Huwebes, Hulyo 31, 2014

ASEAN officer reminds Asian countries to ensure food security as climate change worsens

The General Manager of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) is urging Asian countries to ensure food security in the light of worsening effects of climate change.

In an interview, Wiroj Saengbangka who is a Thailander and the general manager of APTERR secretariat, said that Asia is one of the continents that have been greatly affected by climate change.

Saengbangka was here Thursday in order to distribute 1.2 metric tons of rice coming from the Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture.The recipients of the rice program were poor residents who were affected by the recent typhoon 'Haiyan.'

The initiative was undertaken by the National Food Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

It was learned that Japan, Thailand and China had also distributed metric tons of rice to other provinces in the Visayas region affected by the super typhoon. China, according to Saengbanka, provided 800 metric tons of rice to typhoon victims.

"We in the APTERR wanted to ensure food security as part of the preparations for the worsening climate change," said Saengbangka.

The APTERR stocks under Tier 3 is a mechanism for the release of stockpiled emergency rice reserves collectively owned by APTERR member-countries in response to an acute and urgent emergency demand of a recipient country.

The 13 member-countries of APTERR Council are Thailand, Laos, Brunei, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, China, Japan and the Philippines. APTERR aims to address the food shortages caused by natural disasters or man-made calamities through the provision of food assistance and nutrition improvement programs to people in need.

In 1979, the ASEAN Emergency Rice Reserve (AERR) was established as part of the implementation of the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Agreement (AFSR) signed by the ASEAN Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The AERR was renamed APTERR in 2009.

Philippine gov't races to prepare for international events

National and local government agencies in the Philippines are racing against time to prepare for international events which will be held in this island next year.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator, said Thursday that 2015 will be the busiest year for Boracay because of a number of international activities that will take place here. These events include the conference of the chief justices of Association of Southeast Asian Nations in February and meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in May.

"These events will take place during Boracay's peak season, when thousands of tourists flock to the island. The remaining months of the year would be critical for the government to complete its infrastructure projects here," said Maquirang.

The Philippine government is currently undertaking improvements in the Kalibo International Airport and in the island's ports.

Government enforcement agencies are also preparing the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of guests.

Miyerkules, Hulyo 30, 2014

DoT warns against illegitimate tourist guides in Boracay

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is warning against the proliferation of illegitimate tourists guides here.

Artemio Ticar of the DoT-Boracay said that the local government of Malay, Aklan has started its crackdown against illegitimate tourists guides who are preying specially on Chinese tourists.

Ticar said there are many illegitimate tourists guides, "many of whom were Chinese," who, he said, might discouraged the entry of more Chinese tourists from coming to Boracay.

"There are still Chinese tourists that are coming to Boracay but we do not expect it to be that huge in numbers. The local government of Malay is now doing everything to fix this problem," said Ticar in an interview Wednesday.

Based on the tourism arrivals for the month of June, around 9,812 Chinese tourists visited this resort island.

Huwebes, Hulyo 24, 2014

Boracay included among APEC hosts

This resort island has been officially considered as one of the venues for the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference in 2015.

In his letter addressed to Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Marciano Paynor Jr., Director General of APEC 2015, said that there are six regions in the country officially designated as APEC sites.

These regions are Metro Manila representing the National Capital Region; the towns of Bagac, Bataan and Clark, Pampanga for Central Luzon; Tagaytay City in Cavite for CALABARZON; Legazpi City, Albay in Bicol Region; Boracay, Aklan and Iloilo City for Western Visayas; and Metropolitan Cebu in Central Visayas.

The agenda of the annual meetings includes the APEC Seniors Official Meeting and Related Meetings; APEC Ministerial and Sectoral Ministerial meetings and the APEC Exonomic Leaders Meeting.

"Boracay will host the second senior officials meeting and related meetings on May 10-21, 2015 and Ministers Responsible for Trade on May 23-24," said Paynor.

Around 1,900 delegates are expected to attend the Second Senior Officials Meeting while 600 delegates will attend the Ministers Responsible for Trade.

Aerospace firm offers services to Boracay

The Asian Aerospace Corporation based in Metro Manila has offered its services to the local government of Malay anticipating the possible hosting of the forthcoming Asia Pacific Economic Conference in 2015.

Malay Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito said on Thursday that the municipal council had already received the documents. The said documents of intent will be studied by the council.

The Asian Aerospace was established in 1996 and was registered at the Civil Aeronautics Board. It is also an authorized aircraft operator and aircraft maintenance organization of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
.

IT WAS GATHERED THAT THE AEROSPACE IS OFFERING ITS SERVICES IN TERMS OF AMBULANCE, HELICOPTER CHARTERS AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS ESPECIALLY DURING EMERGENCIES.

"THE COMPANY IS ALSO COORDINATING WITH A RESORT IN THIS RESORT ISLAND FOR EASY ACCESS," SAID GELITO.

Boracay security ready for MS The World cruise ship

VARIOUS LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE NOW PREPARED FOR THE ARRIVAL OF MS THE WORLD CRUISE SHIP IN THIS RESORT ISLAND ON MONDAY.

NIVEN MAQUIRANG, JETTY PORT ADMINISTRATOR SAID THE CRUISE SHIP IS CARRYING AROUND 200 TOURISTS, MOSTLY EUROPEANS.

REPORT SAID THE MS THE WORLD WHICH IS BEING OPERATED BY THE ROW MANAGEMENT LIMITED WILL BE COMING FROM NORWAY. AS OF THIS WRITING, MS THE WORLD IS ALREADY IN WATERS OFF PALAWAN.

"THE TOURISTS ON BOARD THE CRUISE SHIP WILL BE STAYING OVERNIGHT IN BORACAY," MAQUIRANG SAID.

MS THE WORLD IS THE FOURTH CRUISE SHIP THAT VISITED BORACAY THIS YEAR WITH AT LEAST SIX MORE CRUISE SHIPS ARRIVING WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, MAQUIRANG SAID.

Miyerkules, Hulyo 23, 2014

AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur – Kalibo flight goes daily!

oliday-makers can now fly to Kalibo, gateway to the paradise island of Boracay daily instead of 4x weekly with AirAsia’s increased frequencies from Kuala Lumpur – Kalibo, which will be effective from 23rd October onwards.

In conjunction with this announcement, AirAsia is offering promotional all-in-fares from as low as RM199 one way from Kuala Lumpur – Kalibo (Boracay) for all bookings made from now until 27th July 2014, for the travel period from 14th July 2014 to 28th March 2015.

The daily flights will provide travellers with added convenience as they are now able to access & return from Kalibo & Boracay anytime of the week.

Spencer Lee, AirAsia Berhad’s Head of Commercial commented, “With this additional frequency, guests who are travelling on this route can connect to both Kuala Lumpur & Kalibo on a daily basis, and this will enable them to further take advantage of our vast route network, especially via Kuala Lumpur. Kalibo is a great gateway to Boracay, and we are proud to be the airline that offers the best connectivity to this paradise island from Malaysia with our daily flights.”

AirAsia connects Malaysia to the Philippines with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur – Manila and Kuala Lumpur – Cebu with 2x daily and 3x weekly flights respectively, while guests from Kota Kinabalu can connect to the capital city of Manila with daily flights.

Guests can take advantage of AirAsia’s network domestically in the Philippines, guests can now fly to Manila and connect onwards to nearby cities of Tacloban, Puerto Princessa - Palawan, Tagbilaran, Kalibo or Cebu as well.

Discover more of Philippines by downloading AirAsia’s ‘Awesome Philippines’ travel guide at http://www.airasia.com/travelguides. The travel guides are free and include essential travel information at each domestic destination such as accommodation, transport and the must-see’s and must-do’s of in the Philippines which provide travelers with a better insight into the places they are visiting.

All the additional frequencies are also available for booking via iPhone, Android devices, Blackberry10, as well as AirAsia’s mobile site mobile.airasia.com. Guests can download the AirAsia mobile apps by searching for ‘ÁirAsia’ in the App Store for iPhone users; Google Play Store for Android device users and the Blackberry App World for Blackberry users.

For more updates on AirAsia’s latest news, as well as promotions, activities and contests, connect with them via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) or Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia).

Miyerkules, Hulyo 16, 2014

CATICLAN AIRPORT MANAGER RESIGNS

Godofredo P. Ramos Airport general manager Bong Tirol has announced his resignation amid speculations that he is running for public office.
Tirol said his decision to step down was in consultation with San Miguel Corp., which develops the airport.
Irma Mendiola, the deputy general manager, has temporarily taken over the airport management.
In a press conference Tuesday, Tirol said speculations on the possibility that he will join politics had been around for years.
“[But] right now, I could not comment on the said speculations since 2016 is still far,” he said.
He said Gov. Florencio Miraflores and Rep. Teodorico Haresco were his “close relatives.”
It was learned that the business community in Boracay had been encouraging Tirol to run for public office.
Tirol managed the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, more commonly known as Caticlan Airport, in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan for four years.
There were no reported major incidents at the airport during Tirol’s term.
“My secret is I managed the airport as a hotel,” he said. “I think my experience in managing hotels came out naturally while managing the airport.”
Tirol will now serve as a director of government affairs of Shangrila Hotel Boracay.
He said he also plans to organize a series of community projects in Malay.
San Miguel Corp. will appoint the next full-fledged general manager of the airport.
The airport, while small, is one of the busiest airports in the country, accommodating local and foreign tourists bound for Boracay.
San Miguel Corp. is currently developing it based on international standards, with an initial allocation of P2.5 billion./

Koreans remain top Boracay foreign visitors

South Koreans tourists still dominate the top ten foreign tourist arrivals in this resort island in the first half of 2014.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said that around 845, 299 foreign and local tourists visited Boracay for the first half of the year. Boracay has already registered more than half of the tourism target which is 1.5 million tourists this year.

The same figure is also higher compared to that of the first half of 2013 where Boracay registered 729, 781 tourists.

It was gathered that although Chinese tourists ranked first during the first quarter, Korean tourists dominated the second quarter of the year.

Maquirang said Wednesday that the top ten foreign tourism arrivals include Koreans, Chinese, Taiwanese,United States of America, Russia, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Germany.

Currently, the Department of Tourism continues its aggressive campaign especially for China and Singapore countries.

Last week, a chartered flight of Cebu Pacific coming from Guangzhou, China arrived at the Kalibo International Airport. All of the Chinese passengers were bound for this resort island.

Based on the month of June statistics showed around 21, 146 South Korean tourists arrived; followed by Chinese which has 9, 812; Taiwan 4,296; Singapore 2,151; Malaysia, 2,147; USA 1, 786; Australia, 972; Russia 617 and United Kingdom 586.

Linggo, Hulyo 13, 2014

breaking:




17 young students from Boracay Island held over suspected illegal drug use

Biyernes, Hulyo 11, 2014

Reposting:

The Office of the Director General for the 2015 Philippine Hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is looking for qualified applicants for the following contractual positions:
Technical Assistant / Principal Assistant (20 vacancies)
• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations or related fields;
• Experience in events management is an advantage;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Filipino languages;
• Computer literate (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher)
• Physically fit and can work under pressure and has a high tolerance for stress.
Administrative Assistant (8 vacancies)
• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations or related fields;
• Experience in administrative or clerical work is an advantage;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Filipino languages;
• Computer literate (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher)
• Physically fit and can work under pressure and has a high tolerance for stress.
Information Technology Officer (4 vacancies)
• Bachelor’s degree preferably Information Technology, Computer Science or related fields;
• Experience in networking, database administration, and PC troubleshooting is an advantage;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Filipino languages;
• Physically fit, can work under pressure and has a high tolerance for stress.
Interested applicants may submit a résumé/curriculum vitae at apecjobs2015@gmail.com.

DoT exec to meet with APEC local organizing committee

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is expected to meet with the local organizing team composed of the joint force of the local government of Malay and the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force.

Tim Ticar of the DoT-Boracay said that the meeting is scheduled on July 16 with DoT undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin.

"The meeting aims to discuss with the local government its preparation for the possible APEC hosting meeting in 2015," said Ticar.

Jasmin will also conduct an inspection on the roads prone to flooding in this resort island. She will also oversee traffic operation in Boracay.

The DoT reportedly received environmental concerns for Boracay amidst its preparation for hosting the forthcoming APEC conference.

Huwebes, Hulyo 10, 2014

Boracay priest thanks Aquino

A “downpour of blessings” happened in this island, thanks to the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, a parish priest here said.
The Aquino administration, especially the President himself, has helped a lot in boosting tourism here, said Fr. Arnaldo Crisostomo of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Barangay Balabag.
Crisostomo said the Aquino administration “had been largely instrumental in the arrest of the suspect in the killing of Ati spokesman Dexter Condez.”
Police collared Daniel Celestino, a security guard of a hotel here, in Barangay Palasan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna on March 5.
The Philippine National Police is under the Department of Interior and Local Government under Secretary Mar Roxas.
“The President, with the help of his sister, Viel, has also helped a lot in the establishment of the Ati village in Boracay,” said Crisostomo.
He said the Ati community in the island now live peacefully with the 24/7 protection that the local police provide.
Just this year, the indigenous peoples here were provided a certificate of ancestral domain title.
Also, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources were grateful for Aquino’s executive order ensuring environmental sustainability here./

DOT: No let-up in tourism campaign for Boracay

The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues its intensified campaign in promoting Boracay even if it's already known as one of the best beaches in the world.

Tim Ticar of the DOT-Boracay said that at least 10 Australian journalists arrived in this resort island Wednesday night to feature the island as one of the top favorite Philippine destinations.

"They will be toured around several key areas and exposed to activities in Boracay. They have been invited by the DOT to feature this resort island upon their return to their home country," said Ticar.

In the past, the DOT noted an increasing number of Australian tourists arriving in Boracay.

Meanwhile, Ticar also bared that Shanghai, China is promoting Boracay as a premier wedding beach destination.

A Chinese group representing the sectors of media and several known personalities are now in this resort island to also document the tourism industry of Boracay.

Among the areas they documented are the Crystal Cove, Puka Beach, Diniwid, and the long beach area.

Miyerkules, Hulyo 9, 2014

Aklan PDRRMC to stage Rescue Olympics



The Aklan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has slated July 25 this year for its Annual Rescue Olympics program.

Galo Ibardolaza, PDRRM office head, said Wednesday that the local Olympics will be participated by 17 municipal disaster risk reduction management offices and probably volunteer groups from Boracay Island.

This annual event is part of the highlight of the National Disaster Consciousness Month. The competition will be held at the ABL Sports Complex in Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.

"Each of the rescue groups will face different tasks for us to determine who among them are the best rescue volunteers in the province," said Ibardolaza.

The Aklan Provincial Government is keen on the disaster management capability of the local volunteers as the province is anticipated to host the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in 2015.

There will be stiff competition as Kalibo volunteers underwent full training on disaster management. Only the Kalibo town has a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) personnel.

However, the hinterland town of Madalag is also a favored participant since it is reportedly an expert in first aid.

Volunteers coming from Malay and Boracay Island are expected to also render high performance on disaster management. They will be at the front line once Boracay Island will be officially considered host of the APEC.

Drainage problems blamed for Boracay flooding



Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores has asked for an investigation on the flooding incident in this resort island during the weekend.

He said that he will bring the matter to the attention of the national task force on Boracay Redevelopment. The said task force was created by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III together with Baguio City officials to ensure environmental sustainability in two tourism areas.

The flooding in this resort island was caused by heavy monsoon rains intensified by typhoon Florita.

A huge part of the resort island went under waist-deep floodwater.

Boracay Redevelopment Task Force secretary Mabel Bacani said the local government of Malay has been receiving numerous complaints from both tourists, local residents and businessmen as a result of the said incident.

Based on the initial inspection conducted after the flood, the drainage system of the island was clogged by garbage.

Both the Boracay Foundation Incorporated and the Department of Tourism-Boracay also expressed disappointment over what is considered as the worst flooding incident on the resort island in recent history.

Linggo, Hulyo 6, 2014

Chinese tourists hurt in mishap

At least eight Chinese tourists figured in an accident over Boracay waters off Sitio Bulabog, Barangay Balabag here yesterday.
They were on an island hopping activity onboard a sailboat when a speeding motorboat accidentally collided into their vessel, initial investigation of the Philippine Coast Guard showed.
Three of the victims suffered bruises and minor wounds: Chen Ya Rong, 27; Li Ou Kun, 27; and Hua Ya Rong, 57.
They were taken to the Boracay District Hospital for treatment, according to a report from the Coast Guard.
Their companions went back to their hotel, the Coast Guard said.
An initial Coast Guard report said the sailboat and the motorboat sustained damage that cannot be quantified as of press time.
The Boracay Tourist Assistance Center is investigating the incident.

Biyernes, Hulyo 4, 2014

Boracay Dragons to compete in US



The Boracay Dragons Frisbee Team will soon be in the United States of America to compete in three separate tournaments.

In their official facebook page, it said that they are competing in Wildwood, New Jersey this July 26-27; Ultimate Sandblast at Montrose Beach, Chicago on August 1-3; and Ocean City Beach Classic at Ocean City, Maryland on August 9-10.

The Boracay team will also take the US competition as an opportunity to be trained further in time for the World Championships for Beach Ultimate in Dubai in 2015.

They will be trained under the Morill Performance in the US together with coach Wendell Simbulan.

The Boracay Dragons finished second place while representing the Philippines in the previous two World Beach Ultimate Championships.

Huwebes, Hulyo 3, 2014

Illegal drugs trade in Boracay profitable - PNP




The illegal drugs trade in this resort island is profitable because of the growing tourism industry prompting police authorities to intensify its anti-drug campaign.

Data from the Aklan Provincial Police Office showed that from January to June 3 this year, at least 55 drug suspects have already been apprehended in 44 series of anti-drug operations.

This indicate that police has been arresting 2-3 suspects each week involving illegal drugs. Many of the suspects also carry with them firearms.

Intelligence officials who requested anonymity said that each gram of shabu in Boracay costs from P12,000-P15,000. In Metro Manila, a gram of shabu reportedly costs P8,000.

"One of the reasons we see is that the civilians were tempted to sell drugs because of its high-value. Nevertheless, we believe we are able to neutralize more than half of the illegal drugs trade in Boracay and in the province," said Supt. Samuel Nacion, provincial police director.

Most of the suspects came from Capiz province.

While there is no reported existence of a shabu laboratory in the province, the police said the drugs were being shipped to suspects via courier service companies.

Recently, police operatives have been able to confiscate drugs hidden inside the sole of a child's shoes. The said items were delivered by a courier service to an arrested drug suspect here.

Miyerkules, Hulyo 2, 2014

Boracay Hospital closed for renovation

The Boracay District Hospital is temporarily not accepting patients because of the ongoing renovation.

Malay Councilor Peter Sacapano said Wednesday that the temporary closure was recommended by the Provincial Health Office. The closure of the hospital started Tuesday.

"Based on the PHO recommendation, the Malay Health Office (MHO) which is also in Boracay will serve as temporary shelter for indigents seeking health services," Sacapano said.

However, the MHO in Barangay Balabag has limited bed capacity, prompting the Malay council to request the PHO to consider renting vacant rooms that could accommodate the patients.

"The cost should be shouldered by the PHO," added Sacapano.

Villar sets 10th OFW and Family Summit on Nov. 19

AS a sign of their continuing gratitude to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Senator Cynthia Villar announced the holding of the 10th OF...