First Step To Recovery For Ati-Atihan Town of Kalibo

by E. Soviet Russia A. dela Cruz

Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo during the ribbon cutting of the Kalibohian Sa Gabii.

Kalibonhons participated the nostalgic "sad-sad" during the launching of the

2009 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival called "PASARING".

Rev. Fr. Glenn Magpusao blessing the stalls & boths during the Night Market.

The Ati-atihan Town of Kalibo devastated by super typhoon “Frank on June 21, 2008, has undergone the slow process of recovery and rehabilitation with the aid in money, material, and services. The assistance came from kind-hearted individuals and people from the national and local government units and non-government organizations.

The Agri-Tourism Rehabilitation program of the Municipality of Kalibo in preparing to hold its annual celebration of its founding set for November 2, 2008, has adopted the theme: “Kalibohian Sa Gabii” coined to translate “Livelihood at Night” with the view to perk up the economy, promote cultural awareness and instill the duty and moral obligation upon its citizens towards the preservation of the environment.

To this end, the Municipality of Kalibo has caused to display to the public Photo Exhibits and film and video footages and artworks depicting the havoc wrought by the typhoon. It also caused to showcase the town’s produce and products thereby providing a venue for local farmers and producers to sell their products direct to the consumers. The said rehabilitation program is co-chaired by Hon. Lilian Q. Tirol and Hon. E. Soviet Russia A. dela Cruz, SB members of the Municipality of Kalibo and supported by numerous working committees from LGU-Kalibo and private volunteers.

The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), has donated the sum of P50,000.00 to LGU-Kalibo to help boost the success of the program envisioned. Furthermore, it facilitated the coming into town during the Founding Celebration of Mr. Joey Ayala, a noted environmentalist, activist, crusader and song writer, together with his band “Ang Bagong Lumad” which gave a concert and serenaded the community with rendition of popular hits and environmentally inspired songs. The performance of Mr. Ayala and his band highlighted the successful and well-attended evening celebration.

Mr. Joey Ayala, a day after a concert, conducted a free workshop on song writing to young and aspiring songwriters at the Kalibo Municipal Hall. Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo welcomed the participants, local composers and song writers. He urged them to write and compose songs that promote and advocate the preservation of our environment.

Aside from the assistance extended by NCCA, the events were also co-sponsored by La Esperanza, Judith’s Pension, San Miguel Corp. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc. ABS-CBN, RGMA DYRU, CBIS DYYM FM, Madyaas Pen, Village Marketing, Boracay Foundation, Inc. and Hernani’s Mix and Match Restaurant. /MP