BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez is expected to hold his 7th State of the Province Address (SOPA) February 2 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall in Kalibo, Aklan.
Among his major accomplishments in year 2010 were the start of the reclamation project in Boracay which he said could expand tourism lure for this resort island. Recently, he also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health.
The MOA indicates the establishment of the Satellite Treatment Hub facility for the province. The said hub is for monitoring and diagnostics for Persons Living with HIV-AIDS in the province.
Said facility will be opened at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital also in Kalibo, Aklan.
Marquez promised in his previous SOPA that the reclamation project although controversial would put the province in a billion peso industry. Local governments of Malay and some stakeholders of this resort island are opposing the reclamation project.
Currently, all department heads of the provincial government are in the thick of preparations for the coming SOPA.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
EMB vows strict monitoring of reclamation project
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has vowed to strictly monitor the progress of the on-going 2.6 hectares reclamation project in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan amidst the council's call to stop the project.
EMB acting regional director Oscar Cabanayan was recently invited by the Malay local council to shed light as to why the EMB gave an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the reclamation project of the Aklan provincial government without its endorsement.
Cabanayan said that as far as they gave the project ECC because the reclamation project has no any impact on the environment.
"However, a multi-partite monitoring treatment (MMT) has to be established which will be spearheaded by the project proponent. EMB-DENR will start the monitoring and this will now be adopted by our office," Cabanayan said.
Currently, the Malay council is awaiting for a study undertaken by the University of the Philippines-Marine Society to determine the possible environmental impact of such reclamation project to this resort island.
"If the study finds negative impact against the environment of Boracay nor is there a severe violation committed by the project proponent on the ECC, the higher DENR office will decide if the project will be stopped," said Cabanayan.
EMB acting regional director Oscar Cabanayan was recently invited by the Malay local council to shed light as to why the EMB gave an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the reclamation project of the Aklan provincial government without its endorsement.
Cabanayan said that as far as they gave the project ECC because the reclamation project has no any impact on the environment.
"However, a multi-partite monitoring treatment (MMT) has to be established which will be spearheaded by the project proponent. EMB-DENR will start the monitoring and this will now be adopted by our office," Cabanayan said.
Currently, the Malay council is awaiting for a study undertaken by the University of the Philippines-Marine Society to determine the possible environmental impact of such reclamation project to this resort island.
"If the study finds negative impact against the environment of Boracay nor is there a severe violation committed by the project proponent on the ECC, the higher DENR office will decide if the project will be stopped," said Cabanayan.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Reg’l tourism council eyes ‘twinning’ Ati fest, Boracay
BORACAY — The Regional Tourism Council eyes boosting the Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival by promoting it as Boracay’s twin tourism attraction.
Both tourism attractions are already famous but there is still a need to strengthen them, according to Vicky Ramos-Antonino, Regional Tourism Council chair.
“Other tourism destinations are fast developing… we do not want to be left behind,” said Antonino.
“We are (currently) studying how to further enhance the Ati-Atihan," she said.
For several years now, the provincial government has been helping Kalibo town promote the Ati-Atihan Festival.
The Provincial Capitol sponsors the annual Higante Parade, one of the highlights of the revelry in honor of the Child Jesus.
“Aside from (that in) Kalibo, we are (also) studying how to strengthen the Ati-Atihan version of other towns in the province,” Antonino added.
Meanwhile, all is set for another version of the Ati-Atihan Festival in Ibajay, Aklan this weekend, which is considered as a revelry older than that in Kalibo.
(photo by: Nino Miko Delfin)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sailing: Preparation for Philippine Hobie Challenge Set
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- Preparations are now underway for the Philippine Hobie Challenge and Keelboat Rally on February 12 to 18 this year.
Organizers said that the challenge will start in Lucena City and will end in this resort island.
The Philippine Hobie Challenge has been an annual event for the past 10 years, providing sailors with an entertaining way to enjoy the unique island scenery in the country.
The event will be participated in by enthusiasts of the hobie cats, cruising keelboats, ocean multi-hulls and powerboats among others.
Following the Philippine Hobie Challenge, is the Subic to Boracay race which will start on February 19.
The Subic Bay to Boracay Race is a 200-mile offshore competitive sailing event open to all racing yachts, cruising yachts and catamarans.
It takes the fleet from Subic Bay to Boracay Beach along a 200-mile course that brings out the best in long distance competitive sailors.
The racing fleet will sail out of Subic Bay, along the Batangas coast, through the Verde Island Passage and down the east coast of Mindoro before running off the wind to Boracay Beach.
Organizers said that the challenge will start in Lucena City and will end in this resort island.
The Philippine Hobie Challenge has been an annual event for the past 10 years, providing sailors with an entertaining way to enjoy the unique island scenery in the country.
The event will be participated in by enthusiasts of the hobie cats, cruising keelboats, ocean multi-hulls and powerboats among others.
Following the Philippine Hobie Challenge, is the Subic to Boracay race which will start on February 19.
The Subic Bay to Boracay Race is a 200-mile offshore competitive sailing event open to all racing yachts, cruising yachts and catamarans.
It takes the fleet from Subic Bay to Boracay Beach along a 200-mile course that brings out the best in long distance competitive sailors.
The racing fleet will sail out of Subic Bay, along the Batangas coast, through the Verde Island Passage and down the east coast of Mindoro before running off the wind to Boracay Beach.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Ati-atihan council for Boracay tourism created
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The local government of Malay plans to create an Ati-atihan council to promote the Boracay version of the festivity every year.
Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero said the council has already passed a resolution creating the council and is studying on how the Ati-atihan of Boracay could be further promoted.
"However, the council should still put emphasis on the religious side of the revelry which is to give reverence to the Sto. Nino or Child Jesus," Gallenero said.
Last Sunday, thousands of tourists saw the improvements of the Boracay Ati-atihan version with activities that include fluvial parade, beach dancing to the beating of the tribal drums, among others.
One of the highlights of the festivity was foreign and local tourists joined in the beach dancing which was culturally open to everyone as part of their devotion.
"The council should also see to it that the Ati-atihan festival is a way from the commercialization as we promote the ati-atihan culture of Aklan," Gallenero added.
For several years, Boracay has been celebrating its own version of Ati-atihan in cooperation with the Parish of Boracay.
Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero said the council has already passed a resolution creating the council and is studying on how the Ati-atihan of Boracay could be further promoted.
"However, the council should still put emphasis on the religious side of the revelry which is to give reverence to the Sto. Nino or Child Jesus," Gallenero said.
Last Sunday, thousands of tourists saw the improvements of the Boracay Ati-atihan version with activities that include fluvial parade, beach dancing to the beating of the tribal drums, among others.
One of the highlights of the festivity was foreign and local tourists joined in the beach dancing which was culturally open to everyone as part of their devotion.
"The council should also see to it that the Ati-atihan festival is a way from the commercialization as we promote the ati-atihan culture of Aklan," Gallenero added.
For several years, Boracay has been celebrating its own version of Ati-atihan in cooperation with the Parish of Boracay.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sociology professor says foreign tourists should respect Filipino culture
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - A sociology professor at the Miriam University in Manila favored the crafting of the local ordinance prohibiting sex in public places and encouraging foreign tourists to respect the Filipino culture.
A national television network recently showed footage of a Western couple having live sex at the white beach during New Year's eve. Said video created a stir in the tourism industry.
"It is good that somebody from the media has created awareness on the said matter, it may have been done by other tourists in the past but it is now time for Boracay authorities to put a stop on displaying sex in public places," said Professor Jose Al Leonidas of the Miriam University.
Leonidas was here over the weekend visiting his relatives. He also gave seminar on time management for the alumni at the Lezo Technical College.
"Boracay Island is in the Philippines. Filipino people wanted it to become a wholesome and family tourism destination. The couple should have been done the act in their resort. They should have to respect the culture of Filipinos in the first place. In our country, public display of affection is still considered immoral act, how much more sexual act in public places?," Leonidas explained.
The Malay council which has a jurisdiction over Boracay plans to craft this week an ordinance prohibiting sexual acts in any public places here.
Recently, China considered this resort island as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
A national television network recently showed footage of a Western couple having live sex at the white beach during New Year's eve. Said video created a stir in the tourism industry.
"It is good that somebody from the media has created awareness on the said matter, it may have been done by other tourists in the past but it is now time for Boracay authorities to put a stop on displaying sex in public places," said Professor Jose Al Leonidas of the Miriam University.
Leonidas was here over the weekend visiting his relatives. He also gave seminar on time management for the alumni at the Lezo Technical College.
"Boracay Island is in the Philippines. Filipino people wanted it to become a wholesome and family tourism destination. The couple should have been done the act in their resort. They should have to respect the culture of Filipinos in the first place. In our country, public display of affection is still considered immoral act, how much more sexual act in public places?," Leonidas explained.
The Malay council which has a jurisdiction over Boracay plans to craft this week an ordinance prohibiting sexual acts in any public places here.
Recently, China considered this resort island as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.
Friday, January 7, 2011
APPO to bizmen: Beware of robbers
BORACAY — The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) urged businessmen and stakeholders in this resort island on possible bank robbery incidents.
This warning came after the EastWest Bank in Iloilo City was robbed by four suspects on Monday.
“We are closely coordinating with banks, gasoline stations and other business firms. We told them to be vigilant and to always cooperate with us in any eventuality," said Senior Supt. Epifanio Bragais Jr., APPO director.
Earlier reports said a Manila-based syndicate could be behind the incident where a teller was shot.
One of the suspects — 40-year-old Isidra Ladesma — was arrested by the police on Wednesday.
Ladesma pretended to have trouble with the EastWest Bank’s automated teller machine, according to bank security guard Lony Pablico.
“Police in this resort island are required to strictly implement on daily basis the Police Integrated Patrol System,” said Bragais.
Such measure will make sure that the incident in Iloilo City will not happen in Aklan and nearby provinces, he said.
Policemen are also urging owners of resorts and other businesses here to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their establishments as a crime prevention measure.
Several hotels here have already installed their own CCTV cameras.
Bragais has also ordered the implementation of a tight security in the province in line with the upcoming Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
This warning came after the EastWest Bank in Iloilo City was robbed by four suspects on Monday.
“We are closely coordinating with banks, gasoline stations and other business firms. We told them to be vigilant and to always cooperate with us in any eventuality," said Senior Supt. Epifanio Bragais Jr., APPO director.
Earlier reports said a Manila-based syndicate could be behind the incident where a teller was shot.
One of the suspects — 40-year-old Isidra Ladesma — was arrested by the police on Wednesday.
Ladesma pretended to have trouble with the EastWest Bank’s automated teller machine, according to bank security guard Lony Pablico.
“Police in this resort island are required to strictly implement on daily basis the Police Integrated Patrol System,” said Bragais.
Such measure will make sure that the incident in Iloilo City will not happen in Aklan and nearby provinces, he said.
Policemen are also urging owners of resorts and other businesses here to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their establishments as a crime prevention measure.
Several hotels here have already installed their own CCTV cameras.
Bragais has also ordered the implementation of a tight security in the province in line with the upcoming Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Boracay spared from ‘healthy’ earthquake – Phivolcs
BORACAY — Both Odiongan town in Romblon province and Brgy. Caticlan, Malay, Aklan were rocked by an earthquake about 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
But this resort island, which is near the said areas, was spared from the “healthy” quake, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
“It is healthy because as we experience fewer tectonic earthquakes today, we will not have to worry about shakes of higher intensity in the future,” said Arlu Sabar, director of Phivolcs–Kalibo.
Philvolcs said occasional weak earthquakes prevent drastic tectonic plate movements.
Romblon experienced Intensity 3 while Brgy. Caticlan, Malay experienced Intensity 2, Phivolcs said.
"When I asked several Boracay residents, they said they did not feel the earthquake that day,” said Sabar.
The earthquake’s depth of focus was registered 10 kilometers off Romblon province.
Phivolcs said it was located 12.13 degrees north, 122.11 degrees east, 53 degrees south and 19 degrees west of Romblon.
Tablas fault is also located within the area, Phivolcs added.
"The residents did not experience any aftershocks… we do not have any tsunami warnings," Sabar said.
There were no reports of persons injured or properties damaged here due to the incident.
In 1948, Aklan experienced an Intensity 7.1 earthquake — so far the strongest that the province has encountered.
But this resort island, which is near the said areas, was spared from the “healthy” quake, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
“It is healthy because as we experience fewer tectonic earthquakes today, we will not have to worry about shakes of higher intensity in the future,” said Arlu Sabar, director of Phivolcs–Kalibo.
Philvolcs said occasional weak earthquakes prevent drastic tectonic plate movements.
Romblon experienced Intensity 3 while Brgy. Caticlan, Malay experienced Intensity 2, Phivolcs said.
"When I asked several Boracay residents, they said they did not feel the earthquake that day,” said Sabar.
The earthquake’s depth of focus was registered 10 kilometers off Romblon province.
Phivolcs said it was located 12.13 degrees north, 122.11 degrees east, 53 degrees south and 19 degrees west of Romblon.
Tablas fault is also located within the area, Phivolcs added.
"The residents did not experience any aftershocks… we do not have any tsunami warnings," Sabar said.
There were no reports of persons injured or properties damaged here due to the incident.
In 1948, Aklan experienced an Intensity 7.1 earthquake — so far the strongest that the province has encountered.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Boracay revives bid to host Asian Beach Games
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Malay council, which has a jurisdiction over this resort island, has revived their bid to host the 4th Asian beach games that are scheduled to be held in the country in 2013.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has originally chosen Boracay Island to be the official venue for the 4th Asian beach games during their general assembly held in Doha, Qatar on December 2006. The OCA, however, changed its mind for an unclear reason.
The OCA, in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, is expected to roam around the country soon to look for a suitable venue for the Asian beach games.
Report said around 4,000 delegates from the 45 participating countries in Asia will be joining in the event.
"The council is confident that Boracay could meet the minimum requirements of the OCA for the duration of the event," said Malay Councilor Jonathan Cabrerra, who has officially filed a resolution for the bid.
Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to both the POC and the PSC for their information.
Already, Boracay hosted various international sports events such as kite boarding, windsurfing, and fun board among others.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has originally chosen Boracay Island to be the official venue for the 4th Asian beach games during their general assembly held in Doha, Qatar on December 2006. The OCA, however, changed its mind for an unclear reason.
The OCA, in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, is expected to roam around the country soon to look for a suitable venue for the Asian beach games.
Report said around 4,000 delegates from the 45 participating countries in Asia will be joining in the event.
"The council is confident that Boracay could meet the minimum requirements of the OCA for the duration of the event," said Malay Councilor Jonathan Cabrerra, who has officially filed a resolution for the bid.
Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to both the POC and the PSC for their information.
Already, Boracay hosted various international sports events such as kite boarding, windsurfing, and fun board among others.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Business group plans Boracay to become Asia's premier tourism destination
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) plans to make this resort island a premier tourism destination in Asia.
Loubell Cann, BFI president, said that among their priorities for this year is the marketing and promotions of this resort island. Currently, this resort island stands as a premier tourism destination in the country.
"But we will continue our programs on environment preservation and protection. We will do or support other groups or events in the promotion of sports tourism, culture, and arts. We also will create more programs for child protection through our 'Bantay Bata Boracay' committee," she said.
The BFI is one of the prominent business organizations in this resort island with more than a hundred members.
Currently, they are also an active partner of the local government of Malay in ensuring environmental protection of this resort island.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), more Asian tourists are coming to Boracay, among those are the Koreans, Chinese, and Taiwanese.
Recently, Boracay was also given the Best Leisure and Travel Destination (short haul) award by the Travel Weekly China Travel and Meetings Industry Awards online travel competition. Because of this development, more Chinese tourists and other Asian neighbors are expected to come to this resort island.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Boracay needs more food and agriculture products
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - This resort island needs more agriculture products to complement the needed consumption of tourists this year.
Engr. Roger Esto, Aklan provincial planning officer said that the province's available agricultural products could not augment the needed demand for food and other agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables including aqua products.
Boracay will continue to import food from nearby provinces such as Romblon, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz even Davao and Baguio City.
"For the past years our local government has tried to boost agricultural production by encouraging farmers to plant high-grade vegetables and fruits. Even these endeavors could not augment the needed consumptions of tourists for food and agriculture products," said Esto.
The Aklan State University (ASU) which has been considered as the center for excellence of agriculture in Western Visayas could not also augment the agriculture demand here.
The Department of Tourism projected some 800,000 tourist arrival in Boracay last year and an increase up to one million by 2012.
"We continue to encourage residents to help fill in the agriculture supply for Boracay as their added income to their family through backyard gardening," said Esto.
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