Police on full alert in Boracay for All Saints and All Souls days; 24/7 operation conducted

Posted October 24, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Police officers here and in the neighboring areas have placed all their units on full alert in preparation for the observance of the All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day.

Special Operation Officer III Jean Pontero of Caticlan Jetty Port said: “security has been tightened in key areas of the municipality, especially in public transport terminals to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance on Nov.1 and 2.”

Police officers of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be likewise deployed to beach front of Boracay and cemeteries for the All Saints and All Souls commemoration.

It says, “24/7 checkpoints have been installed in the Caticlan and Cagban Port entry and exit points for possible influx of tourists.”

Full deployment in the Boracay front beach is also mandated to maintain full visibility within the areas of responsibility until the holidays are over.

Meanwhile, local government has also directed the police to strictly observe and monitor the prohibition on the bringing of bladed weapons and liquor within the premises of the cemeteries.

Lastly, authorities reminds the public to be more vigilant and alert as annual special events like All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are expected to bring an influx of people in the different are.

Boracay Holy Rosary Parish Church renovations underway

Posted October 24, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The century-old Holy Rosary Parish Church in Boracay is being renovated with the amount of six million pesos from the contributions of parishioners, donations and fund-raising activities.

According to Moderator Priest Father Arnold Crisostomo, “The construction was started to enlarge the cathedral because of the increasing volume of church goers especially during Sunday.”

Apart from it, the priest added that those needs were kept in mind when new features were added such as building a balcony since the said church was under threat from rain.

Crisostomo said: “church leaders met with architects and designers to organize a way to rebuild the damaged parts of the facility while keeping in mind its historic value and modern needs.”

Meanwhile, the construction is expected to be completed in mid-December.

Translated by Gloria Villas

Jetty Port Administration ready for passenger rush for All Saints' Day

Posted October 23, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

With still seven days before the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays, Jetty Port Administration are preparing measures to make traveling, both by sea and by land, more comfortable to the public.

Indeed, Port Administrator Nieven Maquirang sets a meeting as preparations to ensure passengers’ security and safety while within port premises and on board sea vessels through their destination of choice are all in place especially those who will visit Boracay.

According to a report, operators of Roro Vessels, bus transport, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and the Maritime Police were collaborating in the success of a safe travel in anticipation of the usual influx of passengers during this season, as traditionally observed.

On the other hand, office of the Special Operations Officer III Jean Pontero of Caticlan Jetty Port said, “they already prepared the facilities to Caticlan and Cagban port prior to the end of the Habagat season.”

Meanwhile,  various local and foreign tourists now enjoy their vacation in Boracay Island since that several schools already conducts their semester’s break as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays during November 1 and 2 was being renowned.

SP approves Aklan Irrigation Management Program

Posted October 23, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan recently approves Irrigation Management Program for the province.

During the SP Regular Session yesterday, the council agreed on implementing irrigation projects.

It will be recalled that office of Division MANAGER Engr. Rizalo Conception from IMO sent an endorsement letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan for the adoption and approval of the System MANAGEMENT Committee (SMO) Resolution No. 01 Series of 2014 on the policies of Aklan League of the Federation of Irrigator's Association, Inc. (ALFIA).

According to the letter, “Irrigation Management Program aims to expand and enhance Aklan Provincial Government and community-level capacity to manage water resources to improve agricultural production and productivity.”

Under the task order, IMO work will include capacity-building and institutional strengthening services in the agricultural, irrigation and livestock management sectors, coupled with civil engineering support.

DILG Malay to launch CSO Assembly

Posted October 22, 2014

Written by Jay-ar  Arante

Department of Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG) Malay will be launching a Civil Society Organization (CSO) Assembly next month.

On this event, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) will be discussed to Malay residents.

For this, DILG encourage Malaynons and various organizations to attend the conference to be held on November 5 at Seaside Restaurant, Poblacion Malay, Aklan.

GPB is an approach in preparing the budget proposal of agencies and proper allotments to developmental need of cities or municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plan.

It shall be formulated with strong participation of different sectors and other civil society organizations.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) includes  non-government organizations (NGOs), People's Organizations (POs), basic sector organizations, cooperatives, trade unions, professional associations, faith-based organizations, media groups, indigenous people’s movements, foundations and other citizen's group which are non-profit and are formed primarily for social and economic development to plan and monitor government programs and projects.

These groups should engage in policy discussions, and to actively participate in collaborative activities with the government.

It is also expected that the assembly will serve as a venue for LGU-Malay to present their upcoming projects to the remaining period of 2014.

MDRRMC Malay host Contingency Planning Workshop in Boracay

Posted October 22, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDDRMC) Malay will be hosting a four-day Contingency Planning Workshop in Boracay.

According to the message sent by MDRRMC Malay, “this is in line with their goal of ensuring disaster resilient communities and to strengthen the system of early preparation especially for the island.”

Furthermore, the said workshop aims to establish an innovative version of risk reduction for a well-coordinated and integrated response mechanism among various government agencies.

As the Philippines is currently revising their national contingency plan, it is anticipated that presenting these experiences in the island of Boracay will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, strengths and areas of improvement for emergency response preparedness and capability in the municipality of Malay.

Meanwhile, Contingency planning workshop in Boracay is scheduled to perform on October 27-30, 2014 at Eurotel Hotel Boracay.

Products of Aklan to be showcase in “Aklan Product Expo 2014” in SM City Iloilo

Posted October 21, 2014

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Different products of the province will be showcased at the annual “Aklan Product Expo 2014” at the event center of SM City Iloilo this coming October 23 to 29. 

With this year's theme "Spreading the Wings of Enterprise Development", 34 exhibitors from Aklan will show and introduce their products such as abaca and piña fiber, health and wellness products, hand-woven handicrafts, fashion wearable’s, gifts and house wears along with processed meat and bakery products.    

Top officials of Aklan will lead the ribbon cutting for the opening of the expo headed by Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Governor Florencio Miraflores, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena, Jr., and Amelia Rentillo of Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc.

The weeklong Aklan Product Expo 2014 is launched by the DTI-Aklan Provincial Office in partnership with Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and the provincial government of Aklan to showcase the beautiful and proud Aklan products to consumers in neighboring provinces.

First Photography Exhibit opens in Boracay

Posted October 21, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

The first photography exhibit will be held in Boracay this coming October 22-24, 2014.

Boracay Photographers Association, Inc. (BPAI) President Ernesto Cruz said in a letter: “With the cooperation of Municipal Tourism Office after passing the series of critiques and evaluations, photos have been chosen for photography exhibit to strengthen the tourism’s marketing and promotions.”

Cruz added that “municipal will definitely benefit significantly from this event since that audience was composed of national and international travel agencies directly link to many of the leading educators, travel agencies, media and those who are in the field of business establishments and enterprises.”

The two-day First Art Exhibit will be held at the Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center.

DTI Aklan starts to monitor prices of flowers and candles for All Saints Day

Posted October 20, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan announced they will start monitoring prices of flowers and candles for All Saints Day to ensure that consumers will not be victimized by unscrupulous businessmen.

DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said that, “consumers that have complaints against unscrupulous traders are advised to file a complaint at the DTI.”

As to the price of flowers which tend to increase during this season, Cadena said that consumers and the public has always the right to report to the Department of Trade, any unusual increase in the prices not only of candles but also of basic commodities so that DTI can check on these establishments.

He however opened that the prices of flowers usually increase during the celebration of All Saints Day because of the increase in demand and the scarcity of the supply of flowers.

NCIP: Boracay Ati History inspires Indigenous peoples in the Philippines

Posted October 20, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) says that the history of Boracay Ati Community now inspires the Indigenous peoples in the Philippines.

However, office of the NCIP Chairperson Atty. Leonor Quintayo said during the Community Thanksgiving Celebration on Saturday, “the government cannot achieve its development for Aetas in Boracay, if we just talk about providing the Certificate of Ancestral Domain (CADT) Title.”

But she added that, “Indigenous Peoples in Boracay can really have a good life since that there has been a unity between the government, church and society.”

Meanwhile, Quintayo encourage the Boracay Ati to continue what they have done for the future of their communities.

It will be recalled that Philippine government conferred CADT to the Borcay Ati Community dated January 21, 2011.

Translated by Gloria Villas