Port in Boracay included in urgent development for Cruise Tourism in the Country

Posted March 20, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is working with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to develop some ports in the country for Cruise Tourism.

According to Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., the identified ports are in Manila, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Zamboanga and Boracay.

He sees that “the demand of Cruiship in the country is very strong where they needed to double time with their partners to ensure that the arrival of foreign tourist is as seamless possible”.

Bengzon added that the upgrading and improvement of the Airport must likewise be in collaboration in the development of the Sea Port in the country.

On the other hand he said that the government is now developing the passenger Terminal in Mactan at Cebu and Kalibo International Airport in the province of Aklan to further boost tourism in the country.

SP Aklan welcomes principles for Public-Private Partnership Framework

Posted March 20, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

An ordinance enacting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the province of Aklan is now scheduled for a public hearing on March 26, 2015.

This is after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan draft the said ordinance during the 9^th SP Regular Session.

According to SP Secretary Odon Bandiola, “the PPP aims to strengthen the relationship between government and the private sector.”

Bandiola highlighted the importance of private participation in infrastructure provision which could enhance existing public capacity in providing economic (e.g. transport, telecommunication, power, water and sanitation) and social (e.g. health and education) infrastructures.

“At the same time, effective infrastructure reduces transport costs, fosters competitiveness with positive impact on investment and trade flows, and the integration in global and regional value chains.” He added.

In addition, he explains that there are now also potential investors especially on the island of Boracay that greatly contribute to the project of the province.

Meanwhile, 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.

Malay Water District GM, grilled in SB Malay

Posted March 19, 2015 

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Malay Water District General Manager Rei Bernardo was grilled in the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay due to water supply problem in Sitio. Tabon Bukid in Brgy. Caticlan.

On the 11^th SB Session of Malay last Tuesday, Bernardo was invited to explain the long due problem of the residents concerning the water supply in the area.

According to Bernardo, “there is a problem with the water line and its main source making it difficult for them to supply water in to high areas of Sitio Tabon”.

On the other hand he said that they are doing steps to restore the normal water supply for the residents.

Unfortunately, the council is becoming impatient on the slow action of Malay Water District to the problem.

Meanwhile, SB Malay appeals to Bernardo to coordinate with the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) to temporarily supply the water needs of to residents, while they are fixing the problem.

Also noted that the BIWC is willing to supply water to Tabon residents but they are still waiting for the approval of their partner, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay is hurriedly working to give water supply to Tabon residents because of the upcoming Summer Season, especially that many of the residents are getting sick due to lack of water supply.

SP Member sponsors ordinance to ensure irrigation services in Aklan

Posted March 19, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Emmanuel Soviet Dela Cruz is now sponsoring an ordinance providing basic policies, rules and regulations to ensure the continued and efficient operation of irrigation services in the province of Aklan.

Dela Cruz said: “According to a study, it is a need to strengthen the institutional framework associated with the province irrigation systems to ensure that the institutions responsible can fulfill their functions.”

In addition, irrigation is essential for the sustainable management of water resources for it makes crops more resistant to droughts.

However, it first referred to the committee of Agriculture and Environment.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that SP Aklan approved a resolution associated with adoption of System Management Committee (SMO) of Resolution No. 01, Series of 2014 on the policies of the Western League of Federation of Irrigators' Association, Inc. (ALFIA).

Andrade studies Korean national Jin Woo Lee’s shooting suspect

Posted March 18, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) has been studying the next step in resolving the Korean national Jin Woo Lee’s shooting suspect last year.

According to BTAC OIC Police S / Insp. Frensy Andrade, he is still waiting for another report from Deputy Chief Police S / Insp. Fidel Gentallan for the said conflict cases.

However, away from this BTAC has already prepared one of the suspects’ cartographic sketches based on the description of one of the witnesses to the crime.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that Korean national Jin Woo Lee was walking near his rented apartment in Sitio Bolabog in Barangay Balabag on November 26 when two unidentified suspects shot the Korean national, who suffered two gunshot wounds in his lower right armpit.

Yellow Submarine, ready to operate in the island of Boracay

Posted March 18, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay approved the operation of Yellow Submarine in the island of Boracay.

This was after the long study of the council and examining the area where the submarine will be stationed.

Also noted that the operator of Yellow Submarine submitted the documents based on the requirements of SB Member and Chairman of the Committee on Tourism Jupiter Gallenero.

Although there is no exact date for the start of the operation, the submarine is ready for transport to Boracay from Cebu City where it started to operate.

Meanwhile, the council also clarified that “it will not affect the beautiful corals of Boracay because it is an environment friendly”.

The submarine will put and stay in one area based on the consensus of the owner and the Local Government Unit of Malay.

It will be opened soon to tourists as added attraction in Boracay.

CIVICOM 961 and BISFPU, to launched Fun Run in line with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month

Posted March 17, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The KABALIKAT CIVICOM 961 in partnership with the BISFPU will be launching a "Run for a Fire Safe Community".

This in line with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month, scheduled to be held this coming March 29 in Barangay Balabag beach front.

Also noted that this is the first Zombie inspired Fun Run, because there will be ‘Zombies and Monsters’ along the Fun Run areas.

It is also expected that this Fun Run is distinctive compared to other fun runs in Boracay.

Meanwhile, the KABALIKAT CIVICOM 961 and BISFPU encouraged participants who are interested to join the Fun Run to come to their office for the mechanics.

PHO Aklan, cautions about seasonal diseases this summer

Posted March 17, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Sore eyes, sun burn, cold and cough are only a few of the diseases that are rampant on summer seasons.

With this, the Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO) reminds the public to make hand washing a habit to prevent the said diseases.

According to PHO Aklan Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, when suffering from sore eyes, avoid rubbing it and instead of using a hanky, wipe it with a tissue and dispose it after use.

Dr. Cuachon meanwhile, cautions the public of a common belief and or practice that breast milk and urine can cure sore eyes, saying that washing the face and hands are rather effective than the mentioned practice.

Sore eyes are very common during the months of January to March on summer and August to September on rainy seasons.

BAG plans Siren system in Boracay for disasters

Posted March 16, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

To be more effective and efficient using Information Communication Technology (ICT) in order to improve public safety during disasters.

Boracay Action Group (BAG) is now planning a siren system in the island of Boracay.

According to BAG Adviser/Consultant Leonard Tirol, “it was already integrated in their plans related to Disaster Preparedness.”

However, the implementation still depends on the appropriations of budget from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay.

Meanwhile, the Siren system is commonly used and designed to mitigate risk against natural disasters in a community and strengthen capabilities of disaster risk management during floods, earthquakes, fires, storms and so on.

It also has red, yellow and green light which refers to the alarm level.