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BY BOY RYAN ZABAL
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January 26, 2018
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KALIBO, Aklan – The inclement weather did not stop the large crowds of revelers in the Ati-Atihan, the organizers said, and the festival this year was better managed than in previous years.
Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) chairman Albert Menez gave credit to the “support of stakeholders” and the “hard work of volunteers despite the chilly conditions and heavy rains.”
The festival “was definitely a resounding success,” Menez declared. But he stopped short of saying it was perfect – he gave the celebration a “90 percent” success rate.
Menez lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies for ensuring peace during the celebration.
More than 1,400 police and military officers, firefighters, emergency responders, auxiliary police, force multipliers, and volunteers were on full alert to secure the devotees, balikbayans and merrymakers.
No major incidents were reported during the weeklong celebrations except for motor vehicle crashes and petty crimes.
Last Saturday, 28 Balik Ati, Tribal Big, Tribal Small, and Modern category participants braved the rain as they made their way around the festival zone during the Sadsad Ati-Atihan contest.
The following day Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc celebrated the Pilgrims’ Mass at a makeshift altar outside the Parish of Saint John the Baptist Cathedral.
The procession of the Santo Niño de Kalibo image at 2 p.m. also drew thousands of festivalgoers, locals and foreigners alike.
Kasafi partnered with the local government, the provincial government and the local clergy for the series of religious and tourism activities during the “mother of all Philippine festivals.” (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
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