DepEd Aklan, not in favor of possible changing of class opening to September

Written by Jay-arante Arante

Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro is against the idea of moving the class opening to September instead of June.

And DepEd Aklan has the same sentiment.

According to Mrs. Floradel Jamera, Secretary to the office of Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, they have tackled this matter just recently.

Jamera said that Dr. Gomez is not in favor with the said change as no one can really predict what months the typhoons will be sweeping the country.

At the moment, technical groups are looking into typhoon patters and are studying the plan as well as its effect to pupils and students.

Meanwhile, Luistro said that it isn’t time to move the class opening not unless 2,000 or so universities in the country will agree on it.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

With dates or without, parishioners, had a date with the Lord on Valentine’s Day at the Boracay HRP last night

Written by Bert Dalida

The Holy Rosary parish Boracay is open regularly, in the morning and the afternoon, with or without a mass.

The church however remained open last night because of Valentine’s Day.

This is as many teenagers, married couples, those who had a date and even those with none attended the Date with the Lord led by the HRP Youth Ministry.

Their faces were painted with gladness as they experienced a one of a kind date which was special and solemn.

Center of the said activity was the veneration of the cross, reflection, and prayers.

HRP Team Ministry Mediator Father Nonoy Crisostomo in his message said that doing good towards the people you care for is the true meaning of love.

Meanwhile, since many have attended the activity, the HRP Youth Ministry said that they will possibly conduct the Date with the Lord on Valentine’s Day yearly.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Mobile Passporting in Aklan, called for by the Provincial Council to the DFA

Written by Gloria Villas

Members of the Provincial Council of Aklan agreed to request to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the province  to have a mobile passporting unit.

According to Atty. Plaridel Morania, author of the said ordinance proposed during SP Aklan’s 5^th regular session on Wednesday, this is for the ease of Aklanons and those from neighboring provinces who wish to apply and work abroad.

Morania added that the project is another way of helping the residents acquire a passport faster as applicants won’t be tired going back to the DFA’s main office, and they can also save fare and food money.

Meanwhile, Morania said that the province has previously passed a resolution on this but that the DFA has not given it attention.

He also said that if granted, applicants will no longer be spending a lot of money on the processing of their travel documents.

The said mobile passport processing has gained positive feedbacks from different areas where there is no need to go the DFA to apply for a passport.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BRTF, on its 2nd Phase of sea wall demolition

Written by Bert Dalida

The sea wall demolition of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) is now on its Phase 2.

On Thursday February 13, the BRTF laid down its plan on Beach Replenishment Program as an answer to the scouring or the washing out of sand going to the deep portion of the sea.

The event is in parallel to the BRTF demolition of structures put up by establishments and stakeholders in front of their property in the island.

The removal of the mentioned illegal structures is included in the implemented redevelopment program.

Meanwhile, by means of the Beach Replenishment Program, it was learned that sand will be vacuumed by a diver from the sea back to the area affected by scouring.

Based on the replenishment presentation of Life Guard Supervisor Mike Labatiao, sand will be brought back in a method similar to spraying of water in order to bring back to normal the contour of the beach in the island.

On the other hand, BRTF reiterated that the seawalls are the reasons why sand is washed out from the shore.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

RHU Malay, continues its campaign in Boracay against HIV and different illnesses

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The campaign of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Malay in Boracay against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other illnesses is continuing.

According to Malay Health Education Promotion Officer, Arbie Aspira, they are going to establishments in Boracay Island in order to give reminders to workers and even sex workers here about HIV and other kinds of illnesses.

Allegedly, the move is one of the ways in order to prevent the increase in the number of HIV victims in particular.

Furthermore, the RHU aims to make all workers in Boracay clean and far from illnesses especially that the island is a place for tourism.

Aspira also added, to prevent a human being from falling ill, those who would want a lecture from their agency are welcome.

The RHU also reminded all workers and residents of Boracay to often consult a doctor especially when feeling sick.

In the past, Boracay became controversial because of the increase of sex workers who originated from different places.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

MAP, monitors Bolabog and Bloomfield area due to heavy traffic resulting from Boracay Drainage Project in Balabag

 Written by Jay-ar Arante

The MAP is now monitoring the Bolabog and Bloomfield areas to control heavy traffic brought about by the Boracay Drainage Project in Balabag.

Municipal Auxiliary Police Chief Rommel Salsona admits that they have been receiving complaints from commuters and motorists concerning the issue.

Salsona added that many motorists are now using or taking the road via Bloomfield area to avoid the long traffic at the main road Balabag.

The MAP Chief also advised those traveling to Cagban Jetty Port not to use the flat road but instead take the “backdoor” to lessen road congestion.

The term “backdoor” refers to the road trough the Lying-in Clinic, going to Lake Town then to Bloomfield.

The contractor of the Boracay Drainage Project has previously asked for an apology and understanding from the public for the nuisance that the construction has or may bring.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Yapak Village Captain, Hector Casidsid - hands-off on his suspension for now

Written by Bert Dalida

Yapak Village Captain, Hector Casidsid is hands-off on his suspension for the meantime.

Allegedly, he was advised by his legal counsel not to give any statement or comment regarding the matter.

It was learned that the village Captain was suspended for two (2) months allegedly for breaking the law of the waste management after he made an open lot of Leo Tirol into an open dumpsite or a place to stock garbage.

A suspension order signed by Mayor John Yap himself was given to Casidsid on Thursday, February 6.

In relation to this, the village captain is to vacate his post from February 10, 2014 until April 10, 2014.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

BAG, warmly welcomed newly appointed Boracay PNP Chief

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay Action Group (BAG) warmly welcomed Boracay PNP’s newly appointed Chief.

In a joint flag raising ceremony conducted at the Balabag Plaza yesterday, Malay Mayor John P. Yap formally introduced to the members of the Boracay Action Group P/S Inspector Mark Evan Pedregosa Salvo who replaced P/S Inspector Joefer Cabural.

Salvo, a Bicolano and a product of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 2006 was sent from the Regional Operations and Plans Divisions 6.

The new chief arrived in Boracay last Friday and has started to make courtesy calls in different government agencies, organizations and private sectors in the island.

Meanwhile, Salvo replaced Cabural after the latter was included in the list of those removed from the post by PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima last October 2013 due to the submission of what was said to be “doctored” crime reports.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Malay and Boracay, joined in the celebration of the 20th death anniversary of Evilio Javier

Written by Bert Dalida

There is no work at public offices in the town of Malay and Boracay on Tuesday, February 11.

Public and private schools also do not have classes, and even banks here are closed.

The day is a special non-working public holiday for the 28^th year anniversary of the slaying of Antique Governor Evilio Javier.

Javier was an opposition leader during the leadership of former president Ferdinand Marcos and was killed on February 11, 1986 by alleged allies of the said president.

It is being said that the slaying of Javier was one of the fuse of the February 22, 1986 People Power Revolution.

By virtue of Republic Act No. 7601 February 11 of every year in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo are declared as special non-working public holiday as a commemoration of “Evilio Javier Day.”

Operation of the mentioned offices and agencies will return to normal on Wednesday February 12.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Catholic Church of Boracay gave reminders to couples, lovers and everyone for the forthcoming celebration of Valentine’s Day

Written by Mackie Pajarillo

 “Celebrate and be happy.”

This was the message of Team Ministry Moderator “Father Nonoy” Crisostomo of the Boracay Holy Rosary Parish to couples for the approaching day of hearts.

Nevertheless, Fr. Nonoy made it clear that the celebration is not only for couples but also for everyone.

According to him, Valentines’ day or the day of hearts is a day of love, therefore he hoped that its true meaning would not be forgotten.

He added that if possible places which could drive one to do something to regret about later, should be avoided.

Fr. Crisostomo also reminded teenagers to put in mind that true love is the longing to do good deeds for the one you love.

February 14 or Valentines’ day is usually celebrated in different ways by many couples and lovers.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

National Government added security at Ati Community in Boracay

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Ati Community at Sitio Lugutan, Manoc-Manoc Boracay is happy.

This is because the National Government sent additional police for their security after the community got restless when a backhoe passed by their residence almost two (2) months had passed.

Allegedly, the Ati Community got frightened when they saw that the mentioned backhoe was demolishing something near their place.

As a result, they turned to different agencies of the government for their security especially that they still have fear due to the slaying of their Spokesperson Dexter Condez.

The community expressed much gratitude on the additional security sent by police.

Included in those who helped in guarding for the security of the Ati is the Boracay PNP.

On the other hand, a mass will be offered by the Ati Community on February 22^nd as commemoration of the 1^st year anniversary of the slaying of Dexter Condez.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

12 year old thief, caught at Caticlan Port

Written by Bert Dalida

Be cautious when letting somebody you don’t know stay or live at your home for security reasons.

This is as a minor, suspected for stealing in the island of Boracay was caught by security guards at the Caticlan Port earlier this morning.

According to Provincial Guard 2 Richard Alair of the Caticlan Jetty Port, a sibling of a girl whose bag was stolen early in the morning at Barangay Balabag asked for their help hoping for the suspect to be caught.

Alair and his colleagues responded right away to take hold of the young suspect based on the description given to them.

The minor was successfully apprehended at the RoRo terminal as he was about to board a 2Go ship.

It was learned that the suspect tried to buy a 2go ticket but was refused because he was underage; he then opted to ask an adult to buy the ticket for him.

Meanwhile, the stolen bag containing more than 5,000 pesos and other belongings was recovered.

The 12-year-old thief, who is from La Carlota, Negros Occidental, is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Before the incident, the victim, out of goodwill, has said to have just let the child suspect stay in her house.

Translated by Shelah Casiano