Kalibo Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival, observed on the third week of January every year, is considered as the mother of all Philippine festivals and fiestas.
Its 2011 edition is all set to present a weeklong spectacular show this week until its culmination on January 16.
Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica has announced that preparations are all set for the spectacular Kalibo Ati-atihan 2011.
Mayor Lachica said the success of this year’s Ati-atihan has been assured with the active cooperation of various organizations, particularly the KASAFI, cultural and civic organizations, the business sector, Sto. Nino religious groups and the municipal and barangay officials.
"It is heartening to note that the whole capital town’s people are enthusiastically setting up preparations to welcome guests and tourists," the Kalibo mayor said.
Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Ang Regalado disclosed that officials and members of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan are mobilizing all efforts to insure the success of the 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan.
Among those expected to attend the weeklong festivities are members and officers of the different Aklan associations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and other countries; diplomat and cultural attaches of embassies, consulates and delegations from the different countries; journalists from various parts of the country and special guests of some Aklanons.
Dedicated to the Sto Nino (Infant Jesus), who is known to generously bless his devotees with good health and prosperity, the 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan will feature parade of different tribal contingents with amazing colorful costumes.
Organized groups participating in the Ati-atihan receive substantial awards of recognition and cash prizes for winning its contest.
Ms. Juliet T. Melgarejo, acting head of the Municipal Economic Enterprises and Development Office, under which the local tourism operates, said Kalibo is leaving no stone unturned to insure the success of the Ati-atihan which will redound to the economic, social and cultural enhancement of Kalibo in particular and Aklan and its people as well.
Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, for his part, has been mobilizing the resources of his office and the provincial government. He has initiated the installation of lighting facilities and other needed modern amenities in this capital town to ensure the success of its 2011 Ati-atihan.
Tight Security
Some 250 police personnel from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed for this year’s Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.
Aklan provincial police director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. has requested the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) for additional police force to implement the operation plan for tight security during the festival.
Bragais said the APPO will establish nine community police assistance centers (compacts) in the capital town of Kalibo to ensure the safety and security of tourists, devotees and revelers and keep the traffic flow smooth throughout the main streets of this town.
APPO will also put up additional checkpoints and chokepoints to maintain police visibility during the weeklong Ati-Atihan festival.
Bragais stressed that the augmentation force from the PRO-6 and the Philippine Army, and the 200-strong APPO personnel deployed will be on alert to guard thousands of visitors, both foreign and local, expected to join the renowned Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino.
Also, the Kalibo police auxiliary, volunteers, reservists and com-munication groups will serve as force multipliers for the anti-criminality and peace and order campaign of the PNP.
The festival on January 10 to 16, features the traditional Ati-Atihan contest, paeapak or pahilot, search for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights, Day of the Drums, religious procession, nine days novena, pilgrims’ mass, product showcase and exhibits, blessing of children and dawn penitential procession, Higante and Aklan Festivals Parade and Kaean-an sa Plaza.
Security Plans
The APPO is ready to implement the security plan for the famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival on January 10 – 16, 2011. The security plan was presented at the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) this week.
In the past Ati-Atihan festivals, the police set-up checkpoints and community police assistance centers to provide tight security for thousands of revelers and guests. Bragais said the security preparations are now in place since the APPO through the Kalibo police station have already met with the festival peace and order committee for the security, traffic and peace and order plans. /MP
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