Various Sectors are driven to join the celebration of Month of Language

This month marks the celebration of Month of National Language or "Buwan ng Wika".

According to Malay District Supervisor, Jessie Flores, this year's Buwan ng Wika theme is "Wika Natin Ang Daang Matuwid".

This theme encourages private sectors, government agencies, especially schools to join the month's celebration in order to increase Filipino's language and civic awareness.

Flores are appealing to all the student to participate in Buwan ng Wika School activities such as essay writing contest, debate, and song composing.

Buwan ng Wika shows people that we Filipinos have our own national distinction.

He added that this coming Monday, August 12, 2013, Commission Virgilio S. Almario, a poet, literary historian and critic will visit Kalibo, Aklan for Consultation regarding the making of Akeanon Dictionary.

This Akeanon Dictionary will be comprised of Akeanon Words, its meaning, correct usage and proper pronunciation of Akeanon words.

Contributed by: Kate Panaligan

TIEZA Contractor, called up by the Boracay Environmental Task Force

Written by: Alan Palma

Malay Municipal Engineer Elizer Casidsid called up to meet TIEZA’s contractor, ITP, to explain regarding their de-clogging operation.

This followed after Casidsid’s on hand documents reflected that the de-clogging at an area in station 1 was already completed.

However, when excavated, the drainage was full of sands and dirty water.

On the other hand, according to ITP representative David Capispisan, the removal of blockages from the drainage has been completed in the past months.

He added that they have complete evidence, such as pictures, to prove that their job at the area was carried out.

David said that if there ever were dirt and obstructions in the drainage, these might be new sediments brought about by rain.

Nonetheless, Casidisid still asked for the documents to back-up David’s explanation.

Meanwhile, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Alma Belejerdo also requested the ITP to promptly finish their job as not to perturb the operation of the Boracay Environmental Task Force.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Boracay Ati Community celebrates International Indigenous People Day

Written By: Shelah Casiano

The Boracay Ati Community is one with the world in celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous People yesterday.

According to Program Management Team Coordinator, Evangeline Tambuon, the Ati Community at sitio Lugutan had a program, followed by a beach clean-up.

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 every year.

First pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, the celebration promotes and protects the rights of the world’s indigenous population.

Meanwhile, when asked about a group of indigenous people begging, particularly at the front beach, Tambuon said, they want to clarify that their group is not involved in such activity, adding that even the children in their community are being taught and understands this.

People should not generalize when the word "Ati" is being used, she said, noting that most of them are employed at resorts and other establishments in the island.

She also mentioned that, the LGU has a program that deals with the mentioned group of beggars, but what she cannot understand she said is that they will be gone in a week or so but are back again the next.

Moreover, the PMT Coordinator said that their programs such as Housing, Education, and Empowerment also continue.

SECURITY iN AKLAN, MORE TIGHTENED bY APPO DUE tO tHE MINDANAO BOMBINGS

Written by:  Jay-ar M. Arante

Security had been tightened by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) due to the consecutive bombings in Mindanao in the past few days.

According to APPO Public Officer, PO3 Nida Gregas, Security had been tightened in the whole province of Aklan specially in the Island of Boracay since it is a tourist destination.

Gregas added that they are also focusing on Boracay because they would like to ensure the safety of tourists that visit the island.

APPO is also continuing its checkpoints at various places in Aklan.

Gregas further added that there are one hundred two (102) personnel stationed by the Philippine National Police (PNP)just for Boracay and twenty (20) mountain bikes had been provided to be used by their personnel in responding to secluded areas of the island.

Meanwhile, Gregas appealed to the public to be watchful in their surroundings specially if they notice something suspicious and in such circumstances, they should report matters to the authorities.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Establishments with illegal drainage connections, to be summoned

Written by: Alan Palma Sr.

It was decided that establishments with illegal drainage connections will be called on for next week.

During a conference by the Boracay Environmental Task Force, pictures of the operations by the Municipal Engineering and Sanitation where shown.

A number of them are pictures of pipe lines discharging waste water into the drainage, which is prohibited based on the Clean Water Act.

According to the inspectors, they have discovered that some were kitchen wastes from resorts.

