BFI, to send position letter to SP Aklan opposing new proposed Base Market Values in Boracay

Posted April 11, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The more than 200 percent increase in tax for Boracay Island is too high.

This is the sentiment of real property owners in the island in line with the new Base Market Values for Malay, Caticlan and Boracay.

For this reason, Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) President Jony Salme said that they will be sending a position letter to the Aklan Provincial Council or Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to raise their suggestions.

According to Salme, the said letter is still being drafted and they will send it to the Aklan Provincial Government as soon as possible.

On the Public Hearing conducted by SP Aklan in Boracay last April 4, real property owners questioned the increase in their taxes for 2015.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Assessor explained that the reason why taxes for Boracay and Malay increased to up to 200 to 300 percent is because the Provincial Government set aside the General Revision of Base Market Values for 9 years due to past calamities that hit Aklan.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DOT Boracay, on the lookout for parties on Holy Week

Posted April 11, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

There are ordinances that regulate parties and or events in Boracay during Holy Week.

However, according to Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar, the “parties” will be one of their focuses during the mentioned period.

This is to support the LGU Malay and the Catholic Church’s appeal for Boracay to give way for the Holy Week reflection.

Meanwhile, on SB Malay’s regular Session on Tuesday the prohibition of loud sounds and or music in Boracay on Good Friday was tackled.

The temporary order regarding sounds and music is to give respect to the Catholic congregation’s observance of Lent.

Many tourists visit Boracay for its numerous beach parties during summer even on a Holy Week.

Translated by Shelah  Casiano

Water Supply in Boracay this summer, “no worries,” says BIWC

Posted April 11, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Boracay’s water supply for the summer season will have “no worries.”

This is what Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) Customer Representative Officer Acs Aldaba assures in line with the expected water demand increase in the island this warm period.

According to Aldaba, they already have prepared for this occasion along with the anticipation of the influx of many tourists during the Holy Week.

The Customer Representative Officer also guaranteed a 24/7 or continuous water supply in the island.

They also have their generator ready for any power interruptions that may occur to avoid disruption of water flow to establishments and residences.

The BIWC is the primary water supplier in Boracay and provides sewer line services to residential and commercial establishments in the island.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BIWC, to provide ‘Free drinking water’ for the public in Boracay during the Holy Week

Posted April 11, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

“Free drinking water.”

This is the answer of the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) for the thirst of the public during the Holy Week in the island.

According to Boracay Water Customer Service Officer, Acs Aldaba, free drinking water station will be set up at the beach front of Station 1 until Station 3, Boracay on Maundy Thursday, until Easter Sunday or April 17 until April 20, from 9 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon.

Allegedly, the BIWC wants to help out tourists who have difficulties in finding place to purchase water, and those who would like to save money.

The company usually provides free water for the public during big events in the island.

Meanwhile, the arrival of plenty of tourists in the island during the Holy Week is being expected.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Mayor John Yap, “ok” with Boracay dubbed as Fire Dance capital of the Philippines

Posted April 10, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

It is “ok” for Mayor John Yap if Boracay will ever be named as the Fire Dance capital of the Philippines.

This is the Mayor’s reaction to fire dancers’ performance that really attracts the tourists’ attention while walking by the beach front.

Some of the visitors’ amazement at this nightly attraction is noticeable, and they would often take pictures with the fire dancers as souvenirs.

On the other hand, Mayor Yap still reminds about the regulation related to the care of the white sands that attracts many tourist to the island.

Meanwhile, along with the reminder, the mayor also assured the tourists’ security in Boracay.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) worried about the hazards that may be caused by the gas used by the fire dancers.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

A much enhanced crisis management at Kalibo Airport, propped up

Posted April 10, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

The Aklan Provincial Government is now promoting a more enhanced crisis management at the Kalibo Airport.

This followed after a misunderstanding between Chinese passengers and Cebu Pacific pilots occurred at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) last week.

The incident caused Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores to call for the KIA Management Team.

During a conference with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and Kalibo Airport Manager Cynthia Aspera, Governor Miraflores said that the event should not happen again.

It was learned that about 170 passengers bound for Shanghai, China were stranded after the pilots of the mentioned plane decided to go back to the Kalibo Airport due to a bad weather condition.

Meanwhile, on April 14, the Provincial Council or Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan is to conduct a joint committee hearing regarding issues that have emerged from the said incident.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Reconstruction of the Panit-an-Nabas Transmission Lines, delayed due to right of way

Posted April 10, 2014 as of 3:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

A power interruption can still be experienced by the Island of Boracay during the summer.

This is despite the assurance by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that the construction of the Panit-an-Nabas Transmission Lines is being rushed.

The rehabilitation and restoration project is delayed due to right of way problem.

In a press conference, the NGCP Panay District Head, Rey Jaleco said that there are lot owners who do not want the Emergency Restoration System (ERS) of the NGCP to be built on their land.

This is the reason why Jaleco admitted the project will not be finished by the month of April.

Nevertheless, he said they had coordinated with the province of Aklan so that they could be assisted on the problem.

Aklan Vice Governor, Gabrielle Quimpo had previously expressed concern regarding the problem faced by the NGCP so she advised stakeholders of Boracay to make preparations.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Loud music in Boracay, to be prohibited by SB Malay during Holy Week

Posted April 9, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Jay-Ar Arante

The Municipal Council of Malay will be prohibiting loud music in Boracay during the Holy Week.

On the “Other matters” agenda of the Malay SB Session yesterday, SB Member Rowen Aguirre said that they could re-adopt the past resolution on this matter.

According to Aguirre, the same was followed by the previous administrations, where loud sounds and or music are being stopped in the island during the period.

The resolution will be implemented on Good Friday from 6am to 6pm.

And since the SB is only implementing this for only a day, the council expects all establishments in Boracay to cooperate.

In line with this, the LGU Malay issued a notice to business establishments in the island, particularly those that plays loud sounds, including live bands, which deviates attention from the Holy Week reflection.

Translated by Shelah Casiano  

SB Member Bautista, proposed to pass resolution for motorboat schedules at Tabon Port

Posted April 9, 2014 as of 5:00pm

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Malay SB Member Frolibar Bautista proposed that the SB pass a resolution covering motorboat schedules at the Tabon Port.

On SB Malay’s session yesterday, where the mentioned port’s preparation for the “habagat” season was discussed, Bautista said, the route of boats at Tabon port is confusing as its schedule is transferred back to Caticlan Port if the sea becomes calmer.

A draft resolution was prepared by SB Malay to tackle it again and to give it a solution on the next session.

The resolution states that during “Habagat” season, boat schedules must remain at the Tabon Port and will not return to Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Port until the southwest monsoon ends.

Meanwhile, the LGU Malay is also preparing for the renovation of the Tabon Port and even the roads at the area to avoid untoward comments from the tourists visiting Boracay.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

400 Hectares of forest at Nabaoy Village burned

Posted April 9, 2014 as of 12:00nn

Written by Bert Dalida

The cause of the forest fire which occurred at Nabaoy village on Tuesday, April 8 is still being investigated by the Bureau of Fire Boracay.

According to FO1 Rallie Lou of the Bureau of Fire Protection Unit Boracay, about four hundred (400) hectares of forest was destroyed by the fire which started at 10:30 Tuesday morning.

The Bureau of Fire Ibajay, TransAire Fire Rescue, and other village volunteers of Malay worked together and finally put the fire out at 4:30 pm of the same day.

No casualties were reported in the fire aside from small trees.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Mayor John Yap, appeals to vacationers in Boracay this summer

Posted April 8, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

Malay Mayor John Yap appeals to all vacationers in Boracay to abide with the ordinances in the island.

This is as the mayor warmly welcomes the guests this summer.

According to Mayor Yap, the LGU Malay is taking care of the island for everybody and for the enjoyment of all.

The Chief Executive particularly reminds of the No Smoking by the Beach and the Anti-littering policies.

The Mayor meanwhile ensures the security of guests in the island, as law enforcers are on alert for the influx of many tourists.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BFI launches its second Flores De Mayo in Boracay

Posted April 7, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated launches its second year in organizing the Flores De Mayo in Boracay.

According to BFI Executive Director Pia Miraflores, this will be held on May 24^th with the participation of Misses from different business establishments on the island.

In line with this, a mass will be celebrated at the Balabag Church at 3 pm which will be followed by a parade at the beach front going to a resort in Station 2 for the awarding ceremony.

The BFI is still accepting applicants to join the activity or to be one of Boracay’s candidates for Reyna Elena 2014.

Miraflores also said that non-BFI members can also take part particularly the Boracay residents.

The foundation is hopeful that many would join this year as it is unique compared to other Flores De Mayo celebrations in the country.

The BFI Executive Director added that they will be organizing this annually for the tourists to look forward to aside from the beautiful spots in the island.

Meanwhile girls ages 14 and up can join the Flores De Mayo 2014.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

NGCP, gears up for typhoon Domeng’s arrival in the Philippines

Posted April 7, 2014 as 0f 5:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

The National Grid Corporation (NCGP) is gearing up for tropical storm Domeng’s entrance to the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

This is what NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia Albanza has said during a Power Briefing in Boracay earlier this morning.

According to Albanza, included in the said preparation is to ensure the communication equipments and the tools to be used for an immediate repair of facilities that may be damaged by the typhoon, as well as the monitoring of line patrols.

Meanwhile the NGCP’s Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) is also ready to make certain the preparedness of power transmission facilities that are expected to be affected by the weather disturbance.

PAGASA’s weather bulletin said the typhoon Domeng is moving with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

It was last spotted at 770 kilometers east of Davao City.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Number of tourists in Boracay this summer seems to be increasing

Posted April 7, 2014 as of 3:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

It seems that the number of tourists arriving in Boracay this summer is increasing.

The long queue of arriving tourists at the Caticlan Jetty Port is noticeable.

Also, the number of tourists strolling at the beach front in the past few days has noticeably increased.

Meanwhile, the Boracay PNP has become more alert for the security of tourists.

On the other hand, tourists say that the presence of an assistance center at the beach front is a big help since there is someone they could ask questions or assistance.

Furthermore, the Department of Tourism (DOT) expects that tourists will increase next week which is the Holy Week.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus