The newly constructed Kalibo Bridge 2 in Aklan province was opened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) represented by its Assistant Regional Director, Engr. Jose Al V. Fruto last January 10, just in time for the celebration of the Kalibo “Ati-atihan” Festival, which is considered as the mother of Philippine festivals.
The inauguration was graced by Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Aklan Lone District Congressman Carlito Marquez.
Also, present during the inauguration were Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica, Numancia mayor Jeserel T. Templonuevo and District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella of Aklan District Engineering Office.
According to Fruto, Kalibo Bridge 2, along Aklan East Road, was built parallel to the existing Kalibo Bridge 1 that connects the towns of Kalibo and Numancia.
The project involved the construction of a new bridge with the total length of 420.0 lineal meters with the allocation of P240.0 million, funded and supervised by the Regional Office.
Fruto explained that this is part of the P340.5-million Kalibo Bridge project, which also includes the retrofitted Kalibo Bridge 1 (old bridge) with the allocation of P100.0 million.
In addition, Fruto said that the construction of the bridge approaches in the amount of P17.0 million was supervised and funded by DPWH, Aklan District Engineering Office.
“The opening of this bridge would lessen traffic congestion that may be caused by the influx of foreign and local tourists expected to witness the week-long festival,” he added.
Likewise, District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella said that Kalibo Bridge 2 will cater vehicles travelling to and from the famous white sand beach of Boracay Island in the town of Malay.
“The old Kalibo Bridge, which has undergone retrofitting, serves motorists going to Kalibo and eventually Kalibo International Airport or Iloilo province, among others, while the new bridge caters motorists travelling north of Kalibo and access to Boracay,” Fuentebella added.