Thursday, July 7, 2011

Food poisoning downs 9 local tourists in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan- The Malay Health Office (MHO) is currently investigating the case of nine local tourists who experienced food poisoning after reportedly eating seafood during their vacation in this resort island.

The victims all came from Nueva Viscaya were identified as Fe Macarubo, 56; Clark Macarubo, 35; Vivian Macarubo, 33; Eric Macarubo, 33; Cariss Denumtad, 32; Arnie Denumtad, 35; Charm Macarubo, Catherine Macarubo, 14; and, Clever Macarubo, 8. They were all confined at the Boracay District Hospital.

Dr. Ariel Valencia, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH), said that they have assigned a personnel in this resort island to monitor the ongoing investigation being conducted by the provincial health office.

"Whatever the result of the investigation will be, it is up for the MHO to undertake the necessary action," Valencia said, adding that the DOH is not undertaking any specific action pending the result of the investigation.

Report said this is the first time that a food poisoning happened in this resort island. The victims reported of experiencing stomach disorder Wednesday morning. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Boracay resorts start adopting strategies to address climate change

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay –- Several resort owners here have started adopting strategies to address climate change issues and concerns.

Local climate change experts have agreed that this resort island which is considered as a premier tourist destination, is one of the areas that can he hit by the worsening problem on global warming.

Among the prevalent incidents in this resort island that can be attributed to climate change are the rise in sea level, flooding, beach erosion and occasional incidence of twister.

Businessman Chris Arenas of the Jimster Resto Bar said that he already started to voluntarily demolish his beach house in Diniwid, Boracay because it encroaches the island's beach setback of 30 meters.

"The threat of global warming and the sea level rise are factors in my decision to demolish the structure in a no build zone area," said Arenas.

Elena Brugger, environmental consultant of the local government of Malay, said that he had already started placing her firm in a higher level anticipating issues on sea level rise in the future.

"Like others, I am already aware that the climate change is real that we have to face the issue," said Brugger of Mayumi Beach Resort.

Aside from the two firms, more firms are expecting to follow in mitigating and adopting strategies on climate change in this resort island.

But despite climate change threat, more tourists are still coming to this resort island to enjoy the white sand considered as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Swindler nabbed for posing as BIR rep

BORACAY — Authorities recently arrested a swindler for posing as a representative of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Jenny Mobo, 33, of Kalibo, Aklan, was earlier convicted for swindling and estafa and was detained in the Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC).

Police said he was released at an earlier time for being helpful in the affairs of the ARC when he was serving his sentence.

But he struck again, this time by claiming as someone sent by the BIR Regional Office to make reservations at Jony’s Beach Resort.

The police carried out the arrest after the resort staff identified Mobo through a video recorded through a closed-circuit television camera.

PO1 Ryan Panadero of the Boracay police said Mobo ordered food and drinks and had a room reserved for himself.

Mobo said the BIR will pay his bills when the team arrives the next day, said Panadero.

Because he “spoke with kind words,” Mobo was accommodated by the resort staff, reported the policemen from Kalibo and Boracay.

While in the resort, Mobo also lured a manicurist to let him borrow P500, police said.

The next day, Mobo asked a resort personnel to drive him to the port to welcome the BIR team.

However, along the way, he asked the driver to drop him at a bank. He ran away with the driver’s mobile phone, said the police.

According to the BIR, they are bent on filing charges against Mobo for misrepresenting the bureau, said Panadero./

Boracay parish priest admits receiving P1M, but...

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay - Fr. Maglore Placer, Boracay parish priest, has admitted receiving P1 million recently but denied the money came from supporters of the proposed casino operation in this resort island.

Placer said that the money was donated by the Korean Catholic Mission for the continuous improvement of the Balabag Parish Church here.

"I want the public to know that I am still against the proposed casino operation in this resort island whatever happens," said Placer.

Placer leads the Catholic Church against the casino operation in this resort island.
Proponents of the casino are currently awaiting for the decision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

A Korean firm is reportedly interested to establish a junket casino here.

Monday, July 4, 2011

DOH to help upgrade Boracay hospital

BORACAY — The Department of Health (DOH) will assist in developing the Don Ciriaco SeƱeres Tirol Memorial Hospital, also known as the Boracay District Hospital, into a medical tourism facility.

Once the plan on the hospital is materialized, the tourism industry in this resort island will spur more revenues for the province, according to DOH-6 Director, Dr. Ariel Valencia.

He said the Health department is only waiting for the provincial government of Aklan to initiate the move.

“We will be supporting them (provincial government) in their endeavors,” said Dr. Valencia.

The DOH has identified Boracay, the premier tourist destination in the country, as one of the probable sites where a medical tourism facility can be established.
The upgraded Boracay District Hospital is also expected to provide more livelihood opportunities./