16th Piña and Fiber Festival starts today in Aklan

Posted April 22, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The 16th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival is taking place today through five-day trade show.

According to a report, this will provide opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs (MSEs) of Aklan Piña Mantra Inc., the Aklan Horticulture Society and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. to promote their products.

The event will again offer its popular 17 municipality’s vendor’s marketplace, fiber arts, best products such as abaca, piña and raffia loom woven fabrics, bakery, souvenir items, pasalubong products, fashion accessories, health and wellness products. 

Furthermore, the province will celebrate the Aklan anniversary with civic and military parade, agri-link trade show, Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo, talibong festival, farmer and fisherfolk day, inter-department sportfest, agri-trade showcase of local government units and community-based organizations, dog show, Gov. Florencio Miraflores Basketball Cup, garden show, among others.

Several music bands will be having their performances every night in the Capitol grounds as well.

The event is one of the highlights of the weeklong 59th Aklan anniversary held annually in April pursuant to Republic Act No. 1414 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay.

Apprehending minors in Boracay spur drop in crime stats

Posted April 21, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) is enthusiastically touting a great drop in overall crime this past eight days.

BTAC OIC Police Senior Inspector Frensy Andrade proudly says, “The reduction especially in theft incidents is because of their hand in hand operations to apprehend minors looting at the front beach.”

“We are pleased having a zero (0) theft incident this week” He said.

On the other hand, Andrade explained that those captured minors and children in conflict with the law were being turn-over to Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) for proper actions.

Since that He himself was personally witnessed a theft incident which a minor is involved, he said that other than beggars and illegal commissioners, one of their focus is also has led to this year’s double-digit drops in burglaries and other types of theft.

Thus, these reductions have caused the drop in the overall crime rate, which consists mostly of property crimes.

Castillo: DA is prepared for El Niño

Posted April 21, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is putting in place measures that will reduce rice production risks due to El Niño, especially in upland and rain-fed areas.

DA Aklan Head William Castillo said that although El Niño is here, “we are prepared and it will not turn out to be the sum of all our fears.”

He assured the public that the department is prepared for the effects of the prevailing mild El Niño in the province of Aklan even as it praised farmers who have meticulously conserved water ahead of the weather phenomenon that is expected to extend the dry season.

El Niño, the irregular rise in the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, is accompanied by below average rainfall.

Over the past few months, Castillo assumed that they has been calling on farmers and the general public to conserve water as a precautionary measure in case the country experiences a prolonged dry spell.

“It is wise and nice that farmers conserved water. It made them ready,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are now working hand in hand to completely prepare this dry season.

MAP Boracay changes uniform for APEC Ministerial meeting

Posted April 17, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Local Government Unit of Malay provided new uniforms for Municipal Auxiliary Police (MAP) Boracay.

According to the Malay Transportation Office, this is in preparation for the upcoming APEC Ministerial meeting in Boracay this coming month of May.

Aside from MAP, other departments of LGU Malay have also new uniform to show support and readiness to the event.

Meanwhile, it is said that the uniform of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) policemen will be also be changed before the APEC.

Currently, the LGU Malay is busy preparing for the ministerial meeting especially in enhancing security in the island, another reason that they want to make the law enforcers to look more presentable for the delegates.

DTI, local govt to launch Negosyo Center in Aklan

Posted April 17, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the provincial government of Aklan is set to establish a “Negosyo Center” in the province this coming April 24, 2015.

According to DTI Aklan Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist Ma. Stella Caldera, “This is the first Negosyo Center to be established in the province and second in Panay Island.”

Cardera explained that, Republic Act 10644 otherwise known as “Go Negosyo Act”, seeks to establish Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide through public-private partnership.

Negosyo Center is a one-stop-shop that promotes ease of doing business and facilitates access to services for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within its jurisdiction.

“It is proactive, client friendly, and more services made available to MSMEs.” She said.

Meanwhile, the Go Negosyo Centers would have the following functions: business registration assistance, business advisory services, business information and advocacy and monitoring and evaluation of business processes for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).