NEW TARIFF RATE oF BIWC - APPROVED bY TIEZA REGULATORY OFFICE

The additional rate in water and sewerage service fee of the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) has been approved by the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise and Zoning Authority (TIEZA-RO).

This was learned from a message sent by, and later confirmed by the BIWC COO, Ben Mañosca thru a live radio interview on Tuesday, January 15.

The message also wanted consumers and businessmen in the island, connected to the BIWC, to know that the tariff was published on well known newspapers on the same day.

This means that the rate increase from the BIWC will push thru.

However, unlike the thirty five (35) percent proposed increase, to start on the beginning of the year, the company sided with the appeal of stakeholders during the public hearing held by TIEZA in December 2012 to stagger or slowly increase rate.

Meanwhile, the new rate in water and sewerage service fee will be felt fifteen (15) days after being published on newspapers and made known to the public, and this will be possibly by the month of February of the current year.

Ordinance prohibiting fast food chains at the beach front, aimed to be passed

To keep Boracay’s beach front from looking like a “fast food chain street.”

This reason urged the Town Council of Malay on their plan to pass an ordinance that prohibits the construction or putting up of fast food chains in the front beach, as this won’t be a good impression to the tourists.

On the other hand, SB Member Rowen Aguirre clarified that he is not against these food chains’ entry to Boracay, it should however be placed not on the beach front as a means to protect the island.

If the ordinance will be passed, he said there will be a specific or designated area for this type of businesses in accordance to the zoning being implemented on the island under the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

The passing of the said ordinance was considered as a preparation for the other food chains, such as Jollibee, projecting to enter the island. 

2013 BORACAY ATI-ATIHAN HELD PEACEFULLY

The Ati-atihan in Boracay on Sunday, January 13 was held without untoward incidents and was regarded to be successful.

Based on Police record in the island, during the whole day operation of the Police for the security of the attendees of the Ati-atihan celebration, no untoward cases were recorded related to the celebration.

Reverend Fr. Arnold Crisostomo of the Holy Rosary Church earlier hoped drinking of alcoholic beverages would not cause trouble during the celebration.

In addition, another aspiration of the Church was also met since devotees of Sr. Sto. Niño, or the Infant Jesus did not leave garbage at the White Beach even after the procession.

Devotees were also reported to be happy in the street dancing of the Ati-atihan held on Sunday, January 15.

However, some passengers of tricycles and other motorists in the island reportedly felt bored since they were stuck in traffic during the celebration.

MORATORIUM oN PERMIT tO TRANSPORT tO BORACAY - EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 2012

The Moratorium which temporarily stopped the issuance of Permit to Transport (PTT) to all vehicles to be brought to Boracay, concluded in 2012.

The temporary non issuance of PTT of vehicles to be brought to Boracay was implemented on the 1^st of June of the previous year.

In an interview with the Island Administrator, Glenn Sacapaño, on Wednesday, January 9, he said the Moratorium expired on the end of December 2012. With this, the Local Government of Malay is again issuing Permit to Transport to owners of vehicles to be brought to Boracay.

Sacapaño added, however, that the requirements should first be completed by applicants before a PTT is to be issued. 

“Seminar on Guest Handling” for front liners in Boracay, mandatory

All front liners in Boracay are now obliged to undergo a “Seminar on Guest Handling” before acquiring a working permit.

While it is a mandate of the Department of tourism, particularly the Tourism Act of 2009, that a tourism zone like Boracay must maintain an international standard of facility and service.

For this reason, in order for a local version to take shape and to strictly implement it in Boracay, last November 29, 2012 an ordinance regarding this matter has been approved.

And this makes this seminar even more important for the front liners.

This is also the proper time since January is the month for business permit processes.

Those considered as the island’s front liners are boatmen, Tricycle drivers, vendors, masseuse and or masseurs, and porters as well as those establishments who have a direct service to the tourists.

This ordinance states that those working as front liners who fails to undergo a “Seminar on Guest Handling” will not be provided with a working permit on the island.