THE local government of Kalibo is now set for the first virtual revelry for the famous Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival this year.

Kalibo Mayor Emerson Lachica said they had allocated P1 million for the prizes for different Ati-atihan-related competitions.

Among the virtual competitions are Miss Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival 2022, Ati-atihan costume making contest, jingle making contest, photo contest, and “Balik Patik” or a throwback of Ati-atihan drum and lyres contest.

There will also be Ati-ati costumes for the dog contest but this was re-scheduled on January 28.

The highlights of the Ati-atihan events were slated January 14-16, 2022.

Earlier, the St. John the Baptist Cathedral announced that it will hold a caravan as an alternative to the traditional street dancing procession of the Sto. Niño images around town.

"The competitions are meant to showcase the creativity and artistic works of the Aklanons," Lachica said.

Last year, the Kalibo held a simple revelry with only one Ati-atihan band allowed to play inside the Cathedral after the Mass.

Cindy Ferrer, information officer of the Office of the Civil Defense-Western Visayas, said the regional Inter-Agency Task Force urged Kalibo Ati-atihan organizers to limit their activities that would attract crowds.

Because of this, the local government of Kalibo canceled some activities, such as food festivals and a bazaar. (SunStar Philippines)