‘Kalibo more than just a gateway to Boracay’

The capital town of Kalibo will be reshaped into a desirable tourist destination itself and will not just be a mere gateway to the world famous Boracay, said Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores. (PNA photo)

KALIBO, Aklan, July 28 — The capital town of Kalibo will be reshaped into a desirable tourist destination itself and will not just be a mere gateway to the world famous Boracay, said Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores.

Miraflores, during his more than one-hour State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Thursday afternoon, stressed the current developments for Kalibo were expected to boost its tourism potential.

“We have not forgotten Kalibo and its tourism potential,” said Miraflores.

A reclamation and development project for Kalibo is underway, he said.

Miraflores said the provincial government has received an unsolicited proposal for a joint venture agreement with Mabuhay Maritime Express Transport, Inc. for the Kalibo reclamation and development project.

Mabuhay, which is majority owned by Philippine Airlines, in partnership with Jan de Nul Group of Belgium will be investing on said reclamation project.

The reclamation project will be developed into a ferry terminal with mixed-use commercial and residential area along the coastal area in Kalibo, particularly in Barangay Pook.

It is expected to provide waterways and river channels which will direct the inflow and outflow of water in the river system that drains the floodwater of Kalibo.

Miraflores said: “The master plan is a picture of a modern community. A business hub and residential complex along the Kalibo coastline. This will reshape Kalibo from being a mere gateway but a desirable tourist destination itself.”

Kalibo is considered as the main gateway to Boracay because of it’s the direct international flights to its international airport.

In 2016, Kalibo International airport catered to 1,343,683 passengers.