PHO: No Chinkungunya cases in Aklan

There are still no recorded cases of chikungunya in the Province of Aklan.

This is according to Provincial Disease Surveillance Officer Roger Debuque.

When asked about cases that displays the like signs and symptoms of dengue but were not diagnosed as such, Debuque said, their latest report, which was accumulated from Rural Health Units and Hospitals in Aklan, did not show any record of chikungunya.

On the other hand, with Dengue, their most recent record, dated January 1st to July 27, 2013, showed that there were 389 cases which is lower compared to the same period in 2012 with 468 cases.

Of the mentioned cases this year, there is one recorded death.

Meanwhile, regarding the reported release of Dengue Vaccine, Debuque said, there is a huge possibility for Aklan to receive this, although he is not sure as to when it will be available.

He added that the Central office will definitely distribute it to regions and provinces as the Philippines will be one of the first countries to have the vaccine once it will be released.

LGU Malay orders helmet diving operations to be inspected

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Local Government of Malay wants the operation of helmet diving to be inspected.

 According to Boracay Life Guard Supervisor Miguel “Mike” Labatiao, he already received an instruction to conduct such inspection.

However he has yet to coordinate with the Philippine Coastguard, MAP and the PNP for a proper process.

This followed after a number of tourists complained about the beaten up motorboats that were used for the said activity.

Labatiao added, they are monitoring the unstable weather, as they will also conduct an inspection in areas where helmet diving are being carried out.

At the moment, there still those who are performing the mentioned underwater activity in Boracay.

Meanwhile, the LGU will not allow the operation of those without permits and have not complied with their requirements.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

BIHA, warned motorboats against disposal of used crude oil in the sea

Written by: Bert Dalida

The Boracay Island Hopping Association or BIHA has given a warning to motorboats that are disposing used crude oil in the seas.

According to BIHA Chairman Rigoberto Gelito Jr, those who will be proven guilty of the violation - particularly those who are members of the island hopping group - will have their license canceled.

Gelito added that they will have an investigation on the said activity at the Boalabog Beach, which was earlier divulged by a boatman, whose name was withheld.

The BIHA chair firmly said that there should be a proper place for discarding the said used oil, and must not be disposed anywhere.

Meanwhile, aside from the warning, Gelito also encouraged the BIHA members to support the activities that promote the preservation of Boracay Island.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

APPO, gears-up for Baranggay and SK Elections

Written by: Jay-ar Arante

The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) is now gearing up for the coming Baranggay and SK Elections in October.

According to APPO Public Information Officer PO3 Nida Gregas, they will be beefing up their security like the elections last May.

They will be implementing the Gun and Alcohol Ban, as well as the other instructions from the Comelec, three days before the said election.

Gregas added that they will be watching over the PCOS Machines delivered in different areas in Aklan.

Meanwhile, the APPO Officer is confident that they can properly perform their duties during the elections.

The APPO is also glad about the fact that, although troublemakers cannot be totally avoided, the number of those violating the Comelec regulations has dropped compared to that of the 2010 elections.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

PASSENGERS oN JETTY PORT STAIRS-COMPLAINTS… DOT &JETTY PORT MET… “STAIRS OF STEEL? IRON? oR CONCRETE? …”

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

The Boracay Department of Tourism met with Jetty Port Administrator Nieven Maquirang regarding the complaint of passengers about the broken stairs at the Cagban Jetty Port.

According to DOT Boracay Officer-In-Charge, Tim Ticar, he called Maquirang on Saturday, July 27 to talk about the repair of the stairs.

The materials to be used were talked about and one of the suggestions of Ticar was stainless steel to avoid corrosion.

Ticar explained that if iron is used, it will rust easily. While if it is made of concrete, it will shatter when hit by boats that dock.

Nevertheless, according to Ticar, Maquirang already had an idea on what replacement could be used aside from stainless steel.

Meanwhile, Ticar had allegedly heard that there was already an instruction from the Jetty Port Administrator to construct the broken stairs at the Cagban Jetty Port, and construction is about to start.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus