Second inspection in Boracay for APEC up

The local government of Malay Aklan is in the thick of preparations for the anticipated arrival of a team coming from the conference management of the Association of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Malay Mayor John Yap said Friday that the local government together with the stakeholders involved will be meeting soon to discuss the preparation for the inspection.

Report said that the inspection team will be headed by Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina, the Deputy General Conference Management and Services Ambassador.

Among those to be discussed during the inspection are security and hosting capabilities of this resort island for the APEC. Philippines is expected to host the APEC by 2015.

"I was told that the Office of the President helped lobby for the inclusion of Boracay as one of the areas for the APEC hosting," said Yap.

The meeting of the local government is also expected to discuss the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders involved for the upcoming APEC.

The first inspection was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs last year.

Boracay expects at least 3 cruise ships arrivals in February

This resort island expects at least three cruise ships to arrive in this resort island this February.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said the three cruise ships are MS Deutshland, MS Europa and MS Costa Rica. This is the first time the Italian-based MS Deutshland will arrive in this resort island.

Both MS Europa and MS Costa Rica were here early this month.

"The MS Deutshland is supposed to arrive here by March but we welcome its early arrival than expected," said Maquirang.

Because of this, the jetty port administration together with the Department of Tourism and other stakeholders will convene next week to prepare for the said arrival.

"Aside from these, we have also received two more inquiries from different cruise ship companies that may also sail to Boracay February," said Maquirang.

The Aklan provincial government is bullish on the incoming cruise ships as it bring thousands of tourists to Boracay.

SPC to rehab Pandan corals

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) has expanded its coral reef rehabilitation project 'Code Blue' to nearby Pandan, Antique.

The SPC plan to rehabilitate the coral reefs is upon the instructions of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Coral reefs in Pandan was heavily damaged by super typhoon 'Yolanda.'

The SPC for several years has successfully grown typhoon resilient coral reefs protection program through the 'Filipinovation' program of the DOST in this resort island.

The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA), the municipal government of Pandan and the Phaidon Resort, trained by the DOST on the said coral reforestation program, is helping in the project.

Report said that the PA diving team recently finished their environmental project in Anini-y, Antique and is now helping the SPC in the said endeavor.The team is also eyeing the Libertad-Pandan-Sebaste-Culasi (LIPASECU) Baywide Management Council to join them in the project.

AFfw years ago, local government units in Northern Antique formed the LIPASECU to oversee environmental protection in the coastal areas in their respective locality.

The SPC believed that if this project would become successful, this will compliment the diving industry in nearby Boracay as Pandan also has existing white sand beaches.

Boracay divers vigilant against 'crown of thorns'

The Boracay Association of Scuba Schools (BASS) is currently vigilant against the possible proliferation of "crown of thorns" starfish in this resort island.

Mike Labatio, former president of the BASS, said that they have first uncovered presence of "crown of thorns" (Acanthaster planci) in several diving areas here.

The "crown of thorns" not only is considered harmful for humans who are either into swimming or diving. It is also considered a threat to the corals here.

The "crown of thorns" is a large, multiple-armed starfish (or seastar) that usually preys upon hard, or stony, coral polyps (Scleractinia). The crown-of-thorns receives its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its upper surface or the crown of thorns.

"There is no outbreak of 'crown of thorns' in Boracay. The BASS however continues to monitor presence of the said specie of starfish in Boracay," said Labatiao in an interview Tuesday.

The "collecting" of said starfish is now included in the priority during the regular under the sea clean up being undertaken by the BASS here.

Diving experts said that the "crown of thorns" in the early 2000's causes major damage to several coral reefs in Boracay.

New Orleans group helping tourism in Boracay

An American group from New Orleans is in Boracay helping to revive the tourism industry damaged by typhoon "Yolanda".

In an information from the Department of Tourism, the New Orleans team is meeting with different volunteers, tourism stakeholders and other organization collaborating in helping the tourism industry.

The New Orleans boasts of its early recovery in tourism after it was hit by hurricane "Katrina" on August 25, 2005. The team is here from January 27-28 for collaboration with the local stakeholders.

Participants in the forum were representatives coming from the local government, Boracay Foundation Incorporated, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay, Boracay Redevelopment Task Force, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The meeting aims to develop Boracay to become a disaster resilient tourism destination.

Chinese tourists expressed interests in coming to Boracay for Chinese New Year

The Department of Tourism (DoT) received several requests from the different travel agencies expressing interests to bring both Chinese and Taiwanese tourists for the forthcoming Chinese New Year Revelry.

Tim Ticar, officer in charge of DoT Boracay, said that the travel agencies wanted to temporarily allow their accredited tourists guides to bring both Chinese and Taiwanese tourists during the season of the New Year.

The requests developed after the local government of Malay recently are not allowing tourists guides to come to Boracay without undergoing processes of accreditation.

"I have already referred their requests to the local government. We are just awaiting their reply on such requests," Ticar said Monday.

The local government enforces ban against accredited tourists guides in this resort island as this will be unfair against legitimate tourists guides.

Moratorium for releasing of permit to transport vehicles in Boracay

The local government of Malay will be temporarily suspending the releasing of permit to transport vehicles after it discovered that there are too many illegally transported vehicles in this resort island.

Cesar Oczon Jr., senior transportation regulation officer of the Municipal Transportation Office, said that they discovered many vehicles with fake permits and stickers in Boracay.

"We are currently investigating this incident," he said.

The suspension of releasing of permits to transport will be due on Friday, January 24. Oczon gave no definite dates yet as to when will the releasing of transport permits resume.

He warns those who are behind the issuance of fake permit to transport to be penalized.

The usage of several vehicle owners of fake permit to transport contributes to the worsening traffic condition in this resort island.(

DoT urges strong enforcement of ban against dogs in Boracay beach

The Department of Tourism (DoT) urges the local government to strongly enforce the banning of stray dogs at the front white beach in this resort island.

Tim Ticar, officer in charge of the DoT-Boracay, said Wednesday that the department has received complaints from both the tourists and residents about the rampant stray dogs seen at the front beach.

"These dogs not only cause disturbance to the resting tourists while at the same time destroy the vegetation areas. Previously, we also had recorded cases wherein a dog owner disclaimed his pet after it bite somebody," Ticar said.

The Department of Health has declared this resort island a rabies-free zone.

Earlier, the local government of Malay has organized dog catcher volunteers to catch stray dogs at the front beach.

Data from the Provincial Veterinarian Office bared that in 2013 the Aklan province has an estimated 48, 010 dog population. Of this data, only about 25,570 dogs received total vaccination or 53.26 percent.

Of the figure, Kalibo town has the most number of dogs with 6, 097 followed by Malay with 2, 286.

Boracay to have 250 new units of e-trikes this year

The local government of Malay, Aklan expects to have 250 new units of electric tricycles (e-trikes)
in this resort island for this year..

Malay mayor John Yap said this is the commitment of the BPI Globe Banko and the Gerweiss Motors Corporation in line with their environment-friendly program in Boracay.

Last week, at least ten units of e-trikes have been given to beneficiaries who availed of the e-trike program.

Currently, Boracay has around 20 units of e-trikes operating in the resort island.

"The local government of Malay hopes to see the full operation of e-trikes in Boracay by 2016," Yap said as he urged drivers here using gasoline-fed tricycles to avail of the e-trike program being offered by the local government.

According to Gerald Biloria, president of Gerweiss, it is cheaper to use e-trikes compared to gasoline fueled tricycles.

"If currently the price of gasoline per liter is P50, e-trike drivers would only consume P20 worth of electricity in the similar value," said Biloria.

The Gerweiss is also putting up solar panel systems for the e-trike facility in this resort island to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Reality of Boracay Bridge Project getting closer

The local government of Malay is getting closer to the realization of their plan to implement a bridge that will connect Boracay to mainland Malay.

Malay Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito said the Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company is interested to build the bridge through the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) project package.

"Right now, the local council of Malay aims to determine if the Daewoo has the capacity to realize the project. We are planning to invite them for an inter-action for us to know their possible design and transactions," said Gelito.

If the local council will be satisfied to the presentation of Daewoo, the council will then issue a resolution authorizing the municipal mayor to enter a memorandum of agreement.

The Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company is a worldwide firm that has projects in many countries.

Probe on Boracay real estate ‘anomalies’ urged

Businessman Crisostomo Aquino urged the national government to investigate the alleged illegal sale of real estate properties in this island resort.

“It has been decided by the Supreme Court that Boracay is owned by the state,” Aquino said during the weekly Fernandina Forum held at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, recently.

“Yet I wonder why [the sale] of real estate properties is rampant among foreign buyers,” the businessman said.

Aquino revealed that transactions would involve parcels of Boracay properties that cost around P85,000 each.

“We wonder why it is easy for foreigners to buy lots in Boracay while Filipino businessmen are being harassed despite [that] we pay the right taxes,” he said.

Several foreigners also continue to “hire” Filipino counterparts to establish dummy corporations, Aquino disclosed.

Some of them had to marry a Filipina to establish an investment, he said.

“How come foreigners are able to get a tax declaration [for] timberland areas and, at the same time, easily acquire local permits?” Aquino asked./

Boracay to get 15 new electric tricycles

The municipal government of Malay will launch the Electric Tricycle (e-trike) Program in this island resort on January 17.

At least 15 new units of e-trikes will be made available to beneficiaries of the program, said Dante Pagsuguiron, former Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member of Malay.

The Malay government had undertaken the program to do away with conventional tricycles in the island.

Unlike traditional tricycles, which are fueled with gasoline, e-trikes are powered by rechargeable batteries and thus more environment-friendly and energy-efficient.

Tricycles are the major mode of transport in Boracay.

“During the launching, there will be a signing of a memorandum of agreement between representatives of the BPI Globe Bangko, [the municipal government of] Malay and the  Gerweiss [Motors Corp.],” Pagsuguiron said.

Among those expected to participate in the launching are representatives of the Boracay Foundation Inc. and the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the e-trike operators.

Designed and manufactured by Gerweiss Motors Corp., these ecologically friendly vehicles will replace conventional tricycles as the main mode of transportation in Boracay, Pagsuguiron has said in an interview last year.

The former SB member has said the Malay government will gradually phase out conventional tricycles until 2015, when the e-trikes will “dominate” the island streets.

Built ideally for the island resort’s terrain, the fiberglass-made e-trikes could accommodate 10 passengers each.

E-trikes are powered by rechargeable batteries.

Pilot charging stations will be put up in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, near the fire station, and in Sitio Diniwid, Brgy. Balabag, Pagsuguiron has said./

DOT-WV hopes to lure more Chinese tourists in 2014

 The Department of Tourism (DOT) is hoping to lure more Chinese tourists in Western Visayas this year.

In an interview Friday, DOT regional director for Western Visayas Atty. Helen Catalbas said that in 2013, an estimated 300,000 Chinese tourists visited the region.

"The bulk of this is in Boracay where more than 200,000 Chinese tourists were recorded. We are still finalizing the number of other key tourism cities in the region," said Catalbas.

Aside from Boracay, she said Chinese tourists are also attracted to different cities in the region because of the different festival-celebrations, particularly in Iloilo and Bacolod cities. Chinese tourists also opted to celebrate their annual New Year, which is on January 31 this year, here in the region.

The DOT is also studying other tourism potentials in Western Visayas which can attract Chinese tourists to visit the region.

"We are now prepared for an aggressive tourism campaign among Chinese tourists since Chinese group tours resumes its normal operation last year after it was suspended in 2012," Catalbas said.

NGO reports 10 most common environmental complaints in Boracay

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC), a non-government organization (NGO), said Thursday it had listed down the Top 10 environmental complaints of both tourists and residents that had been reported to them in 2013.

Jojo Rodriguez of the SPC said that most of these complaints were referred to the attention of the Boracay Action Center, the Philippine National Police and other government agencies.

The top 10 most common complaints were: stray dogs at the beach; irregularities on fishing tours among foreign tourists; existence of fishing nets among the dive sites; discriminating tricycle drivers; lagoon is dead; littered plastic bottles all over Boracay; illegal parking of motor bancas at the front beach; illegal fishing methods; oil slick and tar at the beach and boats passing near the swimming areas.

In 2013, the SPC partnered with the Globe Telecom in the establishment of a hotline center where both tourists and residents could report an environmental concern. The hotline number is 09177202583 (Code Blue).

Once the hotline center receives the SMS reporting an environmental concern, it then transmits the message to concerned agencies for proper action.

Koreans still top Boracay visitors in 2013

South Korean tourists still continue to dominate this resort island for the past years with Chinese and Russians increasing their numbers.

In a document provided by the Caticlan Jetty Port Wednesday, Boracay received 615, 508 foreign tourists arrivals for 2013. The figure is much higher as Boracay only registered 473, 286 in 2012.

"It is encouraging to know that Boracay still continues to lure foreign tourists despite the typhoon 'Yolanda' that hit the resort island in November 8, 2013," said Maquirang.

Korean tourists reached 208, 665; followed by Chinese tourists which registered 200, 794; Taiwanese, 39, 706; Russians 19, 407; USA, 19, 316; Australians 16, 889; Singaporeans 11,102; Japanese 7,726 and 7,700 from Hong Kong.

In 2012, Taiwanese tourists came in second; visitors from mainland China is in the third; USA at the fourth spot; fifth were Australians; followed by Russians; Sweden; Hong Kong; Germany and Japan.

The figure also indicates that the month of February where foreign tourists arrivals is at its highest (65,815) in 2013. It was followed by the months of August (63,995) and July (60,727).

Official clarifies cause of glitches at jetty port

 The jetty port administration has explained the glitches that happened Monday morning as both foreign and local tourists complained of disorder at the passenger terminal.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said that they have remedied the situation and addressed the complaints. Disorder occurred at the jetty port after the implementation of the "No Sticker, No Entry Policy" among public transport drivers here.

"We have been telling tricycle drivers to renew their respective permits as early as November 2013 but many of them failed to comply. The implementation is supposed to happen on January 1 but we have given them another week to do so but still many of them disobeyed," said Maquirang.

The jetty port administrator started to implement the "No Sticker, No Entry Policy" at the jetty port Monday, January 6.

Records from the jetty port revealed that only around 60 percent of the tricycles in the resort island were able to comply with the accreditation requirements.

"We still continue our accreditation services for tricycle drivers. Once they have complied with the requirements they will be given a sticker which they will be using as entrance to the jetty port," said Maquirang.

Tricycle drivers often get inside the jetty port compound to pick and drop passengers bound for Boracay Island.

Russians, Koreans rescued in Boracay boat collision

At least two Russians, three Korean tourists and 12 Filipino passengers were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after two boats collided in this resort island Monday morning.

Coast Guard officer Pedro Taganos, acting station commander of the PCG-Caticlan, identified in an interview the foreign tourists as Logan Cruz and James Scott (Russians); Mika Kambe, Akihira Kambe and Koi Kame who are Koreans.

The foreign tourists including a Filipina identified as Andrea Stone were onboard the speedboat of MBCA Boracay Regency when it accidentally collided with a motor boat MBCA Nonoy carrying the other Filipino passengers.

Taganos said that at least two Filipino passengers onboard the MBCA Nonoy suffered minor injuries in the accident which happened at around 6 A.M.

The collision took place around 300 meters off Caticlan Jetty Port.

"Banca operation still continues in Boracay despite the accident," said Taganos.

The PCG continues to conduct an investigation on the accident.

Boracay tourism remains 1.5M tourists target for 2014

The Aklan provincial government pegged 1.5 million tourists target for 2014 after failing to achieved it this year.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said Thursday that for the year 2013 Boracay received 1,367,767 both foreign and local tourists. The jetty port administration currently still tallies either Korean or Chinese tourists ranked first for top 10 highest tourism arrivals for the year.

Despite the shortage of target, Boracay tourism this year is considered highest while 2012 tourism arrivals registered at 1, 206, 252. The Aklan provincial government also earns P 299, 552, 491.71 in terminal fees and local taxes.

"The onslaught of the super typhoon 'Yolanda' is the primary reason why we have failed to achieve the target. Several foreign and local tourists cancelled their room reservations because of this," said Maquirang.

For 2014, the Aklan provincial government are anticipating the arrival of at least 10 international cruise ships which is considered a big boost for tourism in this resort island.

Meanwhile, for this year the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be officially promoting this resort island as ‘haven for cruise ship destination.’

DOT officials said they are expecting at least 10 international cruise ships this year, which is considered an unprecedented feat for Boracay history.

The DOT is also expecting the arrival of some 300 Canadian nationals this January to visit this resort island.