Helmet Diving operation in Boracay, inspected by the Lifeguard

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Lifeguard has already conducted an inspection on 8 operators of helmet diving in the island of Boracay.

According to Life Guard Supervisor, Miguel “Mike” Labatiao, they have started the said inspection last week.

During which, they have observed the facilities to be in order, including equipments used for the mentioned water sport activity.

Labatiao said, that in their previous assessments, the opposite was seen, where the operations where poorly organized and has caused dismay to tourists who tried it.

However, since the local government pushed for the implementation of scrutinizing the activity, operators were urged to sort out and standardize their services.

Labatiao added, that he could 99.9% guarantee the good quality operation of helmet diving in the island.

Meanwhile, the group has recently been focusing on the safety of the tourists during the activity, particularly with the usage of oxygen.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Ati community feels the support from the National level

Written by: Shelah Casiano

The Boracay Ati Community, under the care of the Daughters of Charity is appreciative of all the support they receive.

According to Program Management Team Coordinator, Evangeline Tambuon, aside from the church, and other local sectors, they really feel the aid from the national level.

Not only do they send assistance and backs-up their programs but representatives from different national sectors also make time to visit them.

When asked if they feel the support of the community, Tambuon said, there are a few local entities that come to their aid, but many are from the national level. 

Last week, August 9, the Boracay Ati Community had a program in relation to the celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People that promotes and protects the rights of the group. 

FINALLY, SUNNY DAYS!

Written by: Rodel J. Abalus

After experiencing consecutive days of rainy weather, Boracay had a sunny day on Wednesday, August 14 and on Thursday, August 15.

http://bit.ly/18zt1Wm

Waves were still strong at the white beach nevertheless, since it is the “Habagat” season (Southwest Monsoon) and necessary precaution had been advisable for those who had been planning to swim.

BFI WONDERING WHY THEY HAD NOT BEEN CALLED bY tHE LGU fOR tHE 25+5 EASEMENT

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) is wondering why they had not been called by the Local Government of Malay related to the 25+5 easement meeting.

According to BFI Executive Director, Pia Miraflores, the stakeholders of Boracay are waiting on when they will meet with the Local Government regarding the matter.

Miraflores said, that the LGU of Malay had said that they would be called for a three (3) day meeting which was supposed to have started Wednesday, August 14, and end on Friday, August 16.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders in Boracay had voiced out that they had accepted the removal of illegal structures or buildings in the island.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources had previously ordered the removal of buildings which were within 25 meters from the beach line and 5 meters away from the street or “25+5 easement.”

However, as of press time, Miraflores could not give information when the removal of structures and buildings which will be affected by the 25+5 easement until they had been called by the Local Government of Malay.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

AKLAN LACKS POLICE PERSONNEL - APPO

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) acknowledged that the province of Aklan lacks police personnel.

According to APPO Public Information Officer P03 Nida Gregas, they need to add PNP personnel since currently the ratio of police personnel to residents of Aklan is 1:1,500 or there is one (1) police per 1,500 Aklan residents.

Gregas added that they also need police personnel at present for the upcoming village and SK (Youth Council) elections.

Meanwhile, regarding illegal gambling and thievery in Boracay, she did not have an idea whether the addition of police personnel in Boracay is already necessary to further monitor the said illegal activities in the Island.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Boracay’s “batang hamog,” extorts and harasses

Written by: Bert Dalida

Action from the local government and the DSWD are needed.

This is what a concerned citizen in Boracay said regarding the “children of the dew” or what is known as “batang hamog” which refers to street children committing petty crimes any time of the day, but mostly during late hours.

Aside from begging, these children are capable of forcefully taking something and are even harassing people.

Harold, not his real name, who has been working in Boracay for 7 years, accounted his experience.

He said, that by 10 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning, some groups of “batang hamog” can be seen going about begging at the front beach.

What’s worse is that they harass the tourist and even the lady boys.

Harold added that these children, who are mostly ages 15 and below, are seemingly tolerated and used by their parents.

The reason, that this matter should be given attention by the authorities to avoid it coming to the worst for the island of Boracay which is known to the world as a premier tourist destination

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

SB Malay, studies ordinance for Boracay fire dancers

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Municipal Council of Malay is now studying an ordinance related to violations of fire dancers in Boracay.

During the Council’s Session last Tuesday, SB Member Floribar Bautista passed an ordinance regarding the use of kerosene during the said activity.

It stated that violators will be met with corresponding punishment.

DOT Regional Director Helen Catalbas, had earlier stated that the gas used in fire dancing can destroy and or pollute the white sands.

On the other hand, the fire dancers said they will be saddened if the activity will be entirely prohibited, adding that this contributes in tourist attraction.

Other members of the council agree on the mentioned ordinance, thus it will be tackled on a committee hearing next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the DOT Boracay is continuously seeking for a solution on what alternative gas to use in exchange to kerosene that the fire dancers are currently using.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

NEW INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS fROM SILK AIR, BEING EXPECTED bY DOT BORACAY

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

http://bit.ly/16s21ug

New international flights from Singapore or Hong Kong are being expected by the Department of Tourism Boracay.

