Security intensifies for MS Costa Victoria in revisiting Boracay

Posted December 19, 2014

Written by jay-Ar Arante

Cruise line security experts explain the measures the cruise industry takes to provide a safe and secure cruise vacation for passengers and how passengers can contribute to a secure environment onboard.

In this regard, the provincial government of Aklan, LGU Malay, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Tourism, Maritime Police, and other agencies agreed in a meeting to intensify the security during the revisiting period of MS Costa Victoria this coming January 12, 2015 in the island of Boracay.

According to a report, “MS Costa Victoria will dock first at Puerto Princesa Palawan from Manila before it crosses to Boracay.”

The 2, 394 passengers which among European and Chinese  are  also expected to travel on Aklan’s best tourists spot and other most visited places in Boracay like Mt. Luxury, Puka Beach, D'Mall and Ati-Village while others are also set try some water activities and island hopping.

Meanwhile, MS Costa Victoria is known for its elegant and totally refurbished, new balconies, terraces and windows, as an unmistakable style that marries traditional nautical style.

According to a report, along with its 800 crews, 20% of this are Filipino.

Barangay Balusbos’ recycled Christmas tree won championship title in row

Posted December 19, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Barangay Balusbos recycled Christmas tree, has been crowned as the Christmas Tree Champion 2014 in the Malay Christmas Tree Making Contest.

The said group received the resounding amount of 50 thousand pesos in the annual event organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay thru the effort of Environmental Service Office.

According to Environmental Service Office Administrative Assistant Joery Oczon: “the said event was participated by all barangays, where recycled materials were being used for the manufacture.”

As an experienced, LGU is enthusiastic about the benefits of Christmas Tree Making Contest bring to the celebration, noting that beautiful recycled Christmas tree is being showcased.

A recycled material that was being used are bottled waters, dried coconuts, soda cans and news papers.

Meanwhile, although placed as second to Barangay Balusbos, Barangay Nabaoy won the Championship for “Street Beautification.”

It can be recalled that Malay Municipal Council has teamed up with Environmental Service Office to bring the Recycled Christmas Tree exhibition to barangays.

SB Malay to provide trust fund for maintenance and repair of sea ambulance

Posted December 18, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The resolution allocating the fund of P4, 523, 95.03 from MDRRM trust fund is approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay.

It is for the implementation of Drainage System, Repair and Maintenance of Sea Ambulance, Water System and Quick Response Fund of the Municipality of Malay.

Committee on Laws Chairman and SB member Rowen Aguirre discussed this during the 39th SB regular session where in the drainage system will be provided with P2.5 million and 1.5 million for the Sea Ambulance.

The said resolution will be discussed again for the opening of Sangguniang Bayan of Malay session for the year 2015.

BIWC: TIEZA’s pumping station still not working

Posted December 18, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The pump station in Boracay is apparently still not working.

This has residents up in arms and on the question of when it will be fixed, a hollow echo of nothing is the answer.

In a press conference yesterday, BIWC Customer Service Officer Acs Aldaba said, “the pumping station has not yet undergo into commissioning and testing.”

She added: “TIEZA might be waiting for the Local Government Unit’s consent for a dry-run of the said project."

In this regards, BIWC assures LGU to fix the illegal connections in existing drainage system.

Meanwhile, the problem on flooding in Boracay, which is originating from not having a drainage system, has been discussed over and over at the Town Council of Malay.

On the other hand, TIEZA’s formal opening in Boracay is awaited by many specially island stakeholders, and the Local Government of Malay, who together, with BIWC previously became the center of talks due to the faulty drainage in the island.

At the moment, TIEZA’s office is being constructed at the village of Balabag near the office of BIWC in preparation for its formal opening by end of August.

Translated by Gloria Villas

MTO designates officials in Boracay to ensure traffic this holiday season

Posted December 17, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

To ensure traffic regulation in the island of Boracay this holiday season.

Municipal Transportation Office (MTO) Malay designates officials to strictly monitor the vehicles coming in and out on the island.

Transportation Officer Cezar Oczon said in an interview: “The office is now also working hand in hand for the new signages in preparation not only for Christmas but for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit as well.”

Meanwhile, Oczon guarantee that they will provide assistance to the travelers in partnership with the police and other government agencies.

“Among our focus is also giving advice to the motorists in particular with regards to the overloading and other situations that may cause danger.” He added.

On the other hand, Oczon also advice the motorists to avoid driving away after drinking liquors.

He explains: “You are not only putting your life at risk but you are risking the lives of all those you come across while driving.”

Meanwhile, the MTO said the inspections aim to make sure the facilities are clean and made safe for vehicular traffic.

They will not also hesitate to impose penalty for those who will violate the policy and traffic laws.