Biyernes, Pebrero 28, 2014

Government ensures security of the Boracay Atis



Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas has visited the Ati Village in this resort island Friday to ensure their security.

Roxas said he received a request coming from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) recently asking for police assistance. NCIP officials said that the Aeta's are currently in the thick of building their communities.

"We do not want the private stakeholders meddle in the lives of the Aetas so I had ordered the Philippine National Police to set up a detachment at the Aeta community," said Roxas.

In February 2013, the spokesman of the Aeta community was fatally shot. He was fighting to claim for their land ownership for the 2.1 hectare of land promised to them by the national government.

Aside from the Aeta community, Roxas together with Secretaries Ramon Jimenez of tourism and Environment and Ramon Paje of environment and natural resources also conducted ocular inspection at the beach front.

It could be recalled that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has ordered the creation of a national task force to ensure environmental sustainability in tourism areas such as Boracay and Baguio.

The local task force, the Boracay Redevelopment, reported of 93 percent accomplishments of destroying the illegal structures against the 25+5 easement established by private stakeholders in this resort island.

Huwebes, Pebrero 27, 2014

Provincial board seeks property tax hike in Boracay

 The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan is seeking an increase for real property taxes in this resort island starting in 2015.

Provincial board member Jose Enrique Miraflores, chairman on the committee of tourism, said the last real property tax increase was in 2005.

"The General Revisions Act emphasized that the taxation for real properties is encouraged every three years. It is but proper for us to revise the provision after nine years," said Miraflores.

The SP has started Thursday the public consultation for real properties in the 17 towns of Aklan. The schedule for consultation for real properties in Boracay is on March 6 at the SP session hall in Provincial Capitol, Kalibo.

Miyerkules, Pebrero 26, 2014

ROXAS SENDS MORE COPS TO KEEP PEACE IN BORACAY’S ATI LAND

By: PNP Public Information Office

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the security of 30 Ati families who were recently awarded ownership of a 2.1-hectare property in Boracay Island through the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA).

Roxas issued the order after the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), with the help of the PNP and the Armed Forces, began putting up last Sunday the perimeter fence marking the metes and bound of the newly-awarded Ati property at Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Malay town, Aklan.

“Inaasahan ko na sisiguruhin ng ating mga pulis na mananatiling ligtas mula sa anumang kapahamakan ang mga kapatid nating Ati sa Boracay,” Roxas said.

“Alam kong gagawin ng PNP ang lahat, maging maglagay ng PNP detachment sa Ati community kung kinakailangan, matiyak lamang ang katahimikan sa komunidad,” he added.

The NCIP, in a letter dated February 11, 2013, sought the assistance of Roxas to avert possible violence that could mar Sunday’s activity due to conflicting private claims on the Ati property.

 In her letter to Roxas, NCIP Executive Director Marlea Munez explained that the Commission issued a Writ of Execution on the 2.1-hectare property sometime in July last year to affirm the recognition of the right of Ati of Boracay Island to their ancestral domain.

Munez noted that NCIP representatives, however, had difficulty implementing the Writ as they encountered organized opposition from private persons and entities who have been claiming ownership of the land despite the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) that was issued in favor of the Ati.

“These private persons/entities have worked to make the implementation of the Writ of Execution not only difficult, but outright dangerous and risky for both the Ati and the government officials involved,” the NCIP official pointed out.

 “We believe that your agency is best equipped to aid communities at risk – communities such as the Ati who have been marginalized and oppressed for far too long. Thus, we would like to seek your good office’s able assistance in implementing the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Writ of Execution,” Munez added.

After receiving the NCIP request, Roxas immediately ordered the PNP to dispatch more policemen in Boracay Island to maintain peace and order during the NCIP’s construction of perimeter fence for the Ati community.

“Tungkulin ng PNP na siguruhin ang kapayapaan sa nasabing lugar. Tungkulin din nila na bigyan ng proteksyon ang mahihirap na mamamayan na walang matakbuhan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” the DILG chief pointed out.

Roxas appealed to other private claimants to respect the CADT issued by NCIP for the Ati community and refrain from resorting to violence to stake their claim on contested properties in the island.

“Sana naman ay respetuhin ng ating mga kababayan ang mga Ancestral Domain Titles na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan sa mga kapatid nating Ati. Mas makabubuti kung sasamahan natin ang pamahalaan sa pagtatanggol, pangangalaga at pagpapaunlad ng mga Lupaing Ninuno,” Roxas said.

