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 OFW and Family Summit on November 19, 2021 (Friday), which will be done virtually for the first time due to the pandemic. “This is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to our OFWs, our modern-day heroes. An OFW was the first customer of my husband, former Senator Manny Villar, when he first started his housing business,” related Villar. She said the event is an annual offering of the Villar Family together with the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), where the senator serves as its director, to our OFWs who have been sacrificing their lives to give their families a decent and comfortable life. “Through the dollar remittances they sent back home, our OFWs also help keep the country’s economy afloat amid the pandemic,” also said Villar. Unlike before when thousands of OFWs and their families trooped to the World Trade Center in Pasay City to join the summit, Villar noted that the November event will be done virtually. “We are doing this to keep everybody safe and protected since the coronavirus is still around us although our health officials and health experts have been reporting a downtrend trend of cases of Covid-19,” stressed Villar. “We invite our OFWs and their family to participate virtually in the 10th OFW & Family Summit 2021,on November 19,2021. You can visit my facebook page Cynthia A.Villar and the Villar SIPAG fb page for further details. Registration is now open, just visit https://ofwsummit2021.villarsipag.org/registration,” said the Senator. Villar related the theme for this year’s event is “Masiglang Buhay Sa Makabagong Panahon” which she believes is timely because we are all struggling to live a normal and happy life amid the coronavirus pandemic that crippled the world economy. She expects thousands of OFWs and their beneficiaries to participate in this virtual event wherein they can interact anew with private and government institutions for concerns ranging from access to financial services, social benefits, legal assistance, among others. The summit hopes to teach our OFWs financial literacy, which they can use as a tool to grow their money in their homeland. “Aside from teaching our OFWs how to wisely invest their savings and grow their income, it is equally important to educate them how to protect their hard-earned money and how not to fall victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment and investment scams,” Villar said. Participants will also have a chance to take home a house, pangkabuhayan package and other prizes.

9th Globe Media Excellence Awards launched to honor VisMin journalists, content creators

lobe continues to celebrate and promote press freedom through the 9th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA). GMEA recognizes media practitioners and content creators from Visayas and Mindanao who excelled in their field of work amid the challenges posed by the global health crisis. The theme for this year is Padayon Digital—a play on the Visayan word, padayon, which means to continue. It is a tribute to the media’s diligence in moving forward to digital spaces and a symbol of Globe's consistent support to the Visayas and Mindanao press. Support is crucial in the new normal and GMEA brings that message across by spotlighting stories that uplift lives and communities. “We’re proud to host the Globe Media Excellence Awards, now in our ninth year, to recognize the outstanding work of the VisMin press. Amid the ongoing pandemic, the roles of media, bloggers and social media influencers have been most crucial in keeping the public credibly informed and have played a part in helping people see through the health crisis,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior VP for Corporate Communications. There will be nine awards for digital and print, two for broadcast, and three special awards. All entries must be anchored on at least one of four Globe sustainability pillars: Care for Environment, Positive Societal Impact, Care for People, and Digital Nation, in line with Globe's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Categories for digital and print are Explanatory / Investigative Story of the Year, News Report of the Year, Column of the Year, Explanatory / Investigative Video Story of the Year for Digital, Photo of the Year for Digital, Breaking News of the Year for Digital, Social Media Advocacy of the Year for Digital, and Digital Storytelling (Best Blog Post and Best Social Media Video). For broadcast, the categories are News Report of the Year for Radio and News Report of the Year for TV. The special awards are Newsmaker of the Year, Editor of the Year, and #KwentoNgTagumpay: Uplifting Lives Through Digital Technology. This last award recognizes inspiring stories of triumph amid adversities of communities and individuals. Globe first launched its Media Excellence Awards in 2012 to encourage excellence among traditional media organizations and, later on, digital media practitioners to create positive societal changes. GMEA 2021 covers Bacolod, Cebu, Tacloban, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Iloilo in Visayas and Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, Iligan, Bukidnon, and Zamboanga in Mindanao. Cash prizes await winners of each category. Entries may be in English, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, or Chavacano. The deadline for submission is December 31, 2021. To know more about the Globe Media Excellence Awards, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/globe-media-excellence-awards

Globe increases overall 4G download speeds nationwide by up to 25 percent

Globe announced significant improvements to its network quality nationwide to deliver a better user experience to its customers. By using Facebook’s Connectivity Analytics tools to identify network performance issues and prioritize network investments, Globe has enabled its customers to see marked improvements and lower latency in their overall experience on the Globe network. Overall 4G download speeds across Globe’s nationwide network increased by 25 percent compared to the third quarter of 2020. Davao and Central Visayas also recorded a 25 percent increase in download speeds, while the Caraga Administrative Region consisting of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands registered a 6 percent hike. Overall download speed in Mindanao went up by 5 percent. Globe aims to replicate the efforts in other parts of the country where the company is expanding and upgrading its network. “Our collaboration with Facebook Connectivity has been instrumental in driving significant network improvements for our customers’ experience. We have seen that our customer experience has improved and is on par with global top tier telcos. We will continue to work together to identify opportunities to improve connectivity, especially as Globe rolls out 5G technology in the different regions of the Philippines,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group. As part of its commitment to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality internet connectivity in the country, Globe has earmarked an unprecedented P76 billion in capital expenditures this year. Bulk of the total budget will be for data network builds. Globe has already begun delivering on its commitment to improve connectivity in the region with its outdoor 5G services covering 95 percent of NCR as of end-August 2021. More and more cities in Metro Manila and around the country are experiencing the benefits of Globe’s 5G technology. The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs. To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Another sperm whale found dead on Boracay beach

ANOTHER sperm whale was found dead off the coast of Boracay Island, Aklan Friday morning, September 17, 2021. Haron Deo Vargas, a marine biologist of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the sperm whale carcass had beached in Sitio Laguna, Barangay Manocmanoc in Malay, Aklan. On Wednesday, a carcass of a sperm whale was also found by residents at Bulabog Beach in Barangay Balabag. The dead whale was said to have been washed by waves again and was found the next morning off the coast of Barangay Manocmanoc. Reports from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said a dead dolphin was also found Wednesday on the shores of Barangay Pook, Kalibo, Aklan. "I do not know yet why we are seeing dead bodies of sperm whale strands at the beach of Boracay. I hope this is all a mere coincidence," Vargas said. At least two backhoes have been utilized to bury the first dead sperm whale along Tabon Port. DENR personnel has yet to bury the second whale as of Frida

Young Pinoy joins ‘hacking for defense’ program of US gov’t

A young Filipino based in Arizona has been accepted as part of the “Hacking for Defense (H4D)” program being held this fall at Arizona University. Valenzuela City-born Francis Mendoza said that the program is under the National Security Innovations Network, enabling him to work with several defense and intelligence communities in addressing emerging threats and security challenges in the United States. Mendoza studied robotics and autonomous systems (with concentration on artificial intelligence) at Arizona State University. “I am excited to apply my cybersecurity and autonomous systems skills to develop a compelling prototype that will be in production by the end of the term. For a more secure and more prepared America,” he said. Prior to H4D, Mendoza completed his first live-fire cyberwarfare exercise as part of the “Cybersecurity of Energy Operational Technology” course at Arizona State University, in partnership with the Office of Naval Research. Through this event, Mendoza said he learned how to attack and defend mission-critical infrastructure. The highlight of the exercise was successfully crippling a simulated version of the Washington state power grid. “This is a new and terrifying age of warfare. Before, one needed hundreds of thousands of soldiers, billions of dollars, and approval from Congress to launch a campaign that would cost you dearly in terms of capital, sweat, and blood. Now, all one needs is a couple thousand dollars, a laptop, an Internet connection, and a small but elite team to launch a single attack that can cripple a nation’s mission-critical infrastructure and bring it to its knees,” he added. Among those considered vulnerable to cyberattack, he said, includes oil and gas pipelines, water purification plants, power grids, nuclear centrifuges, payments systems, and entire fleets of autonomous vehicles. “In the span of nanoseconds, the balance of power can shift, with the attackers never identified, vanishing without a trace,” Mendoza said.

TELUS International Philippines rolls out their COVID-19 vaccination program to complement their comprehensive Care Program

(Manila, Philippines) – With employee health and wellness a top priority, TELUS International Philippines (TIP), leading provider of digital customer experience (CX) and IT solutions, is in the midst of implementing its vaccination program for team members across its Philippine sites as it continues to offer access to its Care program for colleagues who have been affected by COVID-19. “Our goal is to offer access to the vaccine to all our team members across all our sites in Metro Manila and Iloilo. Our vaccine supply is scheduled to arrive in multiple batches, with the first batch being used for our vaccination program which started this July, and the second batch expected to arrive in the Philippines this August. The plan is to inoculate all of our team members who registered for the vaccination program this year,” said Mirei Magallona, TELUS International Philippines Country Vice President. An internal vaccine education campaign was launched at TIP in January when the company announced it would have a vaccination program for all members of the TELUS International Philippines team. True to their caring culture, the company has made the inoculation process as hassle-free and convenient as possible for team members. Shuttles are provided from the TELUS International Philippines sites to the vaccination centers and back. The organization’s own safety and health staff are also stationed in the vaccination centers to guide and assist team members as needed. Vaccination kits containing water, paracetamol, pens, and branded vaccination campaign items are also distributed in the vaccination centers to make the experience more comfortable and memorable. Team members have started sharing their happy first dose experiences with the hashtag #VaxxedandHappyHere. To ensure the health and safety of team members throughout the entire vaccination process, aftercare support is available to team members who opt into the vaccination program. Through the aftercare support program, team members receive unlimited primary care consultation on vaccine-related concerns for one year after receiving their first dose. These can be either through teleconsultations or physical consultations. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to get vaccinated through the efforts of our company. It’s heartwarming to know that TELUS International Philippines is looking after their team members’ health and welfare. It feels like I have been given a dose of hope and a chance to do great things without the concern of getting infected,” shared Justin Homer Yan, one of TELUS International Philippines’ Customer Service Representatives. Sydney Chua, a Team Leader from TELUS International Philippines, shared how her inoculation day went, “My overall vaccination experience from TELUS International was the best. They have provided us with exactly what we needed; the safe and free shuttles from the office to the vaccination center and back were convenient because travelling can be quite challenging, especially since many of us are coming from night shift. Upon arrival, security personnel from the company were there and they guided me on where I should go. During the registration, representatives from TELUS International provided us with freebies such as medicine, water, pens and treats. The entire vaccination process was very quick. They even set-up an area where we can take fun photos after our vaccination.” A support program that cares for affected employees As a parallel initiative to the company’s vaccination program, the TELUS International Philippines Care Program, first launched in 2020, provides team members who seek medical consultation, are in self-quarantine, or are recovering from COVID-19 with health and wellness guidance, resources, and a solid support structure. “Our team’s well-being and safety have always been our top priority. We developed our Care program to respond to the full range of COVID-19-related concerns – be they queries, help throughout their quarantine period, or support in managing the process from testing to recovery - to support team members whether they are working from home or onsite. We also provide a full range of services that include contact tracing, case management, and recovery support. We have chosen to take this holistic approach to caring to make our team members feel that they are not alone, and to help manage the impact of COVID-19 in the lives of our team,” said Rajiv M.Dhand, TELUS International’s Regional Vice-President for APAC. Headed by the TELUS International Philippines’ Health, Wellness and Safety Committee, the Care program is supported by team members from different company units to provide different aspects of support. Team members in self-quarantine and those who have tested positive for the virus are guided through a day-by-day recovery process that ensures they are given the proper support at the right time. This process includes regular conversations with company doctors, nurses, leaders, and members of the HR team who are important to their journey to full recovery. A toll-free Care Hotline manned by nurses and doctors is available to respond to consultations from team members on such things as TELUS International Philippines’ Care program or the company’s HMO coverage, information on COVID-19, inquiries on medical-related benefits, and the company’s vaccination program details. Another unique feature of the company’s Care Hotline is the mental health wellness assistance that team members can receive upon calling. “With the majority of our team members working remotely and the unique stress factors that the pandemic brings, being able to provide real-time assistance to team members who may be experiencing mental, emotional, or psycho-social strain is something we definitely prioritized. Aside from the support and emotional first-aid that the leaders in our team have been trained to provide, we also wanted our team members to have immediate access to medical advice wherever they may be,” shared Magallona. Team members in quarantine also receive a kit containing personal hygiene products, multivitamins, energy drinks, critical medical equipment like a digital thermometer and an oximeter, face masks and face shields, alcohol, betadine gargle, grocery items and juices, and company branded items so they can feel the support of the company throughout the recovery process. In addition, help is offered for errands that team members in self-quarantine may need. TELUS International Philippines also offers free PCR testing for team members who have been asked to self-quarantine for their peace of mind. To celebrate their completion of the quarantine period, those who have gone through the process (even those who eventually tested negative) are rewarded with a family feast with their loved ones. “We work closely with our respective partners to ensure that we are providing the best support – both mentally and financially – to our team members. We want them to feel that they are not alone in navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Our vaccination program is the next important step we’ve taken to extend our caring culture toward achieving herd immunity in the country,” added Dhand. ### About TELUS International Philippines TELUS International Philippines, Inc. is a leading Philippines-based provider of digitally enabled customer experience and business process solutions and is a proud member of the TELUS International family. Today, TELUS International Philippines has a team of almost 18,000 and has six sites strategically located throughout Metro Manila, and a seventh site in Iloilo, which support some of the world’s top brands. About TELUS International TELUS International (NYSE & TSX: TIXT) designs, builds and delivers next-generation digital solutions to enhance the customer experience (CX) for global and disruptive brands. The company’s services support the full lifecycle of its clients’ digital transformation journeys, enabling them to more quickly embrace next-generation digital technologies to deliver better business outcomes. TELUS International’s integrated solutions span digital strategy, innovation, consulting and design, IT lifecycle including managed solutions, intelligent automation and end-to-end AI data solutions including computer vision capabilities, as well as omnichannel CX and trust and safety solutions including content moderation. Fueling all stages of company growth, TELUS International partners with brands across high growth industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, healthcare, and travel and hospitality. TELUS International’s unique caring culture promotes diversity and inclusivity through its policies, team member resource groups and workshops, and equal employment opportunity hiring practices across the regions where it operates. The company is building stronger communities and helping those in need through large-scale volunteer events that have positively impacted the lives of more than 150,000 citizens around the world and through its five TELUS International Community Boards that have provided $4 million in funding to grassroots charitable organizations since 2015. Learn more at: telusinternational.com.

Arms cache recovered from slaughterhouse administrator

A 51-YEAR-OLD slaughterhouse administrator in Malay, Aklan is in hot waters after police operatives confiscated from his residence a cache of firearms and ammunition.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Don De Dios, chief of Malay police, identified the suspect as Niel Quintin, a resident of Zone II, Cubay Sur, Malay, Aklan. The operation was conducted by operatives of Malay police Saturday night.

"We thank the community for their trust in our PNP (Philippine National Police) in sharing their series of information to ensure peace and order in the town of Malay," De Dios told this writer in an interview.

Seized from the suspect were a .45 caliber pistol, two pieces of 40-millimeter grenade launcher ammunition, one 12 gauge shotgun with two pieces of ammunition, and a homemade improvised .22 caliber rifle.

The search warrant was issued by Judge Bienvenido Barrios, executive judge of the Kalibo Regional Trial Court.

Currently, our investigator is preparing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against the suspect," De Dios added.

Earlier this year, Malay police operatives also seized firearms against another suspect on Boracay Island

Boracay model for water resource management

BORACAY Island, Malay Aklan — This resort island is being eyed as a pilot model for water resource management hoping to be replicated in several tourism island areas in the Philippines.

Raymond Sucgang of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute said that the project has a P5 million project coming from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging

“DoST (Department of Science and Technology) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña are supportive of this endeavor,” said Sucgang who hails from Batan, Aklan.

This resort island has been identified as a model because Boracay has been recognized as a world class tourist destination. In 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, it registered twoo million tourists.

“We plan to go to Nabaoy River in Malay, Aklan this October to start the evaluation for the potable water resource management. The Nabaoy River in mainland Malay, Aklan is currently the lone source of potable water supply for the consumption of both tourists and the residents,” Sucgang said.

Results of the study will be used to craft government policies in order to ensure water resource sustainability in tourism island areas all over the country.

Technology Research and Development.

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES OPENS TE3LUS ILO9ILO CITY, 1ST SITE OUTSIDE METRO MANILA

Iloilo City- Leading digital solutions and costumer experience (CX) Provider TELUS International Philippines (TPP) opened its 7th delivery center in the country and first outside Metro Manila in Iloilo City. The new TELUS Iloilo City delivery center is located on Levels 14 to 16 of the SM Strata Tower on Senator Benigno Jr Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Iloilo City, and right across SM Iloilo Mall, accessible through a covered bridgeway from SM Iloilo.

"We are thrilled to launch our milestone delivery center in Iloilo City, our first-ever TELUS International Philippines location outside of Metro Manila. The IT and customer experience business scene is booming in Iloilo and we want to be part of its growth as we provide more employment opportunities  for residents in Iloilo and surrounding cities. We look forward to building a strong team of professionals who will provide strong exceptional support to our growing list of clients in the areas of digital costumer care, IT and technical support," said Jonabee Catura, TELUS Iloilo City Site Lead.

TELUS International Philippines is a leading Philippines based provider of digitally-enabled costumers experience and business solutions for companies within the technology and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, travel and hospitality, healthcare and other exciting sectors.

The TELUS International world-class workspace is designed to celebrate Ilongo culture, taking design inspiration from Iloilo's rich heritage, famous landmarks, treasured historical buildings, the region's natural scenery and even local cuisine. The new site's design features colorful murals by local artists that were created to inspire team productivity through striking Ilongo creativity.

"Our new TELUS Iloilo City delivery center was a uniquely exciting project to design and conceptualize. Knowing how the office becomes a second home to our team members, it was important that the design of our new workplace reflects the amazing culture of our hosting city, the work culture that we encourage at TELUS International Philippines as well as our values as a company. The unique experience of working at TELUS Iloilo City is something we want each member of our team to feel, " explained Pia Zapata, TELUS International Philippines Facilities Director.

The new workplace is thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, from the site's workstations to the themed meeting room, where murals of local artistic landmarks and scenery add to the energy of the collaboration spaces where team members and clients come together.

At the elevator lobby on Level 14, visitors will find designs that depict a mix of modern and natural textures, giving onlookers and visitors a coastal feel within the office. Reflective ceiling elements, were inspired by bubbles with accent colors of the corals.

The reception and waiting area will surprise visitors with a 3D Map of Southeast Asia, highlighting the Philippines and the story of Maragtas, which features the history of Panay coming from the first inhabitants and Bornean immigrants.

The whole office makes use of indigenous materials such as rattan and 'solihiya' to imbibe that truly local culture of Iloilo, as a province. From the reception and waiting area of Level 15, visitors are able to see vibrant hues of violet and purple to illustrate the spirited people of Iloilo, adding to that is the reclaimed wood and terrazzo stone features that give the space a more modern industrial appeal.

Collaboration areas, meeting rooms, focus rooms, and board rooms across all three floors occupied by TELUS Iloilo City are inspired by the details of historical sights of the province, handicrafts and fiber designs, local crafts, as well as attractions of the province.

Another signature of TELUS International touch in the latest delivery center are the unique and Instagram worthy themed meeting rooms. Meetings are always inspiring and fun when they take place in skateboarding, wall-climbing, biking or surfing themed meeting rooms. TELUS Iloilo also has meeting rooms that transport team members to the wetlands of Iloilo, Islas de Gigantes, Carmina Balay nga Bato  and the Balbagon Islands.

The view from the office windows includes sights and landmarks distinct to Iloilo, including Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Iloilo River Esplanade, and Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain Shrine) of Guimaras Island.

The fun, thoughtful and inclusive work environment is a fitting backdrop not just to be the flurry of daily activity that takes place at TELUS International Philippines' latest delivery center, but also for the training and growth programs that are part of the team's professional and personal development.

Safety and health considerations are just as important as the inspiring aesthetics and collaborative environment at TELUS Iloilo City. Local and international safety protocols such as physical distancing,  regular deep facilities cleaning, and the wearing of personal protective equipment are strictly enforced and followed. Additional safety measures are also implemented to keep team members safe and well, including ensuring all team members have accessed to a free COVIDB19 vaccine as well as free shuttle services with physical barriers between passengers and reduced passenger capacity to enable physical distancing.

'"We are happy to bring our caring culture to Iloilo and provide employment opportunities to more  Filipinos in this city, " Catura added.

105-year-old grandma gets Covid-19 vaccine dose

A 105-YEAR-OLD grandmother in Aklan received her first dose of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine.

The Altavas Rural Health Unit (RHU) identified the grandmother as Brigida Panadero.

RHU personnel went to Panadero’s house to give her the first dose.

Panadero, who said she also witnessed the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, is currently considered the oldest person in Aklan to have received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Aside from Panadero, a 101-year-old man also got his second dose of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine in Makato, Aklan.

Dr. Rane Tabanar, municipal health physician, said the man, identified as Paceinte Tejada, is a war veteran and could still walk and even do laundry.

"He even walked inside the Makato Gym to get his second dose of Sinovac recently. He is fine after getting his second dose," Tabanar said.

The Aklan Provincial Government has urged residents not to be afraid of the Covid-19 vaccine, as it will help protect them from the deadly virus. 

'No to Bida' tarps spread around Boracay

TARPAULINS bearing "No to Bida" have been spreading around Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan this week.

This developed after both the committee on government enterprise and privatization and the committee on good local government in Congress jointly approved the Bida Bill. The bill is aimed at placing Boracay under the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

In his 2020 State of the Nations Address, President Rodrigo Duterte called Congress to pass a law that will oversee the management of this resort island to ensure environmental sustainability.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores said they support the Bida Law only if it is for regulatory purposes "but not as a government-controlled body."

For his part, Provincial Board Member Jay Tejada said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan along with several stakeholders in Aklan is opposed to the GOCC concept of the Bida law.

"The Bida as a GOCC concept has been patterned to that of the creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. But the situation of Subic is vastly different from Boracay," Tejada said.

The local government of Malay is also invoking the local government code to strongly opposed the passage of the Bida Law as a GOCC.

The "No to Bida" tarpaulins here have been installed by the One Boracay Movement. The tarpaulins were placed at the front beach, passenger boats, jetty ports, residential houses and business establishments.

For his part, Congressman Eric Yap of ACT-CIS party list said the plan to convert Boracay as a GOCC has been initiated by Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte.

"The reason why we are not progressing because we fear change. I will not run for any political position if the Bida Law becomes a failure," he said.

Women as fierce protectors of mangrove forests

 

By: Jun N. Aguirre

KALIBO, Aklan -- For over three decades, the mangrove forest has long been an inseparable part of the lives of people in villages in central Philippines. They have been taking care of the vast forest for generations.

Women from four villages --Barangay Old Buswang, the Kalibo Mangrove in the province of Aklan-- developed a tight bond with the forest as it became a place for sharing food, culture, interactions and hopes. For years, women have been fierce protectors by putting their lives at risk by taking head-on the challenges in the growth of the mangrove forest.

“Women are an integral part of the mangrove forest. Their commitment and care for the forest could not be underestimated,” said Liza Cesar, a member of the board of directors of the Kalibo Save the Mangrove (Kasama), adding that the lives of women surrounding the mangroves in Kalibo are closely associated with the forest.

The Kasama is an organization of mangrove planters and stakeholders in the eco-park, many of whom are women.

Women in the sprawling forest covering the four villages are taking care of their children as their husbands work as fishermen. Some women were also involved in policing the mangroves.

Cesar said during the Covid-19 pandemic, several women can be found looking for food to be given to their families from whatever they found in the mangrove. Among these were fish, crabs, among other types of seafood.

“Fortunately, as villages already knew the importance of the forests we do not receive reports of anybody illegally cutting mangrove trees. Cutting of trees is strictly being regulated by the environment department,” she added.

Rolinda Icawalo, 42, said she only started working three years ago as a contractual worker and did not know much about mangroves. She was hired by the Provincial Government to work in Kasama as part of the province’s commitment to helping in the conservation of the mangrove.

Icawalo, a member of the so-called Bakhawan Police, said maintaining the forest gives food to the community, protects them from storm surges and provides their livelihood through tourism and planting of mangroves.

“When I started working here, I have been taught by experience what it is to protect the mangrove forest. My job descriptions tell me to assist the mangroves, so I joined a series of mangrove planting activities spearheaded by various civic organizations. I also started explaining to guests the beauty of the forests. In the forests, one can breathe fresh air, exercise by walking, hear and feel the colors and sounds of nature,” she said.

Elizabeth Ramos, one of the original planters of Kasama and one of the elder guardians of the forest, said a few years ago, she was one of those who ran against trespassers who illegally cut trees inside the mangrove.

During those times, an influential personality tried to do illegal fishing inside the forests with his group of men. The personality, however, died of natural death and the issue has gone down, she added.

There were also times that some outsiders allowed their cows inside the forests, which damages young trees. The women working in the Kasama reported these incidents to the barangay justice system and cow owners have been reprimanded.

Anita Reyes, head of tourism promotion of Kasama, said because of women’s nurturing way of taking care of the mangroves, villagers are free to go inside the forest and look for their food.

“This is the vision of the Kasama, to provide food for the community, so we need to protect the 250 hectares of mangrove forest to also feed the younger generation,” she said.

Rhea Rose Meren, head of the tourism office of the municipality of Kalibo, said has not the Covid-19 pandemic happened, they were planning to enter a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Kasama.

“The MOA between the local government and the Kasama envisions to be emphasized in development, capacity-building and promotion of what is now a Kalibo eco-tourism park,” said Meren.

One of the reasons why the MOA has been stalled is because the Kalibo local government unit is currently in the process of creating an environment office. The plan of having a Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office was created two years ago but was stalled due to the pandemic.

Tourism is one of the by-products of the forest. The Kasama keeps the revenues from tourists coming in to wander the mangrove mainly for relaxation and a view of the sprawling forest.

Another way of revenue of the Kasama is that it sells mangrove seedlings to interested civic groups and plants them inside the forests for sustainability. The Kasama also lobbies from different government organizations.

Among those who were tapped was the Population Commission, where women were given training on population management. Some women were also trained in various livelihood skills.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the management of the sprawling forest. From 15 regular staff of Kasama protecting the mangrove, only seven women actively work as mangrove warriors.

Jay Ann Dalmacio, 35, a Kasama tourist guide, said aside from mangroves, some bird photographers coming from different places come to the Bakhawan to take photos.

“The Bakhawan has lured not only tourists to enjoy but also birds who also just pass by to search for food. I think when the Covid-19 pandemic is over, the eco-park could also be promoted as a potential bird watching destination,” Dalmacio said.

While the mangrove exponentially grows in numbers, it is facing more and more problems each day. Among these are the effects of climate change, especially sea-level rise.

In the 1990s, then-Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary lawyer Fulgencio Factoran approved the request of Mayor Quimpo and provided a budget of US$22,500 for the planting of Kalibo mangrove. The local government then tapped the adjacent four villages of Bakhaw Sur, Bakhaw Norte, Old Buswang and New Buswang for the mangrove plantation.

Quimpo had endorsed the area near the Sooc River in Barangay New Buswang as the main site for the reforestation project. This is because of the broad expanse of mudflats in the vicinity. The planting was done in the first quarter of 1990.

The plantation area initially covers 50 hectares to be planted with thousands of different mangroves species. Records indicated that there were a total of 210 planters of the mangroves, 109 male and 101 female. 

Note: This story is supported by the Earth Journalism Network.

Liquor ban takes effect in Boracay, rest of Aklan

 BORACAY Island, Malay, Aklan - Authorities on Wednesday began strictly implementing the liquor ban in Boracay and the rest of Aklan.

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This was after Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores on Tuesday issued an executive order detailing the health protocols to be followed immediately amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the province.

Under the EO, "selling, dispensing and transporting of liquor or alcoholic beverages or any alcoholic drink containing a specific percentage of alcohol by volume or weight which may be in the form of whisky, brandy, gin, rum cordial, liquor, cocktail, wine, champagne, vermouth, bass, tuba, saki, beer, ale stout and others are prohibited."

Authorities are also strictly checking if incoming tourists have the complete requirements.

Seven tourists were recently arrested for presenting fake negative RT-PCR test results.

Miraflores said a negative RT-PCR test result is still required before a tourist will be allowed to enter Boracay, even if such tourist has already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Based on the tally of the Malay Tourism Office, from June 1 to 6, the number of tourists who arrived in Boracay is 2,905.

Of this number, 1,760 tourists came from the National Capital Region, 550 from Calabarzon, and 230 from Central Luzon.

SWAT teams are making the rounds in the whole island of Boracay to ensure the security of tourists and residents. 

Cayetano calls for multi-sector COVID-19 info drive

 Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday called on different sectors to work together to enlighten the public on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo Bacolod on April 14, Cayetano said people are inclined to listen to their loved ones and community leaders when it comes to information about the COVID-19.

“Extraordinary ang problema kaya dapat extraordinary din ang solusyon,” he said. “Kanino ba nakikinig ang tao? So, una, sa kanilang magulang. Pangalawa, sa kanilang teachers. Pangatlo, sa kanilang mga religious leaders, sa pari, ministro, imam, pastor. (At) sa media. So, dapat talaga multi-sector.”

(Extraordinary problems call for extraordinary solutions. Who do people really listen to? First, their parents. Second, their teachers. Third, their religious leaders, like their priests, ministers, imams, or pastors. And the media. It should be a multi-sector effort.) 

Cayetano urged the national government to work with different stakeholders in explaining COVID-19 to the public and the importance of observing minimum health protocols.

“Ang national government, dapat lapitan ‘di lang ang national government. Pero tulungan, na multi-sector yung approach natin, and patiently explain what kind of virus is this, paano nakakahawa, bakit importante na gawin natin ito.”

(The national government should not just approach its own agencies. We need teamwork and a multi-sectoral approach through which we can patiently explain what kind of virus this is, its mode of infection, and what protocols are important.)

The lawmaker, however, warned that these efforts will only prosper if they are supported by the distribution of financial aid.

“Kahit anong paliwanag mo, kung ang tao ay gutom, walang kinakain, walang trabaho, walang kinikita nagsara o magsasara ang negosyo niya, hahanap at hahanap ng paraan para kumita ‘yan,” he said.

(No matter how hard you explain, if people are hungry, jobless, penniless, or their businesses have just closed shop, they will always find a way to go out and earn money.)

On February 1, Cayetano and his allies filed the 10k Ayuda Bill which seeks to distribute P10,000 to every Filipino family and stimulate economic activity through increased household consumption.  

The former Speaker said providing financial aid to every Filipino family is crucial in transforming the public’s behavior amidst the ongoing pandemic.

“Kailangan talaga natin ng transformational change, yung nagbago talaga ang pagkilos natin lahat,” he said. “Magagawa natin ‘yan kung isasabay natin yung tulong sa ekonomiya o yung tulong sa kabuhayan doon sa direksyon sa medikal.”

(We need transformational change where there’s a change in how we all act. We achieve that if we provide economic or livelihood support alongside our direction in terms of medical strategy.) 

Hill collapse kills one, injures three

(video courtesy of Taburnok)

Authorities here reported that a construction worker died while three others were injured following a landslide caused by a hillside collapsing in in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.

Initial reports from Police Lt. Colonel Don Dicksie de Dios, acting chief of the Malay Philippine National Police disclosed that the workers are at the side of the road constructing a canal system when the trimmed side of the hill collapsed.

De Dios identified the fatality as Modesto Appelido, a native of Bingawan Iloilo, while those injured were identified as Darius Castillo, 48; Jade Daryl Castillo, 22 at Nino Jay Castillo, 22.

“Based on our initial investigation, the side of the hill may have collapsed due to the recent series of rains. I told the police investigator in charge to double check if there were also signs of foul play or possibly neglect of protocols in the construction,” De Dios said.

Operatives from the Malay Disaster Risks Reduction Management Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay Council and residents in the area helped retrieve the victim’s body in the landslide area.

The Caticlan road is considered a tourism highway as Caticlan is a major entry and exit points of Boracay Island, a premier tourism destination.

Tourists urged to get barangay passes while in Boracay

 

TOURISTS coming to Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan for vacation are required to have a barangay pass so they could be allowed to roam anywhere, a local executive said.

During a community address Friday night, April 2, 2021, Malay acting mayor Floribar Bautista said the barangay pass is meant for police enforcers to determine whether pass holders are residents or tourists.

Bautista on Thursday placed the whole Balabag village under enhanced community quarantine beginning April 1. Zones 5 and 6 of Balabag and Zones 1 to 7 of Barangay Manomanoc were placed under "surgical lockdown" due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Bautista said based on the report of the Municipal Health Office, as of Thursday, there were 139 Covid-19 cases recorded in Malay town, most of which came from this resort island.

Of the said number, 80 were active and all were residents of Boracay.

Dr. Athena Magdamit said the spike in Covid-19 cases here was attributed to a tourist from Quezon City, who visited Boracay in the last week of March. The undisclosed tourist, who turned out to be positive for the virus, reportedly attended a party at a resort.

"We are still conducting investigation to the resorts if it had followed health protocols during the party," Magdamit said.

Police Major Don Dicksie De Dios., chief of the Malay police, said they had deployed hundreds of personnel all over the island to ensure that health protocols were strictly being followed both by residents and tourists.

The personnel included force multipliers such as those coming from the Philippine Navy, barangay volunteers, among others.\

According to a report from the Malay Tourism Office, from March 1 to 28, Boracay had been visited by 17,193 tourists. Of the said number, 9,913 came from the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Calabarzon with 3,801 and those coming from Western Visayas with 2,204.

The rest came from different regions of the country.

Although NCR along with some areas in Calabarzon had been placed on ECQ, Boracay remains open to tourists coming from other regions and is classified under the modified general community quarantine category. 

Central Boracay placed under ECQ

 

THE Balabag village, which is the central part of Boracay, has been placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) beginning April 1, 2021.

The Zone 1 to 7 of adjacent Barangay Manocmanoc have also been placed under “surgical lockdown.”

Natividad Bernardino of the Boracay Island Rehabilitation Management Group said the decision of the local government of Malay has been supported and approved by the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF).

The BIATF has a separate authority with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), although members of the BIATF also lead the municipal IATF-EID.

Residents of areas under ECQ are allowed to go to the market to buy food and other essentials. But images of Boracay posted on social media indicate that the resort island is already a ghost town.

"It was Acting Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista who asked for it," Bernardino told SunStar in a text message.

Data from Malay Health Office showed that Malay town has recorded 135 cases of Covid-19. Many of the patients are from Boracay Island.

Of the 135 cases, 76 are also active.

Dr. Athena Magdamit said they believe that a new variant of Covid-19 may have entered Boracay because of the sudden surge of cases.

"We have already taken specimens and we will have sent this to the Department of Health in Manila for review," Magdamit said. 

DENR defers Boracay waste projects

 San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is eyeing more projects for this resort island based on documents the company presented during the Boracay Island inter-agency task force (BIATF) principals’ meeting here.

Among the projects in the pipeline are the 17-kilometer solid waste and sewage conveyance and the bulk water pipe conveyance systems.

The undertakings are lumped together under the Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Project, which aims to provide a sustainable environment program to address solid and liquid waste management issues.

However, Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the deferment of projects to see if they will “contribute or compliment our rehabilitation programs in the island.”

The SMC projects have been approved by local environment committees.

Cimatu chairs the BIATF which was created to spearhead the rehabilitation of the resort island dubbed as one of the best in the world.

The government closed Boracay for six months in 2018 to allow it to recover from the despoliation caused by untrammeled tourism activities.

Prior to the closure, the water surrounding the island was found to have high levels of coliforms.

In 2019, SMC proposed to build a bridge linking Boracay to the main island of Aklan, but the project was opposed by several stakeholders since it was seen to bring in more tourists than the island can handle.

“The Boracay bridge project proposal is still there. We are still awaiting results of the study of its possible environmental impact,” Cimatu said.