Saturday, December 14, 2013

AKELCO, apologizes to stockholders in Boracay in line with rotational power supply

Written by Gloria Villas

The Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) apologizes to the stockholders in Boracay because of the rotational power supply in the island.

According to AKELCO Asst. General Manager, Engineer Joel Martinez, the NGCP or the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is only giving them temporary information as to when the supply of electricity on the island will be back to normal.

AKELCO has previously assured that the electricity will be normally functional on December 10, which apparently didn’t happen and people are making do with its rotating supply.

Martinez explained, this will depend on the job of NGCP’s linemen and as to when the repairs will be finished.

The AKELCO Asst. General Manager added that they will be hearing the latest update from the NGCP today.

Meanwhile, he encouraged their members and consumers to report if there are any AKELCO personnel taking any form of payment just so a certain area could be supplied with electricity.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DTI calls appeals for action to the alleged price increase of meat, chicken and pork in the Island

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The alleged price increase of meat, chicken and pork in the Island of Boracay appeals for an action.

According to DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr.

If the said report do have enough evidence from the complainants wherein an alleged price increase are done by the sellers, it will be lend first to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Directly he said that there is no jurisdiction to lead the investigation since it belongs to the bracket of the Department of Culture or the local government.

Aside from the DTI, there are some agencies that are also assigned to monitor the market price such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Health or (DOH).

Cadena added that this particular issue in the market belongs to the accountability of the local government and the Mayor.

The following are also liable to investigate; Treasurers Office of the LGU, PNP, DA, and is allowed to implement the prosecution act.

It also calls for the consumers to inform the DTI or other concerning government agencies whenever the price increase will be caught.

Meanwhile, Cadena appealed to the sellers not to take advantage and increase the burden of the residents that are affected by the Typhoon Yolanda.


Translated by Carla N. Suñer

Some billboards and signages in Boracay destroyed during typhoon Yolanda, still in disrepair

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Some billboards and signages in Boracay destroyed by typhoon Yolanda are still unrepaired.

The matter has made residents of the island worried since according to them these could cause accidents and problems to tourists.

The mentioned billboards and signages had previously been noticed by the Town Council of Malay for being too dangerous specially some were low.

Included in the signages that had not been repaired are owned by some banks and some establishments.

By press time, no action had been taken by the establishment owners after the matter was tackled at the Town Council of Malay.

Meanwhile, Residents are saddened that more than a month had passed since typhoon Yolanda struck yet no action had been taken on the matter.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Live Bands and parties at Boracay’s long beach, to be sorted out

Written by Bert Dalida

Last Tuesday a number of residents in Baranggay Balabag thought that there will be a concert.

This is as the Malay Auxiliary Police placed their confiscated live band equipments on the stage at the plaza Monday night.

This followed after the LGU Malay implemented the Municipal Ordinance No. 183 Series of 2003 at Municipal Ordinance No. 132 Series of 2000.

The said ordinances stated that tables and chairs are only allowed to be placed on the beach front from 5pm to 6am.

Aside from tables and chairs, putting up fixtures, equipments and furniture is prohibited.

In line with this, Boracay Island Chief Operation Officer Glenn Sacapaño confirmed that there were 4 establishments that have violated the mentioned ordinances from December 1st, which included the confiscated equipments.

Sacapaño explained to the violators the importance of the said laws and said that live bands and parties at the island’s long beach will all be sorted out on 2014.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

2 Sea Turtles in the custody of a boatman in Boracay, confiscated

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Two sea turtles have been confiscated from the custody of a boatman in Boracay Island.

This is after the authorities discovered that the said boatman is keeping 2 hawksbill turtles on his motorboat used for island hopping.

According to Marine Biologist Felix Balquin of the Malay Agriculture’s Office, the sea turtles, which were in the care of the boatman for quite a while, were confiscated through the joint efforts of the PNP Maritime and “Bantay Dagat” or “Sea Patrols.”

Balquin said that one of the hawksbill turtles is 31 cm. long and 20 cm. wide, while the other measures 27 cm in length and 22 cm.

The sea turtles were immediately brought to the Malay Agriculture’s Office (MAO) to check its condition before returning them back at sea.

Meanwhile, Balquin added, they will not be filing a case against the boatman since he coordinated and cooperated with the authorities to surrender the hawksbill turtles.

The Hawksbill Turtle is a type of sea turtle known for its distinct beak-like mouth and is considered to be an endangered species.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Thursday, December 12, 2013

CENRO takes action on a Resort in Boracay that violates the Moratorium heights and requirements

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

CENRO takes action on a resort that has violated the moratorium and ordinance of SB Malay in relation to the height requirements of constructing building in  Boracay.

According to Sharon Teodosio of the CENRO Boracay, they are monitoring monthly in the island to check on the buildings.

One of the violator was said to be a hotel in station 2 wherein it reached to 6 stories height building.

The CENRO Boracay immediately corresponds with the local government of Malay for further action.

It was determined that it have violated the moratorium of the LGU Malay and the height requirement of a building which is supposed to be 4 stories.

Due to the action done by the CENRO and the authorities, the management of the said have asked permission to allow them on expanding their hotel.

Teodosio hereby  said that the request was sent in the Regional Office of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR).

Translated by Carla N. Suñer

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

PHO to launch “Safe Christmas for Children”

Written by Jay-Ar M. Arante

The Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO) will launch a campaign against using explosives this holiday season.

According to Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO), the safe Christmas for Children campaign is to avoid children from having wounds otherwise to cost death due to the usage of explosives in line with the celebration of Christmas and the upcoming New Year.

It was determined that this kind of program was first launched by the Department of Health (DOH) wherein it has shown a sneak preview of their ‘Iwas-Papurok Dance’ to encourage the public not to use explosives.

In relation to this, the Provincial Health Office will be having a meeting on December 12, wherein it will be held in Iloilo for the said campaign.

Conversely, the DOH driven the local government units (LGUs) to organize such community fireworks display or a safer merry making this Yuletide Season and the individual must keep away from using explosives.

Translated by Carla N. Suñer

Security deployment for the Ati-atihan Festival in Boracay, currently shuffled

Written by Jay-Ar M. Arante

The BTAC is currently shuffling the deployment of the security in Boracay for the yearly celebration of the Ati-atihan Festival on January.

PNP Deputy Chief Police Inspector Fidel Gentallan said that they are just waiting for the decision from the local government of Malay and Boracay Action Group Adviser/Consultant Leonard Tirol for the said preparation.

It was determined that the celebration will be stunning in the island of Boracay due to the tourism promotion.

Gentallan added that the Boracay Action Center will be on their all support on this certain occasion in Boracay for it will be saddened by the tourists.

Meanwhile, the Ati-atihan Festival was knowned to be the Mother of All festival in the country in line with the celebration of the Senior Sto. Niño that is being celebrated in the town of Kalibo.

Translated by Carla N. Suñer

Monday, December 9, 2013

Aklan PHO: Avoid oily, fatty and salty food this Christmas

Written by Jay-Ar Arante

Avoid eating oily, fatty and salty foods.

This is what the Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO) advices the public in relation to the celebration of parties this holiday season.

According to Aklan PHO Officer Dr. Cornelio Cuachon Jr., it is important to be aware of what you are eating during Christmas parties particularly those that will put your health at risk and may lead to killer diseases such as hypertension and heart problems.

Cuachon added, not only food but alcohol intake during these occasions can also be a big health risk factor.

The doctor also advised the public to instead prepare complete and “well-balanced” food with vegetables and fruits on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Translated by Shelah Casiano