293 structures in Boracay set to be demolished

The National Boracay Task Force is set to demolish around 293 structures in Boracay’s beach line.

According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer or PENRO-Aklan Officer Iven Reyes, the said demolition will start to kick off in March or April of this year.

Reyes said that despite the number of affected structures, he anticipates that the move will not be as bloody or tumultuous.

This is because on the mentioned dates the effected establishments will have a “self-demolition.”

He explained that the owners themselves are aware of their violations particularly when the Presidential Proclamation 1064 has been implemented on the island.

The proclamation stated that if the structure is within the 25+5 easement set by the DENR it will be demolished.

Reyes also clarified that the cited number is comprised of the tents set on the vegetation area, some establishments, and structures, residential or government owned.

Meanwhile, the PENRO also said that before the demolition will be carried out, they will have a talk with those affected on February to March 2013.

This demolition will be implemented by the National Task Force which includes the Departments of Justice, Environment, Tourism and Local Government.

At this moment the PENRO office is now preparing the letters and or notifications for the owners of the affected structures.  

FAKE TRAVEL ONLINE RESERVATION iN BORACAY, nOT TRUE - BFI PRESIDENT

Tourists have nothing to worry regarding the rumors that there are fake Travel Agencies or Travel Online Reservations at Boracay.

This was stated by Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) President Dionesio “Jony” Salme in an interview.

He said there had been no report of a fake travel agency in the island.

In exception is for the incident before New Year’s Day wherein a tourist was booked in a resort at Balabag Village by a travel agency, only to find out that its contract with the resort had expired.

Nevertheless, Salme clarified that the involved Travel Agency was not fake.  The resort did not receive the bookings since the travel agency no longer had a contract with the resort.

Salme added that the resort and travel agency searched for an accommodation for the tourist when things had been made clear.

However, he also said despite the rumors being untrue, tourists should at least remain vigilant when contacting travel agencies in Boracay, and if possible choose those with a good image and a reliable name.

Lady Boys “harassing” tourists – A bad image for Boracay, said DOT

“Bad image” for Boracay

This is the effect of the worsening situation with what was called the “lady boys” in the island and the harassment and robbery they are committing against the tourists.

According to Department of Tourism Officer in Charge, Tim Ticar, if this annoyance will continue, to the extent of “harassment” as some of these lady boys will even force tourists to be their customers, this will alter the image of Boracay.

The tourists will be going home with a bad experience and may pass it on to other possible visitors instead of promoting the island.

He also noted the bother it caused to those people who just wanted to go for a walk or bar hopping.

In line with this Ticar also communicated with the Malay Auxiliary Police or MAP as they are the implementer of the law and monitor the activities of these lady boys.

He also mentioned how, through the cooperation of stakeholders, the guards in resorts and establishments could be of help in this issue.

The Boracay Police had previously acknowledged the dilemma with these lady boys who are involved with prostitution, deceit, harassment, and robbery, victimizing tourists particularly the foreigners.

BFI ready to help Kalibo for Ati-atihan celebration

The stakeholders in Boracay are busy preparing for the upcoming Ati-atihan 2013 celebration on the island.

However, they are still ready to help the organizers of Kalibo ati-atihan when it comes to the promotion of what is dubbed as the “Mother of all festivals in the country”, the Sto. Nino Ati-atihan.

In an interview with Boracay Foundation Incorporated or BFI President, Dionesio “Jony” Salme, he said that they are positive in promoting and or introducing the mentioned festival to the tourists in Boracay to be a part of it.

Even as they are also promoting Boracay’s own Ati-atihan celebration which will be held this January 13, Sunday.

Salme also mentioned that the Management of Kalibo Ati-atihan once asked for their assistance in encouraging the tourists to visit and witness the festival.

Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Foundation Incorporated or KASAFI Chairman, Albert Menez previously admitted how they were hoping that the tourists in Boracay would take part in their celebration.

However, as the influx of tourists in Boracay increases every year, the opposite is happening with regard to the number of tourists joining in the Kalibo Ati-atihan.

The Ati-atihan in Kalibo this year will be held from January 14 to 19.

The Church, tribes and LGU-Malay, still hand-in-hand for Boracay Ati-atihan

The Malay Tourism Office has not hooked the tribes and organizers of the Boracay Ati-atihan with their offer and appeal.

That is to change the schedule of the Ati-atihan on the island and other assistance for the improvement of the celebration.

However, this did not stop the communication between the church, organizers and the Local Government to remain open and coordinate for the preparation of this annual devotional activity in Boracay.

In an interview with Holy Rosary Parish Church, Parish Pastoral Council President, Dionesio “Jony” Salme, he said that the LGU expressed eagerness to help in ensuring the security of the celebration, aside from the financial support they will be giving.

This is regardless of the tribes’ and organizers’ stand to keep the occasion simple and devotional.

The same reason why they declined the MTO’s proposal, with the help of the LGU, to make this year’s celebration more “lively” and held it for few more days so that it’ll be like a festival.

On the other hand, MTO Chief Operation Officer Felix Delos Santos said that they will continue to support and respect the decision of the tribes and devotees in preserving the old Ati-atihan tradition in the island.

They are just waiting for the organizers and tribes to extend to them what they can do for support.

The Boracay Ati-atihan is also one of the events that attract tourists, the reason why the LGU wanted to extend the celebration and appealed to the church to make the occasion more colorful.

The celebration is being held every second Sunday of January every year, this 2013 this will fall on the 13^th next week.