Friday, April 17, 2015

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).

Thursday, April 16, 2015

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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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.

Monday, April 13, 2015

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).