16th Piña and Fiber Festival starts today in Aklan

Posted April 22, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The 16th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival is taking place today through five-day trade show.

According to a report, this will provide opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs (MSEs) of Aklan Piña Mantra Inc., the Aklan Horticulture Society and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. to promote their products.

The event will again offer its popular 17 municipality’s vendor’s marketplace, fiber arts, best products such as abaca, piña and raffia loom woven fabrics, bakery, souvenir items, pasalubong products, fashion accessories, health and wellness products. 

Furthermore, the province will celebrate the Aklan anniversary with civic and military parade, agri-link trade show, Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo, talibong festival, farmer and fisherfolk day, inter-department sportfest, agri-trade showcase of local government units and community-based organizations, dog show, Gov. Florencio Miraflores Basketball Cup, garden show, among others.

Several music bands will be having their performances every night in the Capitol grounds as well.

The event is one of the highlights of the weeklong 59th Aklan anniversary held annually in April pursuant to Republic Act No. 1414 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.

Apprehending minors in Boracay spur drop in crime stats

Posted April 21, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) is enthusiastically touting a great drop in overall crime this past eight days.

BTAC OIC Police Senior Inspector Frensy Andrade proudly says, “The reduction especially in theft incidents is because of their hand in hand operations to apprehend minors looting at the front beach.”

“We are pleased having a zero (0) theft incident this week” He said.

On the other hand, Andrade explained that those captured minors and children in conflict with the law were being turn-over to Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) for proper actions.

Since that He himself was personally witnessed a theft incident which a minor is involved, he said that other than beggars and illegal commissioners, one of their focus is also has led to this year’s double-digit drops in burglaries and other types of theft.

Thus, these reductions have caused the drop in the overall crime rate, which consists mostly of property crimes.

Castillo: DA is prepared for El Niño

Posted April 21, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is putting in place measures that will reduce rice production risks due to El Niño, especially in upland and rain-fed areas.

DA Aklan Head William Castillo said that although El Niño is here, “we are prepared and it will not turn out to be the sum of all our fears.”

He assured the public that the department is prepared for the effects of the prevailing mild El Niño in the province of Aklan even as it praised farmers who have meticulously conserved water ahead of the weather phenomenon that is expected to extend the dry season.

El Niño, the irregular rise in the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, is accompanied by below average rainfall.

Over the past few months, Castillo assumed that they has been calling on farmers and the general public to conserve water as a precautionary measure in case the country experiences a prolonged dry spell.

“It is wise and nice that farmers conserved water. It made them ready,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are now working hand in hand to completely prepare this dry season.

MAP Boracay changes uniform for APEC Ministerial meeting

Posted April 17, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Local Government Unit of Malay provided new uniforms for Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) Boracay.

According to the Malay Transportation Office, this is in preparation for the upcoming APEC Ministerial meeting in Boracay this coming month of May.

Aside from MAP, other departments of LGU Malay have also new uniform to show support and readiness to the event.

Meanwhile, it is said that the uniform of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) policemen will be also be changed before the APEC.

Currently, the LGU Malay is busy preparing for the ministerial meeting especially in enhancing security in the island, another reason that they want to make the law enforcers to look more presentable for the delegates.

DTI, local govt to launch Negosyo Center in Aklan

Posted April 17, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the provincial government of Aklan is set to establish a “Negosyo Center” in the province this coming April 24, 2015.

According to DTI Aklan Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist Ma. Stella Caldera, “This is the first Negosyo Center to be established in the province and second in Panay Island.”

Cardera explained that, Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as “Go Negosyo Act”, seeks to establish Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide through public-private partnership.

Negosyo Center is a one-stop-shop that promotes ease of doing business and facilitates access to services for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within its jurisdiction.

“It is proactive, client friendly, and more services made available to MSMEs.” She said.

Meanwhile, the Go Negosyo Centers would have the following functions: business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy and monitoring and evaluation of business processes for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Operation of Casino in Boracay, approved in 2nd and final reading of SB Malay

Posted April 17, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The endorsement request of Boracay New Coast Hotel Group Inc. to operate Casino and Entertainment Business in Boracay was approved at the 2nd and final reading of SB Malay.

During the 14th Regular SB Session of Malay on Tuesday, the request was discussed by SB Member and Chairman of the Committee on Laws Rowen Aguirre.

Aguirre re-insisted that only resort guests of Boracay New Coast and those who have foreign passport are allowed to play.

He also added that the Casino and Entertainment Business can help the local community because it can open a lot of job opportunities.

In this regard Vice Mayor Welbic Gelito request if the New Coast can give them undertaking letter for some conditions.

Meanwhile, although the endorsement letter is already approved, the council will still conduct a thorough study, before the Boracay New Coast’s request can be granted.

Currently, netizens expressed different reactions regarding the matter, where most of them are in opposition because the negative impact of Casino on the island.

DSWD Aklan, No comment on complaints re: Typhoon Yolanda shelter assistance

Posted April 16, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) Aklan has refused to comment when asked about the alleged irregularities in the distribution of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the province of Aklan.

The department staff said, only DSWD Department Head Evangelina Gallega is allowed to answer the questions.

But when this station tried to contact Gallega, it said that she is still busy for this year’s DSWD Programs.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Aklan coordinator George Calaor said that they condemned the government’s Memorandum Circular No. 24 which states the guidelines on the Release of DSWD Funds to NGO and or POs.”

He stressed that, “this memorandum is very unfair”.

An issue which took also the office on Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) in Aklan to call for an investigation for what it called ‘irregularities’ in the distribution of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the province of Aklan.

Establishments in Boracay expressed different views on cruise ships visit

Posted April 16, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

Cruise ship industry in the island continuously grows.

This is through the marketing effort of Department of Tourism (DOT), stakeholders and other government agencies to bring more tourists in the island.

And every time a cruise visits the island, agencies concerned prepares.

Sadly, it was found out that not all business sectors are not happy with what is said to be a ‘blessing’ brought about by the cruise ships.

Recently, interviews with some establishments have been made to find out if their sales increase every time a cruise ship arrives in Boracay.

Respectively, souvenir shops and cooking service here revealed that cruise ship’s visit have contributed a lot in their business, while others have no effect at all.

Meanwhile, individuals were also asked about the matter, but some of them said that “only the Jetty Port has benefited from the cruisers”, while others believe that it contributed a lot to the tourist arrival of the island.

Aklan’s road widening and beautification project gets Underway

Posted April 15, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

The busiest thoroughfares in Aklan still undergo some improvements.

Office of the Aklan Provincial Administrator Atty. Selwyn Ibarreta said that the government is now speeding up to finish the project on time before the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Boracay.

He said: “The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Aklan Provincial Government have joined hands to beautify Aklan roads leading to the venue of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) this May.”

Furthermore, he added that the provincial government is also thankful for the hard works of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the road widening.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that DOT has earmarked P500,000 as funding support for the beautification program from the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) towards Caticlan Malay.

Boracay to experience a 13 hour power interruption on Sunday

Posted April 15, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The island of Boracay will experience a 13 hour power interruption on Sunday, as scheduled by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

This is to give way for the repair of power lines and post in preparation for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting (APEC) Summit Ministerial meeting in Boracay this May.

Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) Information Officer Rence Oczon said that “the initial schedule of the power interruption on April 12 was moved on April 19 upon request of the provincial government of Capiz that now holds its "Capiztahan” festival.

Also noted that aside from the province of Aklan, three provinces in Western Visayas will be affected by the massive power interruption, including the town of Pandan and Libertad in Antique.

Meanwhile Oczon said the power interruption was scheduled from 6 am to 5 pm this Sunday.

OPARR investigates Yolanda shelter aid ‘irregularities’ in Aklan

Posted April 14 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

To prevent rehabilitation funds from ending up in private pockets.

Office on Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) in Aklan calls for an investigation for what it called ‘irregularities’ in the distribution of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) in the province of Aklan.

According to OPARR-Aklan Legal Consultant Atty. Benny Salazar, he urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct parallel investigation to ensure that the right beneficiaries will receive the Typhoon Yolanda shelter assistance.

In addition he also advised the public to file their complaints with OPARR regarding problems encountered on shelter aid distribution in the barangays.

A report also says, that many senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who are typhoon survivors, also complained in local radio stations that they were excluded in the list of ESA beneficiaries.

Salazar said monitoring and evaluation team should be in place to ensure the delivery of quality and timeliness of ESA is correctly distributed.

Malay Town now preparing for “12th Fiesta De Obreros”

Posted April 14, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Local Government Unit (LGU) Malay is now preparing for the upcoming celebration of the "12th Fiesta De Obreros" on May 1, 2015.

Different activities are now being set by various municipal departments, especially by the Municipal Tourism Office (MTour).

A report says; “Among of the activities are the 4th Malay MTB Challenge and Fun ride for a cause which will be joined by bicycle enthusiasts on April 25-26, 2015.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) Malay is also preparing for their second Drum and Lyre competition to be held on April 30.

Different schools from Malay are also expected to join the competition.

As the highlight to the said occasion, the 17 barangays of Malay will be competing again for the Fiesta De Obreros’ Street and Ground presentation contest, where big prize is said to be given.

The celebration of the said fiesta which is in conjunction to Labor Day is a tribute to their patron St. Joseph the Worker.

PHO to residents: Make Aklan smoke free

Posted April 13, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

In the bid to make the province of Aklan smoke-free and to keep the local populace from the harmful and deadly effects of smoking.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here recently conducted a Provincial Tobacco Control Network Orientation.

The need to make Aklan smoke-free thus the conduct of the orientation was emphasized by Dr. Victor Santamaria, Provincial Health Officer II, by stating in his welcome message that smoking is both dangerous to the smoker as well as to the non-smoker.

“We have to strengthen our campaign against smoking because we are up against a very strong adversary – the tobacco industry”, Santamaria said.

On hand to stress the dangers of smoking as well as to encourage Aklan’s health sector, legislators and other stakeholders to create a smoke-free and healthy environment were resource speakers John Lapascua, Regional Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator; Carlos P. Garcia, Program Officer of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, Philippines and Pastor Nick R. Poraso, Regional Tobacco Control Network member of the Department of Health (DOH) 6.

The orientation was held at the Conference Room of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH).

SB Malay, to call TIEZA on their regular session

Posted April 10, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Local Officials of Malay will now take appropriate steps to make the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) appear in their regular Session.

TIEZA always failed to attend the session whenever they are called upon by the local officials, and just sending representatives who are not even capable of the councils’ queries.

In this regard, SB Member Frolibar Bautista calls the attention of his colleagues during the 13^th Regular SB Session on Tuesday to make a resolution to insist TIEZA’s attendance on their next session which also approved by the local body.

It was noted that the council’s move to call TIEZA is related to their projects in Boracay including the drainage project which the LGU Malay wanted to turn-over to Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC).

In this regard the council demands that officers with highest position from TIEZA and aware of such issues will attend to the session.

PIAS conducts inspection of police deployment in Boracay this summer

Posted April 10, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) conducted an inspection of police deployment along the Boracay PNP Station’s police deployment this summer.

Led by Police Senior Inspector Lendley Torato, the team look over the Tourists Assistance Desk of Boracay PNP Station from Station1 to Station 3.

In addition, Torato also checked the long beach and talked to the Municipal Auxiliary Police and Bike Patrollers.

It can be recalled that Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) strictly monitors policemen on duty to intensify checking dubious activities since that the APEC Meeting in Boracay is close to date.

Translated by Gloria Villas

Boracay New Coast Hotel Group Inc. to build Casino and Entertainment Business in the island

Posted April 10, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The request for SB Endorsement of Boracay New Coast Hotel Group Inc. to operate Casino and Entertainment Business in the Boracay is now rolling on the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay.

In the 13th Regular SB Session of Malay, Tuesday, the matter was discussed in a Committee Report led by SB Member Rowen Aguirre.

According to Aguirre “a committee hearing has been conducted which was attended by the News Coast Management and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Tourism Leal Gelito”.

Aguirre added that New Coast stressed that the Casino games are only for their hotel guests and for foreign tourist.

He also justified that New Coast assured the legality of the Casino’s operation, and it will be licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Authority and the Philippine Navy.

Meanwhile the said matter was scheduled for second reading during the next regular session of SB Malay for further study.

PRC seeking for additional lifeguards

Posted April 9, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Boracay – Malay Chapter now have 12 lifeguards.

According to PRC Deputy Administrator John Patrick Moreno, PRC is still hoping to hire more lifeguards to patrol beaches and pools especially in Boracay.

“We are still waiting for the Malay LGU’s action if when was the release of budget.” He said.

In this regard, Moreno added that they have now only life guard volunteers while waiting for a job order.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter continuously offers it first aid trainings at safety courses.

Translated by Gloria Villas

SB Malay invites BIWC re: expansion project in mainland

Posted April 9, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The new General Manager and Chief Operation Officer of Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) Joseph Michael Santos attended the SB Session of Malay, Tuesday.

This was after they were invited by the council to attend the session in relation to their ongoing expansion project in mainland Malay.

Santos said that their new project is to further improve their water supply service in the island of Boracay.

He also added that their project has water permits where their water source is from Nabaoy River in the said town.

But the concern of the council now is the capacity of Nabaoy River to supply water for the island of Boracay because of the increasing number of hotels.

BIWC however stressed that the water supply would be sufficient especially with their ongoing development projects to ensure that enough supply in the island especially this summer.

Meanwhile, the council also urged all to use recycled water especially in big hotels and resorts on the island of Boracay.

Militant groups in Aklan rally for Yolanda victims, slam Memorandum Circular No. 24

Posted April 8, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

A numbers of militant groups in Aklan staged a rally this afternoon in protest of government's mishandling of relief operations and corruption in construction of bunkhouses or temporary shelters.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Aklan coordinator George Calaor said: “the march actions condemned the government’s Memorandum Circular No. 24 which states the guidelines on the Release of DSWD Funds to NGO and or POs.”

He stressed that, “this memorandum is very unfair”.

Calaor believes that the guidelines that comprises in the said memorandum chose the beneficiaries, where in fact according to him most of the Aklanons suffered from the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda and there’s no reason to select who will be the recipients.

Thus,  protesters  in their placards, expressed indignation against the government's handling of the post Yolanda crisis, such as the delayed and "politicized" operations and distribution of relief goods, construction of allegedly overpriced bunkhouses, the no-build zone policies and other irregularities.  

Typhoon Yolanda damaged about P2.811 billion in infrastructure and agriculture in Aklan. The death toll stood at 14 with 572 injured.

Malay SB Session resumes after Holy Week break

Posted April 7, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Following a Holy Week break, Malay SB members resumed their regular session on Tuesday.

Yesterday, the councilmen re-discussed some pending issues in the town of Malay and the Island of Boracay, like the operation of Yellow Submarine on the island.

They have also invited the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) and the Boracay Tubi System, the two companies that supply water to the island.

According to the Municipal Office, they invited the said companies to discuss the water sources in mainland Malay as well as their operations on the island.

BIR Aklan calls for early tax payment; extends operation in Boracay Sub-Office

Posted April 7, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is reminding employees and self-employed professionals to file their income tax returns before the April 15 deadline.

According to Document Processing Section Chief Ma. Elaine Tirazona, “Sub-Office in Boracay will open to the taxpaying public on April 11, 2015 to accept taxpayers filing their income tax returns.”

She also added that all Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) in Boracay is extending their banking hours up to 5:00 in the afternoon starting April 1 to 15, 2015.

On the other hand, Tirazona advised those employed whose income taxes aren’t withheld by the company to save up for the tax payments to avoid coughing up a large one-time payment.

Meanwhile, consultation corners have been set up at tax offices to help people file their tax returns.

The Authorized Agent Banks in Boracay accepting BIR tax payments are the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metrobank at Philippine National Bank (PNB).

APPO says Holy Week in Aklan “generally peaceful”

Posted April 6, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Except for a minor shooting incident and petty crimes, this year’s observance of Holy Week in Aklan has been generally peaceful, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) said.

A report from PO1 Criselle Lagatik of APPO runs no other major incident has been noted.

"Public assistance centers put up in strategic locations along major thoroughfares and transport terminals, and seaports are under strict orders to remain in their posts until after the last traveler has safely returned," Lagatik proudly says.

Meanwhile, she said that “the police protection, which is part of Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation), will still remain.

Furthermore, she added that APPO will continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure the safety of the public.

Celebration of Holy Week in Boracay, generally peaceful-BTAC

Posted April 6, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The celebration of Holy Week in Boracay Island last week is generally peaceful.

According to Boracay PNP OIC PS/Inspector Frensy Andrade, they have listed ‘zero-negative index’ this Holy week following a ‘no untoward incidents recorded on the island’ especially robbery.

Although they have recorded petty crimes, Andrade said that it is normal in the island of Boracay.

  

They also had an all out support to the SUMVAC or Summer Vacation program launched by Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) for the security of tourists.

Tourist Assistance Desks at three stations in Boracay where activated for quick response and to intensify security in the beach area of ​​the island.

Meanwhile with the help of other authorities in Boracay, tourists were also reminded to beware of their valuables and with suspicious people around them when they go for swimming on the beach.

One way lane in Boracay, gradually implemented by LGU Malay

Posted March 31, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Local Government Unit of Malay is gradually implementing the one way lane on the island of Boracay.

Malay Senior Transportation Regulation Officer Cezar Oczon said that they are gradually doing the re-routing as part of their preparation for the APEC Ministerial Meeting this coming month of May.

This is to reduce the vehicle passing in the main road going to Station 3 or Cagban Jetty Port.

