MSWD, admits problems related to indigenous in Boracay

Posted March 28, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

Boracay meets complicated cases where indigenous were involved in begging and conning the tourists.

With this, the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) admits having difficulties in handling the problem while being careful with the process.

MSWD Officer Magdalena Prado explained that because of the law protecting indigenous people and children involved with the mentioned cases, their office is having a hard time looking for the right solutions.

Prado added that if they are to push what they think must be done they may also commit a breach against the law.

For instance, not allowing indigenous people to enter or to make them leave Boracay is a violation against Human Rights.

Moreover, the MSWD Officer said that almost all concerned agencies have given them advices to deter the increasing number of beggars wandering about the island.

In fact, the matter was already discussed with the Commission on Human Rights and National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP), but no clear solution has been made.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Second part of the Flood Control project, kicks off

Posted March 28, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

The road going to Bloomfield Integrated Academy is temporarily closed for motorists.

This is as the excavation of the road going to the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) of the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) has been started for pipe laying.

This is still a part of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA)’s Flood Control Project.

In line with this the road at the mentioned area was cordoned.

However, before this, ITP Construction Project Architect Victor Turingan said that it will be passable in the morning since the construction will be carried out during night time.

The Flood Control Project began last year to finally put a stop on the island’s flooding problems.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Service charge for employees in Boracay, prioritized by DOLE Aklan

Posted March 27, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Jay-Ar Arante

It is the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s priority to look into the Service Charge of employees in Boracay.

According to DOLE Aklan Provincial Director Bediolo Salvacion, they have been receiving complaints regarding the monthly service charge.

The usual dilemma is that the employees are not receiving the intended rate which causes a conflict between them and their employers.

Meanwhile, Salvacion clarified that it depends if the establishment or company is incurring the said charge, if not, the employees will at the same time receive nothing.

Salvacion however added that a penalty awaits business establishments that cannot provide proof of their income from service charges which also is the basis of how much will go the employees.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DOLE gives applicants for OJTs in Boracay a reminder

Posted March 27, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Jay-Ar Arante

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gives a reminder to those who are planning to take their On the Job Training (OJT) in Boracay.

This is as the OJTs in the island, who came from different universities in the country, are increasing in number.

DOLE Aklan Provincial Director Bediolo Salvacion said that that an OJT Manual has already been released.

The manual will serve as a guide for the students to choose a job which is equivalent or related to the course that they are taking.

According to Salvacion it is all right to spend their OJTs in Boracay since their line of work is connected with their courses such as Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The Provincial Director meanwhile clarified, that there really are on the job trainees who pays for the immersion in what would be their training ground.

An OJT is a requirement for most graduating students; the training prepares them for their chosen carrer in the future.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Applicants started to turn up at the PESO Aklan Job Fair

Posted March 27, 2014 as of 12nn

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Applicants started to turn up at the Provincial government and PESO Aklan Job Fair at the town of Kalibo on Thursday, March 27.

The Job Fair is in cooperation with the Women’s Month in the month of March which has the theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” (Joana, Your Fortitude is Our Strength in Rising up and in Progress).

Spearheaded by the provincial government in cooperation with the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the mentioned Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, and Friday, March 28, from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon at the Aklan Comprehensive Center for Women.

The Job Fair is also supported by the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC), Local Business Establishments, a shipping company, Overseas Licensed Recruitment Agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

There are twenty eight (28) confirmed Employers and Human Resource Officers who will be facing interviewees and will hire applicants for different vacant jobs at Kalibo, Boracay, Iloilo, Capiz, Manila and even overseas.

More than three thousand (3, 000) vacant jobs are open for application at the two (2) day Job Fair. Some of the job vacancies are for hotel, restaurant, mall, office work, engineering, sales and marketing, and some high ranking positions for different companies.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Relocation for the Caticlan Elementary School, to materialize soon

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 12:00 nn

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

It can be expected that the wish of parents and students of Caticlan Elementary School, for the school to be relocated to a peaceful and suitable location, will soon be granted.

In the “Other Matters” at the Town Council Session on Tuesday, March 25, Town Council Member Manuel De los Reyes said that a conversation had already occurred between him and Malay Administrator Godofredo Sadiasa regarding the matter.

