NEW YEAR CELEBRATION - tHE POLICE & BORACAY HOSPITAL aRE READY

The Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) is ready with regard to the New Year celebration in Boracay Island.

This was according to the Boracay PNP Chief Police Inspector, Fidel Gentallan.

Stationed BTAC’s personnel are allegedly ready to give assistance to tourists and residents of the island particularly to those who will be watching the fireworks during the midnight, Monday, December 31.

Gentallan also gave reminders to everyone to be always on alert of opportunists.

Included in his reminders was that it would be better if someone would stay at home or the place where they stay, and make sure doors and windows are locked. He added that the public should be careful when they are shopping or visiting places and persuaded everyone to welcome the New Year in a safe manner.

On the other hand, Boracay Hospital is also ready for the possible victims of the New Year Celebration tonight according to the Officer 3 Dr. Jeneth Japitan.

Supplies for dressing, tetanus toxoids and for first aid are available at the hospital.  Japitan however made clear that only first aid is available and for more serious cases, the patient will have to be transferred to a bigger hospital.

The hospital will allegedly keep watch together with the Philippine Red Cross tonight.

Japitan also cautioned that children are prohibited from possessing firecrackers, and that it is prohibited for drunken adults to light firecrackers since it is dangerous.

Boracay Island swamped with tourists

Resorts, bars and souvenir shops

These are just a few of the establishments in the Island of Boracay that has been full packed with tourists last night.

The island was so crowded such that the saying “no needle would drop” applies as tourists goes around discovering what it could offer.

“Labs” a manager in a certain restaurant here, exhaustively told this news center how they would almost give up or refuse some of the tourists as they’ve already got numerous customers.

In the beach front of station 2, the news team had also observed how the tourists of different colors and races including the locals would bump into each other as they would walk shoulder to shoulder into the crowd.  

Others would patiently wait in long lines in some popular food places, while others danced their way along with colorful and even glamorous parties.

Meanwhile in Balabag, “Gemma” a fruit store saleslady has told that they haven’t closed their shop since last night.

She is convinced that there will be more tourists today.

The Malay Tourism Office has previously said that the number of tourist arrivals this December will boost even more because of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

DPWH gets clearance from DENR to fill up a lake in Balabag

The filling up and or embankment of a certain lake in Boracay which will be affected by the Circumferential Road Project is sure to push through.

This followed after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has concluded their discourse regarding this certain lake in Barangay Balabag.

According to Boracay CENRO Officer Merza Samillano, the DPWH now have a CNC or Certificate of Non-coverage which is a clearance from the DENR to carry on with the project.

Samillano however explained that only a fraction of the lake will be covered and will become a part of the road.

The DENR had previously opposed the action as the DPWH has no proper documentation or permit from their department.

The mentioned lake was said to be one of those that the DENR is protecting.

DEADLINE FOR HELMET INSPECTION: DECEMBER 28, FRIDAY-DTI

The deadline for attaching ICC stickers on helmet of motorist will be on Friday, December 28, at 5pm.

This directive was given by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the motorists of Aklan.

Despite being busy in monitoring Noche Buena Products, and on the possible Price Freeze in kalibo due to the recent flooding, DTI Aklan Director, Diosdado Cadena said that motorists who wish to have their helmets inspected and attached with ICC stickers are welcome.

The deadline was set for Friday since the days that will follow will be DTI employees’ New Year’s break.

Moreover, as of press time, no directive had been received from the DTI National Office on whether there would be an extension for helmet inspection and attaching of stickers when their employees resume office in January of 2013.

Boracay resorts to join the Fireworks Display, no permit yet

Resorts and or establishments in Boracay that will be joining the Fireworks Display are expected to acquire a permit today.

This is according to island Administrator Glenn Sacapano during yesterday’s interview, wherein he said that that no one has acquired a Mayor’s Permit yet.

They are however expected to rush into the Mayor’s Office today, a Friday and the last office day for this year.

The Fireworks Display in Boracay has become one of the tourists’ anticipated events and has been conducted annually with the coordination and cooperation of resorts and establishments in the island.

