FIDA worries on pests in Aklan abaca plantations

Posted July 25, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

A total of 30 percent abaca plantations in Aklan were threatens by pests.

Thus, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) is now concerned especially that based on the study, Aklan has about 4,268 hectares of abaca plantations which ranks in no. 10 with the most abaca plantations.

According to Melvin Zabala, abaca disease management program technician FIDA-Aklan, most pests are monitored in the town of Libacao.

Zabala said that possibly it was after the effects of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), with pests threatening its abaca plantations.

The report cited initial information indicating the pests that are affecting the abaca plantations include Abaca Mosaic Disease; Bract Mosaic Disease; and Bunchy Top.

For now, the FIDA has sprayed pesticide on the plantations in Libacao.

Asian Aerospace wishes to conduct their operations in Boracay Island

Posted July 24, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Asian Aerospace Corporation wishes to conduct their operations on the island of Boracay through the use of their air ambulance, helicopter.

This is related to the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Summit to be held in Boracay this coming 2015.

It was noted that an air ambulance, helicopter charters and airports transfers would be conducted by such company for a more rapid immediate response in times of emergency.

Meanwhile, the Aerospace presented their documents at SB Malay after the committee hearing regarding this.

Before the local body could approved this, they would like to first see the letter or agreement from such companies and a resort in Boracay that shall be used as landing pad for helicopter operations.

Although it still has many processes to undergo the Local Government Unit of Malay sees that it will be of great help in times of emergency.

Now an intensive study yet to be undertaken by the authorities is expected before it can proceed to its operations on the island of Boracay.

SP affirms Miraflores’ and DOTC’s MOA involving p175 million for KIA expansion

Posted July 24, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan approved Resolution No. 147, Series of 2014 which ratify the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) for the acquisition of lots for the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) entered into by Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) involving the total allocation of P175 million.

The said resolution was approved during the 23rd regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The acquisition of lots is intended for the KIA’s passenger terminal complex, vehicular parking area and access road.

Upgrading to international standards and improvement of the Kalibo International Airport has been included among the priority projects of the national government.

KIA accommodates international flights to and from the regional capitals and cities in Asia. Soon, it will become the hub airport of Air Asia.

SP passes P200 million 2014 supplemental budget

Posted July 23, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Through Appropriation Ordinance No. 001, Series of 2014, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan during its 22nd regular session, has approved Supplemental Budget No.1 appropriating P200 million for various infrastructure projects and purchase of equipment.

Citing its urgency for passage, Governor Florencio T. Miraflores has endorsed the supplemental budget for SP approval which will be funded out of the proceeds of loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

After a long discussion, regular presiding officer, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo divided the house on the issue. The Ordinance was passed with a final vote of 9 to 1.

Subject of appropriations of the P200 million supplemental budget are: P45 million for construction of the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, P30 million for Construction of Commercial building and Academic Center (Phase II), P80 million for Maintenance/Construction/ dredging Equipment, P25 million for the improvement of Capitol Main Building Phase IV, P12 million for the improvement of the Trade Hall Building, and P8 million for the improvement of the Cagban Terminal Building in Caticlan.

Boracay, hit by Hurricane

Posted July 23, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Huntog' in the native word and hurricane in Filipino word.

This swipe on the island of Boracay yesterday caused fear among residents and tourists on the island.

It was strong causing some people walking on the beach front to hide in the nearest establishments.

It hit almost 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon witnessed by residents in Barangay Balabag, where they captured it on video.

Also some people living near Station 1 main road were also scared when they saw the leaves swept by strong winds in a circular motion.

According to them, they were also shocked to see that the tent owned by one of the establishments flew.

Meanwhile, the “huntog” took more than two minutes that caused disruption of the supply of electricity.

It was noted that the said storm or 'huntog' is one of the concern of boatmen on the island especially when there is a storm or during southwest monsoon season.

Translated by Jay-ar M. Arante

Helmet Diving Operators in Boracay sets a meeting with BRTF with regards to commissioner

Posted July 22, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

Helmet Diving Operators in Boracay again sets a conference together with Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF).

It was still associated with problems of such operators after the complaint of other water activity operators in the island.

They allegedly said that there are various rate in every diving establishment, which has overthrows prices and some are uses commissioners.

Thus, it was remembered that BRTF Secretary Mabel Bacani first discussed to the members of the association to determine the fixed rate that was offered to the tourist.

Meanwhile, the said meeting is scheduled later this afternoon.

Translated by Gloria Villas

BFI, formally turn-over the repaired classrooms

Posted July 21, 2014

Written by Alan Palma Sr.

Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) formally returned the sorted and repaired three classrooms to Balabag Elementary School that was hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

In the conduct of turn-over program, Balabag Elementary School Principal Ligaya Aparacio awards BFI the Certificate of Recognition and expresses her gratitude for the help they received from stakeholders in the island.

According to BFI President Jony Salme, the funds are used proceeds from the cancellation of BFI Christmas Party which they took “Dine for a Cause” last year.

Salme added that children’s education is important that is why they instantaneously respond to Aparacio’s wishes.

Right now, the new classroom is well operated and currently used by students in pre-school.

Except from stakeholders, the short program was also attended by Balabag Administrator Jinky Salazar, Alicante and teachers of Balabag Elementary School.

Translated by Gloria Villas

Aklan ranks first in nationwide local income generation

Posted July 21, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Aklan province ranked first place out of the eighty (80) provinces nationwide in Tax Watch ad by the Department of Finance (DOF) in terms of local revenue generation for year 2013 released on June 18, 2014.

Although the province uses outdated basis for collecting real property tax, Aklan still garnered the highest share of Locally Sourced Income (LSI) to Annual Regular Income (ARI) at 45.3%, as it was able to generate locally sourced income of P491.755 million out of its total annual income of P1.086 billion.

The DOF stated that local autonomy can be better served if LGUs become self-reliant communities.

Meanwhile, Aklan continues to progress and improve due to its competent and effective management in running financial affairs.