At the moment, the Task Force is preparing for their plan of sending out invitations to the violators to hear their side.

Once the illegal connections are proven to be deliberate move, a violation ticket will be issued and may lead to revocation of business permit.

Meanwhile, the mentioned illegal pipe lines were temporarily covered while the Task Force’s operation continues.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

YOUTH COUNCIL fOR tHE TOWN oF MALAY, BEING ORGANIZED bY RED CROSS BORACAY

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

A Youth Council at the schools of the town of Malay is being organized by the Philippine Red Cross Boracay.

According to Red Cross Boracay Deputy Administrator, John Patrick Moreno, it is their goal to look after the welfare of the youth and to awaken in the youth the service of lending a helping hand to its fellowmen.

Moreno added the council is quite similar to the Sangguninag Kabataan (Youth Council) of every Village in the country.

The role of the planned Youth Council of the Red Cross Boracay is to lay down relevant programs which could be helpful to the youth.

Out of school youths are also included in the new program of the Philippine Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Basic Leadership and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training for high school students of the schools in Malay will be conducted in the month of August.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

KIATA requests for an organized operation at Tabon and Caticlan Jetty Ports

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Kalibo International Airport Transport Association or KIATA requests the Local Government of Malay to have an organized van operation at the Caticlan and Tabon Jetty Ports.

According to KIATA President Noemie Panado, he has observed how the commuter vans in the mentioned area are scrambling against each other for passengers.

Panado is concerned that this might cause confusion to commuters, particularly to the tourists travelling to Kalibo Airport.

The KIATA President also said that all van operators must have a uniform, for them to be identified as registered operators of the LGU Malay.

He added that an action towards colorum vehicles on a Caticlan-Kalibo route is also needed.

Meanwhile, Panado calls upon all the operators to deal with their passengers accordingly, since this service is their means of living.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

DECISION oF MAYOR JOHN YAP fOR tHE INSPECTION oF a FASTFOOD CHAIN iN BORACAY, BEING AWAITED

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

The decision of Mayor John Yap regarding a fast food chain located at the front beach at Station 2 in Boracay, allegedly disposing garbage incorrectly, is being awaited.

According to Town Council Member, Floribar Bautista, the picture of the fast food chain where there were heaps of garbage and garbage were not thrown correctly, is already at the office of the Mayor.

The person to be assigned by the Mayor to investigate the matter is also being awaited.

Allegedly, the matter has to be investigated right away since it could bring shame to the island specially that the said fast food chain is popular.

The problem which spread in the Social Network was recently discussed at the Town Council session.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

CLUP for Boracay, now at DOT’s hands

Written by: Peach Ledesma

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for Boracay is already at the office of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary, Ramon Jimenez.

According to Malay Municipal Planning Officer, Alma Belejerdo, based on her follow-up yesterday, the said plan is now being reviewed by the DOT Secretary.

This will also pass through the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, they are currently waiting for its final draft.

Belejerdo explained that after the DOT hands the draft down, this will be given to the SB Malay and then to the Aklan Provincial Council to be reviewed by the Provincial Land Use Committee.

The SB Malay is also inquiring about its progress, she said.

Once released, Belejerdo is expecting new guidelines for land use, development plans and future infrastructure projects, and other developments in the island.

The MPO Officer believes the plan will greatly affect Boracay.

The CLUP was based on Proclamation No. 1064 by Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and is expected to be implemented within 10 years to avoid the over development of the island.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

"TEXT2TEACH" PROGRAM START, BEING AWAITED bY DePEd AKLAN

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

 The Department of Education District of Malay is making preparations for the “Text2Teach” project for the eight (8) public elementary schools at the town of Malay.

According to Malay District Supervisor, Jessie S. Flores, there is a resolution which establishes that the Municipal Mayor can enter into a Memorandum of Agreement, together with the DepEd Division of Aklan, and Ayala Foundation related to the implementation of the project “Text2Teach.”

Flores said that the “Text2Teach” is a program which brings educational content to public schools in the elementary using videos which can be downloadable by means of Short Messaging System (SMS).

He added that the program had been proven effective with students because of students’ good performance especially in Mathematics and Science.

Every school that has a “Text2Teach” program will receive a packet containing one (1) mobile phone, one (1) prepaid SIM card, and one (1) 29-inch colored television.

Currently, the DepEd Malay is waiting for the start of the program.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

FLOODING PROBLEM aT tHE MAIN ROAD STATION 3, tO BE GIVEN a SOLUTION

Written by: Bert Dalida

A solution to the recurring flood problem at the main road station 3 will be implemented.

According to Malay Municipal Engineer, Elizer Casidsid the flood water from the mentioned area will be diverted going directly to Sitio Lugutan, Manoc-Manoc.

He added that the distance from the area going to Sitio Lugutan is quite far so the flood water needs to be pumped from the area and will fall into the drainage.

Casidsid mentioned in particular the recurrent flood problem experienced by motorists at the Main Road in front of Le-So Lei de Boracay.

Casidsid disclosed that pumping the flood water is the easiest solution.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Disposal of used crude oil at Bolabog Beach, denied by BIHA

Written by: Bert Dalida

The Boracay Island Hopping Association (BIHA) refuted an accusation that they disposed used crude oil at the Bolabog Beach last week.

According to BIHA Chairman Rigoberto Gelito Jr. they conducted an investigation among their members, and he personally delved into the issue at the said area.

This is in relation to an alleged witness’ disclosure of island hopping boats dumping used oil in the seas.

A claim, which Gelito said, might have been performed by others and was diverted to them.

Meanwhile, the chairman also released a memorandum order for BIHA members, stating that whoever will be caught liable of the violation will be met with a corresponding penalty that could lead to cancelation of membership.

Gelito pointed out that discarding used crude oil in the waters of Boracay is strictly prohibited by the association.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

DOT Boracay, targets1.5 million tourists arrivals this year

(Written by: Jay-ar Arante)

The Department of Tourism is looking to reach a target of 1.5 million tourist arrivals in Boracay this year.

According to DOT Officer-in-Charge, Tim Ticar, they’ve already recorded more than 700 thousand tourists who arrived in the island from January to July 2013.

A record, which gladdened the DOT as this will give a huge impact to Boracay’s tourism industry.

Ticar is also happy about the fact that despite the inclement weather brought about by the rainy season, many visitors are still flocking to Boracay.

At the moment, the Department of Tourism is confident that the 1.5 million-target will be achieved.

Meanwhile, Ticar reminds the public to be kind or to properly deal with the tourists, not only for Boracay but for the entire country, as the industry greatly helps every Filipino family.

(Translated by: Shelah Casiano)

OPERATION oF "HABAL-HABAL" iN BORACAY, tO BE FOCUSED oN bY BLTMPC

Written by: Bert Dalida

The operation of “habal-habal,” (motorcycles without franchise that service passengers) has been ordered to be focused upon by the Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC).

According to BLTMPC Chairman, Ryan Tubi, their tricycle operation is really affected by “habal-habal.” 

He said that “habal-habals,” which do not have a franchise, are even the ones who take in passengers in Boracay.

Meanwhile, a letter was sent by the BLTMPC in the past week to the Municipal Auxiliary Police and Boracay PNP to regulate and catch the so called “illegal transport medium” in the island, specially the “habal-habals.”

Aside from “Habal-habals,” tricycles and drivers of tricycles without franchise, and drivers who ply the streets at night without uniform, have been ordered to be caught.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

BECAUSE oF WRONG DISPOSAL oF WASTE, LGU tO INVESTIGATE a FAST FOOD CHAIN iN BORACAY

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

Because of wrong disposal of garbage, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay is set to inspect a popular fast food chain in the island of Boracay.

According to Town Council Member, Floribar Bautista, the photo of the fast food chain at the front beach is spreading on social network.

Allegedly, the photo seen by Bautista saw was alarming since heaps of garbage were just scattered right in front the food chain.

Bautista added that a solution should be made on the problem so that it will not be imitated by other establishments since the matter is destructive to tourism in Boracay Island.

The Council Member had asked the Office of the Mayor to check the photo posted on the Internet in order to put focus on the problem.

Bautista further added that the photos posted on social network were from concerned citizens.

As of press time, the LGU of Malay is said to be making a move on the wrong disposal of waste by the fast food chain so it will not be repeated.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus