Coast Guard denies oil spill in Boracay

(photo by a concerned citizen)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here has officially denied the presence of alleged oil spill in this resort island.

This developed after a concerned citizen posted in the social media two photos of Boracay waters showing presence of massive oil spill.

Lt. Jimmy Oliver Vingno, commander of the Coast Guard station in Caticlan, said that they immediately conducted operations Monday morning to verify the photos posted in the social media.

"Based on our findings, there were no presence of oil spill right now in Boracay. The photos may have been taken previously and that we are still investigating it," said Vingno.

The photos were said to be an aerial shot, taken using a helicopter.

If the photos were true, the PCG said the oil spill may have been caused by oil discharges from the motorized bancas in this resort island.

Some divers said that there were times they could see the presence of oil spill after they surfaced from the sea.

Trip Advisor cites Boracay West Cove

The management of the Boracay West Cove expects more tourism arrivals for this resort island after the Trip Advisor gave them an excellence rating for 2013.

Trip Advisor is a travel website that gives travel information, and posts reviews and opinions of travel destinations.

In a signed letter of Stephen Kaufer, president and CEO of Trip Advisor to the management of West Cove Resort, he cited that they have given the resort a Certificate of Excellence as it has received numerous feedback from travelers around the world over the past year.

"At Trip Advisor, we understand the power of traveler reviews. The Certificate of Excellence is awarded to businesses that rank in the top ten percent worldwide for traveler feedback. We hope you'll showcase this achievement by displaying the enclosed certificate for guests and staff to see. Congratulations again on your accomplishment," said Kaufer.

The Trip Advisor claimed that 75 percent of surveyed travelers say they are most likely to patronize a business with a visible Trip Advisor endorsement.

For his part, West Cove general manager Ben Mobo thanked Trip Advisor for the recognition as one of the best resorts in Boracay.(

Aklan gov urged heightened security for tourists coming to Boracay

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) here for a heightened security following the anticipated influx of tourism in this resort island.

Miraflores said that he has been traveling abroad and that he has gained learning on how other countries secured their tourists.

"I saw many security lapses especially at the Kalibo International Airport for tourists traveling at night. On my part, I already had approved an increase of funding for the use of our police," Miraflores said.

Local officials here become security conscious as news reflecting bombing and war are reported around the globe.

"We hope to project that Boracay is a peaceful tourism destination," said Miraflores.

The governor also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Revolutionary Proletariat Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) based in Ibajay, Aklan for keeping the province free from rebel infestation.

"Long ago there were reports of bus burning in Aklan but not anymore as the RPA-ABBs are cooperative in the peace process with the government," he added.

The AFP has declared Aklan as insurgency-free in 2012.

Boracay vigilance against prostitution, theft as peak season starts

The Boracay Tourists Action Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) here is on alert against prostitution and theft as this resort island once again enters the 'super peak season'.

The super peak season starts in the month of September and ends last week of May. This season also signals to different resorts here to increase their respective hotel rates due to anticipated influx of both foreign and local tourists coming.

Police officials said that they are on alert against prostitution particularly sex workers who take advantage of their clients.

Tourism officials are targeting 1.5 million tourists this year.

Fish fillet, chicken curry cause food poisoning of 65 persons

At least 65 teachers and students of the Assumption University based in San Fernando, Pampanga had been possibly food poisoned by the fish fillet and chicken curry they recently ate for dinner at the La Carmela Resort here.

This was revealed as the result of the investigation released by the sanitary office of Malay, Aklan.

The said faculty and students were on a field trip in this resort island since last week.

The victims complained of having chest pains and vomiting Saturday night.

Local sanitation officials said that although the management of the La Carmela Resort has paid all the medical expenses of the victims they are still conducting a deeper probe in the said incident. They said they do not want similar things to happen in this resort island.

Among those being investigated are the cooks of the said hotel including the source of ingredients used in the preparation of the said meals.

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Suspected food poisoning in Boracay being investigated

The local government of Malay, Aklan is investigating the alleged food poisoning of more than 40 students and teachers of the Assumption University based in San Fernando, Pampanga province.

Malay town Sanitary Officer 3 Babylyn Frontoza said that they are awaiting for the medical results of the doctors who examined the victims Saturday night.

The victims reportedly complained of chest pains and vomiting the reason why they were immediately brought to the Boracay District Hospital. Said victims were reportedly having a field trip at the La Carmela Resort in this resort island.

"We will be investigating the cooks of the said resort including the food suppliers, waiters, among others," said Frontoza.

Report said, the management of the said hotel refuses representatives of the local government in entering their premises as they are conducting their own investigation.

"Currently, we are also awaiting from the management of the La Carmela Resort to comment on the said incident," said Frontoza.

Measles in Aklan on ‘alarming’ level

 Cases of measles in Aklan have reached an “alarming” level, health officials said.

Latest data showed 51 confirmed cases of measles in the province, said Dr. Cornelio Cuatchon of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

He said the Department of Health is still validating at least 139 more cases.

The number of cases continues to grow, according to Cuatchon.

“We are doing everything we can to prevent measles from further spreading,” he said.

Some residents in Brgy. Caticlan, Malay town, were reportedly infected by the disease.

At least two confirmed cases are in the said municipality, a PHO report showed.

Health officials in the province are now on “high alert” due to the continuous spread of the disease.

The Health department is expected to start a massive anti-measles vaccination in public schools in Malay this week.

The Philippine Red Cross has also started its own vaccination program in Malay including this island resort.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay is still studying the possibility of placing the town under a state of calamity.

“Currently, the council has no plans for such declaration,” said SB member Rowen Aguirre.

Weeks ago, the capital town of Kalibo was placed under a state of calamity after 15 cases of measles were confirmed there.

Six Chinese tourists rescued in Boracay

Six Chinese tourists and their Filipino skipper were rescued Friday morning after their boat capsized due to erratic weather, according to reports of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Lt. Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno, PCG-Caticlan head, identified the Chinese tourists as Hang Jun Yi, 22; Shao Dong, 21; Jin Gian, 25; Tong Hua, 18; Shao Yi Ling, 23; and Zhang Lei, 21. The Filipino skipper was not named.

"The Chinese tourists was onboard the M/V Jasmine Rose 2 when the incident happened. They were supposedly to go on island hopping when their boat capsized only few meters away from Boat Station Number 3 in Barangay Manoc Manoc," said Vingno.

After the incident, sea sports activities were temporarily suspended pending investigations.

Operatives of the PCG, Boracay Action Group helped in the rescue operation.

Vingno said the Chinese tourists were able to hold onto the capsized boat that made rescue easier.

The Chinese tourists are now safe at their respective hotels.

Alden Richards on the cover of this year’s Cosmo Men!

GMA Network and GMA Artist Center congratulate one of its prime leading men, Alden Richards, for being hailed as one of this year’s hottest 69 Cosmo Bachelors.
Known for his handsome looks and undeniable talent, Alden admits that it’s an honour to be part of Cosmo’s coveted list of bachelors. “I am happy and excited. It’s my first time to be on the cover of Cosmo Men and I’m blessed that Summit Media and Cosmopolitan Magazine gave me their trust to be one of the covers.”
Last year, the sought after Kapuso star was one of the Cosmo Centerfolds and further captured the hearts of the Cosmo girls as he showed his winsome smile and toned form at the Cosmo Bachelors Bash 2012.
This September 24, the young heartthrob will once again hit the Cosmo ramp along with the country’s hottest bachelors in a ‘show-off’ of stunning form and physique. As preparation for the anticipated event, he currently undergoes a strict diet and workout schedule.
When asked about how a lady could win his heart, he says “Just be natural and she doesn’t need to fake anything just to get my attention”.
Other men who made it to the magazine’s 69 bachelors’ list include Kapuso stars Aljur Abrenica, Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo.

More sectors join force for biodiversity protection in Boracay

More sectors are joining forces for the biodiversity protection in this resort island originally organized by the cooperation between the Philippine and Japanese experts.

Jojo Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said that they are joining the biodiversity campaign by assisting a group of experts for the project dubbed as "Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Conservation and Adaptive Management under Local and Global Environmental Impacts (CECAM) in the Philippines".

The CECAM is composed of different organizations such as the University of Tokyo, Nagasaki University, Hokkaido University, Kochi University, Ryukyu University, Port and Airport Research Institute, Japan Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), University of the Philippines Department of Geodetic Engineering, UP Marine Science and UP Visayas.

"Like them we are also supporting efforts for biodiversity protection as we would also like to contribute to prepare Boracay in the future against the possible onslaught of climate change," said Rodriguez.

The SPC has also linkages with the Department of Science and Technology, Boracay Action Group, Globe and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the conservation of the environment of Boracay.

CECAM is part of the five-year research project spearheaded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The CECAM is now on its third year of implementation.

Aside from Boracay, other provinces also includes in the research projects were Laguna Lake, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, Banate Bay in Iloilo; Bolinao in Pangasinan; including Naawan and Landingin in Pangasinan.

"We expect the group of experts to arrive in Boracay September 12 in preparation for the scheduled morning dive on last week of September or October," Rodriguez said.

Lifeguard volunteers cited for saving drowning victims

Volunteer lifeguards in this world famous tourist destination were recently given due recognition for saving drowning victims on separate occasions.

The awardees are Teody Colindres, Halim Dica, Ednil Espares, Albert Moronio, Gregorio Maming, Mark Ortega and Gregorio Sacapano, all of whom received the Lifeguard Good Samaritan Award.

They personally received the awards from Lifeguard Supervisor Mike Labatiao, Island administrator Glenn Sacapano and Boracay Action Group adviser Leonard Tirol after the recent joint flag-raising ceremony at Barangay Balabag Plaza here.

Aside from the volunteer lifeguards, operatives of the Municipal Auxiliary Policemen and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were also given awards during the program.

The volunteer lifeguards committed for a zero casualty drowning incident in this island this year.

SPC to honor fallen DOST director

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative is planning to honor the late director of the Dept. of Science and Technology by naming after him the rehabilitated reef in nearby Camiguin province.

Jojo Rodgriguez of the SPC said DOST Director Caesar Pagdilao died of heart attack last week in Metro Manila. He was buried last Saturday.

"Through DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and Director Pagdilao around 20,000 coral fragments were planted all over the country. This is under the Filipinnovation program of the DOST," said Rodriguez Monday.

The SPC, in coordination with the DOST, has been in the forefront of planting coral fragments in the country hoping to restore the damaged coral reefs.In Boracay, partners include the Malay municipal government and the Boracay Association of Scuba Diving Schools.

"Director Pagdilao has been a great help for our nationwide coral reef restoration program. This is the reason why we are planning our project in Camiguin as Cesar Pagdilao Reef so that he would always be remembered," said Rodriguez.

Virna Salac of the DOST Central Office in a telephone interview said Monday that aside from the Coral Reef Restoration, Director Pagdilao was also known in the DOST as champion for balancing food security and the environment.

"We consider Director Pagdilao as a great loss to the DOST as he was able to help thousands of Filipino people under his leadership," said Salac.

Kalibo as venue of Software Freedom Day

This Ati-atihan town has been identified as a venue for the international celebration of the Software Freedom Day.

Meric Mara, chief architect of the 8Layer Technologies Incorporated, said that the international celebration for the Visayas leg is on Sept 21 and Sept 28 this year.

The company is the lead organizer of SFD in the country every September.

The SFD-Aklan is in joint cooperation with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan and the Dept. of Trade and Industry.

This year's theme is "Communities for Endless FOSSibilities."

"During the SFD we will be giving Information Technology (IT) seminar for interested students of their choice on the wide array of topics. We will also be giving seminar for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs where we will be giving them software's on simplified business and accounting module which is good for one year," said Mara.

Venues for the school orientation will be staged at the APSTA Center while the business orientation will be held at Ati-atihan Festival Hotel.

"We will also be campaigning for the massive use of the Open Source Technology which is already gaining support worldwide but only few Filipinos understand what this technology could offer us," said Mara.

Authorities focus to strengthen security in Boracay

The Willy's Rock, a tourism landmark in this resort island, is now the focus of police enforcers and other authorities in this resort island.

This developed after data from the Boracay Tourists Assistance Center (BTAC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is a major area on both theft and drowning incidents.

Because of this, authorities including the Department of Tourism (DOT) are warning tourists and residents to be wary of their personal belongings while in Boracay. While thieves here are considered only few in number, suspects continue to go back to stealing even after they were arrested.

Most of theft victims especially foreign tourists do not pursue the case in court once their stolen items were returned.

The Willys Rock is also considered a drowning-prone area because observers say the area occasionally creates a whirlpool making swimming prone to drowning.

To minimize the risks of theft and other related incidents, the local government of Malay will soon start the 24-hours shifting duty of the Municipal Auxiliary Policemen in this resort island.

Local government officials said the Aklan provincial government had promised to shoulder the honorarium of 50 more MAP operatives for Boracay, capable of round the clock monitoring.

GMA News strengthens disaster preparedness via GMA Weather

During the onslaught of Tropical Storm Maring, viewers relied on GMA News and Public Affairs’ GMA Weather for comprehensive and accurate weather reporting. And at the forefront of GMA Weather is the country’s leading authority in the field of meteorology, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz.

Mang Tani lends his thirty years of expertise to GMA News to report on various weather conditions as the network's resident meteorologist. A former meteorologist for Australia's Bureau of Meteorology, Mang Tani was also the Officer in Charge in the Office of the Deputy Administrator for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). To date, GMA remains the only broadcast news organization in the country with a resident meteorologist.

“Ang panganib na dulot ng pabago-bagong panahon ay maaaring makasira ng mga plano, buhay, at kabuhayan ng kahit sino. Panata ng GMA Weather ang pagbabahagi ng abot-kamay na ulat panahon sa GMA newscasts. Panata ko naman bilang meteorologist ang paghahatid ng weather reports na maaasahan, sa ngalan ng Serbisyong Totoo,” said Mang Tani, whose body of work in weather reporting includes some of the most devastating typhoons in the country's history.  

Mang Tani recently topped the online survey of a local website which polled netizens on their choice for the country’s Most Reliable Weatherperson with an overwhelming 53% or 13,717 votes. GMA Weather’s Consultant for Science and Weather Karen Cardenas ranked second with 39.86% or a total of 10,139 votes.

Mang Tani and Cardenas have also been invited by different schools, universities, organizations, and even the Department of Budget and Management to talk about climate change and disaster preparedness.  GMA Weather is under the I M READY banner, GMA News' award-winning campaign for public safety.

Working in synergy with PAGASA and Project NOAH (the Department of Science and Technology’s unit for disaster prevention and disaster risk management), GMA Weather is able to do both weather forecasting and nowcasting. The team has met with DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and key officials of PAGASA and Project Noah to discuss ways on how to effectively prepare people for floods, strong winds and the calamitous effects of typhoons, monsoon rains and other weather disturbances.

GMA Weather's up-to-the-minute updates may be seen on GMA-7's 24 Oras, Unang Hirit, and Saksi, as well as on GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, QRT, Balita Pilipinas, Balitanghali and News To Go. Weather forecasts may also be heard via GMA Network’s flagship radio station, Super Radyo DZBB 594.

GMA Weather is powered by Weather Central, a US-based weather solutions provider widely-regarded as the most viewed broadcast weather system in the world. Weather Central allows GMA Weather to deliver interactive weather reports, highlighting key weather events and the extent of a weather disturbance's potential impact down to a specific location.

Volunteer group vow for zero drowning fatality

The Boracay Action Group has vowed to implement a zero casualty for drowning incidents in this resort island this year and in the years to come only if they could be provided a decent ambulance.

Commodore Leonard Tirol, representing the Philippine Coast Guard-Auxiliary, said that for this year already there were no reported drowning incident in this resort island. The achievement is caused by the fast pace response of the volunteers on drowning.

The BAG is a multi-sectoral organization here organized by the local government of Malay, Aklan for disaster management and response.

"Right now we are using a mini multi-cab as make shift ambulance. What we need is an ambulance that could be trusted enough for an immediate transport of the drowning victim," Tirol said Monday.

Report said that volunteer groups registered 17 drowning fatalities last year. Most of the victims were Koreans and Chinese tourists.

Tirol said that the local government of Malay had committed to provide them gasoline allowance for their transport and rescue.

It was learned that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office had donated an ambulance to the local government unit two months ago.

But the donated ambulance is now being used for health emergency of the local residents.

"We badly needed an ambulance for our operation," said Tirol.

Tirol recently received commendations from the Philippine National Police Headquarters for donating a lot to be used for the police tourism training facility in this resort island.

Slain boatman’s kin seeks autopsy

The family of a boatman who was hacked to death in this island resort recently sought for an autopsy on the victim.

The victim was identified as 33-year-old Gary Samindao.

His elder brother, Joeny, said they were unconvinced by the decision of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office that a homicide case be filed against suspect Jeory Agustin.

Agustin has turned himself in to the authorities.

He was detained in the Aklan Rehabilitation Center in Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo town.

The Samindao family originally filed a murder case against the suspect.

Both the victim and the suspect were residents of San Jose, Romblon.

Agustin said he felt insulted when Gary Samindao told him he was gay while they were having a drinking spree here last week.

Samindao was attacked while he sleeping in his room in Sitio Tambisaan, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, police said.

He succumbed to 27 hack wounds in the body, said the police.

“I have already requested the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center [for an] autopsy [on my brother],” Joeny Samindao said.

“We will [also] ask the prosecutor for reconsideration,” he added./

Boracay MRF now a tourism destination

 The Materials Recovery Facility at Barangay Balabag here is already considered another tourism attraction for this resort island.

Island administrator Glen Sacapano said that the facility is being visited by different local government representatives all over the country.

Among those who recently visited the site were from the El Nido of Palawan.

"The visitors learn about our MRF operations practices in Boracay and they hope to also implement it in their own locality. In the process, we are also learning from them as we also plan to improve our MRF," said Sacapano.

Aside from the MRF, the local government of Malay is also opening its door for their sanitary landfill as also another possible tourism destination.

The MRF is being supported by the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Tourism, among others. It is considered as one of the models for sustainable waste management in the country.