Illegal Massage Therapists in Boracay, may be charged by LGU

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The local government of Malay may file a case against illegal massage therapists in the island of Boracay.

According to Island Administrator Glen Sacapaño, the LGU-Malay has a personnel assigned to monitor the activity of these illegitimate masseuse and or masseurs who often targets tourists.

Included in the monitoring team are the members of MAP who observes in crowded places to spot the said massage therapists who are not credited or are involved in illegal activities.

Once caught in the act, they will be immediately brought to the Action Center and will be given appropriate punishment.

A ticket may also be issued, and revocation for those who has a permit if proven guilty.

Sacapaño was also bothered by the growing number of these illegal masseuse and masseurs in Boracay.

A number of complaints from tourists were also received; this is related to an offer which is beyond their duty.

Sacapaño added that pictures can also be a strong evidence.

Meanwhile he advised those working in Boracay to refrain from getting involved in illegal activities that can ruin the island’s reputation.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Five (5) more Cruise Ships to visit the shores of Boracay in 2014 and 2015

Written by Jay-ar M  Arante

Five more cruise ships have shown to the Jetty Port Administration interest to visit the shores of Boracay in 2014 and 2015.

This was the statement of Jetty Port Statistician, and Assistant to the Administrator, Mars Bernabe in an interview by Yes FM Boracay.

The cruise ships to visit the island will include  MS Deutschland, MV Costa Atlantica, MS Celebrity Century, and MS L’ Austral.

The visit is meant to show to the cruise ships’ passengers the beauty of the Island of Boracay.

According to Bernabe, each cruise ship heading to Boracay has more than three thousand (3,000+) passengers.

Meanwhile the Jetty Port Administration is busy in preparation for the visit of MS Superstar Gemini in October and MS Superstar Aquarius in November.

A meeting is also to be held by stakeholders and concerned agencies this month for the arrival of the mentioned cruise ships.

The representatives from the Wallem Philippines, the agency which manages the cruise ships that go the island, are expected to attend the meeting.

Translated/Edited by  Rodel J. Abalus

BIWC Project in Bolabog, almost done

Written by  Christy Dela Torre

Nice and clean.

This has been the result of the sewer line expansion project by the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) at Bolabog area.

Despite the inconvenience that it caused, according to Boracay Water Customer Service Officer Acs Aldaba, the said project is definitely physically done, and a test to assure the safety of the area is still ongoing.

This is also in accordance to the standard implementations, and to guarantee the safety of the residents who will be using the road.

Aldaba added that they are conducting a ball test for the sewerage.

With this test the balls will be dropped down into the pipes to ensure its alignment, and  is suppose to drop in the manhole.

The unfavorable weather was said to be the cause of not reaching the deadline.

Although the road can now be used by vehicles, some few restrictions are still being applied, which is still related to safety.

Meanwhile Adalba gladly shared that the BIWC has also done another project which is the pumping station at Barangay Bantud.

The goal of the said project is to provide areas with low water pressure, particularly in Brgy. Manoc –manoc.

The line booster to increase the level of water pressure has also been done, and is to be opened on Saturday, after passing a bacterial test.

Translated by: Carla N. Suñer

Cagban jetty port planned to be upgraded by the port Administration

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Cagban Jetty Port at Manoc-Manoc Village is planned to be upgraded by the Jetty Port Administration to make it beautiful.

According to Jetty Port Statistician and Assistant Administrator Mars Bernabe, they will make it enclosed and air-conditioned just like at Caticlan Jetty Port.

Island check-in will also be put up and other facilities for tourists as a component of their implementation.

Bernabe clarified that they are focused on making the jetty port attractive, and that currently, there are no plans to expand it.

The plan is in preparation of the arrival of star cruise ships in the Island of Boracay next year.

Meanwhile, DOT Boracay Officer In-charge, Tim Ticar said that if the plan of the province of Aklan is to be implemented, the move is welcome.

He added that the beautification of roads going to Boracay Island should also be focused upon.

Ticar added that it is the dream of the Department of Tourism that the facilities and amenities of the island are of World Class Standard.

On the other hand, Bernabe said they are awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the reclamation project of the Caticlan Jetty Port.

Boracay Stakeholders To Meet for The Arrival of Cruise Ships in October and November

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Two more cruise ships will be arriving in Boracay in October and November.

The cruise ships are MS SUPERSTAR GEMINI and MS SUPERSTAR AQUARIUS and they will be arriving from Xiamen, China.

Related to this, it is expected that the provincial government, MARINA, PNP, Coastguard, and the DOT will meet to prepare for the event.

The meeting will be held next week

According to Jetty Port Statistician and Assistant to the Administrator, Mars Bernabe, the cruise ships will just stay for a day and then will go back to Xiamen, China.

Meanwhile, no less than DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez will be present during the arrival of the cruise ships to receive a plaque from MS SUPERSTAR GEMINI and MS SUPERSTAR AQUARIUS.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

2013 SK Regional End-Term Congress, to be held in Boracay this September

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Various programs for the youth will be tackled on the 2013 SK Regional End-Term Congress which will be held in Boracay.

According to Malay SK Federation President Cristina Daguno, this will be attended by the whole Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Region 6 which includes the provinces of Negros, Iloilo, Guimaras, Roxas, Antique and Aklan.

Their topics will include the approaching election, livelihood, and anti-drug programs.

Expected to be their guests of honor are DILG Secretary Mar Roxas himself, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Malay Mayor John Yap, and SK National President Luis Gabriel Del Rosario.

Daguno added that this is the first time that the SK in the whole region will congregate for the said activity.

Translated by  Shelah Casiano

Establishments who followed the 25+5 easement, praised by BTRF

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay Re-development Task Force praised the establishments who abided and cooperated with the 25+5 easement rule.

According to BRTF’s Mabel Bacani, the task force acknowledged resorts and or establishments such as Willy’s Beach Club Hotel, Laguna de Boracay, Marzon’s, and Congas Bar and Restaurant for the cooperation shown during the re-development’s implementation.

Aside from voluntarily removing the structures that are within the setback, some of the mentioned resorts also gave out gift certificates to guests who might be dismayed with the conducted demolition.

In line with this, the task force believes that the cooperation displayed by the community, resort owners and non-government organizations in carrying out the redevelopment plans is what will bring back to Boracay the coveted title of being the world’s number 1 beach.

Meanwhile, the resort owners in the island are set to join an Environmental Forum by the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute today.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Establishment owners at Station 1, Boracay, to meet up with the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute

Written by Bert Dalida

A group from the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute will be having a meeting with station 1 establishment owners in Boracay.

According to Mabel Bacani of the Boracay Re-development Task Force, members of the mentioned group led by Dr. Miguel Fortes will be arriving to discuss the matters about Boracay’s seawall.

Bacani said that they are waiting on Fortes’ group’s recommendation regarding what they call the Environmental Code.

This means that every move the task Force will make, particularly on the seawall, will depend or must be in accordance to the environment.

Bacani added that there are mechanics to be followed which they will also pass to the National Redevelopment Task Force after the said conference.

Dr. Miguel Fortes assists the LGU-Malay in constructing the Environmental Code and is included in a group that formed the Boracay Master Plan in 1989.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Establishment owners at Station 1, Boracay, to meet up with the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute

Written by: Bert Dalida

A group from the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute will be having a meeting with station 1 establishment owners in Boracay.

According to Mabel Bacani of the Boracay Re-development Task Force, members of the mentioned group led by Dr. Miguel Fortes will be arriving to discuss the matters about Boracay’s seawall.

Bacani said that they are waiting on Fortes’ group’s recommendation regarding what they call the Environmental Code.

This means that every move the task Force will make, particularly on the seawall, will depend or must be in accordance to the environment.

Bacani added that there are mechanics to be followed which they will also pass to the National Redevelopment Task Force after the said conference.

Dr. Miguel Fortes assists the LGU-Malay in constructing the Environmental Code and is included in a group that formed the Boracay Master Plan in 1989.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

New CENRO Officer for Boracay

Written by Mackie Pajarillo

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay has a new official.

This is in the person of Engineer Norman Dy K. Lebelo of PENRO or Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Negros Occidental.

Lebelo replaced Atty. Elizur Militar, Project Evaluation Officer II of DENR Region 6 in Iloilo City who temporarily relieved former Boracay CENRO Officer Mirza Samillano who is on a sick leave.

Lebelo formally took over the post as the new OIC of the mentioned agency last September 2^nd.

A courtesy call to Malay Mayor John Yap was already conducted earlier and Lebelo is currently familiarizing himself with the stakeholders and other agencies in the island.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano