Signage on ordinances in Boracay, to be circulated by BFI in Caticlan and Boracay

Posted May 10, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) is to circulate signage of Boracay ordinances within the island and some areas in Caticlan.

This is after piles of trash were left to scatter at the shoreline this past LaBoracay celebration where various events were conducted.

According to the BFI, they are to place the signage at the Caticlan Airport and Jetty Port.

A giant signboard with Do’s and Don’t’s in Boracay will also be placed at the Cagban Port.

The BFI acknowledges the fact that many tourists are still unaware of the ordinances in the island and so they freely do what isn’t suppose to be done more so if they are not given notice by the authority.

The Local Government of Malay strictly prohibits smoking, drinking, and eating at the beach front because many would just leave their trash by the shores.

Those caught will be penalized accordingly.

The BFI is meanwhile working with other organization under the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) to put the plan into action.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Haulers’ Cooperative in Boracay, to talk to Aklan Governor Miraflores regarding problems with quarried aggregates in the island

Posted May 10, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Members of the Haulers’ Cooperative in Boracay will be talking to Aklan Governor Miraflores regarding their problems with quarried aggregates in the island.

According to Boracay Malay Sea and Land Haulers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Chairman Edgar Marasigan Jr., there are shortages of quarried aggregates in the island, and they were not supplied with high quality sand.

This in turn made the Boracay contractors to also complain as the sand being supplied fails to pass the standards.

Things are worse for the cooperative because Ibajay could no longer supply them with sand more so that Aklan Governor Miraflores declared a moratorium for quarrying activities in the province.

Meanwhile, they are not convinced with the promise made by Aklan Provincial Government representative Engr. Leo Pareña, with whom they once conducted a meeting regarding with the mentioned problem.

Pareña have said to give a word that the cooperative, though only having one supplier in Caticlan, will be provided with enough aggregates and sands.

In line with this, the Haulers’ cooperative is hoping that the governor will hear out their appeal.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Boracay aims to bag new Guinness World Record for Longest Massage Chain

Posted May 9, 2014

Written by Alan Palma Sr.

The local government of Malay is determined to take from Thailand the Guinness World Record title of Longest Massage Chain.

On the conference and preparations, Tourism Chief Operations Officer Felix Delos Santos revealed that for Boracay to bag the title, the record to beat is 1,223.

Delos Santos encouraged all therapists and masseurs in the island to join and support this objective to promote Boracay’s signature massage, which they themselves will benefit from.

Boracay’s front beach is expected to be flooded with spectators during the event as TV Networks will be covering to document the activity together with Guinness World Record representatives.

This record attempt is one of the highlights for the Boracay Day Celebration on May 16, 2014.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Motorboats from Hambil, Romblon, notified on 1 entry-1 exit policy

Posted May 9, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The local government of Malay gives warning to all motorboats on a Hambil, Romblon to Boracay route.

This is as the LGU orders the apprehension of boats coming from other islands, particularly from Hambil, that will violate the 1 entry-1 exit policy of the Aklan Provincial Government.

In line with this, the mentioned boats must pass via the Cagban Port only and are prohibited to dock at Boracay’s front beach.

The Philippine Coastguard and the Maritime Police were already instructed of a strict implementation of the said policy.

Many resort owners in Boracay have complained about boats picking up passengers at stations 1 and 3.

Meanwhile, According to Jetty Port Administrator Nieven Maquirang, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores himself will conduct a meeting with barge owners in the area.

Barges are also prohibited to dock at Boracay due to the damage it may bring to the corals in the island.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Missing diamond ring of designer Nicky Diamonds-returned

Posted May 9, 2014

Written by Abigail Lei Bardeñas

The visit to Boracay of the owner and head designer of Diamond Supply Co, Nicky Diamonds, in the previews week can be considered remarkable.

However, the return of his lost ring, estimated to be worth five to six thousand ($5,000.00 - $6,000.00) dollars, became more remarkable.

According to reports, Nicky Diamonds was partying in one of the parties in the island when he lost at the front beach his rose gold and diamond ring.

With the large number of people during that time in Boracay, Diamonds did not expect he would still get his lost ring back, in the belief that it would not be returned even if someone picked it up.

Yet, one Jaffe Lacson saw the lost ring. Using his Instagram account, he put a photo of the ring wherein the engraved name inside the ring could be seen clearly, and tagged Nicky Diamonds.

The Filipino returned the ring to Nicky at his hotel room, and out of extreme appreciation Nicky gave what he calls Grizzly ring to Jaffe as a reward.

As tribute to the Filipino, Nicky Diamonds put his photo, with Jaffe Lacson wearing the ring he returned, in his Instagram account.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Putting of advocacy of Boracay on billboards of advertisers, being planned by the Provincial Government of Aklan

Posted May 8, 2014 as of 12:00nn

Written by Bert Dalida

It is expected that more tourists will know the ordinances in Boracay.

This is because the putting of advocacies of Boracay in billboards of advertisers at Caticlan and Cagban is being planned by the Provincial Government of Aklan.

This was what Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said related to the unexpected volume of tourist arrivals in the long weekend and LaBoracay (Labor Day Boracay) which resulted to scattered garbage on the sea shore.

Maquirang was in admission that there are still things needed to be added and be fixed at the Caticlan Jetty Port in order to inform tourists on the laws implemented in the island.

He also said that ¼ of the size of billboard advertisements will be allocated to the “Do’s and Don’ts” in Boracay.

Meanwhile, Maquirang said the provincial government of Aklan is ready to give support to any advocacy of Boracay.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

One way lane in Boracay, included in Malay Transportation Office’s plan

Posted May 7, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

A possible one way lane in Boracay is now included in Malay Transportation Office (MTO)’s plan.

This is to lessen the difficulty brought about by the heavy traffic in the island particularly on weekends.

According to Malay Transportation Officer Cezar Oczon, they already have their initial plan, but its finalization has to wait because of the on-going formulation of the traffic code.

Meanwhile, Oczon calls upon all delivery vehicles and mini dump truck operators to use the circumferential road in order to minimize the buildup of traffic at the main road.

However, the circumferential road is not 100 % finished as of the moment as parts of the road still needs to be completed.

Heavy traffic caused some dilemmas in Boracay this past weekend when tricycle color coding was temporarily canceled after shortages of units, which in turn resulted from the influx of thousands of tourists.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BFI invites AKELCO to clarify power interruption matters to stakeholders in Boracay

Posted May 7, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

“Power interruptions experienced in Boracay are very inconvenient.”

This is only one of the few complaints lifted by stakeholders in the island in line with the frequent brown outs.

For this reason, the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) will set a meeting with the Officials of AKLECO on May 10 in order to further explain power interruptions matters to the stakeholders.

According to BFI Executive Director Ms. Pia Miraflores, many resort owners and stakeholders are complaining because of the damages on their generator sets and other electrical appliances brought about by the interruptions.

Aside from this, guests are also annoyed about the fluctuating power supply.

Meanwhile, AKELCO has previously issued a notice explaining that the power interruptions are due to low voltage and manual load dropping.

This is also a result of the continued repair of the NGCP 69KV connection to the 50MVA in Panit-an, Capiz which is also connected to the Nabas sub-station where AKELCO is obtaining its supply from.

In line with this, AKELCO encourages its consumers to be wise enough in using electricity.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Tricycle drivers in Boracay, ought to serve tourists, says LGU Malay

Posted May 6, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Tricycle drivers in Boracay are ought to serve the tourists.

This is Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño’s reminder after tourists flood in during the long weekend, which caused the cancelation of tricycle color coding.

According to Sacapaño, this is an implication that the number of tourist arrivals have indeed increased as there was a shortage of tricycle units at the Cagban Port.

Aside from this, many tricycle drivers benefited and earned more due to the cancelation of color coding, thus, Sacapaño said, drivers should also be grateful towards LGU- Malay.

Meanwhile, there are still many residents who complain about some drivers who are choosy when it comes to their passengers despite the colors blue and yellow units that are of service at the moment.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

LGU Malay: Event Organizers and establishments in Boracay must also be concerned

Posted May 6, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Event organizers and establishments in Boracay must also show some concern.

This is what Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño appeals in line with the implemented ordinances in the island, particularly the “No Smoking by the beach,” and “Anti-littering” policies.

This followed after the local government admitted their shortcoming on why piles of trash were left at the beach line after the events this past weekend.

With this, the Island Administrator assured that the incident won’t occur again.

While Sacapaño acknowledged the advantages of summer events, more so that the island promotes tourism, he warned that they will be imposing appropriate discipline to those who will go against the regulations.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

COMELEC, reminds about Biometric Registration

Posted May 6, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Commission on Election (COMELEC) reiterates the reform they are implementing on the preparations for the 2016 Presidential Elections.

According to Malay COMELEC Officer II Elma Cahilig, an individual will not be able to vote without the biometrics, thus, voters need to register for their biometric data.

Influx of registrants from different areas in Malay was expected today.

In line with this, the COMELEC reminds the voters to register as early and not to wait till 2015.

The Malay COMELEC Office is open to registrants during the office hours from 8am to 5pm.

