BFP appealed to the public to be more careful during the Holy Week

Posted April 16, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Boracay appealed to the public to be more cautious during the Holy Week.

According to BFP Boracay Inspecto,r Joseph Cadag, the public need to be sure about fire safety before leaving their homes for the Holy Week vacation.

Cadag reminded the public that before leaving their homes all their electronic devices and appliances should be unplugged.

He added that many will be using candles during the Holy Week . Regarding this, candles should be put in a place which is not near curtains or materials that easily catch fire, and not in places easily reached by children.

Another of the reminders of the BFP Boracay is to properly close the valve of LPG. Allegedly, at times this is the cause of fire when it is not properly closed.

On the other hand, the BFP said the public should not only be prepared about fire when leaving their homes but also on thieves who find a way to steal when there is no one left on a household.

Moreover, the Bureau of Fire Protection Unit is on high alert in Boracay Island for the commemoration of the Holy Week.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Some areas in Aklan, to experience electricity load shedding

Posted April 15, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Some areas in Aklan will experience electric supply load shedding starting today until Monday, April 21.

Based on AKLECO’s advisory, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)’s Panit-an Substation Transformer undergoes over loading because of the gradual restoration of electricity supply demand in the province, particularly of Boracay Island, which is also a part of their 138 kv transmission line restoration project.

In line with this a sudden power interruption is to be expected especially during night time where electricity demand is on the highest.

AKELCO however clarified, that the shedding schedule may  or may not push through depending on the NGCP’s allocation.

Meanwhile, the Boracay Substation is among those that will experience load shedding, including Altavas, Lezo, Madalag, Nabas, Kalibo and some parts of Antique.

Translated by Shelah Casian0

Boracay Action Group, on full alert status for Holy Week

Posted April 15, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Members of the Boracay Action Group (BAG) are now on full alert status for the Holy Week.

During a Joint Flag Raising Ceremony Monday, the Boracay PNP, Philippine Coastguard, Maritime Police, Philippine Army Task Group Boracay, and the Boracay Fire Protection Unit each has expressed their preparedness to ensure the security in the island.

According to Boracay PNP Chief PSInspector Mark Evan Salvo they are now on heightened alert but still calls for support from other members of BAG.

A full support on the island’s law enforcement was guaranteed by Captain Harrison Toquero of the Task Group Boracay, while personnel deployment and fire truck visibility aside from fire safety inspection was promised by Boracay Bureau of Fire Protection Unit Inspector Joseph Cadag.

Meanwhile, Coastguard Boracay Sub-station Commander Chief Petty Officer Arnel Sulla said that their passenger assistance centers at Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Port is all geared up, while Police Inspector Crispen Azarcon of the Maritime Police assured the security augmentation at the Ro-Ro terminals.

With this, the LGU Malay through SB Member Rowen Aguirre extends their gratitude for the agency’s readiness for the influx of tourists this Holy Week.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

PCG Caticlan and Boracay, to possibly have a helicopter for search and rescue operations

Posted April 14, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will possibly give one helicopter for Boracay and Caticlan.

This is according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Commandant Lt. Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno in line with the coastguard’s first ever Search and Rescue (SAR) Base in Roxas City, Capiz.

Vingno said that during the groundbreaking ceremony last Saturday, Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas said that the City of Roxas was chosen as the base of SAR because it is the center of Sea Lanes in the country and is closer to airports and other government agencies.

This will also serve as the SAR base for the whole Visayas Region.

Meanwhile, the mentioned coastguard base costs up to 211 million pesos and is expected to be finished this year.

Along with DILG Sec. Roxas, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya also attended the groundbreaking ceremony where he said that choosing Roxas City as the location is “SAR Base Strategic.”

Translated by Shelah Casiano

PSInspector Mark Evan Salvo, refutes there's Budol-budol in Boracay

Posted April 14, 2014 as of 6:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

Money switching, and not “budol-budol”

This what Boracay PNP Chief PSInspector Mark Evan Salvo has said in line with an alleged budol-budol attempt in the island of Boracay in the past days.

Salvo said that Money Switching is different from “budol-budol,” where a slight of hand is used with the former to switch the money with a fake one and would complain of a wrong change.

With budol-budol there is an element of deceit where a large amount of money is involved.

Meanwhile, the PNP Chief said that they already have a lead and are now on alert with the mentioned money switching, where a group of individuals from Bulacan were said to have tried to victimize a restaurant owner in Barangay Balabag last Friday.

 Translated by Shelah Casiano

Project of DPWH in Aklan, ready for 2014 -2016

Posted April 14, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The priority projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are set for 2014 to 2016.

This was the statement of Public Works and Highways Secretary, Rogelio Singson during his visit to the province of Aklan with DPWH Regional Director, Eduardo Tayao.

Singson said more than P1.2 Billion fund was released for projects for Aklan alone during the mentioned period.

It was learned that the purpose of their visit to Aklan is for the implementation of infrastructure projects.

He also said that the reconstruction of the national road and bridges at the province including the Kalibo circumferential road, and expansion of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) are  the priorities of the DPWH.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Aklan is hoping that the projects of the DPWH will help increase tourism in the province.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus