First day of the Night masses, joyfully celebrated in Aklan

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Despite the power outages in a number of baranggays in the province, the Aklanons still joyfully observed the first of the 9-day night masses.

This is as many Aklan Electric Cooperative or Akelco lines damaged by Yolanda are still yet to be repaired.

Church goers nearly overflowed most of the parishes, particularly in Kalibo where over a thousand of people have said to have attended the service.

In spite of calamities, especially the super typhoon, the faith of the public seems to have strengthened even more.

The residents still eagerly woke up very early in the morning to attend the traditional evening mass.

Meanwhile, aside from checkpoints, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has also deployed more personnel to ensure the safety and security of the public.

Yesterday, December 16, the Filipino’s “9-day Christmas countdown” has commenced.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DTI, monitoring prices of products for “Noche Buena”

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had started monitoring prices of Noche Buena products for the coming Christmas.

According to DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr, posters of Suggested Retail Price (SRP) are being given to big and small businesses in order for these establishments to follow the correct prices implemented by the DTI on Noche Buena products.

Christmas lights and other decorations to be used for Christmas are also being closely monitored.

Cadena also made a reminder it should be made sure that Christmas lights have Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) to avoid fire and faulty electric wiring.

He added that the buying of goods, gifts and preparations for Christmas should be done early to avoid the crowd at markets.

A reminder was also made to the public to be intelligent in buying for the upcoming celebration and if there are problems on the products bought, their office should be contacted.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Yearly Christmas lights, re-launched for public viewing in the Kalibo Town

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Christmas lights were re-opened for public viewing in the town of Kalibo.

It was 4PM when a program was conducted wherein it was led by the local government unit of Kalibo and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Kalibonhon performs variety of presentation for the thousand viewers.

However as the night faints crowd has become has arrived further.

The countdown started at around 7 PM to lighten up the Plaza (park) that was accompanied by a fireworks display that last for minutes.

The crowd was amazed by the opening of the Christmas lights in the town.

Although the electricity supply wasn’t enough in the province, the local agencies and the establishment’s owner have made the people feel the presence of the Christmas Season.

Meanwhile, the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) is on its continuous repair on the rotten poles in Aklan to put back the glow on Aklanon’s Christmas time of year.

Translated by Carla N. Suñer

AKELCO, won’t increase electric rates like MERALCO

Written by Mackie Pajarillo

The Aklan Electic Cooperative (AKELCO) will not be increasing their electricity rates.

This is what Engr. Joel Martinez, Assistant General Manager for Akleco Engineering Department said in line with the public speculations that it would increase its rates just like what happened in Manila.

Although AKELCO has previously announced that they will have spiking rates these coming months, Martinez clarified that this will only be temporary .

He said that if the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or NGCP’s power supply will go back to normal, so does the regular rates in the province, particularly in Boracay.

NGCP’s supply was cut off due to the super typhoon, and the electric supply for Boracay, Buruanga, Caticlan and the whole Malay comes from a Diesel Power Plant.

Meanwhile, Manila Electric Company or MERALCO increases rates this December due to the use of diesel fuel from power plants brought along by the shutting down of the Malampaya Natural Gas Facility.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

DTI Aklan, on continuous monitoring of prices in the Province

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan is strictly monitoring the price freeze implemented on areas heavily affected by the typhoon.

According to DTI Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., they will continue their monitoring which was started last November 11 until January 10, 2014.

Cadena said that Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 states that prices of basic necessities in areas affected or have experiences calamities will be placed under an automatic price control.

In line with this, the DTI reiterated that traders should not take advantage and those caught will be penalized accordingly.

DTI Aklan had previously issued a list of Automatic Price Control (APC) for basic necessities under its jurisdiction.

Cadena added, their department’s personnel are continuously monitoring the prices of the basic products around the country.

The Provincial Director also encouraged the consumers to report any violation of the mentioned rule to the DTI or other agencies in the government assigned to watch over the prices such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture.

Translated by Shelah Casiano