Savoy Hotel vows to help Ati community in Boracay

THE Savoy Hotel in Boracay has vowed to help uplift the lives of the island's indigenous community by giving them livelihood programs in the coming years.

Roland Galano Jr., area general manager for Savoy and Belmont Hotel Boracay, said they have launched the “message in a bottle” project to jumpstart the partnership.

The project was announced by Galano during the 20-foot mermaid-inspired Christmas tree of Savoy on Saturday night, December 7.

"The spirit of Christmas is best celebrated by sharing the happiness and blessings of the season to people around you," he said.

"We are making the holidays a lot more memorable not only for us here at Savoy Hotel Boracay, but also for the Atis of the island as a way of fulfillimg our part in uplifting the lives of the communities surrounding us in our own humble way," Galano added.

Evangeline Tamboboon, representing the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (Bato), received the symbolic gift of token as a manifestation of the acceptance of Bato to the endeavor.

Recently, Savoy Hotel Boracay bagged two prestigious recognitions at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2019 held in Finland. These were the Luxury Modern Hotel (Global) award and the Luxury Architecture Design Hotel Continent award.

The hotel was awarded for its colorful installations and impressive furnishings that complement the chill and laidback vibe of Boracay.

Aklan remains ‘ASF-free’

The entire province including this resort island is still free from the African swine fever (ASF), provincial veterinary quarantine officer Dr. Christine Lyn Melgarejo said.

She added they have been consistent in enforcing stringent biosecurity measures to bar the entry of meat products brought by inbound passengers at the Kalibo International Airport.   

“From Jan. to Oct. this year, we already confiscated around 1,900 kilos of processed meat. This came from the Chinese, South Koreans, domestic tourists, and the overseas Filipino workers,” Melgarejo said.

The Provincial Veterinary Office immediately disposed the confiscated items.

Last September, Gov. Florencio Miraflores ordered a temporary 90-day ban on the entry of live swine and pork products in the province, including canned goods of pork origin and by-products from ASF-affected countries and areas from Luzon.     

The executive order spelled out shipment/re-shipment protocol at seaports and airports for live swine and pork products originating from Luzon intended and passing through the province.

ASF causes high fever, loss of appetite, hemorrhage, and death among domestic and wild pigs./

Chinese embassy vows compliance to Boracay laws

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has vowed to cooperate with the Malay local government in urging Chinese nationals to comply with local laws being implemented in this resort island.

According to Chinese Embassy liaison officer Peter Tay, Consul General Lou Gang met with Malay acting mayor Floribar Bautista and other local government officials in a courtesy visit to discuss recent issues of Chinese nationals who have violated local ordinances such as littering and smoking at the front beach.

To curb further infractions from Chinese nationals, Gang promptly requested for a full copy of the existing local ordinances which he said will be translated into Chinese for distribution to tourists visiting Boracay.

The Chinese Embassy also donated six all-terrain vehicles (ATV) to the local government to be used for patrol and emergency assistance in the island.

Leonard Tirol of the Boracay Fire, Rescue and Volunteers Inc. said that some of the ATV will be stationed at the front beach while some will be given to the Philippine National Police.

Earlier this year, Gang also met with the officials of the Department of Tourism (DoT) to promote Boracay to Chinese tourists.

According to data from the DoT, the Chinese recorded the highest number of visits as 389,885 tourists have visited the island from January to 31 October this year.

British Embassy to provide anti-terrorism training in Boracay

The British Embassy in Manila has committed to provide trainings on paramedics and anti-terrorism for members of the Boracay Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Volunteer Incorporated (BFRAV).

Rod Bachiilier of BFRAV said this was the commitment made by the British Trauma Training Team, which visited the BFRAV Monday morning, November 18, to discuss the proposal.

"The details of the training are yet to be finalized with our head Leonard Tirol. The training is expected to last until February of next year," he said.

"Trainings on trauma care were also discussed," he added.

The training will also cover as participants those coming from the Philippine Red Cross,  Joint Task Force Boracay, Philippine National and other agencies.

The BFRAV is a private-based volunteer and humanitarian group in this resort island.

BIARMG to check motive of Chinese flag displayed in Boracay

THE Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) wants to check the motives of an unidentified tourist displaying a Chinese flag in the resort island recently.

At least two photos went viral on social media showing a Chinese tourist displaying the Chinese flag at the front beach. Another photo of the same tourist was also seen displaying the flag at the stage of the Balabag Elementary School.

Natividad Bernardino, head of the BIARMG, said in an interview that they have yet to determine the motive behind the display of the Chinese flag.

