Lunes, Disyembre 17, 2018

Legarda Sees Boost in Trade and Tourism with Antique Airport Improvement, PAL Direct Flights



Senator Loren Legarda today said that the improvement of Antique airport and the Philippine Airlines' (PAL) direct flights to Antique will spur local economy as it will boost trade and tourism.



“Today, as we welcome the inaugural flight of Philippine Airlines in our newly renovated airport, I can proudly say that: Antique’s progress is unstoppable,” said Legarda in a speech read by Governor Rhodora Cadiao during the inaugural flight of PAL to Antique airport.



“We are ready to welcome more tourists in our province and we are excited to share our products to more Filipinos and tourists outside the province. Our expanded and upgraded airport will be our gateway and PAL will be our partner in this endeavor,” she added.



It was through Legarda's efforts that PAL is now servicing direct flights to Antique.



Starting December 16, PAL Express flies to Antique twice a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays. It will depart from Clark International Airport at 6:00am and arrive at Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista at 7:20am. Return flight leaves Antique Airport at 7:40am and arrives in Clark International Airport at 9:00am.



“Antique has so much potential for growth. This is just the beginning of many more successes for our beloved province,” Legarda concluded.

Biyernes, Disyembre 14, 2018

Boracay business group may retract opposition to cruise ship operators

The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) is reviewing its earlier position on cruise ships making a beeline to this resort island.

BFI President Maylynn A. Graf said the business organization has been opposing the cruise ship industry after authorities cited Boracay’s environmental degradation.

Graf noted cruise ships included Boracay as a stop after Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores signed in 2015 a memorandum of understanding with the Miami, Florida-headquartered Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“Right now, since Boracay is already environmentally safe, we are considering to support the cruise ship tourism. We are, however, still studying if we could officially support it,” Graf said.

Graf said BFI’s review comes after Boracay was reopened to tourists on October 26, six months after it was closed for rehabilitation. She also noted reports saying a cruise ship will be arriving in Boracay on December 18 bringing some 3,000 tourists.

Earlier, Niven Maquirang, Caticlan and Cagban jetty port administrator, said they are expecting some 28 cruise ship port calls at Boracay next year.

Legarda Partners with DOT to Bring PHL Harvest to Antique

In a bid to further promote tourism and the products of Antique, Senator Loren Legarda has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to bring the Philippine Harvest to the province.



Dubbed as Antique Harvest, it is the first in Western Visayas and aims to promote culinary heritage and tourist destinations in the 18 towns of Antique. It will be held on December 14-16, 2018 at the Expansion Area of Robinsons Place Antique.



“The DOT’s Philippine Harvest promotes the culinary heritage of different regions in the country. I wanted them to do the same for Antique so we can showcase the local food and tourist destinations of all the municipalities. It is a way to boost the promotion of Antique destinations, cultures, and values through food and other Philippine Tourism products,” said Legarda.



The Antique Harvest will have twenty-two (22) exhibitors featuring farm tourism sites, destinations, local food and travel agencies that promote sustainable travel.



There will be a Central Setting where weaving demonstrations will be conducted featuring artisans from weaving centers in Tibiao, Bugasong and Pandan, all of which have been receiving support from Senator Legarda.



“I want to boost tourism and trade in Antique through the Antique Harvest, which will coincide with the inaugural flight of Philippine Airlines to San Jose on December 16. These are efforts to promote our local products and tourist sites. Once there is greater demand for these products and sites, there will be more livelihood opportunities for Antiqueños,” said Legarda.



“This is only the beginning of many more initiatives for our province. We have many other collaborations with national government agencies and even the private sector to bring their programs to Antique,” Legarda concluded.

Lunes, Disyembre 10, 2018

Boracay exceeds tourist capacity for a day



For a day, this island resort exceeded its daily tourist arrival cap by a few hundreds.

Tourists who visited Boracay on Nov. 30 reached 6,772, a monthly summary of tourist arrivals courtesy of the Municipal Tourism Office of Malay town showed.

The Department of Tourism previously said the island can accommodate only 6,405 tourists on a daily basis.

Most of those who went to Boracay on Nov. 30 were domestic tourists (4,845).

The foreigners among them numbered 1,888 while there were 39 overseas Filipino workers, the summary showed.

For the president of the Boracay Foundation, Inc., an organization of local businesses, the numbers prove how naturally attractive the island is to tourists.

That the number of tourists exceeded the limit even just by a few hundreds “shows the desire of many to visit” Boracay, said Maylynn Graf.

“We anticipate the influx of tourist arrivals in Boracay during the Yuletide season,” said Graf.

In April the government ordered Boracay closed to visitors for six months to give way to rehabilitation efforts. The island was reopened on Oct. 26./

Linggo, Nobyembre 11, 2018

85% of Boracay road revamp finished, says DPWH’s Villar


The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is assuring the public that the current road upgrading efforts for the circumferential road of this island destination is nearing completion.
DPWH secretary Mark Villar revisited Boracay this week to inspect the circumferential road, explaining that construction has largely been delayed due to the recent series of inclement weather.
With the start of the six-month Boracay closure in April, the DPWH began its road upgrading of the 4.1-kilometer circumferential road. Another 3.5 kilometers in new circumferential roads are expected to be paved next year.
“Currently, we already have finished 85 percent of road upgrading including the sidewalk,” Villar told reporters.
DPWH has also constructed a 204-meter reinforced concrete pipe culvert, to fill a missing gap in the island’s drainage facility. It will have five catchment basins, a 22-meter cross drain, and 130-meter cut-off wall for installation of curb and gutter.
Other improvement activities in Boracay include the clearing of illegally placed structures and the construction of a road network leading to and along Bulabog Beach.

Huwebes, Nobyembre 1, 2018

Boracay Halloween celebration simple

Halloween traditions in this resort island on October 31 had been made simple as the national government banned beach parties. This is a far cry from the celebrations that marked this resort island before it was closed on April 26.

Both tourists and residents enjoyed frolicking and swimming at the beach, eating and shopping. Foreigners and residents also dressed in scary costumes in line with the Halloween traditions.

Halloween costume parties were also held in bars and night clubs far from the beach.

Ramel Buncalan, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Kalibo, noted President Duterte fulfilled his promise to open Boracay after six months.

Businesses in Kalibo were also affected, some were closed, according to Buncalan. He noted that the closure of Boracay, which is several kilometers away from Kalibo, also caused the displacement of employees in Kalibo.

Linggo, Oktubre 21, 2018

Boracay fire dancers ‘must use LED devices instead’



The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged hundreds of fire dancers in this famed island resort to use LED (light-emitting diode) devices.

DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force will prohibit fire dancing in the island starting Oct. 26.

This is aimed at protecting the Boracay beaches, where kerosene used in fire dancing is spilled.

“Fire dancers can use technologies such as LED lights instead. The task force would definitely prohibit fire dancing,” said Antiporda.

He added: “The national government can support the displaced fire dancers in Boracay if needed.”

Boracay was ordered shut beginning April 26 for a half-year rehabilitation after President Rodrigo Duterte called it a “cesspool.”

The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force was then formed to “reverse” the island’s poor environmental condition. It is led by the DENR, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

On Oct. 15, the holiday island was opened to local tourists for an 11-day dry run of its tourism operations.

When it officially reopens on Oct. 26, Boracay will greet local and foreign tourists with fresh guidelines like the ban on wild beach parties and a daily tourist cap.

Biyernes, Oktubre 12, 2018

DENR to deploy 35 env’t enforcers in Boracay



Some 35 environmental enforcers will be mobilized here next week – days before the scheduled island reopening on Oct. 26.

Environment secretary Roy Cimatu said the environmental enforcers – most of them Boracay residents – are tasked to ensure island’s environmental sustainability.

“Part of their duty is to conduct inspection of the sewage treatment plants (STPs) of the 21 hotels initially accredited by the inter-agency task force,” Cimatu said.

The inspection will be done every three days “so that we could determine if their STPs are effective or not,” the DENR chief added.

The deployment of the environmental enforcers is part of the 11-day dry run for Boracay’s reopening beginning Oct. 15.

Tourists from Aklan will be allowed entry in Boracay on Oct. 15 while those from other neighboring provinces, on Oct. 16.

Foreign tourists and those from other parts of the country will be allowed to enter Boracay on Oct. 26.

Should the deployment of environmental enforcers in Boracay prove itself effective, the same measure will be observed in other tourist destinations in the country, according to the DENR.

Miyerkules, Oktubre 3, 2018

EVWealth eyes fleet management program for Boracay

EVWealth Inc. is eyeing to establish a fleet-management program of Electronic Tricycles (e-trikes) in this resort island.

Hernando Esquivel, EVWealth general manager, said they are partnering with the Department of Energy in this endeavor. The DOE is reportedly eyeing to give 200 units of e-trikes to Boracay under a conditional donation scheme.

Esquivel presented the program during the regular weekly council session of the Sanguniang Bayan of Malay on Tuesday.

“Under the scheme, each driver should pay P649 a day for three years to be under the fleet-management program. The fee includes provision of spare parts, passenger-hailing program and installation of battery charges in their residences, among others,” he said.

“E-trikes could boost the drivers’ income in Boracay, since it is cheaper to use compared to traditional tricycles using gasoline. Based on our computation, drivers would only spend P30 pesos worth of fuel compared to the P70 per liter of gasoline,” he said.

Biyernes, Agosto 24, 2018

28 cruise ship arrivals expected in Boracay in 2019

The Caticlan Jetty Port administrator is expecting at least 28 port calls by different cruise ship companies to visit Boracay in the year 2019.

Niven Maquirang, jetty port administrator said the number of port calls would boost the Boracay tourism industry next year.

"For the remaining part of 2018, we initially expect eight cruise ship visits. Four of them has already cancelled and another four has signified intention to push through with their visit," said Maquirang.

The four that cancelled already signified their interest to instead visit the island resort next year.

Cruise ships that are visiting Boracay only stay on the island for a few hours.

"This is part of the thrust of the Aklan provincial government to promote Boracay as a cruise ship destination. Aside from Boracay, we will also promote other tourism destinations in the province," added Maquirang.

If all 28 cruise ships arrive next year, that would be the highest number of cruise ship arrivals in the province.

The usual number of cruise ship arrivals in the province for the past several years only average at least 12 in a year.

Boracay companies start hiring employees for Oct. 26 reopening

Hotels and establishments in this resort island have started accepting applications for staff in time for the reopening of Boracay Island on October 26, the Provincial Employment Service Office (Peso) said.

Vivian Ruiz-Solano, head of the Peso-Aklan, said a job fair for hundreds of available posts for Boracay businesses was held on August 7.

“Prior to hiring staff, the companies must have a business permit from the local government of Malay. I had to turn down certain companies requesting for a job fair because they do not yet have a local permit,” Solano said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced the opening of Boracay on October 26, six months after this resort island was closed to rehabilitate its environment. Other companies have also announced the availability of hundreds of positions for qualified employees from all over the country. One of the resorts, the Hennan Regency Resort and Spa-Boracay, announced it would be opening on October 27.

Errol Ledesma, an executive of the resort, said that interested applicants may send their resume through e-mail at errol@henann.com. Boracay residents can apply at their resort here from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Rowen Aguirre, executive assistant of the local government of Malay, said there are still 500 companies in this resort island who are yet to comply with the necessary requirements or the reopening.

“These 500 companies were closed as members of the inter-agency task force visited their offices for inspection. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has given them until September 30 this year to comply with the requirements,” Aguirre said.

Among the requirements are business permits, fire and sanitation clearances, among others.

Linggo, Agosto 5, 2018

Lucio Tan’s ferry port terminal in Aklan to cater to Chinese, South Korean markets

The ongoing construction of a 120-hectare reclamation project of business magnate Lucio Tan will cater mostly to both Chinese and South Korean tourist market.

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores said no less than Tan himself came to the provincial capitol of Kalibo to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Aklan provincial government.

The memorandum enables Tan to forge an agreement of public-private partnership (PPP) through his Mabuhay Maritime Express Transport Inc.

The company already started its construction at Barangay Pook, Kalibo. The PPP has three phases, which is the construction of a ferry port terminal, hotels and the business-process outsourcing terminal, Miraflores said.

Barangay Pook is where the Kalibo International Airport is located. Tan’s reclamation project is only a few meters away from the airport.

The terminal port area aimed to seamlessly transfer tourists coming from the Kalibo International Airport to Boracay Island.

The boat to be used will be a trimaran vessel type.

‘Boracay dengue cases may rise’

 Residents were warned of the possible increase of dengue cases in this island resort.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) said the increase is likely due to the ongoing rehabilitation works in Boracay.

Rains brought about by the southwest monsoon have recently hit Western Visayas, including the famed beach destination which is now halfway into its six-month closure.

PHO head Dr. Cornelio Cuachon said rainwater might become stagnant in some areas in the island, which can turn into mosquito breeding grounds.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue, according to the World Health Oerganization (WHO).

It is common in tropical countries like the Philippines.

The PHO has recorded a total of 39 cases of dengue in Malay, Aklan so far this year.

“We are focusing our concern in Barangay Manoc-manoc where six cases have been monitored in a span of a month,” said Cuachon.

He added that under the Health department guidelines, “we must be on alert if we monitor increasing cases of dengue in a barangay in one month.”

The PHO has yet to release data on the number of dengue cases in two other Boracay villages – Balabag and Yapak.

Aside from dengue, the PHO also warned Aklanon of leptospirosis.

“In June, a construction worker in Boracay died due to leptospirosis,” Cuachon said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, WHO said.

Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.

The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes./

DPWH applies modern road, drainage approach in Boracay



The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is using
state-of-the-art technology to ensure quality of roads and rain water pipes in this
resort island.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said during his visit here on Wednesday the agency is applying a German technology that uses high-density polyethylene pipes (HDPPs) in road concreting.

“This is one of a kind. It is considered to last for a 100 years. It’s also enough to cater to future developments of Boracay,” Villar said.

Villar also announced it would temporarily close the Boracay main road for a month beginning August 2 to give way to the road rehabilitation of this resort island.

The first 4 kilometers of road to be rehabilitated is expected to cost P450 million. According to Villar, this initial allocation includes not only the concreting of roads but also the application of the HDPP technology. The road closures would affect those going to school.

Miyerkules, Agosto 1, 2018

Lucio Tan’s ferry port terminal in Aklan to cater to Chinese, South Korean markets

The ongoing construction of a 120-hectare reclamation project of business magnate Lucio Tan will cater mostly to both Chinese and South Korean tourist market.

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores said no less than Tan himself came to the provincial capitol of Kalibo to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Aklan provincial government.

The memorandum enables Tan to forge an agreement of public-private partnership (PPP) through his Mabuhay Maritime Express Transport Inc.

The company already started its construction at Barangay Pook, Kalibo. The PPP has three phases, which is the construction of a ferry port terminal, hotels and the business-process outsourcing terminal, Miraflores said.

Barangay Pook is where the Kalibo International Airport is located. Tan’s reclamation project is only a few meters away from the airport.

The terminal port area aimed to seamlessly transfer tourists coming from the Kalibo International Airport to Boracay Island.

The boat to be used will be a trimaran vessel type.

Lunes, Hulyo 30, 2018

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS 2018


BY GOV. FLORENCIO “JOEBEN” T. MIRAFLORES

VICE GOVERNOR REYNALDO “BOY” M. QUIMPO, MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN, IT IS AGAIN MY HONOR TO REPORT IN YOUR PRESENCE THE MOST IMPORTANT GAINS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND ITS PARTNER AGENCIES AND STAKEHOLDERS OVER THE PAST YEAR.

TODAY, I AM THE MESSENGER OF ALL THINGS GOOD ABOUT OUR YEARLY EXECUTIVE ACTION AND LEADERSHIP. THE CONTENT AND SUBSTANCE OF MY MESSAGE IS ALSO THE PRODUCT OF INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION AND SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY. THUS, I TAKE PLEASURE IN PRESENTING THIS TO OUR MAYORS, VICE MAYORS, COUNCILORS, BARANGAY CAPTAINS AND OTHER LOCAL OFFICIALS, THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE ACADEME, THE CHURCH AND RELIGIOUS SECTOR, THE YOUTH SECTOR, THE WOMEN’S SECTOR, OUR SENIOR CITIZENS, OUR MARGINALIZED SECTORS, AND THE REST OF AKLAN’S CIVIL SOCIETY THRU OUR PARTNERS IN THE MEDIA.

TALKING OF COOPERATION, THE FIRST CONCRETE EXAMPLE WOULD BE MY WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF AKLAN.

THE DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THIS AUGUST BODY HAS BEST EXEMPLIFIED EXECUTIVE-LEGISLATIVE UNITY WITH THE TIMELY ACTION AND DYNAMIC SUPPORT TO ALL PROPOSALS AND REQUESTS FROM MY OFFICE.

OUR SANGGUNIAN HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROLIFIC WITH THEIR 2017 PERFORMANCE OF 424 RESOLUTIONS, 4 GENERAL ORDINANCES, 11 SPECIAL ORDINANCES, AND 3 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCES PASSED. THIS OUTPUT, NOT KNOWN TO MANY, IS DUE TO TIRELESS REVIEW AND DELIBERATION DURING TEDIOUS COMMITTEE HEARINGS AND SESSIONS.

THE AKLAN SP HAS ALSO BEEN A MODEL AND A FAVOURITE FOR BENCHMARKING ACTIVITIES BY SANGGUNIANS FROM OTHER PROVINCES EVEN OUTSIDE OF WESTERN VISAYAS.

IT’S UNCOMMON FOR LEGISLATORS TO GO OUT OF THE CONFINES OF THEIR OFFICES AND SESSION HALLS TO DO SOME FIELD WORK, BUT HERE IN AKLAN, OUR SP IS VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN ENSURING THAT OUR INITIATIVES ESPECIALLY IN AGRICULTURE ARE GIVEN THAT EXTRA PUSH. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INITIATIVES IN THE TILAPIA HATCHERY PROJECT IN NALOOK, ADDITIONAL PATROL BOAT FOR OUR BANTAY DAGAT, AND RAINSHELTER PROJECT FOR OUR SCHOOLS.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY JOB EASIER.

FOR ALL THESE HARD WORK, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE VICE GOVERNOR BOY QUIMPO FOR STEERING THE WHEEL OF OUR SP TO EXCELLENCE!

TRULY, THERE IS STRENGTH IN UNITY. AND IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY, OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, AS ONE, MUST REMAIN STRONG IN OUR RESOLVE TO OVERCOME.

I WILL NOT SUGAR-COAT THIS CHALLENGING SITUATION OF BORACAY ISLAND’S TEMPORARY CLOSURE. IT IS WHAT IT IS, A CHALLENGE.

IN MY STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS IN 2015, WHEN WE WERE STILL FEELING THE EFFECTS OF YOLANDA, I CATEGORICALLY SAID THAT WE SHOULD NO LONGER DWELL ON OUR SAD STATE BUT FOCUS ON OUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE.

I SAY AGAIN THIS TIME WITH THE CLOSURE OF BORACAY THAT LOSING FOCUS HAS NO PLACE AND THERE IS NO POINT TO FINGER POINT. OUR TIME FOR PUBLIC SERVICE HAS NO ROOM FOR NAYSAYERS AND THAT WE GO STRAIGHT TO BUSINESS OF TALKING AND ACTING ON REHABILITATION.

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED KEY ISSUES IN THE ISLAND WHICH WE THINK ARE THE ONES THAT THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CAN ACTIVELY HELP TO ADDRESS TOGETHER WITH THE BORACAY INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE.   

FIRST, POOR MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM CAUSING FLOODING IN THE MAIN THOROUGHFARES;

SECOND, ILLEGAL CONNECTION OF WASTE WATER PIPES TO THE STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM RATHER THAN TO THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM;

THIRD, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BUILT ON THE ISLAND’S WETLANDS AND FORESTLANDS;
FOURTH, STRUCTURES BUILT WITHIN THE 12-METER EASEMENT RESTRICTIONS ALONG THE ISLAND’S MAJOR THOROUGHFARES CAUSING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AS WELL AS THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS ENCROACHING ON THE 25 + 5 METERS SETBACK REQUIREMENTS AT THE BEACH FRONT.

BASED ON THESE ISSUES, WE IMMEDIATELY EMBARKED ON VARIOUS REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES. SOME OF THESE EFFORTS HAVE EVEN COMMENCED PRIOR TO THE DECLARATION OF THE CLOSURE OF THE ISLAND:

1. MOBILIZED PERSONNEL FROM THE PROVINCIAL ENGINEER’S OFFICE TO DE-CLOG DRAINAGE CANAL STARTING MARCH 20, 2018, PRIORITIZING AREAS ALONG THE MAIN ROAD, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN STATION X AND CRAFTS. WHILE DE-CLOGGING WAS DONE, ILLEGAL PIPING CONNECTIONS THAT DISCHARGE WASTE WATER WERE EXPOSED.  IN COORDINATION WITH LGU MALAY AND DENR, THESE ILLEGAL PIPES WERE PLUGGED;

2. COLLABORATED WITH BORACAY ISLAND WATER COMPANY AND BORACAY TUBI SYSTEM INC. IN THE DE-CLOGGING OPERATIONS AND FINDING OF  ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS;

3. INITIATED THE REACTIVATION OF BRGY. BALABAG MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITY FOR THE RESUMPTION OF COLLECTION AND RECYCLING OF GARBAGE WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. USING PROVINCIAL FUNDS, WE CONTRACTED THE SERVICES OF WORKERS FOR THIS PURPOSE FROM APRIL TO JUNE. THE MRF WAS ALSO USED AS TEMPORARY  DUMPING AREA OF DE-CLOGGED MATERIALS COMING FROM DRAINAGE CANAL AND DEBRIS FROM DEMOLISHED STRUCTURES;

4. DEPLOYED EQUIPMENT/TOOLS TO THE ISLAND FOR THE DE-CLOGGING AND DEMOLITION ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:  DUMP TRUCKS, LOADER, BACKHOE, BOOM TRUCK, SERVICE VEHICLES, ELECTRIC HAMMERS, GENERATOR SETS, ETC.;

5. DONATED A MINI DUMP TRUCK TO BRGY. BALABAG FOR ITS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES;

6. DEPLOYED 315 WORKFORCE AND VOLUNTEERS IN BORACAY ISLAND FROM THE DIFFERENT LGUS IN AKLAN THROUGH THE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES ON APRIL 26 TO MAY 1, 2018;

7. COMPLETED CLEARING OPERATIONS LIKE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES AND CUTTING OF TREES FROM CAGBAN JETTY PORT TO ROTONDA FOR THE ROAD WIDENING;

8. SPEARHEADED THE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES AT  ROAD 1A FOR THE ROAD WIDENING AND CONTINUING TO THE 25 +5 METERS OF EASEMENT AT THE BULABOG BEACH LINE WHERE GAP IN THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD WILL BE CONNECTED;

9. PARTICIPATED IN THE PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF WEST COVE RESORT IN BRGY. YAPAK;

10. DEMOLISHED BOARDING HOUSES MADE OF LIGHT MATERIALS WHICH WERE ILLEGALLY BUILT AT WETLAND NO. 6;

11. HELPED THE DENR IN EXPOSING ILLEGALLY INSTALLED PIPES ALONG THE LONG BEACH SHORELINE WHICH WERE DISCOVERED BY THE USE OF THEIR PENETRATING RADAR EQUIPMENT;

WITH ALL THESE PRO-ACTIVE REHABILITATION EFFORTS FROM OUR END, DONE IN CLOSE COORDINATION AND COOPERATION WITH THE BORACAY INTER-AGENCY REHABILITATION TASK FORCE, WE CAN SHARE THE EXPECTATION OF A “BETTER BORACAY” ON ITS RE-OPENING WITHIN THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD TIMELINE OF PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE.

I HAVE BEEN WITH TASKFORCE CHAIR DENR SECRETARY ROY CIMATU PERSONALLY IN MOST OF HIS ACTIVITIES IN THE ISLAND AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ON TRACK.

THE CHANGES ARE NOTICEABLE WITH THE QUALITY OF WATER AROUND THE ISLAND DECLARED AS WITHIN CLASS SB MEANING IT IS SAFE FOR SWIMMING AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. WE CAN NOW EXPECT EXPANDED ROAD NETWORKS WITH WIDER SIDEWALKS, BETTER MANAGED DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS, PROPER DISPOSITION OF GARBAGE, REINVIGORATED WETLANDS, AND A FRONTBEACH WHOSE BEAUTY IS BROUGHT BACK TO ITS NATURAL CAPTIVATING STATE.

THE CLOSURE OF BORACAY EXTENDS ITS CHILLING EFFECT TO OUR HOSPITAL OPERATIONS FOR THIS YEAR.

AS I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, LOOKING AT THE  FINANCIAL SITUATION OF OUR DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBUKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, IBAJAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND ALTAVAS DISTRICT HOSPITAL FROM 2014-2016, IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE THREE EEDD HOSPITALS INCURRED OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OF 1.1 BILLION PESOS WHILE EARNING REVENUES OF ONLY 592 MILLION PESOS.WITH EASE, WE MANAGED TO COPE WITH THE BALANCE OF 486 MILLION PESOS TO SUSTAIN HOSPITAL OPERATIONS FROM THE NET INCOME OF THE CATICLAN AND CAGBAN JETTY PORTS. WITH THE CLOSURE, OUR YEARLY SUBSIDY OF APPROXIMATELY 160 MILLION TO OUR HOSPITAL OPERATIONS IS NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE.

THIS SITUATION HAS PUSHED OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGIES AND MEASURES THAT WOULD RENDER US CAPABLE OF COPING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE DELIVERY OF BASIC SERVICES WHILE WE ARE STILL IN THIS TEMPORARY SETBACK.

IN ORDER TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF DRUGS AND OTHER MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO OUR HOSPITALS, THE AKLAN CONSIGNMENT SYSTEM IS BEING PRIORITIZED AS THE MODE OF PROCUREMENT SINCE IT DOESN’T NEED ANY APPROPRIATION. THIS WAS AN INNOVATION WE INTRODUCED STARTING 2014 AND IT IS SUCH A BLESSING THAT WE CAN NOW USE IT AS LEVERAGE TO DAMPEN THE EFFECT OF THIS TRYING TIME TO OUR HOSPITALS.

DUE TO EXCELLENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT OF OUR PROVINCIAL LOCAL FINANCE COMMITTEE IN THE PRIOR YEARS, THE PROVINCE HAS MANAGED TO SAVE 120 MILLION PESOS FROM THE GENERAL FUND WHICH WE ARE NOW USING TO SUBSIDIZE OUR HOSPITAL OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE ITS SERVICES.

WORTHY TO NOTE IS THAT WE MANAGED TO INCREASE OUR REAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION FROM 28.8 MILLION PESOS OF 2016 TO 42.2 MILLION PESOSFOR 2017.

WE ARE EXERCISING PRUDENCE IN OUR SPENDINGS THRU POLICIES CAREFULLY IMPLEMENTED BY OUR FINANCE DEPARTMENTS. THERE WILL BE NO DISBURSEMENT FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY UNDER THE EEDD AS WELL AS PRIORITIZED SPENDING ON ROUTINE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES FOR THE TIME BEING.

CLEARLY, YOUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS HANDLING THE SITUATION LIKE JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE OFFICE. IT IS ON SITUATIONS LIKE THIS THAT WE APPRECIATE FURTHER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR PAST EFFORTS AS THESE WILL REAP ITS REWARDS IN THE COMING DAYS.

BASIC EXAMPLES OF THESE PAST EFFORTS ARE:

1) THE SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF THE 2017 GENERAL REVISION OF REAL PROPERTIES PER TAX ORDINANCE NO. 2017-001, “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SCHEDULE OF MARKET VALUES OF REAL PROPERTIES FOR THE SEVENTEEN (17) MUNCIPALITIES OF AKLAN FOR THE 2017 GENERAL REVISION AND FIXING THE CORRESPONDING ASSESSMENT LEVELS FOR ALL REAL PROPERTY CLASSIFICATIONS TO TAKE EFFECT BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2018”. THIS WILL TRANSLATE TO MORE REVENUE FOR OUR COFFERS.

2) WE HAVE ALSO MANAGED TO PROCURE, INSPECT AND RELEASE 107 MILLION PESOS WORTH OF EQUIPMENT FOR OUR FACILITIES ESPECIALLY OUR ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT UNITS WITH FOCUS ON OUR HOSPITALS. THIS WILL REDOUND INTO MORE REVENUES CONSIDERING THAT OUR FACILITIES PROVIDE EQUIPMENT COMPARABLE TO PRIVATE HOSPITALS.

SINCE I ASSUMED OFFICE LAST 2013, WE HAVE BEEN STRIVING FOR NOTHING SHORT OF EXCELLENCE IN ALL FIELDS OF ADMINISTRATION. THIS ATTITUDE IN OUR JOURNEY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE PREPARED US FOR THE RAINY DAY, SO TO SPEAK.

WHEN YOU ENTER THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL MAIN BUILDING, ON THE WALL TO YOUR LEFT, WE HAVE DISPLAYED OUR 2015, 2016, AND 2017 SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE (SGLG) GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. THIS INDICATES THAT AKLAN HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT WINNER SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2015 MAKING AKLAN PROVINCE A GRAND SLAM WINNER.

THE PROMINENT MARKINGS ARE PROOF THAT OUR BRAND OF PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLED IN ALL THE CORE ASSESSMENT AREAS- FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION, SOCIAL PROTECTION, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, PEACE AND ORDER AND OTHER ASSESSMENT ESSENTIAL AREAS- BUSINESS FRIENDLINESS AND COMPETITIVENESS, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, AND TOURISM, CULTURE AND THE ARTS.

PASSING THE GOOD GOVERNANCE STANDARDS SET BY DILG INDICATES THAT THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN HAS BEEN STEADFAST IN ITS GOAL TO EFFICIENTLY DELIVER THE PUBLIC SERVICES NEEDED BY THE AKLANONS WITH INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

THE PROVINCE WAS ALSO RECOGNIZED AS THE 2017 BEST PERFORMING PROVINCE IN REGION VI BY THE DILG REGIONAL OFFICE VI SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE (EXCELL) WHEN IT WAS ADJUDGED AS THE CHAMPION IN ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE, CHAMPION IN SOCIAL GOVERNANCE, AND 1ST RUNNER-UP IN ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE. EXCELL IS AN AWARD THAT GIVES RECOGNITION TO LGUS THAT SHOWED EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE IN THE AREAS OF ADMINISTRATIVE, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE.

I SHARE THIS RECOGNITIONOF CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE WITH OUR 3,265 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT IN DOING PUBLIC SERVICE, EXCELLENCE MUST BE A HABIT.

IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE ALWAYS PRIORITIZE OUR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT. THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CAN’T SUCCEED IN ITS JOURNEY IF THE WORKFORCE IS NOT ENGAGED AND HAS NOT EMBRACED ITS MISSION AND HAS CLEAR APPRECIATION THAT THEIR INDIVIDUAL ROLES, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR BIG, IS OF PRIMORDIAL IMPORTANCE.

LET ME SHARE THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION REGION 6 TOOK NOTICE OF OUR EFFORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGED OUR  PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE AS BENCHMARK IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CSC’S PROGRAM TO INSTITUTIONALIZE MERITOCRACY AND EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

MOREOVER, LAST JULY 20, 2018, THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CONFERRED TO THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN THE PRIME-HRM BRONZE AWARD, THE HIGHEST AWARD GIVEN BY THE COMMISSION FOR 2017 AND 2018 TO A GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

THIS AWARD WAS GIVEN TO THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN FOR MEETING THE LEVEL 2 ACCREDITATION IN THE SYSTEMS, COMPETENCIES, AND PRACTICES IN MANAGING OUR HUMAN RESOURCES.

IT IS NOTEWORTHY TO MENTION THAT THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN IS THE FIRST AND ONLY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT IN WESTERN VISAYAS TO BE CONFERRED WITH SUCH AWARD.

THIS MEANS THAT WE HAVE INSTITUTIONALIZED SYSTEMS ENSURING THAT OUR HUMAN RESOURCES ARE EQUIPPED WITH COMPETENCIES TO PERFORM THEIR JOB, AND THEIR WELFARE AND BENEFITS ARE TAKEN CARED OF.

HEALTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PRIORITY OF OUR GOVERNANCE AND WE HAVE ALWAYS EMPHASIZED THAT, AS A CONTINUING COMMITMENT. OUR DIRECTION IS CONSTANT TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR SHARED VISION OF A RESPONSIVE HEALTH SYSTEM FOR HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE AND EMPOWERED AKEANONS. 

IN THE PAST YEAR, WE HAD A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT IN TERMS OF IMPROVING OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND WE HAVE MAXIMIZED THE ASSISTANCE OF OUR PARTNERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

MAY I SPECIALLY THANK DOH REGIONAL DIRECTOR MARLYN CONVOCAR, DR. MAILA BERNABE AND THE REST OF YOUR TEAM FOR YOUR STRONG SUPPORT.

THROUGH YOUR ASSISTANCE, WE WERE ABLE TO FORGE A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ZUELLIG FAMILY FOUNDATION.  THE 18 MONTH PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAM HAS REALLY CAPACITAT9ED ME AND MY TEAM TO BECOME BRIDGING LEADERS. 

I AM VERY PRIVILEGED TO BE COACHED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE FOUNDATION, MR. ERNESTO GARILAO AND HIS TEAM. THROUGH THE VALUES OF OWNERSHIP, CO-OWNERSHIP AND CO-CREATION WITH OUR DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS, WE WERE ABLE TO ACHIEVE A LOT OF GAINS IN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIP IS WITH THE MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION.   THANK YOU DR. VICTOR GISBERT, THE PRESIDENT OF THE FOUNDATION FOR ACCEPTING OUR REQUEST IN HELPING US IMPROVE THE OPERATIONS OF OUR EIGHT HOSPITALS.

ONE OF THE INITIAL INTERVENTIONS THAT WASDONE THROUGH THIS PARTNERSHIP WAS TO DEVELOP A CULTURE OF CARE AND EMPATHY AMONGST OUR HEALTH PERSONNEL.  HENCE A PROGRAM FOR THE NURSES WAS DEVELOPED AND CONDUCTED BY THE TRAINING TEAM OF THE MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL. 

ALL OUR NURSES IN THE DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBUKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND THE CHIEF NURSES OF THE OTHER PERIPHERAL HOSPITALS WERE TRAINED TO ENHANCE THEIR CLINICAL COMPETENCIES AND STRENGTHENED THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

THROUGH THESE DIFFERENT PARTNERSHIPS AND OUR CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH OUR MUNICIPAL MAYORS, MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICERS, HOSPITAL PERSONNEL AND DEPARTMENT HEADS, I AM PLEASED TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR SHARED ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN HEALTH. 

FOR THE CURATIVE SIDE, OUR HOSPITALS ARE NOW FULLY COMPLIANT WITH THE DOH LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS.

OUR PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL HAS NOW BEEN UPGRADED TO LEVEL 2 FROM A LEVEL 1 FACILITY.

WE NO LONGER HAVE OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT LEVEL HOSPITALS SINCE THE LIBACAO MUNICIPAL INFIRMARY AND CIRIACO S. TIROL HOSPITAL HAVE BEEN UPGRADED TO INFIRMARY LEVEL FACILITIES. 

IN ADDITION, WE ALSO WANT TO PUSH FURTHER AND WANT TO UPGRADE OUR IBAJAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL, MALAY MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL AND CIRIACO S. TIROL HOSPITAL TO LEVEL 1 HOSPITAL FACILITIES. 

BASED ON OUR STATISTICS, WE HAVE MADE IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR BED OCCUPANCY RATE. OUR PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL’S BED OCCUPANCY RATE HAS DECREASED FROM 219% IN 2016 TO 178% IN 2018, WHILE THE AVERAGE BED OCCUPANCY RATE OF OUR DISTRICT AND MUNICIPAL HOSPITALS HAVE INCREASED FROM 49% IN 2016 TO 73% IN 2018. IT IS CRUCIAL TO HAVE STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT OF OUR PERIPHERAL HOSPITALS SO THAT WE CAN DECONGEST OUR PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL. 

ANOTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT IS A NEWLY-BUILT HOSPITAL WING IN DRSTMH.  THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING HOUSES OUR NEW OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A COMPUTERIZED QUEUING SYSTEM IN ORDER TO STREAMLINE AND HASTEN THE WAITING TIME OF OUR PATIENTS. 

THE SURGERY AND ORTHOPEDIC WARD IS LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR WHILE THE PEDIA WARD AND PEDIA ICU ARE SITUATED ON THE 3RD FLOOR. 

ALL THE WARD ROOMS OF THIS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED WING ARE FULLY AIRCONDITIONED AND DESIGNED TO HAVE A BETTER PATIENT EXPERIENCE. 

IT IS REALLY MY DESIRE THAT OUR PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE INDIGENTS WILL HAVE FINANCIAL RISK PROTECTION WHENEVER THEY GET SICK.

TO ENSURE THAT THEY WILL NOT HAVE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES WHEN THEY SEEK HOSPITAL SERVICES, WE PARTNERED WITH PAYMAYA IN ORDER FORAKLANON INDIGENTS TO AVAIL OF THE FAMILY MEDICAL CARDS PRELOADED WITH 5,000 PESOS PER MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.   THEY CAN UTILIZE THESE CARDS TO PAY FOR THEIR INITIAL HOSPITAL EXPENSES. 

BEYOND MY MANDATE ON THE CURATIVE CARE, I ALSO LOOKED FURTHER ON HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAPS IN THE PREVENTIVE AND PROMOTIVE ASPECTS OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM.

WE HAVE EXPANDED THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LOCAL HEALTH BOARD TO INCLUDE ALL THE MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICERS. 

WE HAVE MADE IT AS A GOAL TO REDUCE MATERNAL DEATHS IN THE PROVINCE; HENCE, WE PRIORITIZED THE ACCREDITATION OF THE MUNICIPAL BIRTHING FACILITIES.  THERE IS NOW AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF LICENSED BIRTHING FACILITIES FROM 7 IN 2016 TO 10 IN 2018. 

I ALSO SAW THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTHENING AND CAPACITATING OUR 2,928 FRONTLINE WORKERS, WHICH ARE THE BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS.  A CUSTOMIZED TRAINING MODULE WAS DEVELOPED AND A TRAINING TEAM WAS ESTABLISHED TO CONDUCT THE ROLL-OUTOF THE TRAINING TO ALL THE BHWS.  OTHER PRIORITY PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, TB, HIV, ACCIDENTS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ARE ALSO GIVEN IMPORTANCE.

INFRASTRUCTURE IS A CORE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT AND WE HAVE BEEN VIGOROUS ON THIS FRONT. FOR 2017, THE TOTAL LENGTH OF 31.79 KILOMETERS OF PROVINCIAL ROADS AND SOME BARANGAY ROADS WERE CONCRETED, REHABILITATED AND IMPROVED WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF 26 PROJECTS FUNDED BOTH UNDER REGULAR AND EXTERNAL SOURCES.

ALLOW ME TO UPDATE YOU THAT WE HAVE COMPLETED OR SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED MAJOR ROAD SECTIONS FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF OUR CONSTITUENCY:

REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF BANGA-LIBACAO ROAD (WITH BRIDGES) - 12.90 KILOMETERS, UNDER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

REHABILITATION OF MALINAO-MADALAG ROAD (PHASE 1)- 6.88 KILOMETERS, UNDER DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT-CONDITIONAL MATCHING GRANT TO PROVINCES

REHABILITATION OF AND IMPROVEMENT OF COLONG-COLONG-TUL-ANG-RIZAL-NALIGUSAN-NAILE-SAN JOSE-MONLAQUE ROAD- 7.30 KILOMETERS, UNDER DILG-KALSADA PROGRAM

FOR 2018, A TOTAL OF 11.41 KILOMETERS OF PCCP SECTIONS ARE TARGETED FOR COMPLETION AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WITH THE AMOUNT OF PROJECT CONTRACTS AMOUNTING TO 85.6 MILLION. THE TARGET INCLUDES THE REHABILITATION OF ACCESS ROADS IN BORACAY ISLAND WHICH WAS INITIALLY FUNDED WITH 20 MILLION.

ALSO TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS 2018 ARE THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS UNDER THE CONDITIONAL MATCHING GRANT FOR PROVINCES PROGRAM FOR ROAD REPAIR, REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN ADVERTISED FOR BIDDING:

REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF BALETE-ARCANGEL-OGSIP-CALAMCAN-JULITA-LIBACAO ROAD (PHASE 1),6.225 KILOMETERS, WITH TOTAL FUNDING OF 43.5MILLION PESOS;

REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF MALINAO-MADALAG ROAD(PHASE 2), 9.049 KILOMETERS, WITH TOTAL FUNDING OF 46.4 MILLION PESOS

LIKEWISE, IT IS A FERVENT HOPE THAT THE LONG-AWAITED REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF LALAB—BAY-ANG—MAGPAG-ONG ROAD OF 4.197 KILOMETERS VALUED AT 69.6 MILLION COULD BE BID OUT THIS YEAR.  IT IS UNDER THE PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FUNDED BY THE WORLD BANK AND WE ARE MOST WILLING TO BE ALONGSIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN PROVIDING COUNTERPART.

ALL THESE EFFORTS OF IMPROVING OUR PROVINCIAL ROAD NETWORK IS TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BETTER CONNECTIVITY OF OUR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO THE MARKETPLACE.

ACCORDING TO THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, THERE IS AN INCREASE OF 20 PERCENT IN THE VOLUME OF RICE PRODUCTION IN 2017 AS COMPARED TO 2016 PRODUCTION DATA; 101,471 METRIC TONS IN 2016 AND 121,797 METRIC TONS IN 2017.

THIS INCREASE IN BOTH YIELD PER HECTARE AND VOLUME OF PRODUCTION MADE THE PROVINCE RICE SUFFICIENCY LEVEL IMPROVE FROM 96% IN 2016 TO 103% IN 2017.

THIS MEANS, THE VOLUME OF RICE PRODUCED LOCALLY IS ADEQUATE RELATIVE TO OUR TOTAL LOCAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMPTION.

THE 2017 RICE INDUSTRY DEMAND AND SUPPLY SITUATION CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE SUBSTANTIAL PRODUCTION AND POSTHARVEST SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT IS EXTENDING IN THE RICE SECTOR.

FOR 2017, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN ALLOCATED 10.0 M FOR THE SAID PROJECT WHICH WAS UTILIZED IN THE PROCUREMENT OF FARM MACHINERIES AND EQUIPMENT SUCH AS HAND TRACTORS, RICE THRESHERS, FLOATING TILLER, RICE REAPERS AND KNAPSACK SPRAYERS WHICH WERE AWARDED AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE RICE FARMERS’ ASSOCIATIONS. WE HAD OUR CEREMONIAL TURN-OVER TO OUR 100 FARMERS ASSOCIATION BENEFICIARIES LAST NOVEMEBR 21, 2017.

ANOTHER 10.0 M WORTH OF FARM MACHINERIES PROJECT ARE INTENDED TO BE AWARDED TO THE NEXT BATCH OF RICE FARMERS ASSOCIATION THIS 2018 UNDER THE SAME PROGRAM.

TO COMPLEMENT THESE EFFORTS, WE IMPLEMENTED THE 10 MILLION PESO CERTIFIED SEEDS AND FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAM. THIS ENSURES THAT CERTIFIED SEEDS AND FERTILIZER OF GOOD QUALITY,ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO OUR FARMERS AT A SUBSIDIZED PRICE. FROM MAY TO DECEMBER 2017, 128 FARMER ASSOCIATIONS IN AKLAN HAS ALREADY BENEFITTED FROM THE PROGRAM.

ON APRIL 12, 2018, THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN RECEIVED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE VI, 92 FARM EQUIPMENT WHICH INCLUDES 15 FLOATING TILLERS, 50 RICE REAPERS, 15 PUMP & ENGINE SETS, 6 CORN SHELLERS AND 6 SHREDDER AMOUNTING TO A TOTAL OF P13 MILLION AS PART OF THE YOLANDA REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM.

ANOTHER APPROACH THAT WE IMPLEMENTED IS OUR AKLAN PROVINCIAL GREENHOUSE, WHERE WE TRY TO RAISE AWARENESS ON THE VALUE OF TECHNOLOGY TO OUR AKLANON FARMERS. IT IS THE FIRST LGU OWNED AND OPERATED GREENHOUSE IN THE ENTIRE WESTERN VISAYAS WHICH SHOWCASES DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES IN FARMING SUCH AS HYDROPONICS, DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM, AND OFF SEASON FARM PRODUCTION OF HIGH VALUED CROPS.

THE GREENHOUSE FACILITY HAS AN ALLOCATION OF ABOUT PHP 2.1 MILLION. IT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A PROJECT THAT WILL SERVE AS A TRAINING CENTER AND A SCHOOL FOR FARMERS, K-12 STUDENTS, TECHNICIANS, AND AGRICULTURISTS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO LEARN INNOVATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES IN FARMING.

I WOULD LIKE ALL OF US TO EMBRACE THE MIND-SET OF BEING AMBITIOUS IN OUR AGRICULTURE ENDEAVORS. WE ARE MOVING TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF MAKING THE PROPOSED AKLAN PROVINCIAL AGRI-AQUA DEMONSTRATION FARM AND TRAINING CENTER INTO A COMPLETE AGRICULTURE LEARNING SCHOOL.”

WE ARE HOPING TO INSPIRE OUR PROVINCEMATES TO GO BACK TO AGRICULTURE. THIS IS A PROMISING OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR AKLANON OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS WHERE THEYCAN PLACE THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY. FARMS OFFER A GOOD RATE OF RETURN OF INVESTMENT. THIS WILL ALSO ENHANCE THE FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM OF THE PROVINCE AND SUPPLY THE VEGETABLE REQUIREMENTS IN AKLAN, PARTICULARLY IN BORACAY.

LAST APRIL 23, 2018, I APPROVED SP RESOLUTION NO. 2018-778 WHICH IN GIST, IS SEEKING NATIONAL SUPPORT AND RECOMMENDING VARIOUS INTEVENTIONS FOR STAKEHOLDERS, FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS IN AKLAN IN THE LIGHT OF TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BORACAY ISLAND.

I AM MUCH PLEASED TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE FROM THE AGRICULTURAL CREDIT POLICY COUNCIL INFORMING ME THAT THE DA-ACPC ADMINISTERED CREDIT PROGRAM CALLED PRODUCTION LOAN EASY ACCESS (PLEA) WHICH PROVIDES AFFORDABLE LOANS FOR SMALL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLKS THROUGH ACCREDITED CONDUITS HAS INCLUDED AKLAN AMONG ITS BENEFICIARIES NATIONWIDE.

FOR AKLAN, THEY HAVE SO FAR APPROVED CREDIT FUND OF P39 MILLION FOR 5 PLEA ACCREDITED CONDUITS NAMELY, LIBACAO DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE, MADALAG DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE, SANDONA DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVE, INTEGRATED BARANGAYS OF NUMANCIA (IBON) MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE, AND LEZO MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE. OUT OF THE SAID FUND, P9.63 MILLION LOANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISBURSED TO 377 SMALL FARMERS AND FISHERS THROUGH THE SAID CONDUIT. THEY FURTHER INFORMED US THAT THEY WILL ALSO SOON ROLL-OUT FARM/FISHERY MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED NATIONWIDE.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN IS PLEASED TO HAVE PARTNERED WITH THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN BRINGING FORTH THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WHERE 5,908 BENEFICIARIES WERE ENROLLED, 5,060 GRADUATED AND 3,984 WERE EVENTUALLY CERTIFIED FROM 2017 TO JULY 2018. SUCH INTERVENTIONS, WITH TOTAL FUND ALLOCATION AMOUNTING TO 94.8 MILLION PESOS FOR THE SAME PERIOD, ARE CONDUCTED INTENDING TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PROVINCE, AND THE COUNTRY.

WE ARE ALSO BOOSTING OUR THRUST ESPECIALLY IN FURTHER EXPANDING THE ECONOMIC BASE OF AKLAN.

THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE PROVINCIAL PESO, FIVE JOB FAIRS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VARIOUS AGENCIES SUCH AS DOLE, DILG AND DICT WERE CONDUCTED FROM 2017 TO JUNE 2018 WHERE A TOTAL OF 7,654 APPLICANTS REGISTERED FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT. 98 EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATED IN OUR ACTIVITIES WHICH EVENTUALLY RESULTED TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF 918 AKLANONS.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE SOON TO BE CONSTRUCTED AKLAN TOURISM AND TRADE INVESTMENT AND PROMOTIONS CENTER.

THIS “STATE OF THE ART” CENTER WILL FACILITATE “EASE OF DOING BUSINESS” IN AKLAN, SERVING AS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INVESTORS, REPOSITORY OF ALL DATA AND PLANS RELEVANT TO INVESTMENT POTENTIALS OF THE PROVINCE.

IT WILL HOUSE THE PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE, LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION OFFICE (LEIPO), AKLAN INVESTMENT BOARD, AND THE AKLAN ICT COUNCIL OFFICES, CONFERENCE ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR USE OF INVESTORS, AMPLE SPACE AT THE LOBBY FOR EXHIBIT OF AKLAN PRODUCTS, AND A 50-SEATER AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM FOR PRESENTATIONS AND TRAININGS.

WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA, CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, WHO UPON THE INITIATIVE AND PERSISTENT FOLLOW-UP OF MS. GABRIELLE CALIZO- QUIMPO, OUR PROVINCIAL CONSULTANT FOR TOURISM AND TRADE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AKLAN ICT COUNCIL, HAS FACILITATED THE INITIAL APPROPRIATION OF 20 MILLION PESOS TO START THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTER. IT IS NOW IN THE PROCUREMENT STAGE AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE DPWH IN COORDINATION WITH THE PEO.

LIKEWISE, I AM HAPPY TO INFORM YOU THAT OUR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE AKLAN AS A VIABLE LOCATION FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT (ITBPM) INDUSTRY IS EVIDENTLY GAINING GROUNDS.

SINCE THE CREATION OF THE AKLAN ICT COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 2016, IT VIGOROUSLY  WORKED ON DEVELOPING OUR  LOCAL TALENTS IN COOPERATION WITH THE ACADEME BY OFFERING  MORE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RELATED COURSES, UPDATING THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM, PROVIDING THE NECESSARY TOOLS SUCH AS MODERN COMPUTER LABORATORIES AND SPEECH CLINICS AND MAKING THEM MORE AVAILABLE TO THE STUDENTS, AND CONDUCTED AGGRESSIVE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN OF THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ITBPM INDUSTRY ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE FASTEST AND BIGGEST GENERATOR OF EMPLOYMENT TODAY.

DUE TO THE DILIGENT EFFORTS OF THE COUNCIL, THE ICT INDUSTRY IN AKLAN IS REAPING GOOD RESULTS IN TERMS OF TALENT RECRUITMENT BY BPO COMPANIES FROM NEIGHBORING PROVINCES. TO DATE, THERE ARE 88 AKLANONS, OR 24% OF TOTAL GRADUATES OF BS COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN AKLAN FOR 2017- 2018, WHO WERE HIRED IN BPOS OPERATING IN ILOILO AND ROXAS CITY.

WHILE WE ARE STILL NEGOTIATING TO IMPROVE THE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN THE PROVINCE AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING OUR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPERS IN AND OUTSIDE OF AKLAN TO PUT UP THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO HOUSE FUTURE LOCATORS, WE ALREADY MANAGED TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL LOCATORS SUCH AS TELETECH AND TASK USWHO CAME TO AKLAN TO EVALUATE AVAILABLE TALENTS AND SPACE.

ONE INDUSTRY PLAYER WHO CAME TO AKLAN RECENTLY IS THE ESL (ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE) COMPANY FROM CHINA NAMED ACADEMIC SOCIETY (ACADSOC). IT OFFERS ONLINE ENGLISH TUTORIAL JOBSCATERING TO MAINLAND CHINESE WHICH HAS A DEMAND OF AROUND 150 THOUSAND JOBS FROM THE PHILIPPINES RIGHT NOW.

WE ARE SURPRISED BUT PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THERE ARE ALREADY SOME 50 EMPLOYED HOMEBASED ONLINE TEACHERS IN AKLAN AND ONE RECENT INVESTOR FROM CHINA HAS INTERVIEWED AND EMPLOYED HOMEBASED ONLINE TUTORS IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR 1ST VISIT.

TO FURTHER INTENSIFY OUR MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS EFFORTS, WE HAVE COINED A MARKETING SLOGAN  WHICH WE WILL USE IN ALL OUR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES

“DOING BUSINESS IN PARADISE”

THIS MARKETING SLOGAN WAS PRESENTED DURING THE LAUNCHING OF DIGITALCITIESPH SUMMIT 2018 IN MANILA ORGANIZED BY DICT.

THANK YOU AKLAN ICT COUNCIL FOR YOUR DETERMINED AND PRODUCTIVE EFFORTS.

LET ME CLOSE THESE ADDRESS BY SHARING TO YOU MORE POSITIVE STORIES OF OUR GOVERNANCE

YOUR EARS ARE BETTER OFF HEARING GOOD NEWS LIKE:

1. THE REGIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT COUNCIL   AWARDED THE GAWAD KALASAG BEST LOCAL DRRM COUNCIL TO AKLAN’S PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT COUNCIL. THIS IS IN APPRECIATION OFOUR EFFORTS DURING EMERGENCIES, BE IT NATURAL OR INDUCED.

2. WE HAVE 345 GRADUATED STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2017-2018 OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. ONE OF THE SCHOLARS, EJAY PAROHINOG EXEMPLARILY GRADUATED AS CLASS VALEDICTORIAN AND MAGNA CUM LAUDE OF AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS.

I HAVE HEARD OF HIS HUMBLE EXPERIENCES WHICH HE POSTED ON FACEBOOK. HIS STORY IS ENOUGH INSPIRATION TO HIS FELLOW INDIGENT STUDENTS TO NEVER GIVE-UP ON THEIR DREAM IN ORDER TO ATTAIN THAT MUCH AWAITED DIPLOMA.

ALL OF US IN THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND YOU, OUR TAXPAYERS ARE BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN PART OF HIS JOURNEY.

IT IS ALSO NOTEWORTHY TO SHARE, THAT ONE OF OUR NEWLY GRADUATE STUDENTS, JEMUEL GARCIAIII, OF AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY KALIBO IS ONE OF THE TEN (10) REGIONAL AWARDEES FROM THE WESTERN VISAYAS REGION IN THE SEARCH FOR 10 OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES.

3. THE AKLAN COMMUNITY-BASED MAINTENANCE CONTRACTING SYSTEM PROJECTS WHICH I HAVE SHARED WITH YOU IN THE PREVIOUS SOPA AS A BEST PRACTICE OF OUR GOVERNANCE IS NOW BEING INCLUDED IN THE BOOK OF INNOVATORS AS ONE OF THE BEST GOVERNANCE MODELS AT THE GRASSROOTS, A SOON-TO BE PUBLISHED BOOK BY THE UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES OR ULAP.

THIS FIRST-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES INNOVATIVE PROJECT HAS ALREADY MAINTAINED WITHIN FAIR TO GOOD CONDITION A TOTAL OF 107.84 KILOMETERS OUT OF THE TOTAL LENGTH OF 283.774 KILOMETERS PROVINCIAL ROAD NETWORK.

WE HAVE ALREADY EMPLOYED 528 COMMUNITY-BASED WORKERSWHO ARE MOSTLY WOMEN FOR THIS PROGRAM.

4. THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN (PCW) ALSO RE-CERTIFIED AKLAN PROVINCE AS ONE OF THE FIVE CHOSEN PROVINCES IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY AS PCW’S GAD LOCAL LEARNING HUB FROM 2018-2020. THE GLASS MARKERS ARE SYMBOLS OF THE PCW’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AKLAN, SPECIFICALLY THE AKLAN COMPREHENSIVE CENTER FOR WOMEN (DAEANGPAN IT KABABAYEN-AN) AND MEN OPPOSED TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN EVERYWHERE (MOVE) AKLAN AS BEST PRACTICES IN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT WORTH EMULATING.

5. LUCIO TAN’S MABUHAY MARITIME EXPRESS TRANSPORT INCORPORATED HAS ALREADY STARTED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE 120- HECTARE RECLAMATION PROJECT IN BARANGAY POOK, KALIBO. THIS PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WILL BE IN THREE PHASES: 1. FERRY PORT TERMINAL; 2. HOTELS; AND 3. BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING ESTABLISHMENTS. THIS WILL FURTHER BOLSTER THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF KALIBO IN THE NOT SO DISTANT FUTURE.

ALL THE PUBLIC SERVICE WE DO, WE DON’T USE FOR LIP-SERVICE. WE SIMPLY MUST DO GOOD FOR WE ARE JUDGED FOR OUR GOOD WORKS.

ABO GID NGA SAEAMAT.

GOD BLESS THE PROVINCE AND THE PEOPLE OF AKLAN!



Miyerkules, Hulyo 11, 2018

Boracay rehab to bring lasting benefits-- SAP



THE rehabilitation of Boracay will bring long-lasting benefits not only for the locals but for the country as a whole.


This was what Sec. Bong Go, Special Assistant to the President, assured on Sunday as he oversaw the giving of financial assistance to the displaced Boracay workers.


"Iniisip ni Presidente ang kapakananan ng nakararami as always. So kung ano mang plano para sa Boracay, kapakanan ng karamihan at kabutihan ng bawat Pilipino lalo ng residente ng Boracay ang isinasaalang-alang," he stressed.


(The President always puts the interest of the greater Filipino mass at the forefront. Whatever his plans are for Boracay, rest assured that they will be for the betterment of every Filipino especially the Boracay residents.)

SAP Bong Go was directed by the President to personally check on the progress of the island's rehabilitation, which the President had previously ordered to be fast-tracked.


Before his engagement in Boracay, SAP Bong Go was in Cagayan de Oro and Dumaguete wherein thousands of his supporters gathered to urge him to run for a seat in the senate in 2019.

But he doused speculations as he said it is too early to talk about politics and the final decision will be up to the President, “Trabaho lang muna po ako. Tumutulong ako sa kampanya ni Presidente para labanan ang drugs, criminality and corruption.Trabaho lang din kaya ako nakikita sa publiko dahil my job is to help."


(My sole focus for now is on doing my job. I'm advancing the President's campaign against drugs, criminality and corruption. It's only because of my job to help that I'm usually seen in public.)

Go in his previous appearances said that as the president, fondly called Tatay Digong, cannot attend to everybody’s concerns, he is usually tasked to do it on his behalf. Hence, the public can already call him Kuya Bong.

Lunes, Hulyo 2, 2018

Malay LGU reduces plastic use

BORACAY – The local government of Malay, Aklan is starting to “reduce and eventually eliminate” plastic use.

Mayor Ciceron Cawaling signed a memorandum dated June 24 encouraging all agencies under the municipal government to refuse using plastic products – like plastic bottles, plastic cutlery, three-in-one coffee, and plastic cups, among others – during meetings, sessions, gatherings, and other events.

 Cawaling believes that this will address the plastic pollution problem in Malay, where this world-famous island resort is located.

“The municipal government started its initiative to reduce, and eventually eliminate plastic waste pollution in the municipality,” the mayor said.

Public schools in Boracay have also started implementing their respective policies against plastic use.

Cawaling is among the 17 Aklan local officials who are facing administrative and graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to ensure Boracay’s sustainability.

Department of Interior and Local Government undersecretary Epimaco Densing III lodged the complaint on June 27 against Cawaling,  Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Valentin Talabero, Vice Mayor Abram Sualog, Sangguniang Bayan members Natalie Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiyer Gallenero, Floribar Bautista, Lloyd Maming, Dalidig Sumandad, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Danilo Delos Santos, and Dante Pagsuguiron, Licensing Officer III Jen Salsona, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Sancho, and barangay officials Hector Casidsid, Chona Gabay and Lilibeth Sacapaño.

Densing accused the officials of issuing Boracay establishments permits to operate despite them not securing fire safety inspection certificates.

Densing also sought the preventive suspension of all the respondents pending investigation, citing Section 24 of Republic Act 6770, or the Ombudsman Act of 1989./PN

Huwebes, Hunyo 28, 2018

‘Malay must ensure proper Boracay waste mgt’

The local government unit (LGU) of Malay, Aklan may face more charges for failing to address the garbage problem in this island resort, warned the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

NSWMC executive director Eli Ildefonso said the Malay LGU “has yet to ensure that the [Ecological] Solid Waste Management Act [of 2000] is properly implemented.”

“Our team already finished cleaning the island of solid waste 30 days after Boracay was closed,” said Ildefonso, stressing that the wastewater problem needs immediate action.

Boracay has been closed since April 26. It is currently undergoing a half-year rehabilitation led by an interagency government task force.

Ineffective waste disposal system had been blamed for environmental problems in the island.

The Interior department already filed charges against local officials before the Office of the Ombudsman over the management of Boracay.

The agency accused Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores of “serious neglect of duty” to ensure sustainability in the tourist destination.

On the other hand, Mayor Ciceron Cawaling and 15 municipal government officials were accused of issuing establishments permits to operate even without the required fire safety inspection certificate.

Meanwhile, Municipal Councilor Maylynn Graf, chairwoman of Malay’s Sangguniang Bayan committee on environment, said she requested the NSWMC to inspect the sanitary landfill in the mainland once Boracay reopens in October.

“We want the NSWMC to see the condition of the sanitary landfill,” she said./

Miyerkules, Hunyo 6, 2018

Series of power interruptions in Boracay for six months

Residents and stakeholders in Boracay should expect a series of power interruptions in five months according to the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO).

Engr. Joel Martinez, assistant general manager for engineering said that the series of power interruptions is caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of this resort island.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is currently undergoing road widening project in this resort island. Because of this, the AKELCO will also have to transfer its electric poles and distribution lines.

Aside from AKELCO, cable television providers and telecommunication facilities will also do a series of line transfers.

Sources said that telecommunication facilities and cable TV firms will place their lines underground while that of AKELCO will still be kept on poles.

“Based on our data, in Boracay we have an over all 881 electrical posts. Some 471 of which will be transferred to nearby locations. The replacement of posts will run along the stretch of 20 kilometers from 39.84 kilometers of line. Around 218 units of transformers will also be transferred including 3,500 meters of electric meters,” Martinez said.

The AKELCO management has already started giving out public advisories in this resort island regarding place and length of time of power interruptions.

Martinez said the AKELCO has plans of placing its distribution lines underground but they have no funds at the moment.

Linggo, Hunyo 3, 2018

Boracay officials plan to prohibit plastic products in Malay town

The local council is eyeing to prohibit “single-use plastics” not only in this resort island but in the entire Malay town.

Single-use plastics, also known as disposable plastics, are products used only once. Examples of these are toothbrush, toothpaste tubes, shaving razor, shower cap, room slippers, sewing kit, sachets of shampoo or conditioner, liquid body soap, comb, plastic bottled water, plastic straws, coffee stirrers, cotton swabs, sachets of coffee, sugar and creamer, plastic spoons, fork and knives.

“A big percentage of Boracay’s trash is composed of ‘single-used plastics’ utilized by certain business establishments,” Malay Councilor Maylynn A. Graf said.

According to Graf, while these products offer convenience to travelers and tourists, these also a “huge” impact on the environment of Boracay and Malay. This can be seen in the growing stream of waste being generated daily, especially before Boracay was closed on April 26.

The national government declared the resort island off-limits to tourists and travelers for six months so that rehabilitation could take place.

Graf, chairman of the committee on environment, sponsored an ordinance banning single-use plastics.

If the ordinance would be realized, she said this will be considered a first in the Philippines and greatly benefit reduction in solid waste.

Graf noted the Philippines is known as the third largest in the world in terms of generating plastic waste that ends up in oceans. She didn’t say where she acquired that data.

Biyernes, Mayo 25, 2018

PCCI-Aklan wants review of cancellation of flights

The local chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI-Aklan) urges government, especially the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, to review the cancellation of several plane flights at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

PCCI-Aklan Secretary-General Guidon de la Cruz said several flights to and from Metro Manila and Cebu have been canceled after nearby Boracay Island was ordered closed for six months starting on April 26.

The closure also saw airline companies doubling ticket prices bound for the KIA.

“Because of this, businessmen, students and balikbayans have to travel to other nearby airports, such as the Caticlan Airport and the Roxas City Airport, to go to Manila. Direct flights to Cebu have also been canceled,” de la Cruz said.

“The reduction of commercial flights at the KIA created economic difficulties for both passengers and cargo traffic,” he added. Meanwhile, the roll-on, roll-off service from Caticlan to Batangas port is also full, brought about by summer travel and strong basic trade between Luzon and the Visayas region, he added.

The PCCI-Aklan board has filed a resolution to engage airline firms in consultation, thereby encouraging them to provide additional flight for Manila-Kalibo and restore the Kalibo-Cebu route even on limited basis.

“The reduction of plane flights also does not help promote local tourism, trade and commerce, which are supposed to be increasing due to expansion of e-commerce, resulting into convenience in the movement of people and goods across our islands,” de la Cruz further said.

Martes, Mayo 15, 2018

Most business groups in Western Visayas support wage-hike proposal

Most business groups under the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) back the proposal for a wage increase of employees in Western Visayas.

All the provincial chapters in the region have collectively sent manifestation of support of a proposed wage hike. Only PCCI’s Iloilo chapter registered opposition.

The PCCI members in the region said they support the proposal lodged by the Philippine Agricultural, Commercial, and Industrial Workers Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (Paciwu-TUCP) on January 22. Paciwu-TUCP’s petition remained with the office of Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Region 6 for nearly four months now.

The petition urges businesses to adopt an additional P130 to P150 daily minimum-wage increase on top of the current P271.50 and P323.50, depending on the industry and the number of workers employed. The petition cites the reduction of the purchasing power of workers with the increases in prices of oil and basic commodities.

The last minimum-wage order in the region took effect on March 16, 2017.

Frank A. Carbon, former PCCI regional governor and currently CEO of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said his group, the PCCI chapters of Aklan and Boracay are for increasing wages.

Carbon said despite the closure of Boracay for six months, “business groups in the province did not surrender and instead worked harder.”

“Many businesses in Boracay also didn’t close their stores,” he added. “They [continue to] keep [their businesses] open. I don’t have an explanation now for this unselfish and selfless actions but I believe this is the right thing to do at the moment.”

Likewise, PCCI-Aklan President Ramel  V. Buncalan said the board has issued a position paper supporting the proposed wage increase.

“As early as March when the announcement of the then impending ‘Boracay closure’ was abruptly announced without due consultation and planning, businesses in the island and mainland Aklan had already felt the reduced confidence in doing business in the province,” part of the position paper states.

“But despite these challenges, businesses have implemented intermediary mechanisms to maintain their work force until losses would have been recovered in the anticipated opening of a ‘better’ Boracay Island,” it added.

Linggo, Mayo 13, 2018

West Cove Resort demolition halted after owner uses letter from Palace

The owner of Boracay Island West Cove Management Inc. has received a respite from the demolition of his business after receiving a letter from Malacañang.

Hotel owner Crisostomo Aquino said it was only recently that he received the order to stop the demolition from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.

In a two-page letter dated March 23, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs of the Office of the President Ryan Alvin R. Acosta said, however, they have yet to decide on Aquino’s appeal.

It could be recalled that several years ago the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has canceled the Forest Land Use for Tourism Purposes, called FlagT, of the said resort for alleged environmental violations. The management has appealed to the Malacañang.

In March Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu asked Aquino to voluntarily demolish part of the resort to which the latter acquiesced.

But Aquino said the demolition order was more a political than an environmental cause. He also questioned the authority of the local government to close and demolish his resort while he cited a pending appeal to Malacañang.

“If ever Malacañang will render a decision [that ] would be against us, we still [have] an option to go to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court,” Aquino said.

For his part, Livino Duran, assistant regional director of the DENR-Western Visayas said that the local government of Malay has jurisdiction over Malacañang’s order.

Huwebes, Mayo 10, 2018

Malay waste-to-energy plant being fast-tracked

A waste-to-energy plant is expected to rise soon in the mainland of Malay, Aklan, and which many hopes would solve the increasing problems on waste not only in this resort island but also in the province of Aklan.

Malay Councilor Floribar Bautista, chairman of the  public works committee, said negotiations with the El Elyon-Orion Renewable Solutions Corp., a Vietnam-based company, are being fast-tracked.

The said company has been consistent with its proposal for several years already. It is, however, yet to be accommodated by the local government because of technicalities in the paper works.

“The council is now bent on giving authority to the local chief executive to enter into contracts with the said company. I hope the proceeding will be smooth,” Bautista said.

The company will be utilizing the 6-hectare lot in Barangay Kabulihan, he added.

“Under the proposed agreement, the El Elyon Orion will build and operate the plant free of charge to the local government. The counterpart of the local government, however, is the commitment of the 6  hectare availability,” Bautista explained.

It was learned that once operated, the power plant is also open to idea to accept wastes from the other 16 towns of Aklan.

For her part, El Elyon-Orion CEO Rossa Borres said the proposed project has already secured approval from the government.

“Our waste technology is of heterogeneous type, wherein it will utilized all kinds of wastes to be converted into energy,” Borres said during a meeting with the local council here.

The local government of Malay is expecting a demand of 50 megawatts  to 60 MW of electricity in ten years.

Lunes, Mayo 7, 2018

Trade dept puts resort-island under automatic price ceiling

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has placed Boracay under the Automatic Price Ceiling (APC) state.
Maria Carmen I. Iturralde, DTI-Aklan acting chief, said the APC is implemented once an area has been declared under the state of calamity.
It could be recalled that Malacañang recently declared the three barangays of Boracay—Balabag, Yapak and Manoc Manoc—under a state of calamity to give way to the rehabilitation of this resort island for six months.
“The APC means that businessmen selling basic commodities in this resort island must implement a price freeze,” Iturralde said. “They are not allowed to increase their prices on basic goods.”
She said DTI-Aklan received the communication from the DTI Central Office in Manila last Friday. Upon receiving it, DTI personnel would start distributing the fliers to all the stores in Boracay. The government agency will then conduct strict monitoring of price commodities this week, she said adding that violators will be penalized.
Meanwhile, aside from strict monitoring of price increase, the DTI is also conducting free training for entrepreneurs affected by the closure of Boracay. Iturralde said they offer training on t-shirt printing, siomai making, crafts making and waste recycling among others.

Biyernes, Mayo 4, 2018

New Caticlan Jetty Port rules readied for Boracay reopening

The Caticlan Jetty Port administration is readying a set of new guidelines for the reopening of this resort island in the last quarter of this year.

Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven M. Maquirang said a draft of the guidelines is being prepared and would be subjected to deliberation and approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan and the Malay council.

The draft guidelines would also be forwarded to the Department of Tourism for comments.

The jetty port serves as the major gateway for tourists coming to and from Boracay. This world-class beach destination was closed to tourists for six months beginning on April 26.

“Said draft includes [a rule that] every tourist going to Boracay must present first their hotel bookings before [they are allowed] passage to the jetty port,” Maquirang said. “Hotels may also put up booths at the jetty port to cater to walk-in tourists.”

The jetty port also plans to put up a one-stop shop for companies hiring new workers once Boracay is opened again for tourists.

Maquirang, special operations officer IV jetty port administrator-Designate, said job interviews and hiring of applicants should also be done at the jetty port in cooperation with the Provincial Employment Service Office. “Once the applicant has been hired, he [or she] will be given a contract,” he explained. “The contract will then serve [as] a gate pass for workers to board a boat for Boracay.”

The one-stop shop aims to control the flow of people coming to and from Boracay, Maquirang added.

Miyerkules, Mayo 2, 2018

DSWD readies cash-for-work program for Boracay workers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas will start soon the cash-for-work program for thousands of Boracay residents, workers and the Aetas.
Rebecca P. Geamala, DSWD regional director for Western Visayas, said she has already asked the central office for an initial P524-million funding for the cash-for-work program.
Prior to the program, the DSWD-WV has also implemented the “Balik Probinsiya” (back to the province) program that Geamala said has benefited around 2,251 workers. Currently, the said program continues alongside the assessment to ensure nonduplication of beneficiaries.
The DSWD spent P5 million for the 2,251 workers.
“The DSWD has enough funds for the entire closure of Boracay. That is guaranteed,” she said. “For the cash-for-work program, each family may be provided with a fee below P10,000 per month, enough to sustain their living.”
The program entails assisting in the rehabilitation of work in this resort island, including cleaning.
Some of the workers came from as far as Manila and the DSWD have paid for their plane tickets going home. The DSWD is also planning to implement a sustainable livelihood program.
NGO alert
MEANWHILE, Terry L. Ridon, a lawyer and former urban poor chief of Duterte, seeks to ensure government assistance to displaced families during the demolition of structures.
“As the President stands firm on the rehabilitation of Boracay, the government should ensure that housing assistance is provided to all ISFs [informal settler families] covered by demolition orders,” Ridon, currently convener of InfrawatchPH, was quoted in a statement issued on May 2.
Ridon said “no demolition without relocation” is among the longstanding presidential policies of the President, which should correspondingly be implemented during the Boracay rehabilitation.
“While we appreciate the commitment of the [Task Force Boracay] that housing assistance will be provided to all affected ISFs, we have yet to see the engagement of relevant agencies into the matter, such as the National Housing Authority [NHA] and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor [PCUP],” said Ridon, former party-list representative of Kabataan.
He explained the NHA provides the housing assistance, while the PCUP ensures all protections and entitlements are afforded the affected families.
“Housing assistance should be given a share in the calamity fund that will be used for the Boracay rehabilitation,” he added.
Ridon said housing assistance can include resettlement areas within Boracay to house the island’s low-income communities.
“Many affected ISFs are informal or low-income workers doing various jobs in the island,” Ridon added. “It would be good to provide them housing within the island as they comprise the base of service economy of Boracay.”
Ridon said transitional shelters can be set up by the NHA during the rehabilitation months.
“The NHA has done a good job in the quality of transitional shelters in Marawi,” he added. “Perhaps, they can do the same for all the affected ISFs in Boracay.”

Martes, Mayo 1, 2018

Some lessons learned from Boracay’s closure

The six-month closure of the world-renowned resort island Boracay that started on April 26 is considered by many as a bitter pill that would have a long impact and could set a new direction in tourism industry in this region and in the country.
Acs Aldaba, operations manager of the Boracay Island Water Corp. (BIWC), said the existing water-pollution problems that had led Malacañang to temporarily close Boracay have been the same as those it has been encountering in the past 10 years. The BIWC is the major supplier of water on the island, which has around six, 311 water and sewer connections.
President Duterte described the waters off Boracay as a “cesspool” which led him order its closure. “The lesson from this closure is that we have to respond to the needs of Boracay,” Aldaba said. “We also see a need to increase environmental awareness for sustainability among all sectors.”
BIWC, which has been supplying water to Boracay for several years now, said it has underestimated the water supply needs of the island.
It noted that the residents failed to differentiate drainage and waste water, thus the need for a massive information, education and awareness campaign.
“We see the Boracay situation similar to the case of a rape victim wherein she/he has been abused yet nobody is admitting the crime,” Aldaba noted.
Currently, the BIWC is working to complete a network of sewers and drainage until 2022.
“We see Boracay as the first island in the country with centralized drainage and sewer system,” she said. The Philippines archipelago has over 7,000 islands.
Malay Councilor Floribar Bautista, chairman of the municipal council committee on public works, said the local government has also learned its lesson. Boracay Island is under the geographical area of Malay, Aklan.
“We realized that there were several documents which [showed] the local government [was assigned] to do certain tasks but they were not done properly. The local government will surely do the work continuously for the environmental sustainability of Boracay once it reopens,” Bautista said.
Among the supposed tasks of the local government was to oversee the inspection of the drainage system of the island.
According to the national government, Boracay may be reopened after six months in order to enable it to recover from stresses from human and development activities.
Several hotels and restaurants on the island, although unprepared with the closure, have come up with different coping schemes.
Richel Ann Guarino, manager of the Philippine Business Bank (PBB), said the Yao Group of Cos. has not displaced any worker during the six-month period. Besides the PBB, the Yao Group also owns a resort in the area.
The PBB is open during the six-month duration.
Earlier, San Miguel Corp., which manages the Caticlan Airport, has expressed commitment to keep all its employees during the period.
At the same time, some hotels have decided to help their employees cope during the closure.
Based on a survey, the Paradise Garden has allowed its employees to make a loan with the hotel. The Willys Rock has also given each of its employees a modest amount as separation pay.
The G Executive Hotel is keeping its employees but they were asked to cook and sell food for the workers involved in the rehabilitation of the resort island.

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