Coliform issue in Boracay, an isolated case says Jetty Port Administrator Maquirang

Posted March 6, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Coliform issue in Boracay is an isolated case.

This was the statement of Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang in an interview during the arrival of Cruise ship MV Seabourn Sojourn today.

Maquirang asks support for the government programs that will lead to increasing tourism industry of the island.

Although he did not give additional statements on the issue, Maquirang is complacent that the environmental problem Boracay is now facing will soon be resolved.

Meanwhile, various government agencies on the island are now carefully dealing with the Coliform problem in the ‘Back Beach’ of Boracay.

Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño, ‘no comment’ after their conference re-Coliform in Boracay issue

Posted March 6, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

Island Administrator Glenn Sacapaño gave no comment on the Coliform issue in Boracay.

This was after their Boracay coastal meeting on Tuesday, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ivene Reyes, DOT Region 6 Atty.Helen Catalbas, and Aklan Governor Joeven Miraflores.

Sacapaño, though, expressed his dismay on the news regarding the reported high Coliform content in Bolabog Beach.

In an interview, Committee on Laws Chairman at Malay SB member Rowen Aguirre clarified that Bolabog Beach is polluted and not the entire waters of Boracay.

In a recent interview SB Member Fromy Bautista stressed that the LGU Malay and other concerned agencies should work hand in hand in resolving the concern.

TIEZA’s budget for street lights, on 'no update' status

Posted March 5, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial meeting is fast approaching.

Sadly, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s (TIEZA) budget for street lights project has no update yet.

Meaning, the broken street lights will not be changed for now.

This was confirmed by Municipal Engineer OIC Engr.Arnold Solano in his text message.

Solano, on the other hand explained that they will use their P5 Million budget from LGU Malay in case that the TIEZA’s fund will not be available.

On his previous statement, Solano also said that TIEZA asked for the program of works from the local government.

Meanwhile, the street lights were found out to be part of the drainage system project of the then Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), which is now TIEZA.

It was not however formally turned over to LGU due to some issues and problems.

Currently, the LGU Malay will take charge of the street light project as part of their preparation for APEC on May 2015.

It will be recalled that accidents involving tourists were recorded blamed to the lack or damaged street lights at the main road of Boracay.

After the Zorb accident, SB Member Bautista calls for water and sea sports activity inspection

Posted March 5, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

SB Member Bautista pushes inspection for water and sea sports activity.

This was after the Zorb ball accident in Boracay last Friday where Bautista reiterates the safety of all tourists in Boracay especially to those who are trying various water sport activities in the island.

Bautista said on Tuesday during the 9th Regular Session in Malay that he wants to have a regulation through Mayor John Yap that all the water or sports activities in Boracay should be inspected within three or six months, which was approved by the council.

He also called for the inspection of equipments used for all sports activities in Boracay, saying that some of the operators are allegedly using old equipments that are prone to accidents.

In this regard the council is planning to create an inspection team for the sea sports operation, where they will be given clearance and certification as part of their requirements.

It can be recalled that the accident transpired in Boracay last Friday where two engineer tourists were accidentally cast off from the Zorb Ball leaving one of seriously injured.

SB Member Bautista to investigate the operation of Yellow Submarine in Boracay

Posted March 4, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

SB member Floribar Bautista wants to investigate the operation of Yellow Submarine in Boracay.

This is after the committee hearing regarding to the Letter of Intent of Yellow Submarine President Sangwon Hyun.

Bautista is concerned particularly on the durability and safety of the said submarine and if it does not affect the tourism in Boracay.

Hyun, on the other hand, explained that it can help boost the tourism of Boracay and to let tourists experience a real submarine.

He explains further that it is environmental friendly because it will not operate in areas with no corals and that it could be popular to both foreign and local tourist in Boracay.

Currently the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay is waiting for the report from Lifeguard Commander Mike Labatiao’s study for the possible area for the Submarine once it is approved by the council.

BFP-Boracay sets activities for Fire Prevention Month

Posted March 3, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M.  Arante

The Bureau of Fire Protection Unit (BFPU) Boracay has prepared some activities this Fire Prevention Month.

This was confirmed by Boracay Fire Chief Fire Inspector Stephen Jardeleza after their parade, Sunday, on the first day of the month of March.

Jardeleza said they had a motorcade from Brgy. Manoc-Manoc to Brgy. Balabag and sponsored the Sunday mass at Holy Rosary Parish Church Boracay along with activity to promote people awareness on fire especially this summer.

Jardeleza also revealed that the usual source of fire here in Boracay is from using sub-standard electrical wire and outlets.

In line with the Fire Prevention Month campaign, the BFP Boracay distributed fliers with tips on how to prevent fires in congested areas of Boracay.

ASEAN Chief Justices meeting in Boracay kicks off

Posted March 2, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The three-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chief Justices Meeting in the island of Boracay started Monday.

The Chief Justices from Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore, together with Philippine Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno was warmly welcomed in Boracay Airport by the Local Government Unit of Malay and the Aklan Provincial Government.

Some of the Chief Justices bring their families to see the beauty of the island of Boracay.

Boracay PNP together with the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard had a very tight security for the event.

Meanwhile, the purpose of the meeting is to reinforce judicial cooperation among chief justices in Asia.

AFP, BFP, PNP and PCG beefs up security meeting for APEC 2015

Posted March 2, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

The Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security has been strengthened when security enforcers take account of security meeting following the events of APEC Ministerial Meeting and Senior Officer Meeting in Boracay.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are unremitting in planning steps to ensure the safety of the public; especially those who will attend the APEC 2015.

In Boracay, Brig. Gen. Francisco Pantrimonio, Asst. Chief ng 3rd Infantry Division spearheaded the said assembly.

Meanwhile, Police Inspector Alfonso Manoba, Chief of Admin/HRDD Sections of Boracay PNP Station and Police Office 3 Conrado Espino, Jr. OPN PNCO; and other members of the Philippine Army, PNP, BFP, Coast Guard and other force multipliers on the island attended the event as well.

The Senior Officer Meeting and APEC Ministerial Meeting in Boracay will be held this coming 15th to 24^th of May this year.