point:

• Geography: Caticlan is located at the northernmost tip of Panay Island. It is the closest point to the famous Boracay Island, which predetermined its destiny as a major transit hub.
• Transport Accessibility: The construction of the airport (now Godofredo P. Ramos Airport) and the development of ferry services became catalysts for growth, turning the village into a lively tourism centre.

Early Economy and Way of Life

Before the tourism boom, Caticlan's economy bore a character traditional for the Philippine provinces:

• Fishing and Agriculture: The foundation of life for local residents was fishing in the Tablas Strait and cultivating the land.
• Trade: Thanks to the presence of a port, Caticlan served as a point of goods exchange between Panay Island and neighbouring islands, such as Mindoro and Romblon, long before the influx of international tourists.

Chronology of Caticlan's Development

• 15 June 1949 — Caticlan became part of the newly formed Municipality of Malay, which was administratively separated from the Municipality of Buruanga.
• 25 April 1956 — The territory became part of the independent province of Aklan following the signing of the law on its separation from the province of Capiz.
• 1958 — Dr. Godofredo P. Ramos initiated the construction of an airstrip, laying the foundation for the future airport.
• 8 November 2002 — Caticlan Airport was officially named Godofredo P. Ramos Airport by presidential decree.
• 2010 — Large-scale privatization and modernization of the airport began under the management of TransAire (a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation).
• July 2011 — Airfield lighting systems were commissioned at the airport, allowing for the reception of night flights.
• November 2016 — After a significant extension of the runway, the airport welcomed an Airbus A320 jet liner for the first time.
• 26 April 2018 — The beginning of the six-month closure of Boracay Island for ecological rehabilitation, which temporarily changed the logistics and economy of the transit port.
• 2019 — Key stages of the reconstruction of the sea terminal (Caticlan Jetty Port) were completed to improve comfort for the growing flow of tourists.
• 2021 — New phases of the airport terminal expansion were announced and commenced to increase capacity to millions of passengers per year.

Development Milestones and Their Significance for the Town

The history of Caticlan is a journey from a quiet coastal community to a strategic logistics hub of the Philippines. The main stages of its development are linked to the rising popularity of Boracay Island and the integration of the region into the national transport network.

• Inclusion in the "Nautical Highway" Project (SRNH)
  In the early 2000s, Caticlan became a key link in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway system — a ferry network connecting the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
  Significance: This turned the town into an important transit point for cargo and passenger transport (RORO), stimulating trade and reducing the economy's dependence solely on seasonal tourism.
• Airport Privatization (2010)
  The transfer of airport management to the conglomerate San Miguel Corporation through its subsidiary TransAire.
  Significance: The beginning of large-scale investment in infrastructure. This event marked the transition from government maintenance to commercial management, which accelerated the modernization of terminals and improved passenger service quality.
• Runway Expansion and Reception of Jet Aircraft (2016)
  Lengthening the runway allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A320, instead of small turboprop planes.
  Significance: A cardinal change in tourist flow. Lower ticket costs and increased flight capacity made the region more accessible to mass tourists, sharply increasing the revenue of local businesses.
• Modernization of Caticlan Jetty Port
  Reconstruction of the main sea terminal, introduction of an electronic queuing system, and improvement of waiting areas.
  Significance: The port became the "face" of the region for millions of arriving tourists. Streamlining passenger flow improved safety and comfort, and also created new jobs in the service and security sectors.
• Ecological Rehabilitation of the Region (2018)
  During the temporary closure of Boracay, Caticlan also underwent strict environmental inspections and updates to sanitary standards.
  Significance: Urban planning changes affected sewage systems and waste management. This laid the foundation for sustainable development, preventing pollution of the coastal waters of the Tablas Strait.
• Development of Medical and Service Infrastructure
  Construction of modern hospitals and retail spaces on the "mainland" part (in Caticlan itself and the Municipality of Malay).
  Significance: Caticlan ceased to be merely a transit zone, becoming a supply centre for neighbouring islands. Tourists and local residents gained access to services that were previously available only in major provincial cities.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Caticlan is not a town with a rich heritage of colonial architecture characteristic of old Spanish settlements in the Philippines. Its urban development is dictated exclusively by utilitarian function — the role of the main gateway to Boracay Island. It is difficult to distinguish classic eras here like Baroque or Renaissance; instead, the settlement's appearance was formed under the influence of rapid urbanization and transport infrastructure development.