Boracay police urges tourists to be vigilant

The Boracay Tourists Action Center (BTAC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged both local and foreign tourists coming to this resort island to be wary and vigilant against thieves here.

Police Senior Inspector Mark Evan Salvo, Boracay police chief, said that it is better for tourists to be cautious of their personal belongings while in Boracay.

"The police expects tourist to troop to this resort island especially during summer season. We hope that they would be vigilant," said Salvo.

Reports said that the BTAC has requested the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas for additional deployment of troops for augmentation of police security here.

"Currently, we have deployed secret tourism police in strategic areas to ensure security especially in the front beach," Salvo said.

The theft and robbery section in this resort island is also in continuous alertness due to possible cases of snatching and robberies here.

Already, the Boracay police had arrested numerous suspected thieves operating in this resort island but their number continue to increase also because of the increasing tourists coming to Boracay.

Martes, Pebrero 25, 2014

WOFEX GOES TO BORACAY

World Food Expo, or better known as WOFEX, now on its 14th year, is visiting one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay, for the first time, with its CATALOGUE SHOW.

WOFEX BORACAY 2014 promises to bring to this beautiful island, various food and beverage suppliers that will cater to the needs of those wanting to set up their own business or improve their offerings. It is the best venue to source and book orders on site as the following suppliers will be on hand to meet and answer questions, and offer affordable prices. Among the suppliers slated to join this much anticipated expo are bakery equipment and ingredients, beverages, coffee machines, beans and syrups, dairy products, flavorings and spices, food service equipment and supplies, franchising, fruit fillings and snacks, labels, material handling, and packaging supplies.

As an added offering, WOFEX UNIVERSITY will be on hand to conduct seminars by industry experts. WOFEX UNIVERSITY is the training division of Wofex series, which provides advanced learning in the food and beverage industry provided by practitioners and industry professionals. Among the topics to be covered are HOTEL, RESTAURANT and FOOD TRENDS by Mr. Rufino Abad, Director, Genting Star Tourism Academy; KITCHEN MANAGEMENT by Mr. Randy Umali, HAACP Manager; FOOD SUSTAINABILITY by Ms Pacita Juan of Echostore and Philippine Coffee Board, and many more.

Pepgroup Inc. President Joel Pascual affirms the need of the food and beverage industry to share their expertise and to network especially outside of Metro Manila in order to give better and more affordable options.

The Mayor of Boracay, Honorable John Yap is expected to grace the two-day event with the support of the Malay Tourism office.

Boracay performer to offer music video for FIFA World Cup

A Boracay-based performer will shoot a music video as his tribute to the forthcoming Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

Armand Tj Tajnlangit, an Ilongo, plans to shoot the MTV in Boracay and Manila to focus on international community especially the Brazilian people," said Tajnlangit Tuesday.

In Boracay, the shoot will happen on March 10-13 in Diniwid, Puka Beach and Boracay Terraces Resort (BTR).

In 2013, Tajnlangit was featured in several news organizations for his project "One Island One World" which focuses on the international rehabilitation efforts for the victims of typhoon "Haiyan" locally known as Yolanda.

The World Cup fever is expected to culminate on June 12-July 13 in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Tajnlangit said that he is also scheduled to perform in Shanghai, China on March 20 as part of his 'Boracay to the World' tour.

"I am also planning to stage a concert in Beijing," he said.

Lunes, Pebrero 24, 2014

NCIP affirms Aeta reservation in Boracay



The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) affirms last Saturday the 2.1-hectare property in this resort island as the lot donated for the Aetas.

The affirmation through the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) was made during the commemoration of the one year death anniversary of their fellow Aeta Dexter Condez.

Condez was shot to death by armed culprits February 22, 2013 fighting for the land they owned. Condez was the spokesman of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization.

Though already identified, the suspect until now has remained.

The affirmation has been made as Aetas continue to be harassed by prominent resort owners in the island.

Earlier, NCIP Executive Director Marlea Nunez said they have spearheaded the demolition of illegal fence placed by private stakeholders at the Ati Village in Barangay Manoc-Manoc here.

Nunez said that it is illegal for the private stakeholders to put up the perimeter fence within the 2.1-hectare property. The court already gave the Certificate of Ancestral Domains Title (CADT) in favor of the Aetas.

