NUTRITION MONTH FOR 2013 AIMS TO STOP STARVATION AND MALNUTRITION

July 2013 Nutrition Month theme has finally posted.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) Nutritionist/ Dietician II, Crescini S. Roxas, said that the theme for July's 2013 Nutrition Month is "GUTOM at Malnutrition, Sama-Sama Nating Wakasan".

According to Roxas, this is in response to United Nations Millennium Development goal: To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Based on the Memorandum NO.67, series 2013 of the DepED, every year in the month of July, The National Nutrition Council (NNC) heads the whole nation in the celebration of 2013 Nutrition Month in order to disseminate nutrition messages to all Filipinos through a focal theme.

The objective of this celebration aims to increase the awareness on hunger issues and actions to diminish hunger.

It intends to encourage government, agencies, non- government organizations, private sector, civil society organizations and communications to participate, contribute in addressing hunger issues and advocate for stronger political action to end starvation.

This celebration will be participated by all schools, barangays, and local government units.

The said participants will held a culminating activity that will highlight the importance of good health and nutrition.

Contributed by: Kate Panaligan

DOLE’s Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board tackled salary rates in Boracay

The Salary Rate in Boracay and in the province of Aklan has been a hot topic recently.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) VI of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a public consultation on Wage Issues.

The program was held at a Resort’s convention center in Station 3, Boracay yesterday.

Present were employees and management groups of different hotels and establishments in Boracay and the province of Aklan.

Two groups were formed, one for employees and another for those in the management sector.

Each was given an opportunity to raise their concerns to the members of the RTWPB through their spokespersons.

According to CESO III - RTWPB VI Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom, if the employees wanted a wage increase, they must carefully think and decide on the exact amount of the increase, if approved.

Meanwhile, an RTWPB member said that the discussion during yesterday’s Wage Issues consultation will be brought up to a Board Hearing as this is not an easy subject and reasonable basis are required to prove the need for a salary increase particularly in the island of Boracay.

BIDDING RESULT BY BORACAY TO HOST THE APEC 2015 SUMMIT, BEING AWAITED

The result of Boracay’s bid to host the APEC 2015 Summit will be declared next week.

During an interview with Municipal Tourism Officer (MTO) Felix De Los Santos on Wednesday, June 26 by Easy Rock 93.5, he said the result of the bidding will be known by next week and that the Apec Secretariat is also scheduled to visit Boracay by next week.

Prior to this development, according to the MTO, for the bidding process a Pre-evaluation, and then a Presentation were conducted.

Currently the process is on the Post Evaluation period.

During the interview, De Los Santos explained that Apec is coordinating with the Department of Tourism (DOT) 6, and DOT 6 is also coordinating with the Municipal Tourism Office of Malay.

De Los Santos hopes that Boracay will be chosen for the venue.

He further hopes that if Boracay is chosen, it will be successful with the cooperation of the National Government, DOT 6, the Provincial Government, LGU of Malay, stakeholders and the community.

Written and Contributed by: Rodel J. Abalus

Municipal Health Office advices the public not to be complacent when it comes to preventable diseases

Municipal Health Office of Malay exercises 70% prevention and 30% cure. This is according to Malay Municipal Health Officer Adrian Salaver, who said the public must not be too complacent, and to always bear in mind the preventive measures, more so that the mentioned infirmities can be avoided. He added that as much as the Municipal Health wants to deliver free vaccinations and medicines to those who need it, they are pushing more on the preventive side. It always comes back to the community he said, and the best preventive measure is to maintain a clean surrounding. Meanwhile, the MHO offers free flu vaccination to senior citizens only, and not for the general public.  The vaccines were from the DOH and have already been distributed while other flu vaccines are available for purchase in other private clinics and drug stores. Salaver added that they have no records of liptospirosis since his appointment as Municipal Health Officer, but this doesn't mean that the public should not worry, noting that flooding, and standing water is prevalent on the island and there could be rats everywhere. And as with dengue, Salaver said that the people should not wait for news of its increasing cases before acting responsibly. He is further appealing for the cooperation of the general public and the corresponding offices to act on the problems of floods and waste disposal to avoid the spread of diseases that are closely related to the rainy season.

 Contibuted by: Shelah Casiano

Taiwanese Tourists, seen to go back to Boracay

It is being expected that Taiwanese vacationers’ travel to the Philippines, particularly to the tourists’ spots such as Boracay, will go back to normal.

This is after the month-long investigation on the shooting incident that cost the life of a Taiwanese fisherman on May 9 and as the Philippine Coast Guard member responsible has already been charged.

Department of Tourism Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar has previously said that the number of Taiwanese tourists has dropped, as many flights and hotel bookings have been canceled.

These followed after Taiwan raised a travel ban due to the said incident.

Although the DOT hasn't received any official information on Taiwanese tourists’ return to the island yet, Ticar is optimistic that their flow of travel to Boracay will soon be revived.

DOH AKLAN ATTENDED a LECTURE ABOUT DISEASES aT CAMP JISMUNDO BANGA

The Department of Health of the Province of Aklan joined the one day lecture called for by Camp Jismundo at the town of Banga.

