Despite China-Philippines Standoff International Flights From Shanghai to KIA Continue

Despite the ongoing tension between China and the Philippines regarding Scarborough Shoal, international flights from Shanghai,China to Kalibo International Airpot (KIA) remain normal.

This was clarified by the KIA Administrator Percy Malonesio in an interview conducted Friday morning.

While there were allegedly some airports which received notification that flights from Shanghai China were cancelled, according to Malonesio he had not received communication of cancellation of flights from China. Pointing out that as an administrator, if there were changes of date or time of arrivals especially on international flights, he would be informed.

Malonesia further said that KIA had no documents so far which showed that flights were affected specially for tourists going to Boracay.

Even direct flights from Taipei, Taiwan according to Malonesia were not cancelled.

Direct flights from Taiwan and China were almost daily, Malonesia added, and at the meantime arrivals would continue until an advisory was given by the corresponding airline company.

Boracay Bookings of Chinese Nationals, Cancelled

Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) President Dionesio 'Jony' Salme confirmed that there are resorts in the island whose bookings with Chinese tourists had been cancelled.

In fact, some guests in their own resort had already withdrawn last week with the reason concerning the security of the tourists as the tension between Philippines and China over Panatag or Scarborough Shoal continues.

Aside from this, according to the information gathered from Boracay Regency, one of the biggest resort in the island, on Thursday some of the Chinese nationals also cancelled their online bookings that was supposedly scheduled on the up-coming days.

As noted from Ms. Athena Dorin of Boracay Regency, according to the Travel Agencies that they've confer with, these Chinese would also want to push through with their travel to the island, however the Chinese Government refused to allow them resulting to the cancelations of bookings.

But in spite of this it has been learned that not all who had booked backed out.

Meanwhile, based on their observation with the Chinese guests on the island, it appears that there is nothing to be worried about, as a matter of fact their stay in Boracay was described as 'normal'.

Moreover, currently there are no reports being noted that there are guests who packed up because of fear or concern over the projected rally against China's government.

Questions on the Issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate Unanswered

The issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was questioned at the Town Council Session Tuesday.

After confirming that an ECC has been issued to a Water Company in Boracay for excavations for the placement of water pipes, Town Council Members Essel Flores and Rowen Agguire questioned the new Community Environmental and Natural Resources (CENRO) Boracay Officer Mersa Samillano.

Samillano was asked by Flores why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued an ECC when no endorsement had been given by the Town Council. Flores pointed out that the Local Government should know in the first place whether the proposed site for the installation of structures or project is a critical area.

On the other hand, Aguirre asked why there were instances that the DENR was quick to issue an ECC without coordination with the local government. He cited the situation of the controversial reclamation at Caticlan which has remained controversial because of the same reason.

No response was elicited from Samillano

Questions on the Issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate Unanswered

The issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was questioned at the Town Council Session Tuesday.

After confirming that an ECC has been issued to a Water Company in Boracay for excavations for the placement of water pipes, Town Council Members Essel Flores and Rowen Agguire questioned the new Community Environmental and Natural Resources (CENRO) Boracay Officer Mersa Samillano.

Samillano was asked by Flores why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued an ECC when no endorsement had been given by the Town Council. Flores pointed out that the Local Government should know in the first place whether the proposed site for the installation of structures or project is a critical area.

On the other hand, Aguirre asked why there were instances that the DENR was quick to issue an ECC without coordination with the local government. He cited the situation of the controversial reclamation at Caticlan which has remained controversial because of the same reason.

No response was elicited from Samillano.

Brigada Eskwela: To be launched next week

The Department of Education (DepEd) through Brigada Eskwela Program or School Maintenance Week aims for a formal opening of classes.

According to Dr. Jesse Gomez, Division Superintendent of DepEd. Aklan, the School Maintenance Week will be starting on May 14 to 18 for Public schools.

During this time schools will be cleaned and maintained for the entire week through the cooperation of Parents,students,the local government as well as some establishments and institutions in some localities.

In line with this, Dr. Gomez stressed out that Education is not solely a responsibility of the School but of the whole community. As these students or youths will be governing in the future and can positively or negatively affect the society.

Meanwhile,the presence of DepEd. Asst. Sec. Elena R. Ruiz is expected in the Capital town, Kalibo for the formal launching of the Brigada Eskwela contest that the province will be a part of.