Allegedly, according to Sadiasa one of the possibilities is the mentioned school will be relocated to where the Public Market in Caticlan is currently located.

According to Delos Reyes, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay is looking for a possible area where the Public Market will be relocated in order for the school to be moved to the Public Market’s current site.

The Caticlan Elementary School is presently located just at the side of the Caticlan Airport wherein students hear thunderous noise whenever an airplane takes off or lands at the airport.

The principal of the said school had earlier wished that the school’s problem be given solution since the problem gives huge disturbance to school children especially during examinations wherein the students lose concentration.

For now, the LGU of Malay is processing the budget for the project so that the relocation of the school and the Public Market will be sped up.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Pieces of broken bottles and debris of demolished sea wall at the shore-collected over and over

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 12:00 nn

Written by Bert Dalida

It is blissful walking along the shoreline of Boracay Island.

This is so since aside from being cool to the feet, the fine sand of the island is relaxing.

However, you also need to be careful because shreds of broken bottles and sharp debris of demolished sea wall are scattered along the shore.

Rey, who has worked for a long time at a resort at Station 1, Balabag, Boracay said, aside from sharp debris of torn down sea wall, they really get plenty of pieces of broken bottles every time they clean at their beach front.

According to Rey, these are dangerous especially for those who have the inclination of walking along the shore barefooted.

Meanwhile, some of the interviewed Boracay Solid Waste Action Team (BSWAT) members admitted this.

They said that it is true that the team is able to collect plenty of pieces of broken glasses and debris along the shore.

However, they allegedly clean the shore again and again to ensure the safety of the public especially it is already summer season.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Club DJ and Therapist in Boracay, arrested in a separate buy-bust operation

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

A Club DJ in Boracay may not be able to play again after being caught with “marijuana.”

In a buy-bust operation carried out by the joint forces of the Boracay Assistance Center (BTAC)

and the Provincial Intelligence Branch Operatives (PIBO), Club DJ Michael David Collantes, 39 years old of Las Pinas, Metro Manila was arrested around 3:30am at Sitio Bolabog, Balabag Boracay Island.

About 1.2 kilo of dried cannabis leaves were recovered from the suspect.

It was learned that the accused will not be able to post bail because of the large amount or value of drugs that were obtained from him.

Meanwhile, before this arrest, the authorities have also seized a therapist around midnight at Sitio Bantud Manoc-manoc, Boracay.

9 sachets of suspected shabu were recovered from the 56 year old suspect Soledad Natural of España, Manila, who is currently residing at Manoc-manoc.

The suspect is now under the Boracay PNP’s custody due to violation of Republic Act 9165, o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for proper disposition.

The authorities have previously warned individuals selling illegal drugs to stop the deed.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

New officials of KBP Aklan, took oath Wednesday

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

“Partner in development”

This is how Governor Joeben Miraflores sees the Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines or Kapisanan Ng Mga Broadcaster Ng Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan Chapter.

During its Oath Taking Ceremony Wednesday morning, serving as inducting officer, Miraflores gladly congratulated the new officials of KBP Aklan.

The Governor also jokingly said that even though there were negative swipes against him, he is still grateful as he treats it as an opportunity to better his public service.

Meanwhile, newly elected Aklan KBP Chairman Ron Bautista in his message said that although his appointment can be considered a huge responsibility, he said that he is ready to face the challenges and to make the association more active.

Bautista mentioned creating programs to strengthen the credibility of the organization as well as to be of help for the betterment of the community.

Meanwhile, other appointed members of the KBP Aklan includes Apolonio Zaraspe, III of UBS Energy FM as Vice Chairman, Lucy Villaruel of IBC DYRG as Performance Officer, DT Joy Gener of RMN Kalibo as Secretary, Jhinkie Jane Rodillas of Love Radio Kalibo as Treasurer, John Chester Redicio of Bombo Radyo Kalibo as Auditor and Eleanor Defensor-Reyes of IBC DYRG as Executive Secretary.

