‘Promised land’ eludes Filipino tribe in Boracay

Boracay Island- A TRIBAL group on the island of Boracay, central Philippines, continues to wait for land promised to them by the government.

“We expect a formal turnover of the (land) title,” said Sister Victoria Ustan of theMissionaries of Charity, who has been helping the Ati tribe claim their ancestral land.

The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) announced on Aug. 3 that that a Certificate of Ancestral Domain has been issued to the Ati tribe, 10 years after they filed a petition to claim land in the village of Manoc-Manoc on Boracay island.

Sister Ustan said the Atis were happy upon hearing the good news but they are now planning to write a letter to President Benigno Aquino III because the land title has not been released.

“If we are just near Manila we would have visited the NCIP office to ask about the delay,” said Ati chieftain Delsa Justo.

Since 2000, the Atis, who number about 2,000, have been legally claiming ownership over Boracay Island, which they regard as their ancestral domain. The island has become a famous tourist destination for its white sands and scenic sunset.

The Supreme Court earlier declared Boracay Island a government land, affirming a presidential proclamation that classifies more than half of the island as “disposable.”

“It is difficult to teach the Atis values about life without them having permanent land,” Sister Ustan added.(www.ucanews.com)

Fire injures 2, destroys 25 structures

BY BAM LUCES

BORACAY – A resident and a fireman were injured in a fire in Sitio Ambolong, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc (Station 3) here on Wednesday around 9:30 p.m.

About 25 residential and mix-occupancy structures made of light materials were burned to ashes, according to PO1 Cyrus Parce, desk officer of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO).

Fire Officer 3 Franklin Arubang of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here said, “The cause of conflagration was not yet determined… it is still under investigation.
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“Evidences like ashes and electrical wiring from the house where the fire allegedly started were sent to the Arson Laboratory in BFP Manila for verification and laboratory analysis,” he added.

Parce said they received a call about the fire around 9:20 p.m.

He said they immediately informed the BFP about the situation.

Volunteer residents and personnel from the Boracay Sewerage System helped the BFP firefighters put out the fire.

The fire was totally put out around 11 p.m.

Eva Lumbo, one of the fire victims, said she woke up when the fire was already reaching their house.

“We did not have enough time to safeguard our belongings. My husband secured nothing but our TV. The fire was so big already… we just ran to the main road and saved ourselves,” Lumbo said.

She said their family slept early because earlier, the electrical power was out.

The damages were estimated to be P1.8 million.

Malay council urges TIEZA to complete Boracay drainage project

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Malay Council, which has jurisdiction in this resort island, has asked the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to revive and complete its pending storm drainage project here.

Malay Councilor Jonathan Cabrerra, who filed a resolution in the council seeking for the completion of the project, said the TIEZA has already started constructing the drainage project, but that it has been suspended due to the problem with the contractor.

"The project construction has been started three years ago. The rainy season is coming so Boracay Island needs a functional drainage project by now," said Cabrera.

The TIEZA is formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority.

During rainy season, some lowland areas in Boracay island experience flooding due to the absence of drainage system.

Last September, Atty. Edgar Bocar representing the TIEZA said they are planning to resume the project by November this year.

Comelec to be strict in enforcing liquor ban in Boracay and the rest of Aklan

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned both resort owners and bars in this resort island and the whole of the province that they will be strict in implementing the liquor ban on October 24 if they have not applied for exemption.

Records from the poll body indicated that only the Shangrila Resort and Boracay Regency have applied so far.

Failure of the owner to apply will result in penalization if the establishment will continue to sell liquor despite the ban.

The Comelec also reported that three gun ban violators were nabbed since they implemented the gun ban in time for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 25.

Some 5,232 positions have to be filled up by the candidates both in the barangay and SK posts.

Both the Comelec and the Aklan Provincial Police Office are ensuring continued peace and order in the province.

Security improved at Caticlan Jetty Port

BORACAY Island, Aklan - The Caticlan Jetty Port has been improved with the installation of an x-ray machine as additional security feature.

Port administrator Niven Maquirang said that the purchase of a new machine was funded by the P6-million appropriation coming from the revenue generated by the port. The increased collection is attributed to the rise in the numbers of tourists visiting the resort island of Boracay.

"After bidding, we were only able to purchase the machine for P4.2 million excluding some needed gadgets. We could say that we do have a savings in the budget of our department," said Maquirang.

The administration of both the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports here is under the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) of the Aklan provincial government.

Revenue collections report of the jetty port said that from January to August this year, they had generated P5.219 million from the terminal collections of P75 each tourists passing the port.

Aside from the x-ray machine, the jetty port has also placed a turnstile facility to secure tourists and passengers arriving in Boracay through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

"We will still be installing more security features for Boracay tourists in the days to come," said Maquirang.

The Aklan provincial government expects a surge of tourists arriving beginning this semestral break that will continue until summer of next year.

Rugby:Boracay to host International Beach Rugby Festival

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- This resort island will host this year's edition of the International Beach Rugby Festival that will kick off Oct. 16 at the beach front of the Pearl of Pacific Resort.

Organizers said that this tournament will see men rugby teams and ladies touchball teams from all over Asia come together for the festival's inaugural staging.

The awarding ceremony will be held in the Cocomangas Shooters Bar October 17. Large crowd of tourists are expected to attend.

The organizers said that they have selected this resort island as the perfect location for this outdoor sport because of its gorgeous tropical weather, fine white sand and the deep blue sea making it the ideal spot. Said tournament attracts teams from all around the world and features both men's five-a-side games and women's touch rugby competitions.

Earlier, the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council said that they are welcoming the holding of international competitions in this resort island as it continuously boosts the tourism allure of Boracay.

Media not part of the TWG

Boracay Island- Media is not invited by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on hostage taking crises to participate to their fourthcoming meeting with the 17 mayors of Aklan on October 22.

The media’s role are considered essential in the TWG but because of the indifference of the Aklan provincial government with the Aklan media. Imagine a hostage taking scenario in Boracay Island with the unmanaged media.

The media have not been properly informed about their role on the crises management module being worked upon by the TWG.

Senior Supt. Epifanio Bragais, provincial police director said the meeting will tackle the mayors’ role during hostage-taking scenarios.

Bragais said the media can only cover the said event but their participation in the proceeding is not important.

Considered as the first in the country, the meeting will be initiated by the provincial government of Aklan and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The province’s TWG was created after the hostage-taking incident in Manila on August 23 where eight Hong Kong tourists died.

According to Bragais, they do not want the same to happen in the province, especially in this resort island.

The Philippine Coast Guard, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Provincial Engineers Office, among other agencies, comprise the TWG.

The PNP hopes all the mayors will attend to the meeting.

Earlier, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Police Regional Office 6 director, said the PNP has made Boracay Island a priority area for implementing peace and order measures after the Manila hostage incident.

Agham Partylist opposes setting up of coal-fired power plant in Iloilo

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- Agham Partylist lawmaker Angelo Palmones defends the party's opposition to the operation of coal-fired power plant in Iloilo, saying that coal energy is not anymore a viable energy source.

Instead, Palmones pushes for the operation of nuclear power plant in Luzon.

"I want the people of Iloilo to know the reality that coal-fired power plant, as a source of energy, is getting expensive nowadays. With the onset of technology, it is now more viable if we could support the nuclear power instead," said Palmones, former station manager of DZMM radio.

According to the Department of Energy, it plans to appropriate P 100 million for a study on the viability of nuclear power plant in the country.

"If the nuclear power would materialize, this would certainly benefit power consumers also in Visayas and Mindanao," Palmones told this writer in a telephone interview.

The coal-fired power plant in Iloilo is on protest after its supposed first test of operation is believed to cause nearby residents health problems. The Panay Energy Development Corp., the operator of the coal-fired plant is scheduling another round of test for its operation in La Paz, Iloilo.

Earlier, the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), which distributes electricity in this resort island, also plans to tap the coal-fired power plant in Iloilo to boost electricity source on this resort island.

The AGHAM stands for Alyansa ng Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Mamamayan, Inc.

Boracay not threatened by emerging tourism destinations in the country

BORACAY ISLAND- The Aklan Provincial Tourism Council is not threatened with the emergence of new tourism destinations in the countryside as this resort island has already cemented its popularity as the premier tourism destination.

Vicky Ramos-Antonino, who also heads the regional tourism council, said that they appreciate the emergence of tourism destinations in the country although some of them are apparently wanting to compete in this resort island.

"I could say that Boracay is not threatened with other emerging tourism destinations in the country because the resort island has been widely known for too many years. Tourists may still want to visit this resort island despite the other alternative tourism destinations," said Ramos-Antonino.

Residents here said that this resort island too has been visited by Hollywood stars in the previous years. Among the Hollywood personalities who had discreetly visited this resort island were Michael Jackson, Madonna, and recently Michael Madsen, among others.

Unconfirmed reports also indicated that Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie might have also visited this resort island years ago.

Some of the luxurious hotels here also reported of having frequent guests who are royalties from Muslim countries around the world. Their visit, however, were deemed confidential as part of the tourism packages.

Boracay Island has been considered as one of the world's top ten best beaches in 2007 and in 1997.

DPWH follows P-Noy's policy in the local level

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Aklan Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is actively following the general policy of President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III seeing to it that they are eliminating the culture of corruption in their district.

DPWH Aklan District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said that Aklan province currently has around P185-million worth of government projects of which the implementation is ongoing this year.

"Of the said budget, only P1 million was taken due to the budget recall by the national office but the rest were now being allocated in accordance to its purpose," said Cabigas.

The DPWH Central Office has recently ordered a budget recall in the country to finance the deficit of the present administration.

Of the remaining available funds, P100 million of which is being used for dredging projects in Kalibo brought about by typhoon Frank, P80 million has been allocated for the on-going construction of the Boracay Circumferential Road while the remaining P4 million is being used for the construction of roads in the different towns of Aklan.

"The P1 million amount affected by the budget recall is supposedly to be used to fund the construction of Buruanga-Malay road. We hope that the said project although canceled will be resumed by next year," said Cabigas.

All the major infrastructure projects were being used to boost the tourism and agricultural capability of this province.

BORACAY TO HOST ASEAN GLASS CONFERENCE

Boracay Island- This resort island will be the host of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 34th Federation Glass Conference on October 19 to 22 at the Shangri-La Boracay's Resort and Spa.

Peter Javier, secretary general of the Glass Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Incorporated (GMAPI), said the glass conference hosted by the national industry association has its theme "Glass and the Environment: Together Towards New Horizons of Growth."

"This annual conference is very well attended by the glass manufacturers from the ASEAN and Asian countries and by the supplier of the industry from all over the world.

About 200 to 250 local and foreign delegates are expected to attend," said Javier.

During this activity, Glass Manufacturers will be discussing their concerns especially now that their concerns are related to environment.

According to a copy of their itinerary, the registration of the delegates will be in the AFGM Golf Tournament at the Fairways and Bluewater. The Fairways is the site of the 1997 Johnnie Walker Super Tour.

Activities include the ASEAN economic briefing, plenary session, technical sessions, special session concerning "Lessons on Growth Strategies", Business Connect among others. The delegates will also be treated with a local showcase of ati-atihan festival and a pageant night.

Both Aklan provincial governor Carlito Marquez and Malay Mayor John Yap are welcoming the arrival of delegates in this resort island.

Use Facebook, Twitter to get promos, passengers urged

BORACAY – The management of the Cebu Pacific urged passengers to “like” their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to get updates on promotional airline rates.

"Through our Facebook or Twitter account, passengers can immediately see announcements on promotional rates,” said Michelle De Guzman, corporate communications specialist of the airline company.

“We are updating our sites… Facebook and Twitter members will be the first to know about our cheaper rates to different destinations,” she added.

According to De Guzman, this resort island is the most popular destination of most of their passengers.

She said passengers should have a flexible travel schedule to avail themselves of promo rates — and it is better if they have it on weekends.

“For Boracay passengers, tourists could also explore other nearby destinations through the Iloilo International Airport, Roxas City Airport and the Kalibo International Airport, among others," said De Guzman.

The Cebu Pacific, which has more than 30 destinations abroad and in the country, flies to Caticlan Airport twice daily.

Malay, Coron to ink sisterhood agreement on tourism

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN- Both the local governments of Malay, Aklan and Coron, Palawan have initially agreed to ink a sisterhood agreement between the two towns for tourism purposes.

Councilors and government representatives from Coron, Palawan recently met with their counterparts in Malay, Aklan. They both agreed that tourists from Boracay would love to also visit Coron and vice versa.

Because of this, the two councils plan to lobby for different airline companies to explore possibilities of having direct flights from Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan to Coron, Palawan and vice versa.

The Malay Council noted that before some airline companies have direct flights from Caticlan Airport to Coron, Palawan but this has been stopped.

Both the Malay and the Coron council still continues to draft details of the agreed sisterhood agreement.

The two towns also vowed to strengthen the tourism industry of both councils once the agreement have materialized.

Cultural showcase to become Boracay's next attraction

BORACAY ISLAND - Encouraged by the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Aklan provincial government is now working on to showcase cultural presentation as the next tourism attraction for this resort island.

Vicky Ramos-Antonino of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council said they are now bent in developing cultural showcase for tourists visiting this resort island as encouraged by DoT Secretary Alberto Lim.

The National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) is also supporting in the endeavor.

"This is what the DoT wants us to undertake. Soon we will be coming out with a cultural presentation in this resort island in order to lure more tourists not only to see Boracay's attraction but also to get a glimpse of our local heritage as well," said Antonino.

In the past, the NCCA has been encouraging stakeholders in this resort island to promote their culture among the tourists.

The said proposal, however, was not acted upon with the tourism council created only last year through a provincial tourism ordinance.

"We are now serious in this endeavor. As a matter of fact for the past months, the NCCA has been helping us in conducting trainings and seminars to enhance our culture of folk dances and songs, among others," said Ramos.

Both the DoT, the NCCA and the Aklan provincial government expect that the cultural project when materialized will further boost the tourism industry in this resort island.

Smoking, Littering banned in Boracay beaches

BORACAY ISLAND- Smoking and littering is now being prohibited in the beaches all over this resort island.

Malay, Aklan Mayor John Yap said that they have already launched the information awareness campaign on the prohibition participated in by the residents, tourists and Muslim traders in this resort island in cooperation with other business organizations.

The penalty for those caught violating it will be P500 each person.

"Streamers and posters are now spread all over the beaches of this resort island bearing the 'For Boracay I Will' campaign for the information of both the tourists visiting this resort island," said Yap.

The "For Boracay I Will" campaign aimed to encourage tourists and residents to promote environmental cleanliness here.

Said prohibition is embodied in the town's Anti-Littering Ordinance No. 100, Series of 2009.

At least 20 municipal auxiliary policemen were tasked to monitor both tourists and residents found smoking or littering in the beaches.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has classified all beaches in this resort island public.

Reinstate ex-BSTPO chief, PNP urged

(Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao posed with Albay Governor Joey Salceda and BFI President Louebelle Cann)

Boracay Island- Learning lessons from the controversial Luneta hostage taking incident, the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) asked Police Regional Director for Western Visayas, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao to reinstall Supt. Arnold Ardiente as chief of the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO).

Loubelle Cann, president of the BFI recently met with Pagdilao to discuss the possibility of bringing Ardiente back to the post.

Ardiente currently heads the PNP's Provincial Mobile Group in the nearby Capiz proince.

The former BSTPO chief was relieved after a businessman filed a complaint against him last year.

Business groups here earlier requested for Ardiente's reinstatement, but they were denied.

Ardiente hails from Ibajay, Aklan.

Pagdilao, on the other hand, vowed to study the BFI's concern.

Supt. Rolando Vilar currently leads the BSTPO. However, reports said he will soon be relieved as part of the regular police reshuffling.

Meanwhile, some sectors here are also requesting for the reinstatement of Senior Inspector Christopher Prangan to the Boracay police.

Prangan had also been a BSTPO chief.