Requirements include a valid ID, particularly government issued ID, and certificate of Live Birth.

Registration through the Biometric System for the 2016 polls starts today, may 6 until October 31^st, 2015.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

COMELEC Registration for 2016 Elections, to start Tuesday

Posted May 5, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Commission on Election (COMELEC)’s registration for the 2016 Elections is to start tomorrow, a Tuesday.

According to COMELEC Officer II Elma Cahilig, voters can now register through the biometric system from May 6, 2014 to October 31^st of2015.

The Biometric System will be used for fingerprinting and picture taking of voters and first time electorates before they will be a given a voter’s ID.

Meanwhile, a voter’s status can be considered “deactivated” if the said individual failed to vote even ones during the two elections in May and October 2013, thus they need to have their registrations re-activated and to fill up an affidavit for those who already had undergone the biometrics.

For transferees, Cahilig explained, the only need to visit the election office of the precinct they wish to transfer to and register at the Voter’s Registration Machine (VRM) for the biometrics, and the commission will tend to the cancelation of their old record.

Cahilig added that their office is open to those who wish to register during office hours from 8am to 5pm.

The requirement includes a valid ID, particularly government issued IDs and live birth certificate.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

HRP Boracay reminds tourists of “Love of Nature”

Posted May 5, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

 The Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) Boracay reminds tourists of the essence of Love of Nature.

This is as loads of trash, particularly at Stations 1 and 2 were left at the beach front by tourists who failed to abide by the island’s ordinances.

Rev. Father Edwin Chiu, one of HRP’s priests, while including in his sermon on Sunday, the Love of Boracay and its ordinances, expressed dismay towards tourists who smokes and drinks at the beach area and has left cigarette butts and empty bottles lying at the shores.

Father Edwin added that the visitors are already a part of Boracay thus they also have a part in taking care of it.

Meanwhile, many volunteers have worked alongside the Boracay Solid Waste Management Team in cleaning up the beach line that was left littered after various events during the long weekend.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Aklan Governor Miraflores, pleased with improvements at KIA

Posted May 3, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores is pleased with the improvements at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

According to Miraflores, the national government, through the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) ensured KIA’s full development.

The Governor added that DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya promised to promptly carry out the improvements at the said airport and turn it into a premier gateway of the country.

Because of the continuous flow of tourists and the increasing demand of air traffic cargo, KIA facilities are also targeted to be upgraded.

The Kalibo Airport is also permitted to accommodate more direct and chartered regional flights to be competitive with other airports in Southeast Asia.

As a preparation for international flights, the expansion of the runway is on-going at the moment.

Kalibo International Airport is also known to cater to most number of international flights in Western Visayas as Aklan is considered a premier destination because of Boracay Island.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Aklanon Athletes, now ready for Palarong Pambansa on May 4

Posted May 3, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

About 20 Aklanon athletes are now ready to represent Western Visayas Region at the 2014 Palarong Pambansa or National Games.

The Palaro will be held at Sta. Cruz, Laguna on May 4 to 10, 2014.

According to DepEd Aklan Education Program Supervisor I Mary Ann Lopez, 11 Elementary Students are to compete for swimming, tennis, basketball, athletics, taekwondo, and chess events.

There are meanwhile 9 High School students to compete for arnis, boxing, athletics and chess events.

Laguna Governor ER Ejercito said that they have prepared for what he calls Olympics of the Philippines, for one year.

Joining are 11,200 athletes and 1,200 technical officials from 80 provinces in 17 regions.

Quarters for participants are already set as well as the Sta. Cruz Sport Complex where the games will be held.

Police and tanods will also be deployed for the security of thousands of athletes.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

AKELCO, explains power interruptions in Boracay

Posted May 3, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) again explains to the public the reasons behind the power interruptions in Boracay.

According to AKELCO Boracay Area Engr. Wayne Bucala, they have on-going and programmed transfers of posts and electric line repairs in the island which they carry out one at a time at the moment.

In line with this, AKELCO encourages its consumers to be thrifty in using electricity.

This followed after their appeal to malls, banks, and other big establishments to limit their use of aircon, refrigerator, and other appliances which consumes so much energy to avoid Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) Power Plant trip off.

The cooperative is now implementing a manual load dropping of power supplies from Nabas (Aklan) by the GBPC.

AKELCO added that the GBPC’s supply has been limited since the restoration of power in some parts of Boracay.

Akelco also clarified that it is not them, but the GBPC that schedules the power shut down.

With this, AKELCO apologizes to the public and is trying to find solution to the power interruptions experienced in Boracay.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Newscaster Abigail Bardeñs