DPWH prepares roads for Ati-Atihan festival

A multitude of foreign and local tourists are expected to flock the town of Kalibo in Aklan for the celebration of Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival on January 19, 2020.

Hence, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Aklan District Engineering Office made sure that major roads are ready for the big volume of traffic in the town and the whole province.

District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella said their personnel doubled their effort in the upkeep of the national road in Kalibo and nearby barangays and municipalities.

Among the maintenance activities they undertook are patching of potholes, sealing of cracks, de-clogging of canals, and painting of curbs.

“This is in preparation for the influx of local and international tourists and devotees in Kalibo who will make merry and participate in the religious activity,” Fuentebella said.

“Likewise, the Aklan Circumferential Road (initially known as Kalibo Circumferential Road) will be formally opened this January 16 to reduce traffic congestion in the area of festivity.”

Kalibo will provide rerouting schemes, informative and directional signs before street parades and processions begin to guide motorists going by the town. They will also deploy security and traffic personnel to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration.

The Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival, dubbed as the Mother of All Philippines Festivals, is held annually in honor of Santo Niño. The week-long festivity will culminate on the third Sunday of January. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)