Sabado, Pebrero 22, 2014

AIRASIA LAUNCHES DIRECT KUALA LUMPUR-KALIBO FLIGHTS

Budget airline AirAsia will mount direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo, Aklan, startingApril 18, 2014.
The new Kuala Lumpur-Kalibo route will operate four times a week -- every Monday,Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The direct flights are expected to bring more tourists to Kalibo, gateway to Boracay beach.
This is also AirAsia’s third Philippine destination with direct flights available via AirAsia Zest from Kuala Lumpur, Miri and Kota Kinabalu.
AirAsia will give away free seats with applicable taxes and fees from as low as RM77 (P1,078) one way which are available for booking online at www.airasia.com starting 12 p.m., February 19 until February 23, 2014.
AirAsia’s global loyalty program, BIG is also offering Priority Redemption for BIG members from 0 BIG Points onwards, beginning 0001hrs to 1200hrs (GMT+8) on February 19, ahead of the general public.
The travel period for these free seats will be from the April 18, 2014 until January 31, 2015.
"We are committed towards connecting communities from this region, and we have an abundance of world class island & beach destinations, and we are proud to add Kalibo, which is the gateway to the magnificent Boracay Island in the Philippines to our extensive list of exciting destinations," Aireen Omar, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Berhad, said.

Another two wanted foreign nationals nabbed

By: SPO3 Christopher Mendoza

The operatives of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center arrested another two foreign nationals charged for two different cases.

They were Stacey Carpenter, an American National arrested in the evening of February 19 and Oualid Belja Amor, a German national arrested on February 21.

Carpenter was arrested for the crime of Less Serious Physical Injury while Amor was arrested for the crime of Resistance and Disobedience to an Agent of Person in Authority under paragraph 1 of Article 151 of the RPC with a recommended bail bond of Php2, 000.00. The Warrant of Arrests were both issued by Hon. Maribel D De Guia-Cipriano, Assisting Judge of 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court-Burunga-Malay, Aklan.

Carpenter was released after paying the recommended bail bond fixed at Php2, 000.00 for his temporary liberty while Amor will be turned-over to the proper court concerned.

Since January 2014, BTAC had a total of seven arrested wanted persons; four foreign nationals and three Filipinos.

Huwebes, Pebrero 20, 2014

Beach managers eye Coral Refurbishment Project in Boracay

The Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP)in this resort island is eyeing Coral Refurbishment Project as a possible solution to the worsening problem of beach erosion.

Al Lumagod, project officer of the BBMP, said that the project aims to increase coral reforestation here.

"If there will be an increase of corals, it will be protecting the beach," said Lumagod, a marine biologist.

He also urged both foreign and local tourists going to Boracay to help in protecting the environment of this resort island.

The proposed implementation of the Coral Refurbishment Project is part of the activity under the Coastal Resource Management Program under the BBMP.

Martes, Pebrero 18, 2014

International NGO intensifies campaign vs child prostitution

he End Child Prostitution Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), an international non-government organization (NGO), has revived its intensified campaign in this resort island.

PO3 Christopher Mendoza, information officer of the Boracay Tourists Action Center (BTAC), said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is an active partner of the campaign. Aside from the PNP, the Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) is also an active partner.

"Recently, the PNP, ECPAT and the BLTMPC has distributed stickers among motorized tricycles and motor bancas in this resort island as part of the campaign," Mendoza said in an interview Tuesday.

On February 26-27 of this year, the ECPAT will also hold a training for stakeholders in this resort island.

For years, the ECPAT is actively promoting its advocacy against child sexual abuses here in Boracay.

Miyerkules, Pebrero 12, 2014

Power shortage in Aklan

The official of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) reported Wednesday of a current power shortage in Aklan province, including Boracay Island.

Engr. Joel Martinez of AKELCO said the power shortage is part of the on-going rehabilitation efforts together with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in the province. The rehabilitation has been ongoing after super typhoon 'Yolanda' hit Visayas in November 2013.

"As we continue to restore the damaged electric distribution lines, power demand is rising. Right now, we are dependent on the supply the NGCP gives us. Because of this we are implementing a load shedding procedure for our member consumers," said Martinez.

Some towns in the province including this resort island and northern part of Antique may experience power interruptions from time to time. The power shortage is expected to last until June.

"The brownouts usually happen from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. depending on the availability of the electricity," he said.

Ombudsman suspends Boracay village chief

 The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has slapped a two-month suspension order against the village chief of Barangay Yapak, Boracay.

