Ati-Atihan road works set
The Ati-Atihan Festival, which is slated on 19 January is expected to draw huge number of tourists from different parts of the country as well as from foreign countries
KALIBO, Aklan — In preparation for the annual celebration of Ati-Atihan, the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is conducting road repairs to ensure the safety in major thoroghfares here. DPWH Aklan DEO District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella said Friday roads in Kalibo and nearby municipalities are undergoing activities such as patching of potholes, sealing of cracks, de-clogging of canals, and painting of curbs.
“This is in anticipation of the influx of local and international tourists and devotees in Kalibo to merry make and participate in the religious activity,” Fuentebella said.
The Ati-Atihan Festival, which is slated on 19 January is expected to draw huge number of tourists from different parts of the country as well as from foreign countries.
Dubbed as the Mother of All Philippine Festivals, Ati-Atihan is held annually in honor of Santo Niño.
The week-long festivity will culminate on saint’s feast day on the third Sunday of January.
On Thursday, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar inaugurated the Kalibo Bridge in Aklan.
Villar said the opening of the two lane 770-linear meter bridge to vehicular traffic will significantly reduce travel time from Kalibo City to Caticlan from 75 minutes to 60 minutes, and expected to boost tourism and hasten delivery of goods and basic commodities to and from the Capital town of Kalibo.
“Around 6,000 motorists, residents and tourists are anticipated to feel the benefits of its completion. As part of the 15.81-kilometer Kalibo Circumferential Road, the bridge will provide an alternate route from Aklan West Road and a direct link to Kalibo Airport,” Secretary Villar added.