Kalibo ‘Aloha’ demolished

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

One of the recognizable places in Kalibo, Aklan will give way for the construction of the proposed overpass for the safety of school children, pedestrians and the general public.

                                                         PBOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

To ease the present day traffic, ‘Aloha’ structure across Kalibo Pilot Elementary School along Mabini Street national highway was demolished on March 28 by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with the local government of Kalibo. 

The removal of ‘Aloha’ will clear the national highway of encroachment to the two-lane Mabini Street, a major thoroughfare of tourist buses and trucks going to Caticlan from the capital town of Kalibo. 

‘Aloha’ was built as a project of Aklan Mossberg Motorcycle Club during the term of then Kalibo mayor Federico Icamina, Jr. in 1970s. In 2008, the structure was renovated after it was partially damaged by Typhoon Frank.  

For years, the landmark has been the arena of Kalibo’s social life and an open space to spend time with loved ones and friends to enjoy the sunset or see the dawn. 

 

Last month, the local government of Kalibo led by Mayor William Lachica asked the assistance of DPWH secretary Mark Villar through the Aklan District Engineering Office to allocate funds for the pedestrian overpasses.

Lachica said “the proposed overpasses in front of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School and Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital along Mabini Street and Crossing Banga-New Washington in Desposorio Maagma, Sr. Street will safeguard school children and pedestrians, who are crossing the streets, get a ride on motorcycles or tricycles daily.”

The mayor is also optimistic the DPWH will also install new traffic signal lights along Mabini Street, corner Fortunato Quimpo and intersection of Desposorio Maagma, Sr.  Street to minimize traffic congestion.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.