Ace Azarcon, Aklan provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the suspension order will be in effect until April 10, 2014.

"We had received the suspension order and we forwarded a copy of which to the local government of Malay. The local government in turn served the copy to the office of Hector Casidsid, the suspended village chief," said Azarcon.

A private citizen complained against Casidsid for misconduct after the latter used a private property without permission on dumping wastes of the village. The case was filed two years ago.

Because of this, the DILG warned residents to temporarily refrain from transacting business with Casidsid because this may be deemed illegal.

"We also encourage Casidsid to file a counter charge against the complainant if he feels doing it," said Azarcon.

Lunes, Pebrero 10, 2014

Gaming firm wants poker for Boracay

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay, Aklan will study the proposal of a gaming firm based in Metro Manila establishing a poker facility in this resort island.

This developed after the Azur Poker and Gaming Corporation had written to the local council its intent to operate a poker facility here.

Malay Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito said that the council upon receiving the letter referred it to the committee on tourism to study the proposal.

"After which, we expect the deliberation during regular council sessions," said Gelito.

For several years,this resort island has received offers from different gaming firms for the establishment of a casino facility but these had been rejected by the Catholic church.(

Biyernes, Pebrero 7, 2014

Forum shopping in a land registration case dismissed

The Kalibo Regional Trial Court Branch 7 presided by Judge Domingo Casiple Jr junked a land registration case for forum shopping.

The court found that one of the petitioner in Land Registration Case No. 512 titled "Eric B. Vargas representing all the heirs of Escolastico Vargas and, Sanny E. Alonsagay representing the heirs of Anselmo Ambay versus Fil Estate Properties Inc (FEPI) Et. Al.", was among the petitioners in the petition for cancellation dated May 26, 2006 filed before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Respondents in the DENR case, with the exception of Rosalia Gonzales Sarabia are the same respondents in the instant cause (LRC 512).

Respondent Josel D. Tirol Jr. represented by Jessica Tirol-Andan claimed that petitioners admit the pendency of the DENR case.

Petitioners, represented by Atty. Axel Gonzales, claimed ignorance of the DENR case alleging that the same may not have been filed. Also, petitioners claimed that there is no identity of parties, identity of rights or causes of action and identity as to the relief sought. Petitioners also alleged that the lot subject of DENR case is merely 18 hectares which the instant case, the case sought to be cancelled is more than 300 hectares located at Boracay Island.

The court cited the case in the Municipality of Taguig vs Court of Appeals, 489 SCRA 588 (2005) that forum shopping exists, when as a result of an adverse opinion in one forum, a party seeks a favorable opinion (other than by appeal or certiorari) in another, or when he institutes two or more actions or proceedings grounded on the same cause on the grounds that one or the other would make a favorable disposition.

The court emphasized that forum shopping can be committed in three ways as cited in Aoas vs Court of Appeals 1.) by filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action and with the same prayer, the previous case not having been resolved yet (where the ground for dismissal is litis pendentis); 2.) by filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action and with the same prayer, the previous case having been finally resolved (where the ground for dismissal is res judicata); and 3) by filing multiple cases based on the same cause of action but with different prayers (splitting of case of action, where the ground  for dismissal is also either litis pendentia or resjudicate).

The court further cited the Supreme Court ruling in Philippine Pharmawealth, Inc vs Pfizer, 635 SCRA 140 (2010) when it said: "It is worth noting that forum shopping exists not only when two cases are pending before different courts but also when two similar cases are filed with the court and another in an agency or quasi-judicial body or tribunal."

There is likewise identity of interest in both the DENR case and the case before Branch 7 of the regional trial court.

In dismissing the Land Registration case involving the land inherited by respondents in Boracay Isand covered by OCT No. 18853, the court, cited certain Supreme Court doctrines against forum shopping when it asserted: "forum shopping could be cited by the other party as a ground to ask for summary or dismissal of the two (or more) complaints or petitions, and for the impositions of the other sanctions, which are direct contempt of court, criminal prosecution, and disciplinary action against the erring lawyer.'

In the dismissed order dated January 8, 2014, Judge Casiple also denied the petitioners motion to litigate as indigent litigations. The court noted that certain petitioners have considerable income from real properties they own. Moreover, the court had noted that a settlement for Belyn Holdings in Civil Case No. 8203, petitioners, and admitted by their counsel, have previously received P11,000,000.00. There is still a supposed balance of P66,000,000.00 from Belyn Holdings of UCPB and are not indigent litigants in contemplation of the Rules of Court as petitioners had earlier claimed. The motion of petitioners failed to substantiate and comply with the income and property requirements as would allow a party to litigate as indigent litigant and to exempt payment of docket and other administrative fees.

