AKELCO GM Peralta, announced early retirement from service

Posted May 17, 2014

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) General Manager Chito Peralta announced his early retirement effective end of June.

The announcement was made Monday addressing AKELCO’s Board of Directors during a meeting at the cooperative’s main office in Lezo, Aklan.

His retirement plans was said to be due to his wish to spend more time with his family and friends as well as to have more private life.

Peralta became emotional while thanking EKELCO employees for their support and their dedication for work.

On the other hand, Peralta clarified that his retirement is not a compromise deal with the Natioanl Electrification Administration, where he had a pending case filed against him by electric consumers.

Chito Peralta, 58, has served AKELCO as general manager for six years and 10 months.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Responsibility for Boracay, reminded on Boracay Day 2014

Posted May 17, 2014

Written by: Bert Dalida

Responsibility for Boracay

This is among the reminders that Malay Mayor John Yap emphasized on his message during the opening of Boracay Day 2014 celebration Friday.

According to Mayor John, everybody should show concern for Boracay and to support the campaign for cleanliness and environmental protection.

Meanwhile, Aklan Governor Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores also attended and showed his support while greeting those who joined the Longest Massage chain record attempt of Aklanons, particularly Malaynons.

Boracay Day which is being celebrated for three years now is also supported by stakeholders in the island.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Development projects in Aklan and Boracay, rushed by DOTC

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by: Bert Dalida

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is rushing the development projects in Aklan and Boracay.

This is what DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya has said during the Phil Water International Conference in the island Thursday.

According to Abaya, the DOTC ensured the safety standards at Kalibo International Airport along with the expansion of the parking space in the area.

They are also working on the planned projects for Cagban and Caticlan Ports as a preparation for the coming APEC Summit.

Abaya meanwhile confirmed that they are also rushing the development projects in different areas in Panay like Iloilo Airport and Philippine Coastguard Search and Rescue base in Roxas City.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

BIWC, assures there will be no water supply shortage amid El Niño threat

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by: Bert Dalida

The Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) will have enough water supply amid the threat of El Niño.

This is according to BIWC Customer Care Service Officer Acs Aldaba as the 22^nd International Conference of the Philippine Water Works Association took place at the island Thursday.

Although admitting that some higher areas in Boracay experienced “low water supply to no supply of water” at some point during the LaBoracay and long weekend, Aldaba explained that this is due to an “unordinary” water supply demand resulting from the influx of thousands of tourists and was tripled during the Holy Week.

Aldaba also said, that while there will be no problem with the water supply from the Nabaoy River in the next several years, this should not be a reason for us to take for granted responsible water use.

The government meanwhile is bracing for the coming of El Niño in the country.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Aklanons, not affected with his name’s inclusion in Napolist, says Governor Miraflores

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by: Bert Dalida

Aklan Governor Miraflores believes that his name being included in Napolist has “no effect” to Aklanons.

According to Miraflores, he has no idea where the so called unsigned list appeared from, adding that anybody can make or include a name in a certain list.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima previously said that she had the list of names of law makers who were involved in the pork barrel scam.

The justice secretary also said that Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda was informed that what she has is a signed affidavit from Janet Lim Napoles.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Mass Blood Donation Drive by the PRC, ongoing

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Blood Donation of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Boracay Malay-Chapter was continuing as of press time.

The activity is a part of the celebration of Boracay Day on Friday, May 16 wherein residents and workers in the island are invited to donate blood.

Entitled “Dugtong Buhay, para sa Malay” (loosely translated extension of life, for Malay), the concept of the activity is to illustrate one’s love for Boracay and the town of Malay.

It was learned that the Blood Donation at the beach front Station 2 Boracay is until 3 in the afternoon, Friday, May 16.

Different organizations had responded to the call to donate blood to their fellowmen and love ones who need help.

Meanwhile, if the number of donors reaches 100, the PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter will receive a recognition named “Sandugo Awards” (One blood award) from the DOH.

The mentioned blood donation program is planned to be held yearly when the law declaring Boracay Day as a Special Non-Working Holiday has been passed.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

First week of COMELEC’s biometrics registration, crowded

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by: Gloria Villas

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC)’s first day of its biometrics registration was flooded with voters last week.

According to COMELEC Officer II Elma Cahilig, more than a hundred people registered on the first day alone.

The COMELEC Officer previously said that a voter can only took part in the polls if they have a biometric registration.

The biometrics, which will be the means of finger printing and photo taking, is required before one can be given a voter’s ID.

The Commission is also expecting more new voters from different areas in Malay for the coming 2016 Elections.

In line with this, COMELEC is reminding all voters not to wait till 2015 to register.

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

To those who wish to register, a valid ID, particularly a government issued ID, and certificate of live birth are the requirements.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

E-trikes in Boracay, reminded of passenger unloading

Posted May 16, 2014

Written by: Gloria Villas

E-Trike Program in-Charge Dante Pagsugiron reminds e-trike drivers on proper unloading of passengers.

This followed after drivers and concerned individuals raised their worries regarding some passengers who would just get-off the e-trike unit even there are oncoming vehicles that may cause untoward incidents.

Passengers can get off the e-trikes from both sides.

With this, Pagusiron said that it is also the e-trike driver’s responsibility to remind the commuters on how and where to get off.

Pagsugiron meanwhile is thankful that the matter was brought up to their attention, while adding that he will be making a move to resolve the mentioned concern.