"If it was used as a locator for a group tour, I don't think there's a problem. But if it was done to make a malicious statement, that is a different story," she said.

Based on the report from the Department of Tourism (DOT), China recorded 389,885 or 44 percent of international arrivals from January to October in 2019. Tourists from South Korea came second with 334,201 arrivals or 37 percent, and tourists from Taiwan with 28,455.

Foreigners from January to October reached 891,298 arrivals, local tourists at 796,908 and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at 54,253.

Overall, around 1,742,459 foreign and local tourists visited Boracay this year.

Boracay team bags 2 medals in Taiwan dragon boat tourney

The Boracay All Stars Dragonboat won two medals during the recently concluded 2019 Kaohsiung City Cup Dragon Boat Tournament in Taiwan held from November 8 to 10.

The paddlers gave the Philippines a silver medal for winning the 200-meter mixed small boat category and another bronze medal for the 500-meters mixed small boat category.

Prior to the competition, the group suffered a huge setback after the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources prohibited them from training in Boracay waters.

The training was halted after seven paddlers from another league, the Boracay Dragonforce, died in a freak accident last September 25.

Because of this, the group, with the meager funds available, conducted an imaginary paddling training at the white sand beaches of Boracay.

Some rowing training was also held at the swimming pool of some resorts that allowed them to use the facility.

The group promised to do more in their next international competitions.

Rehab group supports ‘Bawal ang Pasaway sa Boracay’ campaign

 The Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) said it is supporting the “Bawal ang Pasaway” campaign of the local government of Malay, Aklan.

BIARMG head Natividad Bernardino said in an interview that the local government launched the campaign on Monday, November 11.

The BIARMG is a management arm of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) headed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The task force was created to rehabilitate Boracay from environmental degradation.

“The campaign is part of the declaration of both the local government and the Philippine National Police in placing the whole of Boracay as a disciplined zone. We expect that tourists will flock Boracay this Yuletide season and we wanted these tourists to follow measures while at the same time enjoy Boracay as a holiday destination,” Bernardino said.

At least 12 local ordinances are the subjects of the campaign. Among them include no littering, no vending, no eating and no drinking at the front beach.

She said that aside from tourists, the campaign is also meant for both large and small businesses in the resort island.

“We also have registered cases of erring tourists and residents and also large business owners. There would be no exemptions,” Bernardino added.

Group: Demolition of structures on Bulabog Beach to continue

The demolition of at least 10 structures on Bulabog Beach in Boracay Island will continue this week, according to the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG).

This came after the judge of the Kalibo Regional Trial Court Branch 7 failed to decide on the petition for preliminary injunction during the hearing held Monday noon, November 11.

BIARMG head Natividad Belarmino said the government is pushing with the demolition of the structures, as the camp of lawyer Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. failed to secure order from the court.

The BIARMG earlier said that those who were affected by the demolition, which started last week, violated the 25+5-meter easement.

Panelo, the legal counsel of the petitioners, said they will continue to fight for justice.

"But my clients have all the government permits and that they are compliant. I couldn't understand why the government is telling them that they violated the 25+5 meters," he said.

During Monday's hearing, Judge Ronald Exmundo said he has given the Office of the Solicitors General (OSG) five days to submit its answers.

Exmundo also asked the government through the BIARMG to give their basis on why some houses and business establishments in Bulabog beach were demolished. OSG lawyers, meanwhile, promised to submit their affidavit in five days.

The demolition of residential houses, portion of coffee shops and hotels, started last November 7 after the expiration of the 20-day temporary restraining ordered by Exmundo.

US trainers to help Filipino leaders vs illegal drugs

 At least three US nationals are expected to arrive this week to train Filipino leaders and local legislators on drug prevention and education.

Phillip Kimpo, a councilor of Kalibo and the provincial coordinator of the activity, said the US nationals are from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).

"The event, which will be held on November 4 to 8, is the third batch of training supported by the US embassy. It will be held in Astoria Current Boracay," Kimpo said,

The trainers are Eric Siervo, Colber Prosper, and David Aguilar.

"The event is also supported by the Province of Aklan, the Aklan Community Coalition for Drug Abuse Prevention and Education (AKON-DA), and the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Aklan Chapter," he added.

Participants during the activity include those from the provinces of Aklan and Antique, and the cities of Cavite, Iloilo, and Kidapawan.

