TIEZA flood control project almost operational

Posted July 11, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

TIEZA flood control project is almost operational.

Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) inspected yesterday the pumping station of TIEZA and confirmed the commissioning of its pump next week.

Meanwhile, in an ocular inspection, establishments and motorists are still experiencing discomfort brought by the flooding in station 3 Manoc-Manoc, particularly in Sitio Ambolong.

Authorities confirmed that the rain water became stagnant since the out flow of the drainage has been closed.

BIWC however clarified that the phase 1 drainage project of TIEZA or the pumping station in Barangay Balabag is only for station 1 and not for station 3.

Translated by Jay-ar M. Arante

SP urges immediate passage of bill reapportioning Aklan into two legislative districts

Posted July 11, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan passed a resolution no. 139 series of 2014 sponsored by SP Member Emmanuel Soviet Dela Cruz which reiterates the general sentiment of Aklanons for the immediate reapportioning of the province into two legislative districts.

Dela Cruz stated that the province has long been qualified to be reapportioned into two legislative districts having a present population of more than half a million as of the latest census of population conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

It was the Governor Florencio Miraflores, former representative of the lone district of Aklan who filed Bill no. 3860 during the 15^th Congress.

The said bill was passed by lower house but was unfortunately stalled at the Senate Committee on Local Government and the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws when the term of the 15^th Congress has ended.

If passed, the two legislative districts will be divided between east and west. The east district will be comprised on the municipalities of the capital town of Kalibo, New Washinton, Banga, Balete, Altavas, Batan, Libacao and Madalag, and the west district will be comprised of the municipalities of Malay where Boracay Island is, the towns of Ibajay, Buruanga, nabas, tangalan, Makato, Lezo, Malinao and Numancia.

Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin, scheduled for Boracay Inspection

Posted July 10, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin is scheduled to inspect the sea wall debris in Station 1 Boracay.

This is part of the preparation for the Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Summit on the island this coming 2015.

According to DOT Boracay Officer In-Charge Tim Ticar, the inspection will be held this coming July 16 together with their meetings with Mayor John Yap, the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) and with Tourism Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas.

It can be recalled that the debris were brought by the sea wall demolition because of the 25 + 5 easement of BRTF.

Meanwhile, the undersecretary is also expected to inspect the flooded roads and the flow of traffic in Boracay.

10 Australian journalists visits Boracay

Posted July 10, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Ten Australian journalists visited the island of Boracay not to cover flood but to promote the island in their nation.

According to DOT Boracay Officer in Charge, Tim Ticar, the ten Australian journalists arrived yesterday afternoon which is said to be one of the DOT’s partners in tourism development and also considered of having a high number of tourists who visited the island.

“DOT is trying to build linkages with other agencies in different countries to step up Boracay as one of the premiere beach destination in the world.” He said.

Meanwhile, Ticar also added that they are thankful for not experiencing heavy rains that causes flood in some areas.

Occasional monsoon rains (habagat) intensified by tropical storm ‘Florita’ caused flooding in low-lying areas in central Boracay and may have serious effects on tourism on the country’s premier destination.

At the same time, DOT gave credit to those who supported their programs as well as encouraging the public and foreign tourists to follow the rules imposed by the government for the benefit of all especially Boracay.

DOT Boracay is also hoping for an immediate solution with regards to the issue of flooding on the island.

DTI Aklan extends office for faster service

Posted July 9, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan continues to provide fast service in all the municipalities in the province.

The DTI even started their program this July together with the industry's Business Assistance Centers (BACs) and extends its province wide office operation.

BACS provided consultation services and business registration assistance for MSME or Micro, small and medium enterprises.

This is to bring government program closer the people, and also to monitor the prices of products and supply of basic commodities and prime commodities.

LGU Malay, seeks technical assistance to the TIEZA associated with flooding in Boracay

Posted July 9, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Local Government Unit (LGU) Malay now seeks technical assistance from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) associated with flooding in Boracay.

According to TIEZA Engineer Giovanni Rullan, Mayor John Yap together with the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) talked to them yesterday which they also confirmed that the pumping station or the flood control project is on its way to wrap up.

Rullan said, “Probably this coming Saturday or Sunday, Boracay will acquire such pump and have its testing next week.”

Meanwhile, Rullan allegedly added that based on his personal observations Boracay in fact experienced heavy rains lately and so flooded the main road of Boracay.