According to Department of Health (DOH) Aklan Nutritionist-Dietitian Sonia David, the lecture started in the morning of Thursday, June 27.

The topics set for discussion were about rabies, HIV, Dengue and other alarming prevalent illnesses or diseases.

There is reportedly an emergence of alarming diseases like dengue, and the spread of a new virus in the province of Antique.

Meanwhile, David did not give a statement regarding the death of a three year old male from meningococcemia brought to the Aklan Provincial Hospital.

Engr. Casidsid, to lead the enforcement of the composed Task Force on Mandatory Sewer Connection

Engineer Elizer Casidsid of the Municipal Engineering Office will lead the Task Force formed to focus on issues related to sewer system and drainage in Boracay next month.

Casidsid was appointed by Malay Mayor John Yap, alongside Engr. Ben Mañosca – COO of BIWC – to address the problems with those who are not connected in the sewerage system, which is the cited cause of waste water overflows on roads and low lying areas in the island.

Mañosca called up a meeting for the members of the task force which includes LGU-Malay’s department heads together with the DOT and DENR.

Based on Municipal Ordinance No. 297 series of 2011, the group will remind and oblige establishments and households to have their sewer lines connected.

Casidsid added, that there will be a process, but those who are not connected during the inspection will be immediately given a Notice of Violation and will be required to attend a hearing for an explanation.

Those who will fail to do so will be penalized and a possible endorsement to the Mayor for the cancelation or revocation of Business Permit based on the ordinance.

The implementation will last for three months starting on July 10, 2013.

“Task Force” for imposing an obligatory Sewerage System connection, formed

An Executive Order form the Office of Malay Mayor John Yap is now on the works forming a Task Force that will focus on establishments and households that are not yet connected on the sewerage system in Boracay.

An amended ordinance in Malay, particularly on Section 1 of Municipal Ordinance No. 297 Series of 2011, states the obligatory connection to the sewerage system of establishments and households that are within 61 meters from the sewer line.

The Task Force is composed of the members of LGU-Malay from the Municipal Engineering Office, MPDC, Licensing, Municipal Health office, Baranggay Officials, Department of Tourism and DENR-Boracay.

The group will work alongside BIWC who has the data and map of the areas to be worked on.

The BFI, PCCI, and Yes FM will act as observers during the inspection and distribution of notices of violation.

According to BIWC Chief Operating Officer Ben Mañosca, the mayor has given the task force three months to wrap up and give solution to sewerage problems, clogged drainage, and street flooding.

Meanwhile, Boracay Island Chief Operating Officer Glenn Sacapaño, and BFI’s Jony Salme foresees a positive outcome.

According to them, accountableness and or conscience will be cited in order to convince everybody and to remind them that the move is for Boracay’s future.

DISPLAYING oF WILD ANIMALS aT STATION 3 BEACH FRONT - tO BE INVESTIGATED bY tHE LGU oF MALAY

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay will conduct an investigation on the displaying of wild animals at the beach front of Station 3 Boracay Island.

During the 18^th regular session of the Town Council of Malay on Tuesday, June 24, Town Council Member Rowen Aguirre brought out the topic about a tiger and a python being put on view and the animals are catching attention at the mentioned area.

Aguirre said that he had learned that many tourists want to see and have a photo with the tiger and python.

With this, Aguirre added that the said animals were not supposed to be exposed to the public especially that they are wild animals.

Town Council Members Jupiter Gallenero and Esel Flores agreed with Aguirre‘s point.

According to Gallenero, even if there are handlers for the mentioned animals, one should not be complacent.

Aguirre proposed for an investigation whether there is a permit that had allowed the display of the mentioned animals.

Boracay Police, to use bicycles

In the following month, Boracay will be seeing police officers on bicycles.

According to Sr. Insp. Joeffer Cabural, the Boracay Police will start using bikes on July 5, 2013.

This is if the 20 units of the said bicycles will be formally turned over to the Boracay Tourists Assistance Center (BTAC) from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Cabural said, that this is just right, noting that they needed to wait for their service vehicles in order to respond to other calls.

And although they have two service vehicles, the narrow roads in some parts of the island are also being considered.

The move is a concept included in PNP’s “Patrol 2013” program.

Dubbed as “Bicycle Patrol,” the police will be using pedal bikes for a prompt response and visibility.

In line with this, 20 BTAC members have undergone a “bicycle training” held at Camp Delgado in Iloilo City two weeks ago.

This was the first batch of training for the new PNP program, which focuses primarily in Western Visayas, particularly the tourist destination, Boracay.

Meanwhile, Cabural confirmed receiving two more service vehicles, one from the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and another from a private company through the help of Mayor John Yap.

CONGRESSMAN HARESCO BELIEVES tHE CATICLAN RECLAMATION PROJECT SHOULD BE CONTINUED

The Caticlan Reclamation Project should be continued.

This is the belief of Aklan Congressman Teodorico Haresco regarding the discontinued project of the provincial government.

In an interview by Yes FM 91.1 with Haresco, he said that the project should be continued for the benefit of Boracay tourists.