YES FM 911 and 93.5 Easy Rock Boracay of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) are fortified members of KBP Aklan Chapter.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

SB Malay intends to award Fire Truck Volunteers of Caticlan Airport

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 4:00pm

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Municipal Council or the SB Malay is now planning to award the group of fire truck volunteers of the Caticlan Airport.

This is after the group responded and stopped a fire incident at Poblacion, Malay last Wednesday where two households, made of mixed materials, were consumed by the flame.

Because of this, SB Member Manuel Delos Reyes passed a resolution to recognize the firemen of Trans-Air in Caticlan Airport.

Delos Reyes pointed out that without the fire truck volunteers the fire could have spread and could have burned more houses down.

Mainland Malay doesn't have its own fire truck, and depends on private fire responders.

Meanwhile, the SB Malay is now waiting for Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito for the resolution to be approved.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Summer events in Boracay, “ok,” as long as ordinances are followed

Posted March 26, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

“OK, as long as there’s no tent.”

This is what Boracay Island Chief Operations Officer (BICOO) Glenn Sacapaño has said in line with the expected summer events in Boracay.

According to Sacapaño, they will allow such events as long as they will abide with the ordinances.

Stakeholders on the island are prohibited to set a tent up, and the same must be applied to other events to be fair said the BICOO.

Aside from the tents, they will also strictly implement the ordinance on noise and or sounds.

Meanwhile, Sacapaño clarified that they may allow the use of tents during a bad weather.

Other tourists said that Boracay becomes more enjoyable if there are summer events.

The Island Administrator earlier said that there will be a strict and balanced implementation of ordinances on the island this summer season.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

NGCP, assures SP Aklan to completely restore power supply in the province

Posted March 25, 2014 as of 6:00 pm

Written by Gloria Villas

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) gave the Provincial Council or SP Aklan an assurance that it will completely restore the electricity supply in the province.

In line with this, the Aklan Electric Copperative (AKELCO) is also confident that their services will go back to normal by the end of March.

On the 10^th Regular SP Session this Wednesday, the NGCP led by Engr. Rey Jaleco and AKELCO General Manager Chito Peralta, said that they will do their best to put back the 138KV transmission lines’ service in Nabas Sub-station which in turn provides electricity in Boracay.

According to GM Peralta, AKELCO sources its supply from the 50MVA Sub-station Transformer at Panit-an, Capiz, while it is transmitted though the 69KV transmission lines.

Jaleco added that AKELCO’s current peak power demand is 43.69MW and the 69KV line only provides 87.1 of what the cooperative needs, half of which is consumed by Boracay Island.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo has earlier expressed concern over the rehabilitation and restoration project of energy authorities particularly this peak season.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

NBI Clearance fees, to increase this April, said PESO Aklan

Posted March 25, 2014 as of 5:00 pm

Written by  Jay-Ar Arante

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Aklan released a notice regarding the new rate when acquiring a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance.

This is based on the memorandum by Department of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to NBI Director Virgilio L. Mendez in line with the increase of NBI Clearance fees effective April 1, 2014.

From Php415, the fee for NBI Clearance applicants for the purpose of neutralization, Cancelation of ACR and Repatriation will become Php500.

Clearances for Change of Name, Business License, NFA, SEC, TCB, Adoption, POEA, PRA Requirement and Permit to Carry Firearms will also increase from Php165.00 to Php200.

For applicants of clearances for Travel Abroad, Visa, Immigration Requirements, Visa Seaman, Seaman’s Book, TCB for RTO, Local Employment, Custom Pass ID Enlisted AFP, DND, DOT Requirement, and ID Purposes the fee will increase from 115 to 200.

The reason for the increase of fees is to give ease to the cashiering system, to manage loose change, and to increase government collection to be used for the system’s improvement.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

E-trikes in Boracay, allowed to line up for commuters at Cagban Jetty Port

Posted March 24, 2014 as of 6:00 pm

Written by Gloria Villas

The 22 or so Electric Tricycle or E-trike units in Boracay are now allowed to line up for commuters at the Cagban Jetty Port.

According to E-trike Program In-charge Dante Pagsugiron, during a meeting with Aklan Governor Joeben Miraflores and the Jetty Administration, it was agreed that E-trikes can now enter and get in line at the port at any time.

However, it was clarified, that the e-trikes must have a complete documentation.

This includes the sticker and other pertinent papers required.

Pagsugiron also explained that the e-trike’s current fare tariff is the tariff approved by the municipal council or SB Malay.

Meaning the colored blue and yellow tariff used by the tricycles will be the same for the electric tricycles.

E-trikes on the island are being supplied by Gerweiss Motors Corporation, ELAIE Green Corporation, Tojo Motors Corp., and PROZZA.

The local government meanwhile, targets that by 2015 the e-trikes will replace all conventional tricycles.

Pagsugiron said that aside from avoiding “noise and air pollution,” using the e-trikes is also economical for the drivers.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Boracay PNP, dismayed at some tour guides in the island

Posted March 24, 2014 as of 5:00 pm

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay PNP is disappointed at some of the tour guides in the island.

This is related to the incidents that BTAC cannot readily respond to or investigate where tourists are losing their belongings.

The reason, the tour guides are not reporting it to the authorities immediately.

According to Boracay PNP, in some case, three days has gone past since the tourist has complained, only then the incident has been reported.

During this scenario, the authorities cannot do much but to record the complaint raised by the tourists who were also accompanied by their tour guides.

In line with this, the Boracay PNP calls upon the tourist guides in the island to immediately report any incident and to cooperate with the police for a prompt response and action.

The tourists usually reports to the Boracay PNP whenever their belongings are missing or was stolen from them.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Commemoration of the XIX Martyrs of Aklan, successfully held

Posted March 24, 2014 as of 12 noon

Written by Gloria Villas

Every March 23 is a Non-working holiday in the province of Aklan.

This is because the heroism of the XIX Martyrs of Aklan during the Spanish colonization of the province is commemorated yearly.

Related to this, the celebration was joyfully held on Sunday, March 23 and attended by some high officials of the province.

The program was held by means of flower offering to the XIX Martyrs marker at the S. Martelino St. and Archbishop Reyes St. in the town of Kalibo, where the Aklanon heroes were imprisoned and tortured.

The flowers offering was followed by a civic parade, and a 21 gun salute headed by the Philippine Army.

The guest of honor of the celebration was Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano. He said the heroism of the Filipinos of the past will serve as inspiration for next generations to fight for their rights.

Meanwhile, it was learned that it is stated on Republic Act No. 7806 that every 23^rd of March is a Special Public Holiday in the whole province of Aklan.

The monuments of the XIX Martyrs, made as symbols of their heroism for freedom, could be seen at the Aklan Freedom Shrine.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Coast Guard Supervisor Labatiao: Divers in Boracay must adhere to standard diving procedures

Posted March 22, 2014 as of 10:00 am

Written by Gloria Villas

Boracay Life Guard Supervisor Mike Labatiao reminds the divers in the island to adhere to the proper diving procedures.

Labatiao said that there are still a number of divers in Boracay who doesn’t stick with the proper processes that sometimes causes accidents among tourists.

According to the Supervisor, there should be complete diving equipment and the stated standard operating procedure must be followed.

There are some divers, he said, that are without diving watch, compass, survival balloon and other equipments that results to an issuance of violations.

Meanwhile, Labatiao advises the divers to just abide with the reminders to ensure the safety of the tourists in Boracay, more so that it is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Difference between Boracay Summer 2014 and 2013, noticeable, said BICOO Sacapaño

Posted March 22, 2014 as of 9:00 am

Written by Bert Dalida

With strictness and balance.

This is how Boracay Island Chief Operations Officer (BICOO) Glenn Sacapaño describes the laws and ordinances in the island this summer.

This is for the protection of the security and well-being of many of the tourists and not just the interests of the few.

Sacapaño noted how most of the people are focusing on income gaining during peak seasons through different events in the island.

In line with this, a number of resorts have met a problem due to the noise brought about by some events, with this, the Island Chief Operations Officer said, the LGU Malay needs to organize the implementation of ordinances, particularly the 25+5 easement set back.

The tourists may also be dismayed if the island will all be filled with events, Sacapaño added.

The Island Administrator meanwhile, hopes that the tourists will look at Boracay with a good impression this summer season.

Translated by Shelah Casiano