Coral Reefurbishment Project, launched in Boracay

Written by Alan Palma Sr.

The Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP)’s project to propagate the corals in the beaches of Boracay has now been launched through the Coral Reefurbishment Program.

This is a joint project of the BFI and Petron Foundation together with the Local Government of Malay with the full support of Malay Mayor John Yap as well as other guests.

The said project aims to provide fishermen in Malay a livelihood through coral plantation or aquaculture around the island.

It is also its target to refurbish the marine environment as an important attraction for the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, aside from the funds provided by other government agencies, Marilou Erni of the Petron Foundation set aside 500,000 peso budget as financial support to the Coastal Resource Management.

Apart from the fisherfolks, also present during the said activity were BFI President Jony Salme, BBMP Project In-charge Al Lumagod, local officials of Malay and a professor and expert from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

 Tranlsated by Shelah Casiano

BFI President Salme, thanked Petron Foundation for its continued support to the Coral REEfurbishment Program

Written by Gloria Villas

“Preserve what we have; Restore what we lose.”

This is Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) President Jony Salme’s meaningful statement in line with the Coral REEfurbishment Project of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP).

According to Salme, the program will be hugely beneficial in restoring the damaged corals in the island of Boracay and will aslo be seen by the future generations.

With this the BFI President extends his gratitude to Petron Foundation for its continued support in making the program possible.

He also noted the fisherfolks’ important role being the ones responsible in taking care and monitoring of the corals.

Meanwhile, Salme again, reminds the public, as well as the tourists to take care of Boracay’s natural riches more so that more and more people are visiting and even more activities are being carried out.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BFI President Salme, thanked Petron Foundation for its continued support to the Coral REEfurbishment Program

Written by Gloria Villas

“Preserve what we have; Restore what we lose.”

This is Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) President Jony Salme’s meaningful statement in line with the Coral REEfurbishment Project of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP).

According to Salme, the program will be hugely beneficial in restoring the damaged corals in the island of Boracay and will aslo be seen by the future generations.

With this the BFI President extends his gratitude to Petron Foundation for its continued support in making the program possible.

He also noted the fisherfolks’ important role being the ones responsible in taking care and monitoring of the corals.

Meanwhile, Salme again, reminds the public, as well as the tourists to take care of Boracay’s natural riches more so that more and more people are visiting and even more activities are being carried out.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Number of Aklan barangays with no electricity, down to 10 said AKELCO

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Only 10 barangays in Aklan remained to be without electricity supply since the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda.

Based on Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO)’s data, 358 out of 268 barangays have their electricity back on.

According to AKELCO Assistant General Manager for Engineering Engr. Joel Martinez, those 10 areas were all barangays in Libacao.

AKELCO meanwhile supplies electricity to 17 municipalities in the province as well as the towns of Pandan and Libertad in the province of Antique.

Martinez added that the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has also given them a deadline saying that at the end of March all barangays should already have an electric supply.

AKELCO had also conducted a rotational brownouts and power interruptions because of the damaged transmission lines that are continuously being repaired.

If recalled, almost all AKELCO posts were torn down by super typhoon Yolanda, with Aklanons experiencing about 2 months of power blackout.

The cooperative also extends it appreciation to NEA’s Task Force Kapatid for its support and assistance in setting the power back to normal.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BTAC Chief PSInspector Mark Salvo, determined to make Boracay wanted-persons-free

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay PNP is determined that Boracay will become a wanted-persons-free island.

In fact, based on BTAC’s report, 8 wanted persons including 2 Romanians, 1 American, and 1 German Nationals were arrested by the PNP on the island on the Months of January to March 2014.

BTAC Chief PSInspector Mark Salvo said that the good image and security environment of the island must be maintained, thus wanted individuals that might be on hiding must be arrested.

Salvo also pointed out that it is just right that they, the wanted persons, face and be held responsible for the crimes they have committed.

It was learned that the apprehended persons’ cases included qualified theft, slight physical injury, violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violation against Women and their Children, and resistance and disobedience to an agent of person in authority.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Another Public Hearing on Base Market Value for Boracay and Malay, approved by SP Aklan

Written by Gloria Villas

The Provincial Council or the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan has approved Boracay and Malay stakeholders’ call for another Public Hearing on Base Market Values.

On the 9^th Regular Session earlier this morning, the topic was tackled on the plenary where the stockholders’ plea was given consideration.

The council then agreed to conduct another hearing regarding the General Revisions of schedule of Base Market Values for residential, industrial and commercial lands in the province.

In line with this, Vice Governor Billie Calizo reiterated that the revision for tax payment is still being proposed as is not yet finalized.

The Aklan Provincial Assessor and SP Aklan’s availability are meanwhile determined for the scheduling of the said public hearing.

The stakeholders in Boracay and Malay on the previous session have appealed the SP Aklan for another hearing and to transfer the venue nearer so that many may be informed.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

30 meter easement, not only for the beach front of Boracay –DOT

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The implemented 30-meter easement rule is allegedly not only for the front beach of Boracay but also for all the establishments in the island.

According to DOT Boracay Officer-In-Charge Tim Ticar, the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force will also focus on other infrastructures in Boracay including residential areas that violated the 30-meter easement rule.

The next move will be undertaken after the Task Force’s clearing operation in the month of March at the beach front.

It was learned that there are still business establishments at the beach front who had violated the easement rule, and have been ordered to be removed.

Meanwhile, the Task Force itself demolished the infrastructures of establishments who did not tear down their “illegal structures”.

Seven (7) more business establishments at the beach front were given a deadline which is Saturday, March 15 to remove their illegal structure.

Recently, Tourism Secretary, Ramon Jimenez, and DILG Secretary, Mar Roxas inspected business establishments in Boracay who followed the Presidential Proclamation 1064.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

“Persona Non Grata,” against Crisostomo Aquino, hotly debated at the Town Council of Malay

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The resolution declaring Crisostomo Aquino as “Persona Non Grata” was hotly debated by the Town Council of Malay on Tuesday, March 11.

The debate transpired between Town Council Members Rowen Aguirre and Floribar Bautista.

According to Aguirre, the violation of the rules and regulations of the government is continued by Aquino.

Aguirre wanted to move the resolution which is declaring Aquino as “Persona Non Grata” which was already approved in the 2^nd and final reading of the Town Council of Malay.

Nevertheless, Bautista wanted to be given clarification on why Aquino is to be declared “Persona Non Grata.”

Furthermore, Bautista wondered who gave permission for Aquino to build a resort in Boracay despite lacking permit for its operation.

It can be recalled that Aguirre passed a resolution against Aquino of West Cove Boracay Resort because of alleged disrespect or the utterance  of unpleasant words towards Town Captain, Neneth Graf of Motag, Malay Aklan.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Tourists from MS Costa Atlantica, thrilled to take selfie with Ati-atihan performers at Cagban Port

Written by Bert Dalida

“Ni Hao Ma” and “Welcome to Boracay!”

These were the happy greetings of the Ati-atihan performers at the Cagban Port on Tuesday, March 11 to the tourists from MS Costa Atlantica.

The said tourists even took photos with the mentioned performers before going out of the Cagban port and visit Boracay Island.

Included in those who took photos were husbands & wives, lovers, and even some individuals who were very delighted at the orange colored costume of the Ati-atihan performers.

Meanwhile, the performers were glad to have their photos taken with the tourists as they welcomed the vacationers.

It was learned that Ati-atihan performers are prepared by the Aklan Provincial Government at the Cagban Port whenever there is a visiting cruise ship to Boracay.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

MS Costa Atlantica, arrived in Boracay

Written by Gloria Villas

MS Costa Atlantica, biggest cruise ship to visit Boracay yet, has arrived at about 7am earlier this morning.

The luxury liner has arrived from China and Manila carrying with it 2,680 tourists and 897 crews.

Many of its passengers were said to be media personalities who are looking to go on an island tour in Boracay.

Guests and visitors were warmly welcomed by the members of the Aklan Provincial Council, LGU Malay and the Department of Tourism at the Cagban Jetty Port.

Those present and took part in a short program and exchanging of plaques of appreciation, included DOT Boracay OIC Tim Ticar, Aklan Vice Governor Billie Calizo and Committee Chairman on Tourism SB Member Jupiter Gallenero.

Officials of the province are delighted with the continues arrivals of cruise ships in the island, where Aklan Provincial Governor Joeben Miraflores has previously stated that this is an indication that Boracay will become a popular cruise ship destination.

The MS Costa Atlantica which towers up to 15 floors is said to depart at 6pm later going to Naha Okinawa, Japan.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

PNP 6 Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, acknowledges BAG's organization

Written by: Bert Dalida

PNP 6 Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Josephus Angan acknowledged and appreciates the organization of the Boracay Action Group (BAG).

In fact, during BAG’s joint Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday morning, Angan said he observed how organized and what the group has done to maintain the tourism on the island.

He also admired the partnership between the LGU Malay and its enforcers in securing the island’s peace and order.

In line with this, the Regional Director expressed his support to the advocacies of BAG.

Meanwhile, after the flag raising, Angan had also a met with the members of BAG and Malay Mayor John Yap wherein they tackled Boracay’s security.

The Boracay Action Group was organized by then Boracay PNP Chief and now OIC Provincial Director PSSupt. Samuel Nacion on June 26, 2011.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

BFAR gives motor boat engines to 11 Aklan towns devastated by typhoon Yolanda

Written by Gloria Villas

110 fisherfolks in 11 Aklan towns were delighted after receiving motor boat engines from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Through the Aklan Provincial Government, the turn over ceremony was conducted last Thursday by the BFAR Regional Field Office VI at the ABL Sport Complex in Kalibo.

BFAR Regional Office VI, National Stock Assessment Program Project Leader Mr. May Guanco himself distributed the said motor boat engines to 110 fishermen from 11 different towns in the province.

