Boracay reached 112 thousand tourists for the first month of the year

For the first month of the year, Boracay had already a record of almost 13,000 tourists.

This year’s record is 2 percent higher compared to 2012 for the same month.

This data for January has been confirmed by Grazel Taunan, Tourism Operation II of the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO).

The previous year has a record of only 110 thousand tourists in a month.

2013 however reached 112,881 tourists from different countries where in the majority were Chinese, Korean and Taiwanese.

Meanwhile, for February, the MTO has recorded 87,566 tourists and is expected to rise even more as the month pushes through.

For Monday’s special holiday, Government Offices, open, students, no classes

On February 25, a special holiday, the schools are the only ones affected, as there will be no classes.

This is what the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has clarified in relation to the celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary on Monday.

The agency explained that only classes will take a break during that time, while government offices in the province will be open and will continue to deliver their services.

President Benigno Aquino III has declared February 25 as a special holiday for all the schools in the country.

CCTV, a requirement for next year’s business permit renewals

The installation of CCTV cameras in large commercial establishments in Boracay will become one of the requirements next year.

This followed after the 6^th session of the Municipal Council of Malay during which they have discussed how the ordinance regarding this matter has not been implemented.

This is to require the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to be installed in the establishments on the island.

The SB raised the topic on why it was not considered or included as a requisite for business permit renewals.

In the past year, the legislative body passed an ordinance regarding this subject as a response to the frequency of theft cases on the island and to ensure the security of establishments and the tourists.

MS Columbus 2, to arrive in Boracay on Sunday

The second cruise ship to visit the island of Boracay will be arriving on Sunday, 24th of February.

The MS Columbus 2 of the Hapag Lloyd Cruises will be docking between Boracay and Caticlan on Sunday around 12 noon.

It will be staying for 7 hours before moving on to their next destination.

According to Marce Bernabe, Technical Staff/Public Information officer of the Caticlan Jetty Port, they are expecting around 800 people to be boarding off the ship.

Of this number, 600 are tourists and the other 200 are the cruise line's staff.

Although negotiations between the port management and the shipping company - regarding the route and other details - had already occurred, as the day of arrival come nearer, more negotiations are expected to happen between the management and other relevant personalities to ensure the security of the tourists.

Meanwhile another two or more cruise ships are in line to visit the island this year.

In addition, a certain cruise liner has already expressed its intention to visit Boracay in 2014, and even in 2015, two more are coming said Bernabe.

The third luxury liner, MS Europa, also of the Hapag Lloyd Cruises, and is the second for this year, is set to arrive on March 19, 2013

LGU Malay: no more extensions for business permit renewals

The deadline of the extension for business permit renewals in the Municipality of Malay will be tomorrow.

This is based on the one month extension that the town council has approved which was started last January 21, 2013.

The allowed extension will end on Wednesday, 20th of February.

With this, Malay Licensing Officer Jen Salsona said that the local government will no longer give any more extensions.

Salsona however clarified that the employees' lacking requirements will not be a problem, adding that what is important is that the employers had already been assessed and had paid the necessary payments and or taxes before the declared deadline.

The remaining requirements can be submitted later or shall follow.

The licensing officer also said that those who will fail to be assessed on Wednesday, will be - based on the regulation - having a penalty effective on Thursday, 21st of February.

Meanwhile, according to Malay Administrator Godofredo Sadiasa, what matters is the date of the assessment which must be before the deadline.

The law on taxation states that the deadline of business permit renewals for establishments is until the 20th of January.

Peace Covenant, signed by Malay electoral candidates yesterday

The Malay candidates for the 2013 mid-term elections have already signed the Peace Covenant yesterday.

The covenant for a peaceful election has been conducted after a mass led by Rev, Fr. Anthony Jizmundo, who also presided the oath taking.

 Of the Municipality’s 19 electoral aspirants, 11 has attended the occasion which included Mayor John Yap, who has no rival, and 10 others running for the council.

The Mayor, in his speech said that the major challenge now is not the election itself, but putting Boracay’s dilemmas in order, a matter which they continuously giving attention to.

Meanwhile, Malay COMELEC Officer 2 Elma Cahilig asked the candidates to maintain a “friendly rival”, and to take into account an honest, orderly and peaceful May elections.

After the activity, Cahilig distributed documents containing the guidelines on campaign which included the common poster area in all the Baranggays of Malay, as well as the guidelines on what campaign materials are to be used.

Also present during yesterday’s Peace Covenant, were the members of the COMELEC, PNP, Philippine Army, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Yes FM Boracay.