Every December 31^st at 12 midnight these fireworks are lit simultaneously at the front beach.

Sacapano also explained that the display will be done on the waters or will be boarded on motorboats so that its litter and residue will not be left at the white sands.

This aims to protect the beach area as well as the public or the spectators to be out of harm’s way.

STREETS aRE PASSABLE; "PRICE FREEZE" MIGHT BE DECLARED aT KALIBO

If during the night before the government had a difficult time transporting evacuees to evacuation centers due to strong flood water current, by early Thursday morning, December 27, street flood water, rainfall, and strong water current flowing from the Aklan River, had gradually decreased.

Nevertheless, as of press time, there were still areas submerged in water according to Provincial DisasterRisk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC)-Aklan Executive Officer, Galo Ibardolaza.

However, despite the presence of water on streets, streets were already passable for large vehicles.

Public transportation had been resumed especially for buses. On the other hand,  for small vehicles, there were only few passable streets and areas that were accessible.

Meanwhile, in a separate report, there is a possibility that a "Price Freeze" will be declared by the Department of Trade and Industry  (DTI) Aklan in the town of Kalibo because of last night’s flooding.

This was learned from DTI Aklan Director Diosdado Cadena in an interview.

According to Cadena, an official declaration is being awaited for Kalibo to be declared “Under the State of Calamity” from the Local Government of Kalibo.

If the town is declared under a State of Calamity, there will be no increase in the prices of basic commodities such as instant noodles, milk, candle, sardines, salt, and other canned goods, and the prices of such commodities will be monitored.

The Price Freeze will last for sixty (60) days, or until the LGU has not lifted its State of Calamity declaration.

Tourist arrivals in Boracay on Christmas season, spiked up

The number of tourist coming to Boracay for Christmas increased even more.

According to the Malay Tourism Office, this year’s tourist arrival is more than 20,000 higher with that of the previous year.

Their data showed that from December 1^st to 24 of 2012 the arrivals already reached 60,000, which is much higher compared to 2011 with 40,000 recorded arrivals on the same date.

However even with the increasing number, all of these tourists have been accommodated.

Meanwhile the MTO is still expecting that this number will continue to spike up during the New Year.

"LIGHT BORACAY a CHRISTMAS STAR" bECAME a "BONDING TIME"

 The “Light Boracay a Christmas Star” event held by the Municipal Tourism Office on December 14 served as a bonding time for the 17 villages of Malay.

This was how the event was described by Malay Mayor John Yap.

Although, the event was held in Boracay and the lighting, displaying of “Parols” or Christmas Stars and other decorations was in Balabag, Boracay Island, all the village Chairmen of Malay attended, supported and also joined the “Parol making Contest.”

This allegedly delighted the Malay Mayor since the occasion wherein the Village Chairmen, the Town Councilmen of Malay, stakeholders, and the whole community getting together, is unusual since everyone is busy at work.

More so with the Mayor who was allegedly busy for Boracay, and on what the Mayor was busy on, assurance was given that everyone will benefit from it not only the island of Boracay.

Christmas in Boracay, generally peaceful

“Generally Peaceful”

This is the term that can describe the celebration of Christmas in Boracay this year.

According to the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center or BTAC, there been have no reports of serious crimes few days before Christmas.

If there is, it is mostly petty crimes such as drunken commotion and minor cases of theft.

In line with this, the authority still reminds the public to be aware and careful enough against robbers and burglars.

It added that, the people should make it a habit to secure any possible “entry points” for robbers in any household and establishments.

It is also very important for the public to stay alert, as thieves nowadays are wiser that they monitor the area beforehand prior to committing the crime.

Yapak bagged award as the “Cleanest and Organized” Barangay

Barangay Yapak took home the award as Malay’s “Cleanest and Organized” Barangay for 2012.

This is in line with the conducted contest b the Municipality of Malay which was spearheaded by the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO) and was a Beautification Program of the four Barangays which are the tourist’s direct destination.

