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.

Aklan pays tribute to 19 Martyrs

Posted March 23, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

The province of Aklan is now commemorating the 118th year of heroism of the 19 Katipuneros of Aklan.

Highlights of the celebration are the wreath-laying ceremony at the Aklan Freedom Shrine and a commemorative program to remember the patriotic acts and timeless legacies of the Aklan martyrs.

The Congress enacted March 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the whole province of Aklan by virtue of Republic Act No. 7806.

The Aklan Freedom Shrine, one of the landmarks in the capital town of Kalibo, is topped by the statue of the gallant General Francisco del Castillo riding in his horse.

Meanwhile, Mayor William Lachica said in his message: “a commemoration will still continue to remember the heroism of the 19 Katipuneros of Aklan.”

The historic event is jointly organized by the municipal government of Kalibo, the provincial government of Aklan, the Aklan Congressional Office and the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi).

Historical accounts showed that the first Katipunan movement outside Luzon was organized in Aklan and fought the Spaniards during the 1896 Revolution.

As narrated by historians, many Katipuneros were captured after General del Castillo’s death, until only 19 were left. On March 23, 1897, they were executed.

Translated by Gloria Villas