Evolution of Construction and Styles

The architectural fabric of Caticlan represents a blend of traditional way of life and modern functionality, which can be divided into the following conditional stages:

• Traditional Architecture (Vernacular Style)
  Era: Pre-industrial period — present day.
  In residential areas far from the port and in the countryside, the influence of the "Bahay Kubo" style remains. These are lightweight structures raised on stilts, using bamboo, wood, and palm leaves (nipa). This style is perfectly adapted to the tropical climate, ensuring natural ventilation.
• Provincial Modernism and Concrete Construction
  Era: Late 20th century — early 21st century.
  With the growth of tourism, concrete replaced wood. Most residential and commercial buildings (small hotels, shops) are simple rectangular volumes with flat or pitched metal roofs. The style is characterized by a lack of decoration, pragmatism, and chaotic development along main roads.
• Modern Functionalism (Infrastructure Architecture)
  Era: 2010s — present day.
  The dominant style in the transport hub zone. These are large structures made of steel, glass, and concrete, designed to process large flows of people. They are characterized by large spans, high ceilings, and minimalist design.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of Caticlan is linear and tied to two main arteries: the national highway and the coastline. Unlike towns with a central square (Plaza Mayor), the centre of attraction here are the terminals.

Landmarks

Since there are no ancient cathedrals or palaces in Caticlan, infrastructure objects play the role of architectural landmarks:

• Godofredo P. Ramos Airport Terminal: An example of modern transport architecture. After reconstruction, the building received an updated facade and interiors meeting international service standards.
• Caticlan Jetty Port: A massive complex serving as the centre of activity. Its architecture is strictly utilitarian: covered walkways, spacious waiting halls, and piers extending into the sea. This is the "face" of the town for arriving tourists.

Notable Personalities of Caticlan and the Municipality of Malay

The development of Caticlan from a small coastal village into the main tourist gateway of the Philippines is inextricably linked to the activities of local leaders, politicians, and visionaries. Below are the key figures whose efforts shaped the modern appearance of this transport hub and the entire Aklan region.

• Godofredo P. Ramos
  Role: Statesman, Congressman, "Father of Aklan".
  Although Ramos was not born in Caticlan itself, he is the most significant historical figure for the region. It was he who authored the bill separating Aklan from the province of Capiz, which gave impetus to the independent development of the territory. In 2002, Caticlan Airport was officially renamed in his honour (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport), immortalizing his contribution to the province's history.
• Claro Tumaob
  Role: Local leader, one of the municipality's founders.
  A key figure in the region's administrative history. In the late 1940s, he played a decisive role in lobbying for the interests of local residents, which led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 381. Thanks to his efforts, on 15 June 1949, the Municipality of Malay was officially created, encompassing Caticlan and gaining administrative independence from Buruanga.
• Ceciron S. Cawaling
  Role: Long-serving Mayor of the Municipality of Malay.
  A political figure who governed the municipality for several terms during the period of the active tourism boom. Under his leadership, Caticlan transformed from a simple transit point into a bustling commercial centre serving millions of tourists heading to Boracay.
• Ramon Ang
  Role: Businessman, President of San Miguel Corporation.
  As the head of the corporation that took over airport management through the company TransAire, he became the architect of Caticlan's modern infrastructure. Under his stewardship, a massive reconstruction of the terminal and extension of the runway were carried out, allowing for the reception of jet aircraft and radically increasing passenger flow.
• Florencio Miraflores
  Role: Governor of Aklan Province, Congressman.
  A native of the neighbouring municipality of Ibajay, Miraflores actively promoted tourism development in Aklan at the national level. He supported projects to improve the road network and port infrastructure of Caticlan, and also initiated legislative measures to elevate the status of the Municipality of Malay.
• Frolibar Bautista
  Role: Mayor of the Municipality of Malay.
  A politician who took leadership during the difficult period of the region's ecological rehabilitation and subsequent recovery from global travel restrictions. His administration focused on streamlining the operations of the Caticlan port and implementing new tourist service standards.