SB Malay, readies for possible Power Shortage in 2014

The Municipal Council of Malay is set to call a meeting with Akleco on April 12.

This followed after worrying reports of possible critical situation for Boracay in relation to power shortages has surfaced.

This is in line with the Department of Energy’s report that Visayas is likely to experience electric supply deficiency.

As a preparation, the SB Malay would like to learn from the distributor, Aklan Electric Cooperative, about the truth on this matter as this issue is seen to greatly affect the stakeholders, residents, and investors in Boracay and the whole municipality of Malay.

With this, stakeholders and other associations and or organization on the island will be invited to the said meeting.

The SB’s invitation for Akelco also aims to find out if the cooperative has some actions of preparation regarding the matter even if it is anticipated to occur in 2014. 

YOUTH THAT STIR GARBAGE aT tHE FRONT BEACH oF BORACAY tO BE FOCUSED oN

Young individuals who stir garbage at the beach front will be focused upon.

Currently, not only posters at the “Not Common Poster Area” will be the focus of the Solid Waste Management.

According to Sacapaño, they are not going against the source of living of the concerned persons who look for plastic bottles.

Rather, he believes that the activity could even be helpful.

However, according to Sacapaño, what the Local Government Unit does not want is that the contents of garbage is being stirred and just left behind, and this has currently become one of the LGU’s problems.

Their plan to watch tightly over the activity is supposedly so that garbage collectors will not have a difficulty in their work and for an orderly Boracay especially for tourists.

Tourists in Boracay, 9% higher on Holy Week

An increase of 9 percent on tourist arrivals in Boracay has been recorded on March.

This is compared to the same period of last year, wherein the possible reason is the early start of the Holy Week which is usually celebrated in April.

According to Grazel Taunan, of the Malay Tourism Office in Caticlan, for the Month of March there were 128,627 tourist arrivals in Boracay.

This is 9% higher compare to last year’s 118,177.

Meanwhile as of the number of tourist arrival during the Holy Week, dating from March 25 to March 31, the office has recorded almost 40,000 foreign and local tourist arrivals.

Wherein the data of the Malay Municipal Tourism showed that there were 39,512 tourists that have entered Boracay in the span of only 7 days.

ORDINANCE BANNING tHE USE oF PLASTIC BAGS iN BORACAY, PUT oN HOLD

The implementation of the ordinance banning the establishments in Boracay from using plastic bags has been put on hold.

This is because the office of the Chief Executive of Malay is doubtful if Municipal Ordinance 320, which has been approved by the Provincial Council of Aklan, can be implemented during this peak season.

In an interview with Yes FM News Center on Tuesday, March 26, Malay Administrator Godofredo Sadiasa clarified the matter saying there is still lack of information dissemination to the public in Boracay.

Sadiasa added that the current focus of attention by the Local Government of Malay is on security because of the record breaking arrival of tourists.

He also added that allegedly, the Chief Executive hopes that before the ordinance is implemented, there is cooperation on all sectors especially with the community.

The Malay Administrator further pointed out that not only establishments should move, since residents and other sectors in Boracay also have a big role in minimizing plastic garbage in the island.

Usually, during Peak Season together with the influx of tourists, garbage also increases.

Holy Week in Boracay, generally peaceful and successful

The celebration of Holy Week in Boracay was generally peaceful and successful if based in order and tranquility.

This is how S/Insp. Joeffer Cabural, Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) Chief describes the commemoration of the Holy Week despite the influx of thousands of tourists in the island.

According to Cabural, although there were reports of lost items and recorded cases of theft, these can be considered as petty crimes.

He was also thankful that no major incidents have occurred.

The Police force, with their aggressive approach ensures the security of the public, particularly the tourists, and maintain order, however the number of arrested and or detainees at the BTAC’s detention reached up to 16.

Some of these arrested individuals were caught carrying weapons and the likes, some of stealing, and cases were set to be filed against them today.

There were also some reports of drunken scenarios.

In line with this, the BTAC Chief said that they are continuously implementing a strict security on the island, noting that after the Holy Week, more local and foreign tourists are expected to come since summer is just beginning.

Cabural added that, like the Holy Week, they are hoping the Summer Season will be as peaceful and in order.