In anticipation of the huge number of locals and tourists that will join the celebration of the 2019 Ati-Atihan Festival, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has implemented various road maintenance works in the Province of Aklan.
DPWH Aklan District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella reported that they have completed the 4.82-kilometer asphalt overlay and 1.67-kilometer road re-blocking along Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue leading to Port of Dumaguit in the town of New Washington.
The said road improvement from the town of Kalibo to New Washington includes installation of thermoplastic pavement markings and warning signs, with a total cost of P44.8-million and P18.6-million, respectively.
Safety devices such as chevron signage and guardrails were installed along Aklan West Road that leads to Boracay Island in the town of Malay, costing P6.06-million.
The Kalibo Bridges, which lie parallel to each other, has also been fully lighted while the curbs and gutters along Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue that leads to Kalibo International Airport have been repainted and installed with thermoplastic pavement markings.
“We have also deployed maintenance teams to seal cracks, patch potholes, and de-clog canals along national roads to ensure that our major roads are ready for the expected large volume of devotees, tourists, and locals,” Engineer Fuentebella added.
The Ati-Atihan Festival is a celebration held annually to honor the Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo (Infant Jesus) and is dubbed as the “The Mother of Philippine Festivals” by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).