This includes Brgy, Caticlan - which is the entry point of Boracay – Manoc-manoc, Balabag, and Yapak.

Yapak bagged the mentioned award and took home a 20,000 pesos cash prize.

While Yapak’s closest contender, Barangay Manoc-manoc landed on second place and received Php 15,000.

Caticlan came on 3rd with Php 10,000 and Balabag at 4th with 5,000 pesos.

The judges based on the preparations and results of the community’s cooperation in cleaning their areas as well as the decorations on the main road which would look desirable to tourists.

Meanwhile the MTO clarified that the judge’s criteria did not include or is separate from the also ongoing contest among the Zones/Seldas in Barangay Balabag saying they are only focusing on the main roads.

The result of this MTO contest was revealed during the LGU Malay’s Christmas Party held last December 22.

GARBAGE PROBLEM iN BORACAY tO bE FOCUSED uPON iN 2013

The call to action regarding the problem on garbage is being remedied with commitment.

According to Island Administrator, and current Solid Waste Management Manager, Glenn Sacapaño, the collection of garbage during midnight has been added so that garbage will not remain uncollected. Garbage trucks also start collecting garbage at four in the morning.

However, it is unavoidable that there are instances wherein some garbage in the streets remains uncollected by seven am due to the sheer volume of garbage to be collected.

Nevertheless, everything is allegedly done to prevent garbage becoming the cause of damage of Boracay.

Sacapaño admitted that their task is difficult at present especially that the number of people in Boracay is not decreasing, rather, it is increasing.

The increase in population and number of tourists is being pointed upon by the Administrator on the garbage problem since allegedly, the 1Million tourists arrival was expected to be reached by 2017 but it is only 2012 and the target has been surpassed.

According to the official, they will be focusing on the garbage collection problem in the year 2013.

Eighteen truckloads of garbage are collected daily.

Workers and or employees in Boracay, around 17,000

This year there are almost 17,000 workers and or employees in Boracay.

This is according to Malay Public employment Officer (PESO) Dennis Briones during an interview.

Briones said that they have a record of 12,000 employees from different establishments in the island.

And this does not include the construction workers and laborers.

If they however will be counted the number could reach up to 16,000.

Moreover, he said that the drivers which are more than 100 have yet to be added.

Meanwhile the X-ray examination for employees as a requirement for them to acquire a Health Certificate, particularly the front liners and food handlers, is targeted to be implemented in January.

If this will push through, thousands of people will need access to x-ray machines. It was learned that there’s only three of these in the Municipality of Malay, one in Boracay Hospital, one in a private Clinic, and another at the Baptist Hospital in Caticlan.

Firecrackers, still unavailable in Boracay

Firecrackers are not unavailable in Boracay yet.

Three days before Christmas and more than a week before New Year, there are still no fireworks and the likes that are being sold in the stores in the island.

This is because, according to Boracay Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Boracay Inspector Joseph Cadag, at the moment, those that they have given a permit to sell the product are still preparing their stalls and or places.

Where in, in the island of Boracay there is a designated place for these items to be sold, and that is beside or near the Fire Station.

While in the mainland this can be seen at a spacious area at the Caticlan market, the Chief of Boracay Fire Station added.

He clarified that the mentioned areas are the only places where firecrackers can be sold and bought.

This is prohibited in any other random sari-sari stores.

LEAVING iS nOT EASY- DAVID FIELÐ

It will not be that easy for professional Australian Lifeguard David Field, the Life Guard and instructor of the Philippine National Red Cross, to leave the island of Boracay.

This was learned from Field, adding that although he will be going home to Australia to celebrate Christmas, he will be coming back in February.

Field gave assurance that he will be coming back to continue his mission of teaching security at the beach of Boracay in order to prevent accidents.

Aside from teaching the Life Guard of the Local Government of Malay in the island, Field has also been the trainer of Life Saving to students of different schools, to employees of resorts in the island and other volunteer organizations.

Many plans have also been made by Field to ensure the safety of the beach of the island. And he has given continuous support to the programs of the Red Cross Malay-Boracay Chapter for almost fourteen (14) months.

