KIATA President responds to negative comments

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The President of the Kalibo International Airport Association (KIATA) reacted against those who are throwing negative comments at them.

KIATA President Noemie F. Panado said, if the association has fallen short with their jobs, they are not suppose to be pulled down further.

According to Panado, they are giving proper regulations in rendering services to the tourists, particularly those commuting in their vans, and are not overpricing and or taking advantage.

They also always conduct a seminar together with van operators on how to properly communicate and deal with the tourists.

KIATA had earlier met with Boracay DOT Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar for the latter to bring up complaints involving the association and to act on it promptly.

Panado added that their organization has been orderly so far as they have been abiding with the regulations of CAAP and DOT.

Meanwhile, the KIATA President calls upon those deriding them to stop hurling issues at the organization.

Noting, that for the tourist to always hear negativity about them will not have a good outcome and would just affect everybody.

Panado also requests all the transportation groups providing services to tourists to cooperate for the better of Boracay Island.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

MALTREATMENT oF ANIMALS iN a RESORT, nOT TRUE - CENRO BORACAY

Written by: Jay-Ar Arante

The circulating information that a resort in the Island of Boracay is allegedly maltreating its pet animals is not true.

According to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay Protected Areas and Wildlife In-Charge, Nilo Subong, there is no maltreatment of a tiger and a python since they are currently being well taken care of.

Subong admitted that he was aware of information that the two animals are not being treated well and are not being given enough food.

Nevertheless, in his inspection on Wednesday of the previews week, he observed that the two animals were being well taken care of.

He added that the resort even had a one hundred square meter (100sqm) swimming pool constructed for the two animals to bathe on.

Subong also added that the two have their own veterinarian that monitors their health.

Meanwhile, a permit giving permission for the two animals to once again become attractions for the resort has not yet been issued by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Region 6.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Aklan, ready for DepEd’s new reform

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Department of Education in the province of Aklan is now ready for the new reform to the education system in the country.

According to DepEd Aklan Education Program Supervisor Michael Rapiz, they are prepared to implement this; however there should a consultation from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

The DepEd has previously instructed the Muslim teachers to remove their face-veils in classrooms.

The issued order said, students and pupils seeing the teacher’s face will give proper identification and will promote a better relationship and encourage interest in learning.

Rapiz added that in the province of Aklan, particularly in Boracay, there are Muslim teachers who are teaching Arabic Language and Islamic Values who are wearing a face-veils or “niqab”.

Meanwhile, the DepEd is still waiting for the Office of the Muslim Affairs or OMA’s decision regarding the removal of the said veil whenever inside the classroom.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Boracay Tourist Police Training School, open to all tourist police

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Tourist Police Training School that will be set up in Boracay will be open to all tourist police.

This is what P/Insp. Kennan Ruiz of the Boracay PNP clarified, following SB Member Floribar Bautista’s question if the facility will also be open to Tourist Police from other parts of the country.

Bautista, during Tuesdays’ SB Malay Session, asked of who are allowed to attend at the mentioned training school.

Ruiz explained that even Tourist Police from other areas in the country can visit and learn the proper communication and or dealings with foreign and local tourists.

The Police Officer also confirmed the plan of starting the construction of the school at Sitio Bantud, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc.

Earlier, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the training school was conducted, alongside the turn-over ceremony of Bicycle Patrols to the Boracay PNP.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

BOAT oF a RESORT iN BORACAY NEARLY SANK BECAUSE oF STRONG WINDS aND WAVES

Written by: Bert Dalida

The Philippine Coastguard is advising boats travelling to, from and around the Island of Boracay to be careful.

This was after the motorboat named “Marlusa,” owned by a resort in Boracay nearly sank Tuesday afternoon, July 23.

According to Philippine Coastuard Station Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno, the incident occurred around 1pm, Tuesday while the boat was travelling near Caticlan.

Nevertheless, the boat, which was loaded with sand when the incident happened, was rescued by other boats near the area.

No injuries were reported among the eight (8) passengers of the boat.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Resort’s request for a shooting range in Boracay, to be investigated by LGU-Malay

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Local Government of Malay will investigate into a certain resort in Boracay’s request to put up an indoor shooting range.

Malay SB Member Floribar Bautista said he is against the idea of a shooting range in the island, saying that this is not a good activity for a tourist destination.

According to Bautista, once this will push through, there is a possibility that the other resorts will follow suit.

SB Member Jupiter Gallenero also expressed the same; he however added that this would also depend on the location.

Moreover, Bautista said, putting up a shooting range in Boracay will cause other investors to refrain from building any establishments near or around the area.

Meanwhile, the LGU-Malay is carefully scrutinizing this matter as they prepare to conduct an inspection in the said resort.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

ILLEGAL BUILDING OF SAND CASTLE, STILL a PROBLEM - ISLAND ADMINISTRATOR

Written by: Bert Dalida

Illegal making of sand castle at the beach front of Boracay is still a problem.

According to Island Administrator, Glenn Sacapaño, there is a need to focus on the matter specially that sand erosion is a current problem in the island.

He added that it is dangerous for tourists to walk during the night or early morning hours at the beach most specially at the dark areas.

This is because, according to Sacapaño, there are still those who make sand castles who just leave behind the sand which they dug.

He expressed worries on the possible accidents this could cause.

He explained that anyone can trip and get fractured or broken bones because of the holes left on the sand.

The Island Administrator also disclosed that there is thievery happening related to sand castles, wherein those who have their photos taken become victims of thieves.

Regarding this, Sacapaño appealed to all establishments at the beach front to cooperate with the Local Government Unit to stop the said activity.

 Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

COMELEC Malay, bustled on first day of voter’s registration for Baranggay and SK Elections

Written by: Bert Dalida

“I will be here until 8 in the evening”

This is what Malay Commission on Elections Officer II Elma Cahilig smilingly said, amid the long lines of people outside her office.

This is during the first day of registration for the Baranggay and SK Elections on Monday.

According to Cahilig, aside from those who are standing in line for transfer of registration, there are also many registrants for the Youth Council.

Although describing the situation as “ok,” Cahilig is still reminding those who will register to bring with them the necessary documents such as Valid IDs, certificate of Live Birth, and Baptismal Certificate.

This is after some of the registrants failed to present the mentioned requirements.

The Comelec Office was suppose to close at 5 in the afternoon, Cahilig however decided to finish the registration at 8 p.m.

Nonetheless, the Election Officer optimistically said that they only have 9 more days to go.

The registration for Baranggay and SK Elections kicked off yesterday and will end on July 31^st.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Boracay PNP acts on ATM Skimming Incident in the island

Written by: Mackie Pajarillo

The Boracay PNP is now in action delving into the ATM Skimming Incident in the island.

According to Chief of Intelligence and Operation Section, Police Inspector Keenan Ruiz, they already coordinated with the banks in the island to stop the alleged syndicate responsible for the so called ATM Skimming.

This is in relation to an incident where Metro Bank Boracay’s Branch Operation Officer discovered a hidden camera and card copier in one of their Automated Teller Machines.

An inspection was conducted and a skimming device was found to have been installed in the said ATM.

Ruiz believes that no ordinary syndicate is behind this, causing them to beef up police visibility and their Intelligence and Operations Section.

The Police Officer encourages all possible victims of the mentioned modus to report to the PNP.

Moreover, the public is advised to be aware and vigilant whenever they will have ATM transactions.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

MBC MILYONES 2013 GRAND DRAW WINNERS

GRAND PRIZE: ONE (1) winner Php 1MILLION PESOS

Marydith C. Digdigan     

Rizal St. Thass II Taculing, Bacolod City  

Proof of Purchase (POP):   Nescafe 3in 1. 

Radio Station:   Akson Radyo-Bacolod City

CONSOLATION PRIZE: FIVE (5) winners of Php10,000 each/per area

VISAYAS

1. Cristy T. Dela Cruz

P.2.C. Laserna St. Kalibo, Aklan

POP:   Nescafe 3in1

Radio Station:   Love Radio -Kalibo

2. Ma. Luisa S. Briones 

Juan Village, Dulag Leyte

POP:   Angel Evap

Radio Station:   DYVL-Tacloban

3. Gloria P. Morales

Purok Pili, Daganas Village, Catarman

POP:   Smart Detergent

Radio Station:   Aksyon Radio-Catarman

4. Mae Flores

Daan, Banua, Kabankalan City

POP:   Pride Detergent

Radio Station:   Radio Natin-Kabankalan

5. Jesusa G. Bayoneta

#6 Guzman St. Mandurriao

POP:   Nestea

Radio Station:   Love Radio-Iloilo City

Congratulations!