APEC ministers adopt ‘Boracay Action Agenda’

Asia-Pacific ministers have adopted a plan advancing the regional significance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The “Boracay Action Agenda” was crafted during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting here.
APEC members recognize that MSMEs are vital to the region’s overall growth, said the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry secretary Gregory Domingo.
“MSMEs are an important force in economic activity, growth, job creation, community resilience, and innovation,” said Domingo. “We will complement APEC’s initiatives on promoting MSMEs’ participation in the global value chain.”
According to Domingo, Boracay Action Agenda is an action-oriented initiative supporting APEC’s work addressing the barriers MSMEs face in the international trade.
It will also “facilitate their access to regional and global markets, with a strengthened focus on micro and small enterprises,” he said.
Held from May 23 to 24 in Shangri-La Hotel here, the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting had the theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.”
The meeting helped identify areas for cooperation and action on trade facilitation, e-commerce, and financing and institutional support, and on MSME internationalization./

Effort to conserve Boracay not enough, says environmental expert

An Aklanon researcher has expressed disappointment over what he claimed was lack of effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in ensuring environmental sustainability in this resort island.

Raymund Jacinto Sucgang who works as a researcher at the Philippine Nuclear Institute, organized a team in 2012 to conduct a study on the effect of algal bloom to corals in this resort island.

In 2013, he brought algal bloom samples to Japan for study. He said he took samplings during the post monsoon, pre-monsoon and during summer.

"The result is the waters of Boracay Island is polluted. I found the algal bloom harmful to corals while there is no study yet to determine its (algal bloom) effect to humans yet. I suggest tourists should swim from areas away from the presence of the algal bloom," Sucgang said.

Earlier, the DENR warned resorts here that it would order closure if they had found establishments contributing to the problem on algal bloom.

"The DENR should have undertaken the steps long ago. Right now the Boracay is sick and the way to treat it is through scientific background," Sucgang added.

"The problem continues to worsen since tourists continue to increase its number to Boracay," he added.

He also rejected the claims of the residents that the algal bloom is not harming this resort island.

"The residents may be referring to the green algal bloom. But the beach has presence of blue algal bloom indicating pollution. It came from undeclared septic systems discharging wastes into the sea. Even if it rains hard, the pollution in Boracay still exists," he said.

Opening Remarks

APEC MRT Chair Gregory Domingo
APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting
May 23, 2015, Boracay, Aklan, Philippines

Good morning, Colleagues. I thank all of you for coming here.

According to legend, the name “Boracay” comes from the local word “borac” meaning “cotton” and refers to the famous white, cottony color and texture of Boracay’s sandy beach.

We have scheduled the meetings so that there will be time to go to the beach early mornings and late afternoons. We'll try to keep the meetings short so we are ahead of schedule. There is a famous saying in the Philippines that "What happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay". But I think that saying refers to private things. In APEC's case, we will not follow that rule because whatever we accomplish here, we want the world to know. I propose that we start work immediately so that we can all enjoy Boracay’s alluring beauty.

This year, we adopted the theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”. Inclusive growth has been on the APEC table from the beginning – since Bogor in 1994 when Leaders committed to reinforce economic cooperation “on the basis of equal partnership, shared responsibility, mutual respect, common interest and common benefit.”

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the realization of this vision and in the long-term growth of our respective economies and the entire APEC region as they comprise the great majority of businesses. Thus, I consider it very important that our approach includes the interest of SMEs, particularly micro and rural enterprises, as a priority. An important component of this effort is to bolster their ability of to take advantage of cross border business opportunities that will boost our economies in the process. Let us note that recognizing the diverse characters and different capacities of SMEs is an important parameter in pursuing interventions that are reflective of and responsive to their needs.

Colleagues, our promotion of trade and investment has provided a solid framework for growth and prosperity. Certainly, inequality and poverty are still present and remain the biggest challenges to our economies. But over the past 50 years, trade has proved to be a powerful engine of growth. Thus, we need to expand trade and investment and encourage economic dynamism to achieve strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. APEC has a particular responsibility in this regard being an important regional bloc and a major player in international trade.

