ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc called on devotees of the Santo Niño to take care of impoverished and downtrodden as tens of thousands of Aklanons still reeling from the devastation of Typhoon Ursula (internationally known as Phanfone) took to the streets of the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan in this year’s celebration of the Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Festival. Talac-oc, who celebrated the Pilgrim Mass in front of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Kalibo on Sunday, urged the faithful to be like the Child Jesus, the Santo Niño. The Kalibo Señor Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Management Council (Kassamaco) said 32 tribes competed in the street-dancing contest held on Saturday. The number of tribes is two less than the 34 tribes that joined the festival last year. At least 50,000 devotees, spectators, and guests poured onto the streets on Saturday for the Sad-sad Ati-atihan contest.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 19, 2020 12:45 UTC