President Aquino orders all departments, agencies, LGUs to support TWG on Baguio and Boracay development plan

President Benigno S. Aquino III has enjoined all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government and local government units (LGUs) to actively support the Technical Working Group (TEG) on Baguio and Boracay for the preparation of comprehensive plans and programs to preserve and develop these places.

The Chief Executive issued the directive by virtue of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 47 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on May 17.

Baguio City and Boracay Island are leading tourist destinations that are considered national assets, the President said.

He said rapid growth, commercialization, and the lack of a comprehensive development and zoning plan have caused the degradation and deterioration of the two localities.

The President has directed the secretaries of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Justice to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) to review the environmental, commercial, tourism, and law and order situation in Baguio and Boracay for the purpose of developing comprehensive plans to preserve these vital national assets.

He said there is need to ensure full support and cooperation from all officials and employees of government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations for the successful completion of its tasks and functions.

The President designated the Secretary of Tourism as coordinator of the technical working group to ensure proper formulation and full integration of social and economic policies, plans, and programs.

He directed the said technical working group to work with all concerned stakeholders, including the LGUs with jurisdiction over Baguio and Boracay, in the preparation and implementation of plans and programs, and to submit regular reports to the Office of the President.

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

Town council welcomes American writer's 'disapproval' on Boracay

The local council of Malay has welcomed the criticism of an American journalist questioning the award it received recently as travelers choice award.

Catherine Hamm, deputy travel editor of the Los Angeles Times Travel Section in her article dubbed as "Trouble in Party Paradise: Boracay Island in the Philippines," cited that Boracay does not deserve to receive such an award because it is overcrowded and over developed.

In an interview Wednesday, Malay Councilor Rowen Aguirre said that he had already rendered a privilege speech over Hamm's criticism and call upon the local government of Malay to further improve the island.

"In my own opinion, the article written by Hamm is a wake-up call for the local government to continue improving the resort island as a premier tourism destination. The local government must listen to the points undertaken by Hamm on the said article," said Aguirre.

Hamm claimed she visited this resort island last year and is privy to the environmental concerns surrounding this island resort.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DoT) had announced that 14 print and broadcast journalists coming from South Korea are expected to arrive this week.

Tim Ticar of the DoT-Boracay said that although South Koreans remain to be the number one foreign tourists coming to Boracay, there still needs to promote this resort island in eastern China.

Aside from Boracay, the Korean media will also be visiting other tourism destinations such as Subic, Cebu, Davao, Metro Manila and Palawan.

"The DoT figured out that there's still a lot of potentials for South Koreans to continue visiting as tourists to the Philippines specially Boracay," Ticar said.

DoT urges every Filipino to imbibe 'Fun Philippines' campaign

The Department of Tourism (DoT) urges every Filipino to imbibe in themselves the 'Its Fun to be in the Philippines' campaign to boost tourists attractions in the country.

DoT Regional Director Helen Catalbas said that Filipinos should be friendly to both foreign and local tourists coming to their respective provinces especially in Western Visayas region.

"If we fail in our campaign, we then become funny instead of being fun and we do not want it to happen," said Catalbas.

Reports said that the DoT Central Office and the national government is investing P74 billion for tourism infrastructures through their National Tourism Development Plan. It aims to lure 12 million foreign tourists by 2016.

"The influx of tourists also contributes to our over all economy which also helps alleviate poverty," said Catalbas.

Catalbas hopes to make Western Visayas including Boracay a premier tourism destination in the country.

U.S. Reggae Band Christafari to perform in Kalibo, Boracay

U.S. Reggae Band and Christian music sensation Christafari (pronounced Christ-a-far-eye) will perform live in Kalibo and Boracay Island on May 30-31 to lead the Christian community in a unique worship concert ever in this part of the country.

 

This was announced by Bunny Jingco, president of the Boracay Island International Caretakers, Inc. (BIIC), the local partner of Becca Music, Inc. (BMI), whose managing the band of musicianaries spreading the good news of Jesus Christ all over the world through gospel reggae music.

 

Led by Pastor Mark Mohr, this multicultural 9-member group had performed in 46 states, 50 nations, at two Olympic games, and even before U.S. President Barack Obama.

 

With their blend of traditional roots and contemporary dancehall reggae, Christafari, whose root of the name is found in Greek, Latin and Amharic languages, proclaims an uncompromising message of hope and salvation to the new generation.

 

Founded by ordained born-again Christian minister Mark "Tansoback" Mohr, whose youth life was marred by drug addiction and rebellions, the group had it first album--Reggae Worship—which reached the Billboard Charts and created a buzz in the industry, garnering the attention of DC Talk'stobyMac who then signed the group to Gotee Records. 

 

In 2012, Christafari released Reggae Worship: A Roots Revival, their first worship album in almost 20 years. This breakthrough album once again catapulted them onto the Billboard Charts. The CD debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae Chart, No. 10 on Billboards Christian Albums Chart and No. 39 on the Independent Albums Chart. Nearly nine months after this album was released, Christafari jumped to No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. This marks the first time in Billboards history that a Christian artist has secured the top spot. The band was recently featured on ABC Family's The 700 Club, and TBN filmed a live concert appearance in Hawaii for a special broadcast.

 

Christafari has also started their own film company, "Rank and File", and filmed various music videos such as Christafari's "Try Jah Love", "Taking in the Son/Brilla Sobre Mi", Jennifer Howland's "Righteous Revolution", and three videos from Avion Blackman's Third World Girl album. Over the past five years Christafari has had a busy tour schedule. The band currently does around 100 shows a year in about 50 nations.

 

With Mohr as the founder, lead vocals, producer and key songwriter are Avion Blackman-Mohr (Mark's wife)—bass and background and lead vocals; Jennifer Howland-background and lead vocals; Obie Zachary Obien-lead guitar; Solomon Jabby-guitar, percussion and background vocals; Justin Nalimu-keyboards; Tyrone Rudulph-drums; Danny Ramirez-trombone; Matt Murdock-trumpet.

 

In Kalibo, the group will perform at the ABL Sports Complex in Capitol on Thursday (May 30) and in Boracay, at the Exotic Bar's front beach in Brgy. Balabag near Boracay Regency Resort & Convention Center on Friday (May 31).

Aklan confident of reaching 1.5 million tourists for 2013

The Aklan provincial government together with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Boracay said Thursday that from January to April this year, the resort island continues to lure foreign tourists with the increasing arrivals from South Korea and China.
From January to April, a total of 519,562 foreign and local tourists had already visited Boracay or a 60 percent increase from last year's figure.
Tourists from East Asian countries continue to dominate Boracay with South Koreans registering 64,311 followed by China with 56,994. A total of 26,228 Taiwanese tourists were recorded to have visited the island in the same month, followed by Russians with 8,973 and the USA with 7,759.
"We believe that the problem with Taiwan is only temporary since the national government is doing everything to iron out the conflict. Despite the travel ban of the Taiwanese government, we are still receiving several Taiwanese nationals as 'walk-ins' to Boracay," said Tim Ticar, acting head of the DOT-Boracay.
The DoT had recorded at least 10 Taiwanese tourists who came to this resort island on May 22 alone. The number of Taiwanese tourists has tremendously dropped with the cancellations of direct flights from Taipei to Kalibo International Airport.
"We consider Taiwanese tourists important for our economy and tourism. Yet, if we survived the travel ban imposed by China last year, we may survive these threats coming from Taiwan. Hope, the Taiwan-Philippines conflict will soon end," said Ticar.
Earlier, the Inside Investor (Investvine), a global company that provides information for investments, estimates that Boracay may lose US$ 55.3 million with the absence of the Taiwanese group.