According to Oczon, “all private vehicles and heavy equipments including resort service from station 1 or Brgy. Yapak going to Cagban, Manoc-Manoc will turn left, in front of Crafts of Boracay or Bloomfield area.

However, he stressed that it has not been fully implemented because they have not been able to place signages in the areas where vehicles are passing by.

He added that if the said project is going to be successful, its implementation might become an ordinance or law.

PNP vows to strictly monitor accident prone area in Nabas, Aklan

Posted March 31, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Philippine National Police (PNP) has shown its seriousness in addressing the problem re: traffic accident in Nabas Aklan.

Nabas PNP Deputy Police Chief SPO4 Crispin Calzado said yesterday, as it vowed to strictly monitor the accident prone area in the municipality as well as the motorists.

This is after the alarming statistics of vehicular accidents which comprises the van, trucks and other vehicles.

“These are concerted efforts to give the people peace of mind and to make them realize the government and the police force are not sleeping on the job and are in fact doing everything to ensure their safety,” He said.

Meanwhile, Calzado stressed that they have now an ongoing coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to change the old signages in the area.

Big changes in Caticlan Jetty Port now on plan

Posted March 30, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The big changes in Caticlan Jetty Port are now on the plan of the Provincial Government and the Jetty Port Administration.

Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang said that they are planning to provide a docking area for boats in the 2.6 hectares reclamation projects in Caticlan, where the Ferry Boats and Fast Crafts will be transferred.

It will become organized for all of the sea transportation like Roro-Vessels that currently dock in the existing port.

Meanwhile in the reclamation area, Maquirang revealed that there will be a three-story building with a shopping mall, hotel, centralized ticketing for pump boat, holding area for the resort, and a parking area in the ground floor.

Existing ramps in Caticlan Jetty Port will also be extended for cruise ships visited the island of Boracay.

Maquirang added that the Provincial Government of Aklan has sufficient funds for the project, though it will take ‘billion pesos’ amount.

The project to Caticlan Jetty Port which is the main entrance for the people going to the famous island of Boracay is expected to be finished in five years time.

Earth Hour success as all switch off for hour

Posted March 30, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Aklanon residents are thanked and congratulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the environmental department responsible for coordinating Earth Hour in the Philippines.

According to DENR Aklan Administrative Officer IV Merlita Ninang, “The support from the community for Earth Hour has been fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who is taking part with a positive contribution for our planet.”

“Earth Hour is a time to reflect on the serious situation our planet is in with our natural resources being used faster than what is generated, and how we can do something good for the planet, such as using less energy in our daily lives.” She added.

Meanwhile, Earth Hour has always been more than just about lights off, it’s about people from all walks of life coming together and was embraced by the global community, transcending race, culture, age and economics as individuals took leadership in their communities in the pursuit of a cleaner and safer planet.

7 Seas Voyager cruise ship to visit Boracay Island, on Holy Thursday

Posted March 27, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

7 Seas Voyager cruise ship is scheduled to visit the island of Boracay on Holy Thursday, April 2.

Sharp Philippines hold the tour of the said cruise ship in the Philippines, with its estimated 700 passengers including the crew.

Special Operation III Jean Pontero of Caticlan Jetty Port said that “the passengers of 7 Seas Voyager are mix from different countries for its tour in Boracay this Holy Week”.

Pontero added that since this is first time for the said ship to visit in the island, the Aklan Provincial Government and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have a maiden call or a short program on the ship with the captain of 7 Seas Voyager.

Meanwhile, they also scheduled a meeting this coming Tuesday to prepare for the arrival of the said cruise ship to the island of Boracay.

Public hearing successful for Public-Private Partnership Code of Aklan

Posted March 27, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

A successful public hearing held in connection with the promotion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code in the province of Aklan.

This is despite of the variety of questions, opinions and suggestions from the public and private sectors in the province.

Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo- Quimpo explain the content of such ordinances and the PPP Code regulations.

She said: “In order to have a successful project there should be an agreement nor a consultation between the government and entrepreneurs.”

Quimpo also claimed that, “PPP Code of Aklan are expected to provide local governments with guidance on how to implement effective PPP frameworks to create a predictable and efficient PPP environment for infrastructure investment and to address issues related to cross-border infrastructure projects.”

Meanwhile, after a recent public hearing it is now lined up to discuss in the next SP Regular Session.

The PPP aims to strengthen the relationship between government and the private sector.

BTAC rolls out Lent security measures

Posted March 26, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) has prepared security plan to ensure safe and secure travel of local and foreign tourists in the island of Boracay this coming Lenten break.

Chief Admin. P/Insp. Alfonso Manoba, Jr. of BTAC Human Resource and Doctrine Development said: “BTAC assured that each police personnel will ensure this year’s Holy Week to be peaceful and secured as outlined in its anti-criminality campaign."

He added that such event like Holy Week is expected to generate numerous commuters and tourists who will travel to their respective provinces and tourist destinations and these may cause peace and order concerns including traffic congestion, accidents and other crimes.

“Criminals may take advantage of people converging in places such as beach and other tourist destinations for relaxation and recreation.” He explained.

Meanwhile, BTAC police presence will be intensified through increased foot-mobile patrols in the front beach, establish police assistance desks and Centers and deploy road safety marshals in convergence points particularly in port and bus terminals.

Yellow Submarine to be inspected in Boracay

Posted March 26, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Yellow Submarine will undergo inspection in Boracay.

SB Member and Tourism Committee Chairman Jupiter Gallenero said, “that the Submarine is scheduled to travel in Boracay for the inspection before they can decide if they will allow its operation on the island.”

Gallenero also assured that once approved, its operation will not affect the corals in the ocean of Boracay, stating that it will run slowly, retreat back to an area and float when they pass on corals.

It will also transfer to the Bolabog beach during Habagat season.

It will be recalled that the town council approved the letter of intent from the president of the submarine, and its area was immediately inspected by Life Guard Commander Mike Labatiao.

The said Submarine will operate in Boracay for the tourists who want to experience the adventure of the real Yellow Submarine.

Coast Guard bares early preparation for Holy Week

Posted March 25, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Few weeks before Holy Week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) bared security measures in all ports and ferry terminals.

According to PCG Master at Arms Chief Petty Officer Arnel Sulla, they have been directed that all coast guard units will prepare for the expected influx of passengers this summer and during Holy Week.

Sulla said: “all coast guard units are mandated to be on heightened alert during the observance of Holy Week.”

Therefore, officials are advised all personnel to ensure that all maritime activities are monitored and that all coast guard personnel and assets are ready and prepared to immediately respond to any maritime incident.

In addition, coast guard K-9 teams will also exercise extra vigilance in ports with random checks on passengers and luggage.

PCG was also ordered to intensify the mandatory pre-departure inspection to prevent overloading of passenger vessels and to ensure that vessels are seaworthy prior to departure particularly that shipping vessels must have adequate number of life-saving equipment. 

Meanwhile, Sulla also appealed for the cooperation of passengers for their safety travel.

Aklan Provincial Government’s road beautification project on going

Posted March 25, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The road beautification project of Aklan Provincial Government is in progress.

This is in preparation for the APEC ministerial meeting in Boracay this coming month of May.

Mars Bernabe of Governor’s Office said that they had a meeting together with the barangay captains who are part of the road beautification project.

He added that they gave P10, 000.00 per barangay captain for the improvement of their road from Kalibo International Airport to Brgy. Caticlan in the town of Malay.

It was found out that the Aklan provincial government wanted to make sure that roads are beautiful and clean for the ministerial meeting in Boracay.

BTAC boosting visibility to deter crimes

Posted March 24, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) yesterday said that the leadership will be increasing police visibility in Boracay especially at night as a deterrent amid reports of a rise in criminal incidence.

According to Deputy Chief Police BTAC S / Insp. Fidel Gentallan, “this was already included in their plans through intensified patrols and checkpoints at stricter enforcement of security measures also to avoid minors being involved in petty crimes.”

Indeed, He explained that BTAC OIC Police S / Insp. Frensy Andrade had already prepared possible actions to stem the tide of criminality and improve the ability of BTAC police to solve crimes.”

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) has been issued the directive of as possible; police officers should have a two-minute time limit to five minutes in responding crimes.

CAAP assures better facilities for Kalibo International Airport

Posted March 23, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Civil Aviation Authority of The Philippines (CAAP) continues to invest in airport infrastructure in Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

This is to provide good services and facilities for the airport passengers.

CAAP Kalibo airport manager Martin Terre said that “the ongoing construction of the terminal building which is expected to be finished by the end of March is for the accommodation of domestic passengers”.

He also added that the international flights temporarily use the existing terminal building adjacent to the building of KIA until the completion of the terminal building for domestic flights.

The asphalt overlaying at the airport is now in progress along with the two month construction period.

Meanwhile the Kalibo International Airport handles international flights from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea and domestic flights to Manila and Cebu.