In his return to Boracay in February next year, he will allegedly continue to teach.

BFP Boracay doubling up the campaign against firecrackers

Each Barangays will be providing a designated area where firecrackers can be lit or used.

This is what Fire Inspector Joseph Cadag of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Boracay wants the public to understand for a safe Christmas and New Year celebration in the island of Boracay.

Cadag said that the government, specifically the Department of Health has a number of programs against accidents due to firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

In line with this, Barangay officials do provide a specific place where it can be used, and this is usually at the Plaza.

He added that they at the BFP Boracay are doubling up their efforts for this campaign.

Cadag also advised the Boracay and Malay community to alternatively use the traditional way of creating noise during the New Year, which are the lids of pots and pans as well as the trumpets.

Aside from this he added that, people could just opt to dance and music instead to avoid any accidents and for everybody’s safety.

"CHRISTMAS PAROLS oR CHRISTMAS STARS"

Source:http://bit.ly/12BQx2l

By: Rodel J. Abalus

Christmas is celebrated in the Philippines with different decorations put in display like in other countries.

But perhaps the Philippine Christmas display that can best be associated with the celebration is the Christmas Star or “Parol.”

According to Wikipedia, “The design of the paról evokes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger. The “Parol” “also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.”

The word paról is derived from the Spanish word farol which means "lantern".

Patterns of the paról evolved from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928. His creation was made of bamboo strips covered with papél de japón (Japanese paper), illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide). This kind of lantern was used by barrio folks to light their paths during the ritual yuletide dawn Masses called Misa de Gallo,..Electricity was yet unavailable at the time in many rural areas”

Boracay, the country’s premier tourist destination and the World’s Best Island of 2012, according to Travel+Leisure, has “Parols” lining the Main Road in Balabag. One just have to look up.

The “Parols” are in red, green and gold. One Parol hangs on each light post along the road. The stars’ diameter is about 5 inches and the tail is about 3 inches.

Brightly lighted “Parols” also line the right hand side perimeter of the Balabag Plaza which were officially lighted in the evening of December 15.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parol

X-ray examination for employees in Boracay, a requirement for Business Permit

Starting on January 2013, all employees in Boracay, particularly the “front liners” will undergo x-ray examination.

This is for the employees to acquire a Health Card and is also a requirement for the renewal of business permits of the establishments they are working for, explained Malay Administrator Godofredo Sadiasa.

He added that although this would be another expense for the employees, but this is also for their health’s benefit.

He also said this will be implemented in 2013, when in fact, having reviewed the Sanitation Ordinance, it showed that this was already included on the list of requirements for the annual business permit renewal.

Its goal is to ensure the health of the employees and to make certain that they do not have any contagious diseases, particularly the food handlers.

More so that Boracay is a tourist destination.

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE fOR BORACAY & MALAY - LGU oF MALAY aT WORK oN iT

The creation of an appropriate Municipal Environmental Code of Malay and Boracay is planned by the local government of Malay.

This is the reason why the Chief Executive of Malay wishes to start working on the plan.

First item on the plan is to appoint an expert consultant to assist in giving solution on environmental issues of the town of Malay and Boracay.

Because of this, an authority to enter into an agreement with an environmental specialist was asked by Malay Mayor John Yap from the Town Council.

Dr. Miguel Fortes of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute is being eyed to become the Consultant of the planned Environmental Code.

Garbage mismanagement in Boracay, fault of locals not tourists

Along with the influx of tourist in Boracay this super-peak season, is the possible worry of the trash they may leave behind.

However, this is not a problem, according to Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño.

In fact he said, that these tourists are already informed, not only through the reminders they may meet along the way as they travel to Boracay - by means of signage and the likes - and the reminders of the resorts or establishments they've booked into.

But most of these travelers have been in other tourist’s destinations, both locally and internationally, thereby understands the manners when it comes to garbage management.

The problem of the proper waste disposal, Sacapaño added, actually lies on the locals.

In others words, tourist appears to be more disciplined compared to some locals who seemed to just let the constant reminders pass the other ear.

According to the Island Administrator they conduct a regular meeting and or seminars to resorts and establishments on the proper waste management and disposal, adding that assessors and or inspectors are also in action monitoring both the front and back beach areas.

When asked about the Municipal Tourism Office’s Beautification program, he said this is one of the LGU’s ways to inculcate to the local community the significance of their cooperation.

And this is to instill to the public that tourism is our major livelihood, and that we want the tourists to arrive at a clean and secure Boracay, fitting its title as the best beach in the world.

BORACAYNONS FAILED bY OSMENA

The proposal which will give free patent to owners of land in Boracay is likely to fail.

This is because the House Bill 4796, submitted by Aklan Representative Florencio Miraflores, a few days after being passed in the Congress and supported in the Senate by means of Senate Bill 3275, was blocked by Senator Sergio Osmeña.

The bill aims for the free registration of land to the name of the person who has been renting a land in Boracay.

Contained in the bill is the requirement that the land should not exceed twelve (12) hectares and the person who has been renting the land should have rented it for more or less thirty (30) years.

Although the bill is supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, Osmeña blocked the bill with no apparent reason.

The House Bill 4796 is seen as a solution to the problem of land titling in Boracay. 

Before thisOsmeña criticized Miraflores when the Senator blocked the Congressman’s proposed House Bill 3860 which aims to divide Aklan into two legislative districts.

Malay, second with most number of voters in Aklan

It is possible that politicians will be aiming for Boracay.

Not as a vacation destination, but to pursue a campaign.

This is because the Municipality of Malay has now surpassed Ibajay, New Washigton, and Banga in terms of numbers of voters.

Wherein Malay leads with 200 voters over Ibajay, said Malay Comelec Officer Elma Cahilig.

According to Cahilig Malay comes second after Kalibo which is the province’s capital, and has maintained being on the first place.

In 2010, records showed, in order, that Kalibo tops as the town with most number of voters followed by Ibajay, New Washington on third, fourth was Banga, and Malay on fifth.

However in the conducted registration of voters this 2012, statistics show that Kalibo remained first, followed by Malay, Ibajay, Banga and New Washington of fifth.

It was learned from Cahilig that migration to Boracay is the reason of the sudden inflation of registered voters in Malay.

2 DISTRICT PROPOSAL fOR AKLAN - BLOCKED aGAIN aT SENATE

It seems that the province of Aklan will no longer be divided into two (2).

It was learned on December 10 that the resolution creating another Congressional District in Aklan was yet again blocked by Senator Sergio Osmena.

House Bill 3860, supported by Mayors of the province, was put forward by Aklan Representative Florencio Miraflores at the Lower House.

Every Congressman has a Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of P70 Million per year but due to the blocking of the resolution by Sen. Osmena, Aklan is set to lose P210 Million.

The House Bill is seen as one of the solutions in order for Aklan to have a better economy since if the Bill is approved, two will be representing the province in the Congress. Nevertheless if the House Bill is continuously hindered, the hope for two Districts for Aklan is doomed to failure.

Senate Local Government Committee Chairman Sen. Bong Bong Marcos had brought the resolution of Miraflores to the Senate in the hope that it would become a law if approved.

However, despite the aspirations of Local Officials of the province for the Bill to be passed before the filing of candidacy in October, Osmena blocked the House Bill. As a Result, the Senate was forced to suspend the hearing for the Bill.

Red Cross Boracay, gearing up for 2013

The Philippine Red Cross Boracay-Malay Chapter is already getting ready for 2013.

Although they are busy conducting trainings for volunteers, resort life guards, and many others, with the assistance of Australian Life Guard David Field, the PRC has already laid out their programs and activities for the following year.

This includes the much improved and much bigger celebration of the 2^nd Festival of the Wind in Boracay, and a Fun Run which will be the country’s entry for the Guinness Book of World Records.

For the 2^nd Festival of the Wind in Boracay, Mr. David Field plans to bring into the island, life guards from Thailand who will be competing against the Life Guard Boracay in a contest of saving lives on the beach.

Meanwhile these two huge activities are also the reason of Field’s going back to the island.

Catholic Church in Boracay, ready for “simbang-gabi”

The Catholic Church in Boracay is now ready for the 9-day early morning masses or “simbang gai.”

In fact the Holy Rosary Parish Church in Balabag has already produced a schedule for the “misa de gallo.”

According to Rev. Fr. Arnold Crisostomo, Parish Priest at the HRPC-Boracay, it will start on December 16 and that the daily masses will be at 4 in the morning.

Moreover, to those who wish to attend the “Santo Rosario,” this will be done before every mass.

Meanwhile, on the 24^th of December, a few hours before the birth of the Messiah will be celebrated, a 9:00 p.m. mass will be held at the Balabag church.

While the masses at Yapak Chapel and Manoc-manoc on the same date will be celebrated at 6:30 in the evening.

"LOST BEACH IN YAPAK VILLAGE" - FEARED bY YAPAK OFFICIAL

The beach in the village of Yapak is almost gone and its village Captain, Hector Casidsid, is having problems because of this.

Add to this the predicament that there are a very few accessible beach lines in Yapak Village since the village is mountainous and rocky.

These prompted the Village Chairman to ask for help from the Town Council of Malay at noon time, Tuesday, December 11.

The assistance sought is for whatever the Town Council could render to protect Yapak’s beach against the occupation by private individuals.

This is allegedly because the beaches of Yapak are for everyone and not just to be owned by a resort or establishment which is near the area.

In relation to this, Casidsid mentioned big resorts at the area wherein fishermen and ordinary citizens at the area, allegedly, are no longer allowed near the beach since they are no longer allowed to enter by guards, and the areas have been intended for the resorts’ guests.

Aside from this, Casidsid is worried since there is allegedly a plan at Puka Beach by some private individuals and Corporation to put up large establishments at the area. This has made the Village Captain worried that no shore will be left since all of the shores will be occupied.

He emphasized the importance of the problem saying that Puka Beach is the only beach left for Yapak Village, and therefore, the protection for the environment is their request from the Town Council of Malay.

Stakeholders in Boracay aware of the planned demolition of illegal structures

The stakeholders in Boracay have knowledge about and are ready for any demolition of illegal structures and or establishments in the island.

This is what Boracay CENRO Officer Merza Samillano believes.

This is with regards to the issue that the DENR has ordered to begin the demolition of structures within the 25 meter area from the beach line and 5 meters from the road or what is called the 25+5 easement.

According to Samillano the inventory of structures in the island and those who violated the Presidential Proclamation 1064 particularly the implementation of the 25+5 had started way back in 2009.

This was followed with giving out of Notice of Violation from the EMB or the Environmental Management Bureau of the DENR to inform the stakeholders of their violations.

She also added that this issue is also already known to the mayor of Malay since he was one of those who were present during which this dilemma was discussed.

Meanwhile as President Benigno Aquino had formed the National Task Force who specializes with this issue on the island, the Department of Justice, Tourism, DENR, and DILG are coordinating for its implementation.

However any implementations to be carried out still are under the mandate of the local government.

Samillano, on the other hand refused to comment when asked about the number of establishments that may be affected if this will be started.

3 MENDICANTS

By Rodel J. Abalus

An old man of about 50 years old, and a husband and wife of about 70 years old were seen begging on Saturday evening, December 8, in Boracay Island.

They were sitting along the path of the main road of Balabag.

The MSWD Office of Boracay was contacted to report the matter.

During the interview with Jessica Candolita, the Social Welfare Officer 4 of the Local Government of Malay, in the afternoon of December 11, it was learned that their Office just started a roving which was named “Operation Mendicancy. ” The operation was in coordination with the Island Administrator, Glenn Sacapaño and Balabag Village Captain, Lilibeth Sacapaño through the cooperation of the BTAC, and the MAP.

The operation started on the same day.

It was learned in the interview that three possible actions could be made during roving operation. One is rescue of minors, if minors were at risk, another is to apprehend, and reprimand beggars.

This was the second instance that the 50 year old man was seen begging at the same place. The first instance was in the evening of December 6, in which he was told to contact the MSWD Office of Boracay the next day. However, according to Candolita, there was no report of a 50 year old man contacting their office.

Although the 50 year old guy was not seen by the MSWD during their first roving operation, the 70 year old husband and his wife were seen separately in different locations and were reprimanded and told to go back to Caticlan.

The pair claimed that they were temporarily staying at Caticlan and that they were reportedly from Basilan and that they were Badjaos.

Candolita added that the case of the husband and wife would be referred to the Village Captain of Caticlan.

Pre-judging for MTO’s Beautification of Barangay Contest, conducted

The Municipal Tourism Office of Malay had conducted the pre-judging for their program: Beautification of Barangay: Caticlan, Manoc-manoc, Balabag and Yapak Contest

Held on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, the program is one of the MTO’s ways of maintaining the established name of Boracay in tourism, as well as the promotion of the mainland as a tourist attraction.

This is by instilling to the community the significance of their awareness and cooperation through the beautification contest.

The panel of judges who later where invited for a deliberation included Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Alma S. Belejerdo, Department of Tourism Malay-Director Tim Ticar, BFI Executive Director, Ms. Pi Miraflores and a representative in behalf of Yes Fm and Easy Rock Boracay Station Manager Mr. Alan Palma.

Lead by Municipal Tourism Officer Felix Delos Santos Jr. the pre-judging started off at Barangay Caticlan, where some of the MTO staff and Barangay leaders accompanied the judges.

The judging of barangays in the island of Boracay followed thereafter.

Courtesy calls to all Barangay captains were also made before each inspection was started.

Also present during the deliberation were Brgy, Captains Hon. Julieta Aron of Caticlan, Hon. Hector Casidsid of Yapak, Balabag Brgy. Secretary Jinky Salazar in behalf of Hon. Lilibeth Sacapano while Brgy. Manoc-manoc also sent a representative in behalf of Brgy. Captain Abram Sualog.

PLENTY oF QUESTIONS RAISED oN RATE HIKE oN WATER & WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT

The proposed rate increase for water and waste management services of the BIWCI was peppered with questions by the attendees during the public hearing held by the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The attendees of the public hearing disagreed with the rate increase of Boracay Island Water Company Incorporated (BIWCI), while Town Council Member Rowen Aguirre questioned why there were only few who attended and wondered if the few number of attendees had an effect on the decision of TIEZA.

In response, Atty. Marites Alvarez said if there were only few attendees, TIEZA did not fall short in inviting to attend and informing the public of the planned rate increase amount.

The lawyer added that the public hearing could be considered legal since quorum was not needed.

Meanwhile, town Council Member Esel Flores pointed out that he believed the BIWCI business did not run at a loss in the past year despite the developments made by the company, because of this, he wondered why BIWCI has to make a rate increase.

Aside from the mentioned Council Members of Malay, all the attendees of the public hearing disagreed to the planned 35.4% rate increase. Especially that aside from asking questions on the rate increase, there were also some complaints expressed related to the operation of the BIWCI.

AUSTRALIAN LIFE SAVER DAVID FIELÐ » « LEAVING BORACAY

After more than a year of service to Malay and Boracay teaching Life Saving, Surf Life Saving Development Officer, David Field will temporarily leave Boracay.

He will temporarily leave on the 19^th of December since he is being told by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) to go back to the PNRC’s Head Office.

Nevertheless, according to Marlo Schoenenberger, the Administrator of the Red Cross Malay-Boracay Chapter, it is expected that Field will be coming back to raise the skill level of the Life Guards of the Local Government (LGU) in the island.

Field’s target is to raise the Level 3 training of the Life Guards into Level 5.

Regarding this, the Town Council of Malay has proposed to pass a resolution to express gratitude and to recognize the help rendered to Boracay by the professional Australian Life Saver.

Mentioned in particular by the Council is the raising of the skill level of the Life Savers of Boracay, including the Life Guards of the LGU, and establishments, also the Coast Guard, Red Cross Volunteers, and the youth from different schools in the island.

The Red Cross instructors taught by Field will be teaching when Field leaves.

Meanwhile, it was learned from Schoenenberger that while Field was in the Philippines, he had been going back and fort to Phuket, Thailand and Boracay Island to teach.

Schoenenberger added that Field was sent by the Australian Red Cross to the PNRC, which in turn sent Field to Boracay in the Month of October 2011.

TIEZA answers why water in Boracay is costly

Since Boracay is an island and is surrounded by water, therefore the water supply service is expensive.

This is one of the reasons that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) have cited relating to the topic that, under the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC), Boracay has the most expensive tariff in water service charges.

This is the response of Atty. Marites Alvares, Officer In-Charge of TIEZA Regulatory in Boracay.

This was one of the identified causes for the increased rates as the water source is quite distant and they have to dig to set their pipelines to Boracay from the mainland, particularly the Nabaoy River.

For this reason, she said, TIEZA and the BIWC needs to invest for the project in order to deliver quality service and clean water to Boracay, which is the center of tourism not only for Malay and Aklan but as well as the whole country.

Alvares added that Boracay is not even or just a plane area, and there are higher grounds where they need to put up a pumping station.

The explanation was stated by the Lawyer in front of the BIWC consumers during the Hearing yesterday.

This is in relation to the company’s planned increase in water service tariff which has reached up to 35.4%.

ANCHORING aT tHE SWIMMING AREA aT STATION 1 IS NOW PROHIBITED

The red flags seen at the beach line of Station 1 of Boracay do not mean swimming is prohibited.

What the red flag means is - the area from the shore to where the flags were posted is the swimming area. The move is to ensure that the swimming public is safe.

This is unlike what Boracay has been accustomed to that when red flags were raised, it meant swimming was prohibited.

Life guard Supervisor Miguel “Mike” Labatiao, explained that the red flags mean that boats or speed boats are prohibited to enter the area since the area is only for swimmers.

There had been incidents reported in the past wherein swimmers were hit by boat or had been disturbed when now and then anchor is set at the area.

The Lifeguard Supervisor explained that the raising of red flag when there is bad weather, to give warning to swimmers, is done at their post at Station 2.

Labatiao further added that there are also signages or signboards at critical areas or places where drowning usually occurs.

Security at Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports, to be tightened

The security at the Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports will become more rigid.

This is simultaneous with the holiday season setting in, where there will be an influx of tourists in the island.

In an interview with Jetty Port Chief Security, Alex Valero, he said they just recently added more guards for their daily and or 24 hour operations.

This is to ensure the security of the tourists, and their belongings, that are going in and out of the island.

Valero also noted the significance and the assistance given by the CCTV-cameras they have installed in and around the port areas.

This is because they have seized more ill-intentioned individuals, as many of them has been caught on camera, and the video rewinds helped in identifying people.

Currently, there are 76 security personnel deployed at Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports.

Aside from being the watch-outs, these guards are also the ones who are assisting the tourists particularly if the line in the passenger terminal is packed.

305 million, not enough for Malay’s 2013 budget

The 305 million peso fund for 2013 is short for the Local Government of Malay; therefore it was increased to 310 million.

This is after finding out in a budget hearing that the first proposed fund will not be enough as the LGU still needs to spend for the Environmental Programs and Municipal Economic Enterprise Development (MEED).

If recalled the mentioned departments had a huge contribution to the LGU’s collections, as some of its facilities under MEED has gained, particularly from the environmental fees in Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports.

This also followed after the council conducted a review before the approval and submission of the proposed funds and allocations of Malay for 2013 to the SB.

Therefore they studied this closely, in fact the Department heads themselves has personally been called for the budget hearing for them to explain and present their programs.

Last week, the municipal fund for 2013 has already been presented to the Municipal Council.

However they have found that the fund will not be enough and so the additional 5 million followed which will make the LGU’s fund for 2013, 310 million pesos.