APEC meetings in Boracay safe – PNP

The conduct of the second senior officials’ meeting of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit from May 9-21 was relatively peaceful, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Around 3,000 policemen from the Special Action Force , Bomb Squad and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) were deployed for the APEC meeting.

There was also an augmentation force from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Meanwhile, the delegates coming from 21 APEC member-countries lauded the vibrant and stunning scenery and natural beauty of the world famous tourist resort island during a farewell dinner hosted by the Philippine government.

With the concept of “Funtasea” (Fantasy), the APEC delegates praised the colorful display of artistry and creativity. Among the artistic concepts include the selfie sensation, island reggae, floating island, and the jellyfish stage decoration.

APEC challenged to interest more youth in agriculture

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario has expressed concerns about the apparent lack of interest for agriculture among the younger generation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries.

“This is a challenge for APEC member-countries as there is a huge demand for food security,” said del Rosario during a press conference here Tuesday during the ongoing 2015 APEC Second Senior Officials Meeting being held here.

The DFA undersecretary said APEC member countries must be keen in getting the youth to take part in agriculture or agricultural research that can help address the rising demand for food security in the region.

Del Rosario cited the role of the Filipino youth, particularly those participating in scientific research conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to benefit the agriculture sector.

One of the other concerns discussed during the APEC Second Senior Officials Meeting was the role of innovation and regulation in the agricultural sector.

“Adding value in the food supply chain is made possible through increased raw product value while minimizing food waste,” said Dr. Ian Ferguson, Departmental Science Advisor of the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries.

Ferguson, however, particularly pointed out that innovation is commonly in conflict with regulation with the latter failing to keep up with the introduction of modern agricultural techniques.

Aside from food sustainability, the APEC Second Senior  Officials Meeting held on Boracay Island also highlighted the vital role of modern and efficient supply chain for businesses that seek access to regional and global markets.

APEC Family Photo

Delegates of the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting pose for their official family photo at the Jetty Port of Banyugan Beach in Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa after the Opening Session of the SOM2.

Another investor behind harassment of Ariel’s Point?

Another investor is said to be behind the closure order of a cliff diving site here.
Ariel’s Point owner Ariel Abriam said Buruanga mayor Quezon Labindao himself bared during one of the meetings on the permanent closure order of the diving site that the planned investment of an Oceanpark is behind the mayor’s motivation to order the closure.
“A hearing called by the municipal government on Ariel’s Point Resort’s alleged violations, Labindao mentioned his desire to have the property acquired by Oceanpark, which already has a facility nearby. He [Labindao’ explained that it would be more beneficial to the Municipality of Buruanga if the property is sold to Oceanpark as it is a bigger investor,” said Abriam, who formerly headed the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay.
To counteract the closure order, Abriam, through his counsel MarienneI Badlit, petitioned the Kalibo regional trial court for a certiorari prohibition and mandamus with urgent appeal for temporary restraining order (TRO), and/or writ of preliminary prohibition/mandatory injunction.
Abriam also asked the court to issue a 72-hour ex-parte TRO; upon summary hearing, and extend the TRO for another 20 days, and subsequently stop permanently the implementation of the mayor’s closure order. Furthermore, he asked the court to order Labindao and his fellow respondents to pay P4.7 million in indemnity, damages and litigation fees.
Oceanpark could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Biz group to showcase grand Flores de Mayo

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) will showcase the third Grand Boracay Flores de Mayo here on May 23.
Raffy Cooper, BFI marketing officer, said the festival will be participated in by different resorts here.
The participants will parade at the front beach, anticipating that it will be witnessed by the delegates attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Boracay is the venue of the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on May 23-24.
Featuring one of the most beloved traditions, the Santacruzan, the event will highlight the island’s most beautiful young ladies and their consorts in a flower-decked procession. The participants will wear traditional Filipino costumes in commemoration of the finding of the Holy Cross by Reyna Elena, Cooper said.
Cooper also said the Flores de Mayo parade in Boracay is different from all other similar traditions in the country since it will be held at the front beach.
The program starts after the 5 p.m. mass to be held at the Balabag Holy Rosary Parish. A colorful parade will then commence from Station 1 to Station 2 here./

Chinese couple saved from drowning

A newly wed Chinese couple were saved from drowning by the personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard here Sunday noon.

