Biggest ship to visit Boracay, arriving this Tuesday

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The biggest ship that will visit the island of Boracay so far will be arriving this Tuesday.

This will be MS Costa Victoria which carries with it 2,680 tourists, many of them Mandarin nationals, and a crew of 897.

Among these tourists are media personnel who will be going on an island tour.

Docking near Cagban Jetty Port, MS Costa Victoria is expected to arrive at around 8am and will depart at about 6pm heading to its next destination, Naha, Okinawa.

Meanwhile, a meeting was conducted by concerned agencies in Malay and Boracay yesterday; it was led by the Jetty Port Administration.

Some of the topics tackled were the preparations for the said arrival, particularly the security of the tourists.

A short program will also be held aboard Costa Victoria between Local Executives and the ships’ management for the exchanging of plaques.

MS Costa Victoria is the largest cruise ship to visit Boracay so far towering to up to 14 floors.

Translated by: Shelah Casiano

Dismayed stockholders in Boracay and Malay, calls for another public hearing on Base Market Values

Written by Gloria Villas

“So that many would know, transfer the venue.”

This is what the stockholders from the island of Boracay and Malay is calling for in line with the General Revision of Schedule of Base Market Value for residential, industrial, and commercial lands in the province.

On the public hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Aklan, it was said that the letter to the stockholders asked for a 50 percent attendance for the said meeting, but this did not happen.

The stockholders reasoned out saying that it would be better to transfer the venue in Malay or Boracay, because aside from saving time, it would also lessen the expenses of those who will attend.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the SP Aklan is now discussing if there should be another public hearing on Base Market Value for Malay and Boracay and when it should be conducted.

The said public hearing is set in different towns in Aklan to hear out the tax payer’s opinions on the passage of the new ordinance on tax payment.

The SP Aklan, on the other hand, reiterates that the creation of the General Revision is based on the law that states, that every 8 to 10 years, there should be a revision on the Base Market Values of Real Properties.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Remaining establishments that violated the 25+5 easement, expressed self demolition

Written by Bert Dalida

Remaining establishments that have violated the 25+5 meter set back has expressed to carry out self demolition.

In fact, Ms. Mabel Bacani of the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) said not only those who are in the DENR’s list of violators are to take down their own structures but as well as the new establishments.

On the National Technical Working Group (NTWG)’s ocular inspection last week, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez himself has observed how the structures have become an “eye-sore” the reason why the BRTF needs to remove them.

Meanwhile, Bacani recommended that establishments bury the debris.

The BRTF is also set to call for a conference regarding coastal protection this coming May before the onset of “Habagat” season or the southwest monsoon.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Different concerned agencies, to gather for a meeting regarding a cruise ship arrival in Boracay

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Different concerned agencies will gather together for a meeting Friday afternoon, March 07 related to a cruise ship arrival in Boracay.

The meeting will be composed of the Municipal Auxiliary Police, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Cost Guard, Maritime Police, Department of Tourism, LGU Malay and the Aklan Provincial government.

It was learned that a new plan is expected to be presented by the Port Administration for a better means of welcoming tourist passengers of the cruise ship.

The cruise ship Costa Atlantica carrying more than 2, 000 tourists will visit Boracay Island on Tuesday, March 11, while Ms Europa 2 will visit the island for the 3^rd time on March 20.

Allegedly, although shortcomings in preparations might not be avoided, the provincial government is doing what it could to give attention to unexpected problems.

Tourists from the mentioned soon to arrive cruise ships will visit souvenir shops, the long beach area, and the Boracay Ati Village, and various island hopping activities are also in the itinerary.

Meanwhile, promotions for the Island of Boracay at different countries by the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the provincial government of Aklan, LGU of Malay and Jetty Port Administration, continues.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Road skating at the Main Rd. of Boracay, strictly prohibited by the MTO

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Road skating on the Main Road of Boracay Island is strictly prohibited by the Municipal Tourism Office (MTO).

According to Senior Transportation Regulation Officer, Cezar Oczon Jr. of the MTO, road skaters in the island can face different penalties if they violate traffic rules.

Oczon said road skating is very dangerous and should not be happening on the Main Road since it obstructs motorists.

He said the activity is appropriate at places where there are no huge vehicles that ply the streets such as at subdivision, business area or a park.

Although there is no ordinance on the matter at the Local Government Unit LGU) of Malay, after a request was made from Mayor John Yap a study was made and a regulation was formulated.

It was learned that the number of teens who road skate in Boracay had increased and traffic is hindered.

Oczon added that they are not only focusing on road skating and had earlier prohibited e-bikes on the road which often ply the road together with huge vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Transportation Office with the cooperation of the Municipal Auxilliary Police (MAP) will look more into the problem to come up with appropriate solution.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus