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.
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