Lt. Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno, PCG-Caticlan chief, identified the couple as Yuan Qiang Wu, 27, and his wife Chun Lan Li, 29, of Canton province, China.

They were rescued by PO3 Mark Anthony Sumanoy, 29, of San Fernando, Romblon and SN2 Dan Arvin Goboy, 28, of Laua-an, Antique. Local vendor Romel Alonsagay, 33, also assisted in the rescue.

"I will recommend that they will be given due recognition from the higher ups," said Vingno.

"The two were having fun together at Puka Beach when strong waves overcame them. Fortunately, our PCG personnel were at the area and they immediately came to the rescue.

Both Sumanoy and Goboy had already saved several victims of drowning incidents in this resort island in the past three years.

Wu, in an interview, said that they only got married in China on May 6 and decided to go to Boracay for their honeymoon.

During the drowning, Wu held Li's body above the surface of the water and pushed her to the nearest beach. It was another tourist who was also swimming who shouted for help and called the attention of the coast guard.

They were then transferred to a private medical clinic here for examination.

"I consider the PCG personnel as our angels. In China, we consider it as a fortunate sign when lives had been saved," said Wu in an interview Monday.

Disaster managers gear up for typhoon

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores instructed provincial disaster managers and volunteers to be prepared ahead for typhoon “Dodong.”
In an interview, Miraflores said that although Aklan is not in the typhoon’s track, it is important to be prepared as the province plays hosts to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings from May 10- 24.
“It is better to be prepared ahead of time. We have also communicated to 17 different municipal disaster managers to be ready and prepared,” said Miraflores.
It was learned that the Office of the Civil Defense is also preparing similar preparations ahead of the typhoon.
APEC delegates will convene here on May 10-21 for the Second Senior Officials Meeting (SOM2) and Related Meetings and May 23-24 for Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.
Around 2, 000 delegates are expected to come over.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, typhoon “Dodong” has intensified its strength as it continues to move in the general direction of Eastern Luzon.
Public storm signal number one was declared in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Polillo Island and Northern Samar.

Number of hornbills in Panay growing

Conservationists in Panay Island are optimistic about the growing number of hornbills that are considered critically endangered.
“We estimate that there are now 3,000 individual species of hornbills in Panay,” said Christian Schwartz, a German national and currently the project manager of the Philippine Conservation Incorporated (Philincon).
The present number is a significant increase in the number of hornbills in Panay, which was only around 1,000 several years ago, he said.
Panay Island, composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo, has two species of hornbills: the Visayas Tarictic Hornbill and the Writhed-billed Hornbill.
The province of Antique, by virtue of a Sanguniang Panlalawigan resolution passed several years ago, considers the hornbill as its provincial bird.
“We continuously received reports that there are private resorts in Iloilo and in other areas including Boracay that harbor a captive hornbill disguised as a tourism lure. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources does not give permits to anyone to take care of a hornbill even in private capacity since it is considered as critically endangered. Several European businessmen in Panay also do this,” said Schwartz.
The Philincon was accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to just treat or rescue hornbills in captivity on condition that these will be released in the wild the soonest possible time.
In 2000, the Panay hornbills have been considered as the most endangered in the world until the late discovery of the Sulu hornbill in Mindanao.
Philincon is focused on the conservation of hornbills including other endangered species based in Pandan, Antique./

Boracay in maximum alert ahead of APEC Summit

Various government enforcement agencies have deployed their respective elite personnel as Boracay will play host to several high-profile meetings from May 9-24 of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC).

Among government agencies that deployed personnel were the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metro Manila Development Authority, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Police Senior Inspector Frensy Andrade, Boracay police chief, said that everything has already been in place and all government agencies are now ready.

Because of the red alert status, tourists bound for this resort island during the entire two weeks period of the APEC Summit may feel inconvenience because of the maximum securities.

Sources at the police said that boat transfer for public maybe temporarily halted from time to time due to the anticipated arrival of APEC participants.

The series of APEC meetings include topics concerning tourism, environment, marine and coastal protection.

At least three hotel venues have been identified for the APEC meet namely: the Shangri-la Hotel, Crown Regency Hotel and Convention Center, and the Paradise Garden Resort.