Kalibo turnovers ‘Salakot’, Center Island to Soroptimists

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Panay News

Soroptimist International of Kalibo president and Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle (right) signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Kalibo mayor Raymar Rebaldo (center) and Poblacion barangay captain Mary Jean Rebaldo near the adopted center island along Desposorio Maagma Street, this town / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Mayor Raymar Rebaldo led the turnover of a street island to Soroptimist International (SI) of Kalibo in line with the government’s beautification program.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the adopted street island along Desposorio Maagma Street and the Kalibo’s famous landmark “Salakot” was formally signed over the weekend between Rebaldo, SI Kalibo president and Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo and Poblacion punong barangay Mary Jane Rebaldo.

The MOA signing was witnessed by SI Kalibo's former presidents Dr. Lyn Salido and Rebecca Mobo and officers on February 21.

SI Kalibo, an organization of professional women in Aklan affiliated with Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (SIPR), is designated to plant ornamental plants and trees and maintain the center island and the Salakot or popularly known as “Welcome Rotonda” along Crossing Banga-New Washington in partnership with the Barangay Poblacion officials.

The Adopt-A-Center-Island campaign being carried out by the local government includes the sprucing up the center islands in the town of Kalibo by volunteers from various organizations like SI Kalibo, including the Rotary Club of Kalibo along Roxas Avenue.

“The improvements and landscaping of center islands with the help of non-government organizations and business institutions should always be encouraged,” Rebaldo said.

The project encompasses the installation of decorative plants and landscaping throughout the town's streets , the major link of the Roll-on Roll-off vehicles going to Iloilo and Caticlan.

Calizo said this upcoming project is aggressively pursued by SI of Kalibo through beautification and preservation for the benefit of the entire community.

Another project, “Adopt-A-Barangay,” would benefit the women of Barangay Aranas in Balete, Aklan by enhancing their skills through livelihood trainings and educational programs offered by SI Kalibo in Kabuhian Center, she added.