Antique (province)

Antique (province)

Antique /ɑːnˈtiːkə/ is a province of the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. The province's capital, San Jose, is located in the western portion of Panay Island and borders Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo to the east, whilst facing the Sulu Sea to the west.

Antique was one of the three "sakups" (districts) of Panay before Spanish colonizers arrived on the islands. The province was known at that time as "Hantik," which was the name of the large red ants found on the island (See History section below). The Spanish chroniclers, however, were influenced by the French when they recorded the name as "Hantique," and later established the formal name "Antique" after removing the "h."