However, “there hasn’t been an inconsiderate flood if some emergency out flow in Lugutan, Manoc-manoc and Station 2 beach front was not close” He said.

Moreover, Rullan said that they are still waiting for instructions from TIEZA on how they will assist the LGU’s.

Translated by Gloria Villas

Indigenous people in the Philippines affected by typhoon Yolanda received healing session in Aklan

Posted July 8, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Hundreds of indigenous people from different parts of the country were subjected to healing session after being affected by the typhoon Yolanda.

It was conducted in Barangay Cubay Sur, Malay Aklan on Friday until Sunday which was organized by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts for the first Dayaw Festival.

According to NCCA Commissioner Joyce Alegre, the participating indigenous folks are the Atis from Leyte, Samar, South Cotabato, Capiz, Iloilo and Aklan.

It was noted that the healing session is a demonstration of their culture in the field of music and dancing.

They also presented a warrior dance and folk dance and they also danced by mimicking movements of animals such as monkeys and birds.

Also one of the highlights is the teaching of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Government to instinctively know how to protect themselves in times of disaster.

Meanwhile, some foreign NGOs also supported the program including the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council and the Aklan Provincial Government.

MDRRMC now making a follow-up for purchasing a fire truck used for Malay

Posted July 8, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) are now making a follow-up for purchasing a fire truck used for Malay.

Office of Malay Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) V Mark Delos Reyes said: “The body is now trying that it can be bought immediately until such fire truck could be bring into play especially in terms of quick responses.

Meanwhile, a fire truck of TransAire at Caticlan Airport temporarily serves and reacts whenever there is a fire in mainland Malay.

Malay Mayor John Yap also requests the Committee on Budget and Appropriation of SB Malay to set aside a 3, 229,424.20 peso fund for the fire truck.

The said amount will be obtained from the trust fund under the Municipal Disaster & Risk Reduction Management Fund.

On the other hand, Delos Reyes also said that there had been a number of activities to be lineup related to MDRRMC-Malay National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Boracay Dragons Frisbee Team readies for US tournaments

Posted July 7, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Boracay Dragon Frisbee Team is set to travel in United States of America to compete in three different tournaments.

The tournament is scheduled this coming July 26-27 for their they competition in Wildwood, New Jersey and in Ultimate Sandblast at Montrose Beach, Chicago in August 1-3 while on August 9-10 in Ocean City Beach Classic in Maryland.

The team from the island of Boracay will be competing in US as part of their training to join the incoming World Championship for beach Ultimate in Dubai this coming year 2015.

Recently the Boracay Dragons got the second place in the last two World Beach Ultimate Championships. 

SP Approves Provincial Council on ASEAN Integration

Posted July 7, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan has constituted the Aklan Council for the ASEAN Economic Integration (ACAEI) 2015.

Mainly sponsored by SP Member Plaridel M. Morania, the provincial legislative body passed on third and final reading, General Ordinance No. 005, S., 2014 during its 20th Regular Session on June 18, 2014, constituting the said council.

 “Provincial Council on ASEAN Integration will provide its structure while requiring comprehensive plans and monitoring reports and provided appropriations for its operation thereof.” Morania said.

He also added, “As provided for in the ordinance, the ACAEI shall be chaired by the Provincial Governor with the Vice Governor and a representative from the private sector as co-vice chairpersons.”

Further composing the ACAEI are all SangguniangPanlalawigan Members; representative of the Aklan Congressional District; Chairman of the Boracay Foundation, Inc.; Businessmen, Aklan Philippine National Police Provincial Director; Provincial Director Department of Trade and Industry; and representative of the Department of Tourism.

SP Aklan is cognizant that the integration will provide tremendous opportunities and crucial challenges requiring the need to harness the competitive position of Aklan and her people.

The SP sees that corresponding preparations of all sectors in Aklan will position the province’s competitiveness in the ASEAN regional economy.

The council shall be responsible in crafting plans and strategies to ensure the competitiveness of Aklan products, services, and human and natural resources in the regional sphere.

Meanwhile, Morania also said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its investment promotion arm, Board of Investment (BOI), constantly conducts a forum together with the other government agencies.

This is among the forum’s objectives to give the public and other stockholders an update regarding the Industry Development Road Maps.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will form a unified body next year which Boracay Island is one of the chosen venues.