In anticipation of the two major festivals in Panay Island this month – the Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival, which is scheduled on January 9-15 and Iloilo Dinagyang Festival on January 20-22, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region VI has made the roads ready and safe, considering the volume of both foreign and local tourists expected to witness these events.
Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. has instructed District Engineer (DE) Noel L. Fuentebella of Aklan District Engineering Office (DEO) and District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo of Iloilo City DEO to ensure that roads are ready and free from obstructions.
Leaño also ordered to hasten any on-going road repair/improvement so as not to cause much inconvenience to the public during the duration of the said festivities.
According to DE Fuentebella, roads in Kalibo, Aklan are now ready for various events during the Ati-atihan Festival to include Mardis Gras and parade of giants.
“We are confident that on-going road works will be completed before the festival, if not, any road rehabilitation/improvement works would be made sure not to cause traffic congestion and danger to both motorists and the public as well,” Fuentebella said.
“This coming January 10, 2017 will be the inauguration and blessing of the New Kalibo Bridge which would ease the traffic congestion along Kalibo and Numancia road section. The new bridge will be two lanes and will cater motorists outbound Kalibo and the old bridge will cater inbound motorists going to Kalibo.” he added.
In Iloilo City, DE Gustilo said that the repair/improvement currently being undertaken in downtown areas are almost completed, hence, roads that will be utilized during the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang competitions are open and ready.
“As of to date, we are implementing road improvement along the roads in Lapaz district, thus, they (road repairs) could not hamper any activity related to Dinagyang Festival,” added Gustilo.