DOT, Malay LGU prepares for APEC bidding

 The Department of Tourism (DOT)together with the Malay local government unit (LGU) are now busy with their preparations for the bidding of Boracay island to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in 2015.
DOT Regional Director Helen Catalbas said the mayor of Malay, where the premier tourism destination Boracay island is found, will make the bidding presentation in Manila on May 27.
Catalbas said that Boracay island is the only non-city potential site for the APEC that will be held in the country.
“With the magnitude of attendees, preparations for the APEC is now being double time,” Catalbas contended.
She said that during the presentation the Malay mayor has to convince APEC organizers that Boracay has the capacity to host the big event.

Taiwanese tourists start cancellation of flights to Boracay

Taiwanese tourists bound for this resort island have started cancelling their hotel reservations causing worry to the stakeholders.
This developed after Engr. Percy Malonesio, head of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), announced Tuesday that several airline companies had notified cancellation of flights to and from Taiwan beginning May 22.
"We have received information from the Mandarin Airlines that they will be cancelling their flights coming from Taiwan beginning tomorrow. We expect notifications from other airline companies such as the Zest Airlines and the Philippine Airlines to also follow through anytime today," said Malonesio.
The cancellation of flights was attributed to the ongoing tension between the Taiwanese and the Philippine governments over the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman. Report said the Taiwanese government has ordered travel ban to the Philippines.
Flights coming to and from Taipei, Taiwan are scheduled twice a week by airline companies Zest Air, Philippine Airlines, and Mandarin Airlines.
Although affected, the KIA will still continue its routine operation.
"We consider Taiwanese tourists important factor to our economy. Yet, we have stable flights coming from Korea and China right now," said Malonesio.
In a separate interview, Tim Ticar of the Department of Tourism-Boracay said that he is currently meeting with the officers of the Boracay Foundation Incorporated and the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"The meeting is aimed to assess how the cancellation of flights could affect the Boracay tourism industry and on how we could cope with it," said Ticar.
Taiwanese tourists composed the second highest arrivals to this resort island in 2012.

DoT sets aggressive promotion to counter possible Taiwan travel ban

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is set to launch an aggressive promotion in China and South Korea in order to cope with the possibility of losing Taiwanese tourists this year.
Tim Ticar of the DoT-Boracay said Monday that before the conflict with Taiwan worsens, the DoT is already preparing for media tours from China and South Korea for the months of May and June.
"If ever the Taiwanese government enforces the travel ban to the Philippines, the DoT will shift its massive tourism promotion to East Asian countries," Ticar said.
In 2012, South Korean tourists registered 156,445 followed by Taiwan with 92,209. Mainland China is at the third spot with 82,358.
The DoT will also try to add promotional ventures to Hong Kong being a promising tourist potentials for Boracay. Hong Kong in 2012 was at the top eight of the largest number of tourists going to Boracay with 7,349 in 2012.
The DoT is considering it a great loss if the Taiwanese government enforces its travel ban this year as the tourism agency targets 1.5 million tourists for Boracay. This resort island has so far survived though the travel ban imposed by the Chinese government in the year 2012.
"We may expect more promotional tours coming from East Asian countries this year," Ticar said.

Taiwanese continue to flock Boracay

Despite the ongoing conflict between the Philippines and Taiwan, Taiwanese continue to flock Boracay according to the records of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-Kalibo.
Engr. Percy Malonesio, CAAP-Kalibo chief, said in an interview that direct flights coming from and to Taiwan is at normal operation at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).
"Flights coming from Taiwan continue at its normal state," Malonesio said, adding that more than 90 percent of Taiwanese passengers using the KIA is bound for Boracay Island.
Taiwanese tourists rank second to the over-all foreign tourism arrivals in 2012 in Boracay. At least 92, 209 Taiwanese visited Boracay in 2012.
South Korean tourists ranked first while Chinese rank third in the over all foreign tourists arrivals in this resort island last year.
Aklan Congressman Florencio Miraflores said that the national government is doing anything it could to iron out this conflict with the government.
The conflict erupted when an operative of the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly shot to death a Taiwanese fisherman recently.

Sample ballots in Boracay distributed in public

Sample ballots are being publicly distributed by the local candidates of both two major political parties here.
The distribution of sample ballots by supporters of local bets of both the Liberal Party (LP) and the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) were being distributed by several individuals at the entrance gates of the Balabag Elementary School and the Manoc-Manoc Elementary Schools.
The town of Malay where the island of Boracay is situated is currently the third largest voting population in the province with the resort island booming with increasing population because of the tourism industry.
PO2 Nida Gregas, information officer of the Aklan Provincial Police Office, said that the PNP will investigate the apparent campaigning in public of some of the supporters of the local candidates in this resort island. The two major political parties also put up tents and makeshift offices as center for sample ballot distribution and also serving as precinct finder.
A group of tricycle drivers were also sighted in Barangay Manoc Manoc rendering free services for voters in the said village.
Currently, the APPO recorded no election related incident since the election season started early this year.

Controversial resort gains international recognition

The controversial West Cove Resort in this resort island will be receiving an international recognition after having been nominated for International Star for Quality Leadership Award.
In a copy of the document dated April 1, Jose Prieto president of the Leadership in Quality Convention, said that the West Cove Resort here has been selected by the Imagen Arte Imarpress to receive the award in the gold category for 2013.
The award will be presented during the Gala Awards Ceremony of the Leadership in Quality Convention in Paris, France at the iconic Palais de Congress de Paris and Concorde La Fayette. Diplomatic representatives along with leaders on business, finance, the arts and members of the communications media will be attending.
GPerson Magazine, published by Imagen Arts Imapress, has presented the award as part of its work to highlight and promote exemplary companies upholding the values of the QC100 Total Quality Management Model.
Prieto said that along with other services, the ISLQ award serves to promote local, national and international leaders in recognition of their growth, innovation, technological development and leadership in quality and excellence.
For his part, Ben Mobo general manager of the West Cove Resort said that they are not expecting the award and has been surprised after receiving the letter.
"We have confirmed to the French Embassy if the letter is authenticated and they told me its real. We are planning to coordinate with Malacanang, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in receiving the award," Mobo said in an interview.
The DENR last year has ordered the demolition of part of the structures of the resort for allegedly violating environmental standards. The West Cove management has denied the allegation.

4 multi-billion corporations inject new investments in Boracay

 Four multi-billion conglomerates have expressed plans to construct new hotels in Boracay to further boost the economy and tourism in the island in ten years.
KASANGGA party-list Rep. Teodorico Hareshco said these new investments will create 10,000 additional rooms for Boracay. At the same time, it will provide a minimum of 20,000 new jobs.
One of these large investors is the San Miguel Corporation that is currently developing the Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan, he said.
The party-list representative said the four corporations have purchased properties in the island but construction is still on hold as the investors are still waiting for the election period to end.
"We expect that the towns of Nabas, Malay and Buruanga will become a bustling metropolis if these new investments will become operational," said Hareshco, a native of Aklan province.
Because of this development, the Aklan provincial government sees the possibility of having two million tourists in 2016.
This year, the Aklan provincial government expects to welcome 1.5 million visitors.

Police warns tourists against proliferation of fake P500 bills

The Boracay Philippine National Police (PNP) warns tourists and residents against proliferation of fake P500 bills in this resort island.
Chief Insp. Joeffer Cabural, Boracay police chief, said Monday that a businessman here has surrendered to police authorities a fake P500 bill believed to have come from a costumer.
"We are still investigating the incident and identifying the motive on the proliferation of fake money in Boracay," Cabural said.
Among the possible motives being eyed are the election or that a syndicate of counterfeit bills is already here in Boracay.
Police said that fake P500 bills if undetected could uncontrollably pass especially high tourism areas such as this resort island.

Establishments heed the call for voluntary redevelopment

The Presidential Task Force composed of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), in cooperation with the local government unit of Malay and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), lauds several DOT-accredited enterprises which have voluntarily cleaned the beach area fronting their establishments and cleared structures in support of the 25 plus 5 meter easement regulation in the island of Boracay.

The DOT Region VI office reported that among those which have complied are the Ambassador in Paradise and Seawind Beach Resort, both high-end resorts located at Brgy. Balabag. Ambassador in Paradise was the first resort to implement the clearing of the seawall built in front of the establishment that encroaches the easement. The clearing was made after the resort management attended the Consultation with the Business Cluster spearheaded by DOT Region VI last 17 January 2013, in which representatives of tourism establishments were advised to tear down the said structures to protect the area from further damage caused by sand erosions during south monsoon season. Other establishments located at Sitio Mangayad in Brgy. Balabag such as The Mandarin de Boracay Resort, Le Soleil de Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Uptown, Chez de Paris Restaurant, and Nigi Nigi Nu Noos Resort also did their share by relocating fish bars and seafood display tables inside their respective establishments to allot space for the walkways.

Early this year, the task force announced that several establishments were found to be not complying with the redevelopment plans for Boracay and were issued notices to act on the plan by the end of March. However, since the volume of tourists had peaked as early as February and continues to do so, the deadline was extended until after the summer season.

The government task force enjoins the rest of the establishments concerned to comply with the voluntary redevelopment directive as soon as possible. The order pertains to the illegal structures, including embankments to prevent floods.  The community was assured of an upcoming flood control project that will start soon and be completed within the year.

 “With the rise of tourism arrivals comes a heightened sense of protection and preservation of our natural resources. I am thankful that we already have the support of several stakeholders who understand the importance of sustainability.  With the many international accolades the country is getting at the present, we cannot be complacent. We have just managed to breach the 1M visitor arrival mark in the first quarter leading towards our 5 million target this year.  We can only be confident when we have the support of all stakeholders beyond Boracay in protecting the tourism assets in their respective destinations.  This is definitely part of the more fun campaign, that is keeping the hosts proud and making sure our visitors are satisfied” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

Tourism institute eyed to be built in Aklan

The Aklan provincial government is planning to build a tourism institute here which is expected to boost the capability of the hotel and restaurant management (HRM) services.
This was bared by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores (Lone District) during the forum with the officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan here Thursday night.
"I discovered that many HRM students who underwent training to several hotels in Boracay are required to pay P5,000 each for the training. I consider this unfair because hotels are earning much from the tourism and also the hotels giving the training do not give incentives to the trainees," Miraflores said.
To solve this problem, the province is eyeing to build a tourism institute to be housed at the Governor Corazon Cabagnot Memorial Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang.
Modern facilities for the HRM will be provided into the tourism institute. It also aims to improve HRM capabilities to cope with the growing demand for Boracay.
"We are also planning to solicit sponsorship from several hotels in Boracay to boost our program on our proposed tourism institute," Miraflores added.

Proposal to build Boracay bridge under way

The Municipal Planning Office of Malay, Aklan has already put into their list of priorities the proposal to build a bridge connecting Boracay to Caticlan, Malay.
The inclusion of investing in a bridge was recently presented by the local government during the presentation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the municipality.
Engr. Roger Esto, director of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), said he is aware of the proposal but has not yet discussed it with the local government for implementation.
Report said the San Miguel Brewery Corporation has expressed interest in funding the said Boracay bridge.
"Aside from environmental and traffic concerns, another factor to be considered is the loss of livelihood of hundred of boatmen who bring tourists to and from Boracay," Esto said in an interview Thursday.
Also, the PPDO wishes to know the detailed traffic plan for Boracay once the proposed bridge has been constructed.