He also believes that the reclamation project was a victim of misunderstanding.

Aside from this, Haresco pointed out that the area of the project is only 2.6 hectares not 35 hectares.

Nevertheless, he believes that similar developments should first be looked into to find out whether the environment can handle it.

He added, however, that if the environment cannot handle such development, it is better not to continue it.

Aside from the misunderstanding between the provincial government and the Local Government Unit (LGU) Malay on the Caticlan Reclamation Project, the Supreme Court released an order in the previous year to discontinue the project due to environmental concerns.

OUTGOING MALAY OFFICIALS GAVE THEIR LAST PRIVILEGE SPEECHES DURING MALAY'S 18th REGULAR SESSION

Last privilege speeches were given by outgoing officials of the Town Council of Malay at the 18^th regular session of the Town Council on Tuesday morning, June 25.

First to give his privilege speech was outgoing Town Council Member Jonathan Cabrera wherein he thanked his co-workers, the Local Government of Malay and Malaynons.

Town Council Member Dante Pagsuiron followed, who gladly mentioned his accomplishments in his previous years of service to the town of Malay. He also thanked his colleagues.

Outgoing Town Council Member and now Aklan Board Member Esel Flores,  gave his privilege speech which included a request to support his colleagues he will be leaving behind.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor elect Wilbec Gelito thanked one by one the outgoing Town Council Members for their contribution to the town of Malay.

The terms of the outgoing Town Council Members will end on June 30, and the new set of officials will start their terms on July 1, 2013.

Some Fire Dancers in Boracay, “no choice” regarding DOT’s remarks

"We've got no choice"

This is what the members of the Frost Fire Dancers in Boracay said regarding the Department of Tourism’s remark on the use of gas in their activity.

According to the group’s spokesperson, Aragon, he doesn't know of any alternative or any other gas used in fire dancing other than what they have been using.

The gas used is international fire dancing is costly, he added.

This followed after Boracay DOT Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar said that they will find a way for the fire dancers to refrain or avoid using gas in their activity.

In line with this, Aragon said that the DOT has a very good suggestion.

He also admitted that there are some complaints regarding the smell of gas; Aragon however assured that they do not perform just anywhere, as they are also being monitored by the Malay Auxiliary Police or MAP.

They are also making sure to clear and put their things away after each performance.

The DOT has previously mentioned in a press conference in Boracay, the negative effects of the fire dancers’ usage of gas believing it brings about pollution.

MBC MILYONES 2013 WEEK 9 WINNERS

93.5 EASY ROCK

• Nora Fegueroa - Balabag Village
• Joaquina Miguel - Inihawan, Lanas Romblon
• Rosalie Agting - Yapak Village

91.1 YES FM

• Ruth Alvarez - Gibon Nabas
• Remedios Tupas - Diniwid, Balabag
• Fanie Castro - Lugutan, Manoc-Manoc

Congratulations!

Please claim your prize starting Monday afternoon.

We are located along the Main Road of Balabag Village, Boracay Island.  Bring a valid ID when  claiming your prize.

OATH TAKING oF NEWLY ELECTED POLITICIANS oF BURUANGA tO BE HELD TUESDAY

The oath taking of the newly elected politicians at Buruanga will take place on Tuesday, June 25.

According to Buruanga Mayor Erik Labindao, the oath taking will be held at the Buruanga covered court at three (3) in the afternoon, and that things were already prepared for the occasion.

To attend the oath taking will be newly elected Aklan Congressman Teodorico Haresco, together with Aklan Governor Joven Miraflores, and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo Quimpo.

Meanwhile, the office terms of outgoing officials and politicians at the town of Buruanga will occur on June 30.

On the other hand, the new sets of officials at the National and Local Level are expected to begin their office terms on July 1^st of the current year according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Lifeless body of a 26-year-old female cramped in a sack, found in Makato, Aklan

The Makato PNP is now investigating the case of a female who was found dead at Agbalogo, Makato, Aklan yesterday morning.

According to the report, a local hewer (or wood chopper/collector) discovered in a dug ground, the sack that contained the 26-year-old’s victim’s body.

It added that the body, whose hands and feet were bound, was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Her waist and neck were also tied.

It was learned that the victim, who was from Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan, failed to go home since last month.

The Makato PNP said that the body is currently at the care of a funeral home.

DOLE’s Regional Tripartite Board, to conduct a Productivity-Improvement training in Boracay

The Regional Tripartite Board of the Department of Labor and Employment will be conducting a Productivity Training in Boracay this week.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (TRWPB) is an attached agency of DOLE which aims to increase or to improve the products of workers in the region which are low cost, and requires simple and basic concept and skills.

The importance of each individual worker in different agencies on the government, particularly in the island of Boracay will also be discussed.

The said seminar-workshop will be held at a Beach Resort at Manggayad, Boracay Island on June 27-28, 2013.

A registration fee for those who will join will be at Php 500.00.

For more inquiries DOLE can be contacted at (033) 320-5664 and just look for Ms. Nesa Nolido or Ms. Cynthia O. Garingalo.