WILD LIFE ATTRACTION -STOPPED

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The wild life attraction of a resort in Boracay has been stopped.

According to Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Boracay-Protected Areas and Wildlife in Charge, Nilo Subong, the permit to operate for the tiger and python by the resort expired in the end of the month of June.

However, the management of the resort was reportedly asking for extension from the Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to continue in its operation.

At the meantime the tiger and python are with the care of the resort and are no longer displayed at the front beach in adherence to the rule of Cenro Boracay.

Subong added that the two mentioned animals are not dangerous since they have been taken cared of since they were born, so those who would like to get near, need not be afraid.

He explained that animals that have been taken cared of since birth are not dangerous compared to animals which were already adults before they had someone to take care of them.

The two animals were entangled in controversy in the island because of criticisms from Facebook accounts related to the resort’s operation of a wildlife attraction.

Some tourists were also afraid to move near the animals which were believed to be dangerous and were only held by rope while being looked after by their caretakers.

Meanwhile, if the Regional Office of the DENR cannot grant the request of the resort for extension of its permit to operate, there is possibility that the animals will be brought back to Cebu where they came from.

Translated/Edited by: Rodel J. Abalus

Illegal fishing in Boracay, refuted by the Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard refutes the issue on an alleged illegal fishing in Boracay.

In an interview with PO1st Condrito Alvarez of the Phil. Coast Guard Boracay Detachment, he said that most of the fishermen are indeed from Buruanga, Aklan.

Condrito, however clarified that their fishing area is away from Boracay’s vicinity, and in fact is already a part of the Caluya Island.

He added that Coast Guard Commander Lieutenant Vingno himself had talked with the fishing operators and explained the Malay Ordinance that prohibits fishing within Boracay’s area.

Meanwhile, with regards to Island Hoppers in Boracay, they were already informed of the areas restricted for fishing such as what is called the coral gardens.

Also, aside from the members of Boracay Association of Scuba Diving Schools or BASS, there are a number of stakeholders and boat operators who reports any illegal activities, resulting to a managed situation on illegal fishing.

Nonetheless, Alvarez bluntly said “only our apologies” to whoever will be caught-in-the-act violating the ordinance regarding this matter.

This report followed after information that an alleged illegal fishing is occurring in the island.

Increasing number of commissioners on the island, a dilemma for LGU-Malay and DOT

The Local Government of Malay and the Department of Tourism are having concerns regarding the increasing number of commissioners in the island.

In an interview with DOT Officer-in-Charge Tim Ticar, he said that their department alongside the LGU is now focusing on this matter as it poses as a problem.

The term commissioner refers to an individual who are offering island activities and such to the tourists.

According to Ticar, there are reports of complaints from the visitors on how some of these commissioners would stop them or be in their way and end up being bothersome.

The DOT OIC added, that it would be ok if they won’t come crowding in to cause enough nuisance.

But he also acknowledged those who are properly approaching that guests and are wearing their IDs.

In the meantime, the DOT and LGU-Malay are looking for ways to prevent the commissioners’ growing numbers for them to effectively control and monitor.

DOT STILL HAPPY DESPITE BORACAY iN 2nd iN tHE "BEST ISLANDS oF tHE WORLD"

Written by: Jay-ar M. Arante

 PALAWAN http://bit.ly/12d4sKD

http://bit.ly/14D6EO

The Department of Tourism is still happy over the new ranking of Boracay Island.

This is despite being ranked number two (2) this year, a notch lower than the previous year on the newly released New York Travel and Leisure Magazine  survey  of December 2012 until April 2013.

According to DOT Boracay Officer-In-Charge Tim Ticar, the department has nothing to be sad or disappointed about the new ranking.

 BORACAY http://on.fb.me/183TSh6 

He added that the department is still happy even with the 2^nd place ranking.

Ticar further added that it is still an achievement to be proud of to the world wherein two (2) of the most beautiful islands in the country led the ten (10) most beautiful islands in the whole world.

Palawan tops the ranking, followed by Boracay Island at second. Third is Maui of Hawaii, followed by Santorini of Greece, Prince Edward Island of Canada, the island of Bali of Indonesia, Sicily of Italy, Koh Samui of Thailand, and Galapagos Island of Ecuador.

Boracay Island was ranked the most beautiful island in the world in 2012 by the New York Travel and Leisure Magazine.

In addition, Ticar is glad regarding the continuous arrival of tourists in Boracay from other countries to experience the beauty of the island.


Translated/Edited by: Rodel J.Abalus

Launching of BTAC’s 20 Bicycle Patrols, conducted today at Balabag Plaza

20 Bicycle Patrols have been turned-over to the members of the Boracay Tourists Assistance Center (BTAC) last Friday.

Following this, a formal launching of the said units is conducted today at the Balabag Plaza.

This comes after the Boracay Action group’s joint flag-raising.

According to Boracay PNP Chief Police Sr./Insp. Joeffer Cabural , the Police-on-bikes will take a spin on the island as part of the public’s awareness.

Cabural earlier, however, said that the activity will depend on the weather condition.

The program aims to widen their patrol’s coverage, and for a more prompt response to any untoward incidents in Boracay.

The Chief also confirmed the “Bicycle Training” that 20 BTAC members have undergone in Camp Delgado in Iloilo City.

Included in the said training was the proper use of bicycles when responding to crime scenes, proper use of firearms when on the bike, and many others.

He added that they, at BTAC were the first batch to go through the training for this New PNP Program, which focuses primarily in Western Visayas, particularly in Boracay.