Marine expert urges local government to go slow on Boracay demolition

A marine expert coming from the Coastal Ecosystems Conservation and Adaptive Management (CECAM) urged the local government of Malay, Aklan to go slow with the ongoing series of demolitions of illegal structures in this resort island.

Dr. Miguel Fortes, project manager of CECAM, said that the series of demolitions may have an effect in the environment of Boracay in the long run.

It was learned that debris gathered by the local government from the demolitions were dumped at the beach front and washed out into the sea during high tide.

Several tourists also reported having been injured by debris.

"Among the possible effects to Boracay of the ongoing demolition is the discoloration of the pristine white sand beach of Boracay. We also recommend that the local government should just dump the debris in one location," Fortes said.

The local government of Malay has promised to study the proposal of Fortes.

Huwebes, Pebrero 6, 2014

German cruise chip cancels Boracay visit

The MS Deutschland, a German based International cruise ship, cancelled its scheduled trip to this resort island because of the typhoon that hit Taiwan recently.

This was bared by Niven Maquirang who is Caticlan jetty port administrator.

"The MS Deutschland which is supposed to arrive in Boracay February 7 has been cancelled because of the typhoon. There is no definite schedule yet as to when will the trip resume," said Maquirang.

The MS Deutschland was supposed to bring 367 German nationals, few Australians and Filipinos together with some 300 crews to Boracay.

However, other international cruise ships such as the MS Europa 2 is scheduled to arrive here Saturday. Another Cruise Ship the MS Costa Rica is also set to arrive before the month of February ends.

This year at least six more international cruise ships are expected to arrive in this resort island.

Lunes, Pebrero 3, 2014

Reefbuds Artificial technology eyed to replicate in the US



The Mote Marine Laboratory, one of the prominent research laboratories in the United States of America (USA), has started to conduct deeper evaluation of the efficacy of the Reefbud Artificial technology for possible use.

Jojo Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said that the US firm got interested in the technology after observing and surveying reefbud sites in Anilao, Batangas and in Boracay.

"The SPC has installed 5,000 reefbuds along the damaged coral reef of the west beach of Boracay and has observed, in a survey last November positive results. Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955," Rodriguez said.

Said Reefbud Artifical Technology will be evaluated as fish and invertebrate habitat and based on species abundance, diversity, ontogenic (embryonic) stage, colonization rates, and persistence over time. The study is designed to allow for a statistically robust evaluation.

"Testing and deployment of Reefbud modules will be implemented on two sites in the Gulf of Mexico at Sarasota and Lee County, Florida. Testing will be done over several year period so to evaluate viability and survivability of generated marine life. Total Cost of testing will amount to two million dollars," said Rodriguez.

Overall performance of the Reefbud will then be evaluated based on its ability to enhance the growth of a natural marine reef community.

Mote Marine Laboratory tested numerous types of possible Reef materials in the 80’s which results lead to the State of Florida’s policy of only allowing artificial reef material to be made of concrete or limestone. Mote Marine Laboratory stated that the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the Reefbud modules, which are a newly designed artificial reef structure composed of organic and inorganic material, and compare its performance with other traditional materials used in the construction of artificial reefs.

Today Mote covers more than 200 acres at five locations, with an annual operating budget of US$ 23 million, a staff of about 250 and more than 1,400 volunteers. More than 400,000 people visit each year.

Linggo, Pebrero 2, 2014

2014 seen as banner year for Boracay

The year 2014 is expected to be a banner year for Boracay tourism.

In an interview Monday, Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores said this is the gist of his State of the Province Address (SOPA) comes February 5 at the Aklan Provincial Capitol.

"The Aklan provincial government is robust to the tourism industry of Boracay," Miraflores said.

Among the considerations of 2014 as Aklan's banner year for tourism is that there are at least 10 international cruise ships expected to arrive in this resort island this year. The cruise ships arrivals are the highest number so far for Boracay.

Each cruise ship will bring thousands of foreign and local tourists to the island. Also, airline companies from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and others have expressed interest in holding direct chartered flights to Boracay via the Kalibo International Airport.

The Department of Tourism also reported that 2014 is a year of preparation for the hosting of 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

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 OF...