Municipal Advisory Council-set to be launched by the Boracay PNP

Posted April 25, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay PNP is getting ready to launch the Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) in the island.

This is related to the Integrated Transformation Program of the Philippine National Police by means of the Performance Governance System (PGS) or PNP ITP-PGS 2030 also known as PATROL Plan 2030.

Meanwhile, it is the objective of the MAC to garner support from the members of the Local Government Unit (LGU), Stakeholder, legal counsel, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and private agencies who will become the partners and advisers of the said program.

Aside from this, the Police Strategy Management Unit of Boracay PNP was made active to monitor the activities of the program of PATROL Plan 2030.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Prohibition of sand castle building in Boracay, included in BRTF’s program

Posted April 24, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Included in the programs of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) is to stop the already prohibited sand castle building.

This is what BRTF Chairman and Boracay Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño has assured, in line with their nightly patrol at the beach front last Holy Week.

Despite of the Malay Auxiliary Police (MAP)’s constant reminder to children who builds them, numerous sand castles can still be seen in Boracay.

Sacapaño also maintains that the BRTF’s move is in fact for the tourist’s security.

Meanwhile, the BRTF also conducts nightly monitoring of establishments in relation to the implementation of anti-noise pollution ordinance and the 25+5 meter easement.

For patrolling, the BRTF works alongside the Boracay PNP, MAP, Barangay Tanods and other law enforcers in the island.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DOT Boracay, advises vacationers in Boracay not to worry about MERS virus

Posted April 24, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

With the influx of thousands of tourists from different places, residents in Boracay are starting to worry about reports of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay OIC Tim Ticar, on the other hand, advises both guests and residents not to worry about the said virus.

According to Ticar, their communication with the Department of Health (DOH) says that there is nothing to be worried about because the Philippines is negative from MERS-CoV.

Nevertheless, Ticar still encourages the Boracay community to observe precautionary measures for their own safety.

MERS-CoV was first recorded in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Its signs & symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and loose bowel movement.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

PHO Aklan, clarifies no MERS-CoV in the province

Posted April 24, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) Aklan clarified that there are no cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the province.

This followed after reports that an Aklanon OFW was aboard the same plane as the Pinoy Nurse believed to be infected with the mentioned disease.

With this, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 immediately issued a statement that the said Aklanon is negative from MERS-CoV after a test was conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

However, according to the PHO, to ensure safety, the subject underwent another quarantine and examination where the family was also submitted to a swab test.

The overseas worker is a resident of Kalibo, Aklan and has boarded Etihad Airlines flight EY 0424 from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and landed at the Ninoy International Airport last April 15.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BRTF implementation, back to normal after Holy Week

Posted April 23, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Now that the Holy Week is over, the implementation of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) is back to normal.

According to BRTF Chairman and Boracay Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño, BRTF’s program schedules continue more so that Boracay no longer have an off season.

In fact, the Administrator added that the task force already renovated the command center at station 2 for the Red Cross, Lifeguard, and Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) as part of the redevelopment project in the island.

Sacapaño had earlier said that implementation of Boracay Redevelopment related ordinances will be stern but balanced.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Tourist Arrivals in Boracay this Holy Week, hits over 45 thousand

Posted April 23, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Caticlan Jetty Port has recorded over 45 thousand tourist arrivals in Boracay this Holy Week.

According to the Port’s Special Operations Officer III Jean Pontero, from April 14 to April 20 the recorded tourist arrivals reached up to 45, 767.

Pontero said that this year’s record is higher compared to last year’s 39,120 persons.

Most of the vacationers during the Holy Week were local tourists who opted to spend their long holiday on the island.

The Department of Tourism had previously said that they aim to reach 1.5million tourists this 2014.

The mentioned port had fortunately encountered no difficulties as thousands flooded the island in the past week.

This is due to their preparedness particularly on the security of the area.

Meanwhile, the influx of tourist in Boracay for summer vacation continues with Korean and Taiwanese nationals and even local guests at the top of the list.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Aklan Piña & Fiber Festival, kicks off today

Posted April 22, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Province of Aklan has started to showcase its primary product at the Aklan’s Piña (Pineapple) & Fiber Festival.

The exhibit at the Trade Hall in the Provincial Capitol Grounds has been formally opened.

This is among the line-up of activities for the 58th Founding Anniversary of the province.

According to the Aklan Provincial Government, they will show a trade fair which will display public-private partnership to promote micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to encourage competitiveness among businesses.

The said activity started on April 22nd until April 27 where more than 50 exhibitors were given opportunity to sell their unique and world class products.

Products to be displayed include decorative crafts, gifts, fashion accessories, confectionary products, agri-aqua products, bakery, high fashion apparels and furnishings.

The Aklan Provincial Government works alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan, PhilFIDA, PhilExport-Aklan Chapter, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association Inc., and the Aklan Piña and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association Inc. for the success of the said activity which is now on its 15th year.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Philippine Coastguard, still on heightened alert after Holy Week

Posted April 22, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) is still on heightened alert even after the Holy Week.

According to PO1st Condrito Alvarez Jr. of PCG Caticlan their passenger assistance continues particularly for those who are back for work and are returning home after a vacation in Boracay.

Alvarez added that they are also strictly implementing the wearing of life jackets to passengers along with the reminder to write their names on the manifest.

Earlier, before the Holy Week the coastguard has set passenger assistance centers at ports in Caticlan and Boracay.

While saying that there were no problems encountered in the RoRo trips as of the moment, Alvarez reminds travelers to be careful and follow the rules set by the coastguard.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Caticlan Jetty Port, still on strict watch even after Holy Week

Posted April 22, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Caticlan Jetty Port is in order.

This is how the Port’s Special Operations Officer III Jean Pontero describes the area after the influx of local and foreign tourists during the Holy Week.

This means that the Caticlan Jetty port is more relaxed compared from the past days.

Although things are in order, Pontero said that they are still strict with the security and are ensuring the port’s facilities including the security assistance desk and guest inquiry.

Pontero also added that there were no setbacks that have occurred with the x-ray machine.

The port has recorded over 60 thousand tourist arrivals as the Holy Week wrapped up.

Meanwhile, Police forces and the Coastguard continue to monitor the area as well as the tourists going in and out of the island.

Moreover, Pontero reminds all passengers to cooperate and abide by the rules implemented by the Caticlan Jetty Port and to always be cautious.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

LGU of Malay disappointed with those who did not comply with the “No parties and loud music” in Boracay on Good Friday

Posted April 22, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay is disappointed with those who disobeyed the “No parties and loud music” in Boracay on Good Friday, April 18.

This is because the count on establishments in Boracay which had music despite the strict prohibition from the municipality and the Town Council of Malay reached 15.

The count was based on the monitoring report by the Municipal Auxiliary Police submitted to Boracay Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño.

According to Sacapaño, the establishments already knew the call of the municipality to all establishments to cooperate in making way for the solemnity of the Good Friday.

Nevertheless Sacapaño made another appeal to respect the sacred celebration.

On the other hand, he was thankful that the celebration of the Holy Week in Boracay was peaceful because of the cooperation of everyone.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Holy Week celebration in Boracay, peaceful, says Boracay PNP

Posted April 21, 2014 as 0f 6:00pm

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Boracay has been peaceful.

This is what Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) Chief PSInspector Mark Evan Salvo confidently said in line with the influx of thousands of tourists in Boracay during the Holy Week.

According to Salvo, they haven’t recorded any untoward incidents aside from petty crimes that haven’t affected the celebration.

Salvo added that no changes are required in the preparations for the island’s security during the season; he however said that they need to improve on the reinforcement next year.

Meanwhile, the BTAC Chief also extended his gratitude to the members of the Boracay Action Group (BAG) for a peaceful celebration of the Holy Week.

Translated by Shelah Casiano