Illegal Commissioners, still a dilemma for DOT

Written by Gloria Villas

The increasing number of illegal commissioners on the island of Boracay is still a dilemma for the Department of Tourism.

According to DOT Boracay Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar, the said issue is considered a headache for the agency as uncertified commissioner increase in number everyday and goes about deceiving foreign and local tourists.

More so that it is the holiday season and more tourists are expected to flood Boracay.

In line with this, Ticar calls upon the local government to rigorously implement the regulation against illegal commissioners.

Meanwhile, the DOT OIC advised the guests to be cautious particularly to those who don’t have any proper documentation.

Ticar added, it would be better if they visit the DOT’s office, so that they themselves will show or suggests the best activities in the island.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DOT Boracay, confident with the security Boracay PNP provides

Written by Gloria Villas

Subsequent crime incidents have occurred in the country this holiday season.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay however is confident with the security that the Boracay Police is implementing on the island.

In the previous days, Metro Manila has been attacked by the likes of “Martilyo Gang,” a group of men suspected to have robbed a jewelry shop inside a mall using hammers, a case which is not impossible to happen in Boracay.

According to DOT Boracay OIC Tim Ticar, they alongside the authorities are conducting meetings and are continuously monitoring the island to ensure its security, particularly for tourists, especially this Christmas season.

Meanwhile, after the incidents, the government has reminded the police force to stay alert, in particular, areas frequented by many people.

At this time, the Boracay Police are more watchful than ever to protect both the tourists and the general Public.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Public in boracay alerted related to alleged “portugese man-of-war”

Written by Bert Dalida

The public in Boracay had been alerted by the Malay Agriculture’s Office (MAO) regarding an alleged “Portugese Man-of-War”.

This is in connection to the alleged report received by the MAO that a tourist had fell victim to a “Portugese Man-of-War” or Physalia physalis recently at the sea of Malay.

According to the MAO, the victim who was stung by the “Portugese Man-of-War” sent a picture to their office, and their office right away conducted an investigation.

A Physalia physalis is siphonophore or marine creature that floats and has venomous tentacles and most of the time mistaken to be a jelly fish.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Entry of heavy equipments, does not all go thru the transportation office

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Not all equipments entering Boracay Island goes through the Malay Transportation Office (MTO).

This was learned after alleged illegal construction equipments that entered the island were discovered on Thursday, December 12.

According to Malay Transportation Officer Cezar Oczon, there are those who get permit at the Mayor’s Office of the Local Government of (LGU) Malay in order for their equipments to be allowed to enter Boracay.

On the other hand, Oczon said the entry of vehicles is illegal, if for example, a permit has been secured for ten (10) vehicles and additional number of vehicles without permit has been added.

He added that the permit they issue is meant for the equipment or equipments to operate only inside the resort to whom the permit has been issued and its operation on the Main Road of Boracay is highly prohibited.

The said vehicles could also be impounded by the LGU of Malay if a permit could not be right away secured and P2, 000 penalty be paid.

Meanwhile, Oczon said the heavy equipments were able to enter the island on Thursday, December 12 because allegedly the construction of New Coast Boracay is being rushed.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

LGU Malay, to provide financial assistance to 6 Yolanda stricken towns in Aklan

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Local Government of Malay will be providing financial assistance to six towns in Aklan that were heavily affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

The SB Malay has previously tackled this matter after Yolanda’s onslaught last November.

The Order of Business during the council’s session yesterday included the resolution which states the LGU’s giving of financial assistance to 6 towns in the province.

The towns to receive Php100,000 each are Banga, New Washington, Libacao, Altavas, Balete, and Batan from the 5% calamity fund of the Municipality of Malay.

In line with this, the SB Malay will have a second and final reading for the approval of the said financial assistance.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Boracay PNP’s Bike Patrollers, on a shifting schedule

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay PNP’s Bike Patrollers will be on a shifting tour of duty.

This is what Boracay PNP Deputy Chief Police Inspector Fidel Gentallan has said in relation to the augmentation of the force and police visibility this holiday season.

The influx of more and more tourists is expected, and so they need to beef up the security against any form of crimes.

In line with this, Gentallan said, the officers on patrol, including police on bikes, will be on a shifting schedule.

Officers will be deployed and will be visible in different areas in the island.

A number of BTAC members have undergone a bicycle training last June at Camp Delgado in Iloilo.

The said training included the proper use of bikes while responding to crimes, using a gun while on the wheels and many others.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

First day of the Night masses, joyfully celebrated in Aklan

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Despite the power outages in a number of baranggays in the province, the Aklanons still joyfully observed the first of the 9-day night masses.

This is as many Aklan Electric Cooperative or Akelco lines damaged by Yolanda are still yet to be repaired.

Church goers nearly overflowed most of the parishes, particularly in Kalibo where over a thousand of people have said to have attended the service.

In spite of calamities, especially the super typhoon, the faith of the public seems to have strengthened even more.

The residents still eagerly woke up very early in the morning to attend the traditional evening mass.

Meanwhile, aside from checkpoints, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also deployed more personnel to ensure the safety and security of the public.

Yesterday, December 16, the Filipino’s “9-day Christmas countdown” has commenced.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DTI, monitoring prices of products for “Noche Buena”

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had started monitoring prices of Noche Buena products for the coming Christmas.

According to DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr, posters of Suggested Retail Price (SRP) are being given to big and small businesses in order for these establishments to follow the correct prices implemented by the DTI on Noche Buena products.

Christmas lights and other decorations to be used for Christmas are also being closely monitored.

Cadena also made a reminder it should be made sure that Christmas lights have Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) to avoid fire and faulty electric wiring.

He added that the buying of goods, gifts and preparations for Christmas should be done early to avoid the crowd at markets.

A reminder was also made to the public to be intelligent in buying for the upcoming celebration and if there are problems on the products bought, their office should be contacted.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Yearly Christmas lights, re-launched for public viewing in the Kalibo Town

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Christmas lights were re-opened for public viewing in the town of Kalibo.

It was 4PM when a program was conducted wherein it was led by the local government unit of Kalibo and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Kalibonhon performs variety of presentation for the thousand viewers.

However as the night faints crowd has become has arrived further.

The countdown started at around 7 PM to lighten up the Plaza (park) that was accompanied by a fireworks display that last for minutes.

The crowd was amazed by the opening of the Christmas lights in the town.

Although the electricity supply wasn’t enough in the province, the local agencies and the establishment’s owner have made the people feel the presence of the Christmas Season.

Meanwhile, the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) is on its continuous repair on the rotten poles in Aklan to put back the glow on Aklanon’s Christmas time of year.

Translated by Carla N. Suñer

AKELCO, won’t increase electric rates like MERALCO

Written by Mackie Pajarillo

The Aklan Electic Cooperative (AKELCO) will not be increasing their electricity rates.

This is what Engr. Joel Martinez, Assistant General Manager for Akleco Engineering Department said in line with the public speculations that it would increase its rates just like what happened in Manila.

Although AKELCO has previously announced that they will have spiking rates these coming months, Martinez clarified that this will only be temporary .

He said that if the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or NGCP’s power supply will go back to normal, so does the regular rates in the province, particularly in Boracay.

NGCP’s supply was cut off due to the super typhoon, and the electric supply for Boracay, Buruanga, Caticlan and the whole Malay comes from a Diesel Power Plant.

Meanwhile, Manila Electric Company or MERALCO increases rates this December due to the use of diesel fuel from power plants brought along by the shutting down of the Malampaya Natural Gas Facility.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DTI Aklan, on continuous monitoring of prices in the Province

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan is strictly monitoring the price freeze implemented on areas heavily affected by the typhoon.

According to DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., they will continue their monitoring which was started last November 11 until January 10, 2014.

Cadena said that Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 states that prices of basic necessities in areas affected or have experiences calamities will be placed under an automatic price control.

In line with this, the DTI reiterated that traders should not take advantage and those caught will be penalized accordingly.

DTI Aklan had previously issued a list of Automatic Price Control (APC) for basic necessities under its jurisdiction.

Cadena added, their department’s personnel are continuously monitoring the prices of the basic products around the country.

The Provincial Director also encouraged the consumers to report any violation of the mentioned rule to the DTI or other agencies in the government assigned to watch over the prices such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture.

Translated by Shelah Casiano