Translated by; Shelah Casiano

More than 1,000 attended the rehearsal for the Longest Massage Chain World Record breaking attempt of Boracay

Posted May 15, 2014

Written by Alan Palma Sr.

The training for participants to try to set a new record for the Guinness World Record’s Longest Massage Chain on Friday, May 16, took place Thursday, May 15 in Boracay.

More than one thousand (1, 000+) participants attended to train for the massage routine which will take place on the first day of celebration for Boracay Day.

Aside from people from the massage industry, some organizations also joined to meet the target number of participants on Friday, May 16.

Currently, Thailand holds the record of 1,223 participants while 1,500 is the target of Boracay for the new record.

In addition to volunteers, masseuse and masseurs will arrive from Iloilo and Capiz to support the activity.

The registration will start at 5:30 in the morning, wherein the number of participants will be counted by the use of digital counter.

At 8 in the morning, the activity will commence which will be carefully supervised by the staff of the Guinness World Records.

To make sure that the record set by Thailand be surpassed, Municipal Tourism Chief Operation Officer Felix Delos Santos requested participants to invite more volunteers if possible.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Aklan Governor Miraflores, did not mind his name appearing on the Napoles list

Posted May 14, 2014 as of 12:00nn

Written by Bert Dalida

Allegedly, it seemed that Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores was not worried that his name came out on the Napoles list.

According to Aklan Provincial Administrator Atty. Selwyn Ibarreta, the reaction of Miraflores was like “business as usual” when it was learned in the news on Tuesday, May 13 that he was included in the list of senators and congressmen released by former senator and now Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson.

Ibarreta also said that based on his opinion, perhaps there were many lists that came out related to the pork barrel scam, so the truth cannot be really deciphered.

Meanwhile, Ibarreta told Aklanons that he did not see worries in the face of Gov. Miraflores related to the mentioned news.

It was learned that sufficient evidence is being asked for by the 12 former and incumbent senators and 68 congressmen after their names were included in the list.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Kabalikat Civicom, launched Motorcycle Safety Seminar in Boracay

Posted May 13, 2014 as of 12:00nn

Written by Bert Dalida

A Motorcycle Safety Seminar was launched by the Kabalikat Civicom in Boracay on Monday, May 12.

According to Kabalikat Civicom Taguig Chapter Vice President and National Motorcycle Head Martial Arjay Bimbo Amer, the safety seminar was their national project for their members who drive motorcycle.

Amer said that Kabalikat members are just volunteers so they need to be equipped or ready when conducting rescue operations.

Aside from this, the news regarding motorcycle accidents in the country is alarming according to Amer, and he believes that the number of such kind of accidents will be lessened through sharing of correct knowledge.

Meanwhile, Amer said the seminar was not only for their members but also for members of the community.

It was learned that there were members of motorbike riders in the island, and some residents and members of the Muslim community in the island that attended the seminar.

Included in the seminar topics, among others, were reminders on  discipline in driving, the wearing of helmet and safety gears, and that driving a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Resident in Boracay, raises sentiments regarding frequent brown outs in the island

Posted May 12, 2014 as of 4:00pm

Written by Gloria Villas

“The frequent on and off of electricity supply became such a hassle to us.”

This is only one of the few sentiments that Boracay residents wants to raise regarding the power interruptions that the island is suffering from at the moment.

The Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) has previously issued a public apology not only in Boracay but as well other municipalities in Aklan.

However, to some residents, this is not enough.

What they need to know, they said, is what moves does the cooperative take to give solution to the mentioned problem.

According to a certain “Liza,” aside from the damages the interruptions may cause to their electrical appliances and the risk of being robbed during the sudden brown out, they are also suffering from the extreme heat brought about the summer weather.

Meanwhile, during its meeting with the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) on May 10, AKELCO explained that the power interruptions are due to that low voltage and manual load dropping.

This is still in line with the continuous repair of NGCP 69KV connection to the 50MVA at Panit-an, Capiz.

AKELCO continues to encourage its consumers to be wise in using electricity.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Diocese of Kalibo Bishop Msgr. Jose Corazon Talaoc, presided High Mass for Balabag Fiesta

Posted May 12, 2014 as of 4:00pm

Written by Bert Dalida

Barangay Balabag celebrates the feast of its Patron, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary today.

In line with this Diocese of Kalibo Bishop Msgr. Jose Corazon Talaoc himself have presided the High Mass earlier this morning at 8am following a procession.

Aside from Bishop Talaoc, priests from different parishes also attended Balabag’s Barangay ang Religious Fiesta.

Church workers at the HRP have said to have worked “double time” in decorating the church yesterday.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Boat operators from Hambil, instructed related to the 1 Entry - 1 Exit Policy of Boracay

Posted May 12, 2014 as of 12:00nn

Written by Bert Dalida

Safety documents and permits should be secured.

That was the advice of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to boat operators from Hambil regarding the 1 Entry - 1 Exit Policy being implemented in Boracay.

According to Philippine Coastguard Boracay Sub-station Commander PO1 Arnel C. Zulla, boat operators really need to take into consideration their documents before going to sea to avoid delay or problems when arriving in the island.

The matter is related to the mandate of the provincial government of Aklan to law enforcers in the island to carefully guard the shore against law breakers of the 1 Entry - 1 Exit Policy.

The mentioned boats need to dock at the Cagban Port and are prohibited to dock at the beach front of Boracay.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Malay had earlier warned to catch boats particularly from Hambil Romblon if they break the mentioned law.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus