DOT: No let-up in tourism campaign for Boracay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aklan PDRRMC to stage Rescue Olympics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drainage problems blamed for Boracay flooding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flooded Boracay

Chinese tourists hurt in mishap

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

Boracay Dragons to compete in US

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

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

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

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

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

Illegal drugs trade in Boracay profitable - PNP

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

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

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

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

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

Most of the suspects came from Capiz province.

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

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