According to DOT Boracay Officer In-Charge, Tim Ticar, representatives of Silk Air are expected to arrive this week in the province of Aklan and Boracay to inspect places which could be visited by tourists from the mentioned countries.

To be inspected are the facilities and the capacity of Kalibo International Airport, souvenir shops, shopping mall, boats and even traffic from different places.

Department of Tourism-Regional Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas will also be joining the inspection.

Meanwhile, Ticar was delighted that international flights to Aklan continue to increase which brings many tourists to Boracay.

The DOT is confident that its target of 1.5 million tourists this year will be exceeded.

Moreover, the DOT is currently making preparations for the peak season in October when tourists flock to the Island of Boracay.

Translated:Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Boracay, to have an air ambulance

Written by: Peach Ledesma

The Aklan Provincial Government is looking to put an air ambulance in Boracay.

This has been confirmed by Department of Tourism Officer-in-Charge, Tim Ticar.

According to Ticar, the placement of the air ambulance aims to provide a prompt transport service for tourists and local residents during any untoward incidents.

The DOT-OIC added that in its presence, patients on the island can be easily air-lifted to Kalibo or Iloilo and even to Manila or Cebu whenever a serious medical attention will be needed.

Ticar also said that this is based on the words given by the provincial government which is in line with the topic opened by Aklan Cong. Teodoro Haresco Jr. himself.

The type of aircraft to be used as an air ambulance hasn't been discussed yet, Ticar however, stressed that it should be properly equipped and is able for a fast patient transport.

Meanwhile, the island of Boracay is the project’s priority at the moment, and an air ambulance for Kalibo is also being considered in the future.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

DOT BORACAY PLEADS tO CONCERNED PARTIES aBOUT aN ON-GOING ROAD CONSTRUCTION iN tHE ISLAND

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

The Department of Tourism Boracay continuous to appeal to the concerned parties regarding the on-going road construction at the Main Road of Manoc-Manoc Village.

The area being mentioned is the ascending steep street going to and entering Sitio Tulubhan when one is travelling from Balabag Village.

According to DOT Boracay Officer In-charge Tim Ticar, he is worried that the construction could be a cause of accident specially that the said area is dangerous and it usually has heavy traffic.

Currently, Ticar has suggestions which he would like to happen while the road is under construction.

One of those is that a Malay Auxilliary Police (MAP) needs to be stationed to guard at the on-going road construction to prevent accidents like the previews accident wherein a young girl got killed.

Ticar would also like to coordinate with the four (4) agencies overseeing the project namely the MAP, The Village Captain of Manoc-Manoc, the contractor, and the Island Administrator.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

More facilities for Boracay Hospital, confirmed by DOT

Written by: Bert Dalida

Not just a hospital, but a hospital with a world class facility.

This is what Department of Tourism or DOT Boracay Officer-in-Charge, Tim Ticar, has confirmed regarding the provincial government’s plan for the hospital in Boracay.

In a conference attended by regional directors from various national agencies last Saturday in Kalibo, programs for the capital, Boracay and the entire province of Aklan have been tackled.

During which Ticar has mentioned the plan of adding more rooms in the said medical institution in Boracay, as well as its facilities, to address the needs not only of the locals but of the tourists.

This matter has been a target of the DOT.

Moreover, Ticar pressed the need for the hospital’s upgrading, also as a preparation for APEC or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2014-2015.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

APPRENTICE ASIA CHǺMPION! - WARMLY WELCOMED bY AKLANONS!

Written by:  Jay-ar M. Arante

http://bit.ly/166Rban

The first ever Filipino who won in the Apprentice Asia was warmly welcomed by his town mates and people from the province of Aklan.

The winner who hails from Tambuan, Malinao, Aklan is Jonathan Salazar Yabut.

Many waited for Jonathan including students and school teachers of Malinao, different media personnel from the country, Non Government Office personnel, and Local Government Officials of Aklan.

He was welcomed on Friday, August 09 by the people of Aklan at the Kalibo International Airport, and a parade followed going to the town of Malinao and thereafter a short program was held in recognition of the talent shared by Jonathan for the country.

His visit to his place of origin became an inspiration and a source of pride for his town mates.

During his visit, Jonathan shared his accomplishment to his town mates and the means on how he reached such feat.

Likewise, he gave messages which were to dream and reach it, to stay strong during trials, and face the future with hope.

He also said that a leader gives space to his/her followers so that these followers will also shine.

Jonathan was scheduled to fly to Malaysia on Saturday, August 10, 2013 to start his job as Chief of Staff in Air Asia.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Illegal Gambling, no place in Boracay said BFI

Written by: Mackie Pajarillo

Boracay Foundation Incorporated or BFI President Jony Salme said that there should be no place for gambling in Boracay.

This is as Salme thanked the island police force for combating illegal gambling on the island, following the arrest of a Korean National who was believed to be an operator of a certain mentioned prohibited activity.

As a result, the BFI President praised the Boracay Police along with other law enforcers who are working to stop it.

He also added that hopefully, this may serve as a lesson for the establishments involved, and that they would refrain from the said illegal gambling.

Moreover, Salme said, that Boracay’s tourism industry is going on successfully that there is no need for any illegal activities to exist in the community.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano