Iloilo, Boracay boatmen seek exemption from upgrading their vessel

Boat organizations from Iloilo and Boracay have sought exemption from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) policy to convert their wooden boats to fiber glass.

Godofredo Sadiasa, representing the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC), said that he had been consulted by the MARINA officials for a meeting recently.

The MARINA had decided to implement the zero wooden boats policy after a wooden vessel sank in Eastern Visayas recently killing scores of passengers.

Sadiasa said aside from the CBTMPC, boatmen plying Guimaras-Iloilo and vice versa has also sought exemption from the new policy.

"We had sought exemption because we are only transporting the passengers for ten minutes. The zero wooden boat policy should be implemented to those vessels plying longer routes," Sadiasa said.

The CBTMPC is being considered as the richest transport cooperative in the country. Sadiasa said the cooperative had 68 wooden boat with outrigger and three fiber glass boats without outrigger.

Kalibo, Davao airports named among world’s most efficient

The Airport Council International (ACI) has named the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) and the Davao International Airport as the eighth and sixth most efficient airports in the world, respectively.
The said information has been generated based on the official statement of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The HKIA generated 264.6 points of workload unit.

The Kalibo Airport has earned 211 points while the Davao International Airport ranked sixth with 222.22 points.

KIA has been named as efficient in terms of aircraft movement and traffic control in 2013. It reportedly managed to handle air traffic from different countries despite its small size. The council has submitted its report for 2013, but only released the first-quarter survey of 2015.

Other efficient airports include Tokyo (248.5) in the second spot and Dubai with 245.4 in third.

Engineer Martin Terre, chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Kalibo, said that the report surprises many.

“We are inspired and vow to further improve our services at the airport,” he said.

The ACI is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports. Established in 1991, ACI represents airports’ interest with governments and international organizations such as International Civil Aviation Organization.

It also develops standards, policies and recommends practices for airports; and provides information and training opportunities to raise standards around the world.

Hawaii to help Boracay beach’s enhancement

The state government of Hawaii has reportedly offered its help in the beach enhancement program of this resort island.
Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo said several Hawaii state officials met with Malay officials over the weekend to discuss the program.
The visit was organized by the Philippine embassy in the United States.
“We do not know what have been discussed. But I am sure whatever has been agreed upon would be for the best interests of our famed resort island,” said Quimpo.
The state of Hawaii has declared Dec. 20 a day for Filipinos in recognition of the sacadas who were considered the first group of migrants in the United States.

HIV-AIDS spread in 12 Aklan towns

Data from the Provincial AIDS Council (PAC) here revealed that there are people living with HIV-AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in at least 12 out of Aklan’s 17 towns.
The PAC’s Debbie Villaflor said 51 cases of HIV-AIDS have been recorded in Aklan since 1984. Seven of them had already died.
Based on the official report as of March 2015, Kalibo has registered the most number with 15 asymptomatic cases. Five of them have shown signs of HIV-AIDS. Malay town follows with 11 asymptomatic cases with zero HIV-AIDS symptoms.
Other towns include Nabas, with three asymptomatic cases with one HIV-AIDS case; Altavas and Banga each have one asymptomatic case and two HIV-AIDS cases. Makato town has three asymptomatic cases.
Batan, Ibajay, Lezo, Madalag, Malinao and Tangalan towns have one asymptomatic case each.
“While the latest data was gathered March, right now we have a suspected HIV-AIDS case in Libacao town. We also suspect that New Washington has an HIV-AIDS positive patient but may still not be aware of his condition,” said Villaflor.The PAC has urged Aklanons to undergo HIV-AIDS examination at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital here.
According to the website of MedlinePlus, asymptomatic HIV infection is a phase of chronic infection with human immunodeficiency virus during which there are no symptoms of HIV infection./

Aklan to host Investment Forum

 The Aklan provincial government is planning to initiate an Investment Forum to stimulate public and private partnership on July 17 in Kalibo, Aklan.

Aklan Congressman Teodorico Haresco said that the forum also aims to look for partners in financing the construction, operation and maintenance of public infrastructures and development projects.

Expected to keynote the investment forum is Peter Wallace, the chairman and president of the Wallace Business Forum.

Among the identified major projects available for financing include roads, airports, ports, water supply, health facilities, agriculture, sanitary landfills, power generation, and irrigation facilities.

The forum is also being supported by the Department of Pubic Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communication, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Energy, Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), National Irrigation Administration, Local Water Utilities Administration.

Also included are the different funding institutions, and private sector investors like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan.

The investment forum will be held at the Corazon Cabagnot Memorial Training Center at Barangay Old Buswang.