Provincial Governor Joeben Miraflores meanwhile believes that the engines will greatly help the recipients in starting a new life.

The province of Aklan was among those heavily affected by super typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Newscaster Abigail Bardeñas

Biggest ship to visit Boracay, arriving this Tuesday

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The biggest ship that will visit the island of Boracay so far will be arriving this Tuesday.

This will be MS Costa Victoria which carries with it 2,680 tourists, many of them Mandarin nationals, and a crew of 897.

Among these tourists are media personnel who will be going on an island tour.

Docking near Cagban Jetty Port, MS Costa Victoria is expected to arrive at around 8am and will depart at about 6pm heading to its next destination, Naha, Okinawa.

Meanwhile, a meeting was conducted by concerned agencies in Malay and Boracay yesterday; it was led by the Jetty Port Administration.

Some of the topics tackled were the preparations for the said arrival, particularly the security of the tourists.

A short program will also be held aboard Costa Victoria between Local Executives and the ships’ management for the exchanging of plaques.

MS Costa Victoria is the largest cruise ship to visit Boracay so far towering to up to 14 floors.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Dismayed stockholders in Boracay and Malay, calls for another public hearing on Base Market Values

Written by Gloria Villas

“So that many would know, transfer the venue.”

This is what the stockholders from the island of Boracay and Malay is calling for in line with the General Revision of Schedule of Base Market Value for residential, industrial, and commercial lands in the province.

On the public hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan, it was said that the letter to the stockholders asked for a 50 percent attendance for the said meeting, but this did not happen.

The stockholders reasoned out saying that it would be better to transfer the venue in Malay or Boracay, because aside from saving time, it would also lessen the expenses of those who will attend.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the SP Aklan is now discussing if there should be another public hearing on Base Market Value for Malay and Boracay and when it should be conducted.

The said public hearing is set in different towns in Aklan to hear out the tax payer’s opinions on the passage of the new ordinance on tax payment.

The SP Aklan, on the other hand, reiterates that the creation of the General Revision is based on the law that states, that every 8 to 10 years, there should be a revision on the Base Market Values of Real Properties.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Remaining establishments that violated the 25+5 easement, expressed self demolition

Written by Bert Dalida

Remaining establishments that have violated the 25+5 meter set back has expressed to carry out self demolition.

In fact, Ms. Mabel Bacani of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) said not only those who are in the DENR’s list of violators are to take down their own structures but as well as the new establishments.

On the National Technical Working Group (NTWG)’s ocular inspection last week, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez himself has observed how the structures have become an “eye-sore” the reason why the BRTF needs to remove them.

Meanwhile, Bacani recommended that establishments bury the debris.

The BRTF is also set to call for a conference regarding coastal protection this coming May before the onset of “Habagat” season or the southwest monsoon.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Different concerned agencies, to gather for a meeting regarding a cruise ship arrival in Boracay

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Different concerned agencies will gather together for a meeting Friday afternoon, March 07 related to a cruise ship arrival in Boracay.

The meeting will be composed of the Municipal Auxiliary Police, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Cost Guard, Maritime Police, Department of Tourism, LGU Malay and the Aklan Provincial government.

It was learned that a new plan is expected to be presented by the Port Administration for a better means of welcoming tourist passengers of the cruise ship.

The cruise ship Costa Atlantica carrying more than 2, 000 tourists will visit Boracay Island on Tuesday, March 11, while Ms Europa 2 will visit the island for the 3^rd time on March 20.

Allegedly, although shortcomings in preparations might not be avoided, the provincial government is doing what it could to give attention to unexpected problems.

Tourists from the mentioned soon to arrive cruise ships will visit souvenir shops, the long beach area, and the Boracay Ati Village, and various island hopping activities are also in the itinerary.

Meanwhile, promotions for the Island of Boracay at different countries by the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the provincial government of Aklan, LGU of Malay and Jetty Port Administration, continues.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Road skating at the Main Rd. of Boracay, strictly prohibited by the MTO

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Road skating on the Main Road of Boracay Island is strictly prohibited by the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO).

According to Senior Transportation Regulation Officer, Cezar Oczon Jr. of the MTO, road skaters in the island can face different penalties if they violate traffic rules.

Oczon said road skating is very dangerous and should not be happening on the Main Road since it obstructs motorists.

He said the activity is appropriate at places where there are no huge vehicles that ply the streets such as at subdivision, business area or a park.

Although there is no ordinance on the matter at the Local Government Unit LGU) of Malay, after a request was made from Mayor John Yap a study was made and a regulation was formulated.

It was learned that the number of teens who road skate in Boracay had increased and traffic is hindered.

Oczon added that they are not only focusing on road skating and had earlier prohibited e-bikes on the road which often ply the road together with huge vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Office with the cooperation of the Municipal Auxilliary Police (MAP) will look more into the problem to come up with appropriate solution.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus