Kalibo

Kalibo is the capital of Aklan province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is located on Panay Island and serves as the province’s administrative and economic center. The town sits inland along the Kalibo River and acts as a gateway to the province’s coastal areas and to nearby tourist destinations.

The Ati-Atihan Festival is Kalibo’s most famous cultural event. Held annually in January to honor the Santo Niño, the festival features street dancing, drum processes, and participants in elaborate costumes, often with faces painted in black. It is recognized as one of the oldest extant festivals in the Philippines and attracts visitors from across the country and abroad.

Economy and infrastructure: Kalibo’s economy is driven by agriculture, local commerce, and services, with tourism playing an increasingly important role. The municipality is served by Kalibo International Airport, which provides air access to the area and supports travel to Boracay via nearby travel routes. Road connections, local markets, and river and sea links connect Kalibo with other parts of Aklan and Panay Island.

Education and governance: Kalibo hosts a range of public and private educational institutions that serve the city and surrounding communities. As the provincial capital, it houses local government offices and supports social services for residents of Aklan. The municipality includes urban and rural areas that contribute to the province’s administrative functions and development initiatives.