SPC to hold nationwide Coral Restoration Day

The Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) will hold a nationwide Coral Restoration Day in different provinces in the country as part of the International Coastal Clean Up (ICC), September 19.

Jose Rodriguez of the SPC said the provinces include Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, General Santos, Camiguin, Bohol, Palawan, Subic and Bataan.

"We will be using the technology on coral propagation of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology," said Rodriguez.

This year's theme is 'Bring Back Life to the Sea.'

The Coral Restoration Day of the SPC is being supported by the Rotary Zamboanga-North, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Mindanao State University, Bohol Island State University, respective provincial and municipal governments, among others.

The SPC has decided to embark on a nationwide coral restoration after it has successfully restored corals in this resort island.

Caticlan residents protest against airport management

Caticlan residents held a protest rally against the management of the airport.
Antonio Cahilig Jr., president of the Caticlan Land Owners association, said they are protesting the P1,000-per-square-meter expropriation payment.
Trans Air, the airport management, through the Public Private Partnership Agreement, is acquiring some 300-square-meter property for the runway expansion of the Caticlan Airport.
“We are not opposing the airport development. We only wanted to be fairly paid. We demand that we should be paid P5,000 per square meter. Lots in Malay, Aklan are worth P5,000 to P10,000 per square meters,” said Cahilig.
Reports said some affected residents have already received court orders directing them to leave their houses.
To ease the tension, the Aklan Provincial Police Office has deployed around 50 police personnel to ensure peace and order.
Cahilig said they are studying their next move after they stage their protest./

Sarmiento to continue police modernization plan

Newly-appointed Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Mel Sarmiento vowed to continue the police modernization plan in the country.

Boracay Police Senior Inspector Fidel Gentallan said that Sarmiento visited him recently. Sarmiento was one of the guest of honors of the Philippine Councilors League national convention held here.

Gentallan said part of the modernization plan is to ensure that all policemen have their respective firearms.

Gentallan has also requested from Sec. Sarmiento additional police personnel for this resort island.

"We need more policemen in Boracay to ensure the safety of tourists especially now that holidays are coming," he said.

Thousands gather in Boracay for PCL Convention

Thousands of councilors from all over the country have gathered in this resort island September 9-11 to attend a national convention.

The event is part of the 3rd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting. Also, it's the third series of their 2015 Continuing Local Legislative Education Program of the Philippines Councilors League (PCL).

Among those personalities who graced the event are outgoing Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, PCL National President Maybelline Fernandez, Alma Moreno, and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino.

Samar Congressman Mel Sarmiento who was recently appointed as the new DILG Secretary is also expected to come over.

At the local politics, attendees include PCL Provincial president Apolinar Cleope, Malay Mayor John Yap, Malay Councilors Rowen Aguirre and Jupiter Gallenero.

According to the secretariat, more than 1, 100 attendees participated in the event in the first day of the convention.

In his speech, Roxas told Mayor Yap and the participants that the PCL national convention would boost the tourism industry in this side of the country.

“Councilors have also brought in their respective families, saved their money to be spent while in Boracay which would also boost the local economy at the same time,” Roxas said.

The convention is being held in one of the resorts in this resort island.(

Aklan Media cited for peaceful take over of Boracay property

The Aklan Provincial Police Office is keen on citing the local media here for coverage leading to the peaceful turn over of a contested property in this resort island, Monday.

Police Supt. Gaylod Loyola, provincial deputy chief of operations, said that the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps did well in reporting blow by blow account of the proceedings.

Loyola served as the ground commander of 161 police troops to ensure the peaceful execution of a writ as ordered by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that the 6,000 square meters lot at Pinaungon, Balabag Boracay belongs to its rightful owner claimant Ruth Tirol-Jaranilla.

The occupant, Tapuz family have been claiming ownership of the lands since 1990's.

Loyola said that police had attempted twice for several years to fence the area in favor of Jaranilla, but the residents are opposing.

"For this third attempt we have invited the media for a transparency of the execution," said Loyola.

Loyola said he had already instructed his staff to start the process of officially recognizing the media in its role in peaceful turnover. The recognition ceremony is expected to happen next week.