KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines (PIA) — Kalibo Mayor William Lachica has issued an appeal to business establishments and residents here to spruce up their areas of business and dwellings with colorful motifs to help make this year’s Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival celebration more festive and lively.

The provincial capital is all set for the world-renown annual festival on January 9-15, with various activities slated on the last three days of the celebration to culminate in a religious procession and awarding of prizes to Ati-atihan winners at Kalibo’s Magsaysay Park.

Lachica said colorfully decorating establishments and residences with Ati-atihan motifs will also show local residents’ hospitality and creativity.

This year’s celebration is expected to be graced by national officials to be led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, along Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, and Pia Cayetano.

Binay will also be in Kalibo to provide funds from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF for the rehabilitation of the Senior Citizens Building in the provincial capital even as Estrada will also be giving financial help for the construction of an evacuation center for flood victims in Kalibo.