"These delegates will undergo intensive training in the days ahead with the aim of preparing them to be the leaders of their respective kontra-droga community coalitions affiliated with CADCA and AADAC PHL (Association of Anti-drug Abuse Coalition of the Philippines Inc.)," Kimpo added.

Aklan supports HIV screening

Amid the rise in cases of sexually transmitted diseases here, pregnant women in this province are being encouraged to undergo free HIV AIDS screening at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH).

Debbie Villaflor, HIV AIDS coordinator from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), said there is an increasing number of persons living with HIV AIDS in the province.

“From 1984 to June of this year, we recorded at least 229 cases of HIV AIDS. Some 13 of them already died,” Villaflor said during the Aklan Provincial AIDS Council meeting held Wednesday.

For her part, Dr. Leilani Barrios of the DRSTMH said that as of September this year, some 117 persons living with HIV AIDS are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Because of this trend wherein younger people are getting infected by the HIV AIDS, the PHO considered it important to encourage pregnant women to undergo screening and check their health status.

“We are assuring pregnant women of confidentiality once they undergo the free HIV AIDS screening,” Barrios said.

She also disclosed that the youngest patient taking ART three years ago is a 15-year-old boy who has already been diagnosed with HIV AIDS. Now he is already an 18-year old and is still the youngest.

Dr. Athena Magdamit, president of the Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines-Aklan said that she already requested the PHO for training on how to handle pregnant women who may be affected by HIV AIDS on treatment especially during regular check-ups.

DTI urged tourists to patronize green products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan has urged tourists to patronize green products in buying souvenirs.

Maria Carmen Iturralde, acting DTI Aklan provincial director, said that green products are widely available in the resort island as several entrepreneurs are already engaged ecopreneurship - businesses that use environment-friendly products.

“Tourists patronizing green products not only help entrepreneurs earn a living, but also helps in the sustainability of the environment,” Iturralde said.

Iturralde added that the quality of green products being sold by local entrepreneurs is already of quality standard because of its successful recent launching during the 17th Aklan Product Expo in Iloilo City.

The expo, dubbed as “Go Green”, was held at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo last October 7 to 13.

“The cash sales amounted to P1.07 million, booked sales at P7.4 million, orders under negotiation at P182,000, with the combined sales of P8.54 million,” said Iturralde.

Among the high-demand green product were coconut shell items and abaca twines, processed foods, wearables, among others.

The trade fair was supported by the DTI, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association Incorporated, Aklan Provincial Government and the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.

Panelo son gets Malay TRO

Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. said his legal quest to defend some Boracay businesses in Bulabog Beach against a series of demolitions which came without court orders by the Malay local government unit (LGU) is being fully supported by his father, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo.

Panelo Jr. filed a petition before Branch 7 of the Kalibo Regional Trial Court asking the Malay LGU to temporarily suspend the demolition order of 10 resorts and establishments, in which the trial court judge issued a 20-day Temporary Restraining Order last 15 October 2019 which will expire on 4 November this year.

In an interview after the court hearing Wednesday afternoon, Panelo said he was constantly reminded by his father to take sides with the law.

“We do not talk about this Boracay concern. However, knowing the details of the Boracay issue when President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure last year, (he) emphasized to always follow the law. Demolition of structures without court orders is illegal, so I am asking the court to officially declared the demolition illegal and null and void,” he said.

Atty. Melanio Prado, who represented the Malay LGU, said that the demolition order was carried out because several resorts and residents in Bulabog Beach have violated the 25+5 rule which means they have encroached the required beach easement.

Among those resorts affected by the demolition order were the Aira Hotel, Ventoso Residences, Freestyle Academy Kite Surfing School, Kite Center at Banana Bay, Wind Riders Inn, Pahuwayan Suites, Boracay Gems, Unit 101 of 7 Stones Boracay Suites, Unit 107 of 7 Stones Boracay Suites and Lumbung Residences.

After the hearing, the regional trial court has set 11 November to hear both sides of the Malay LGU and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to air their side on the petition.

Since the TRO issued will expire on 5 November, both Panelo Jr. and Prado agreed in a gentlemen’s agreement not to push for the demolition pending the decision of the judge.

Villar seeks understanding on the implementation of rice tarification law

Senator Cynthia Villar seeks understanding as several farmers complained on the effects of rice tarrification in the countryside.

In a press conference here Thursday, Villar said the rice tarrification law was only approved February this year.

"We still have to wait for two years for the farmers to become competitive. The farmers will still have to be trained for them to understand what to do," Villar said.

Villar was here at the Regency Henan Hotel serving as keynote speaker for the 26th National Convention of the Philippine Water Works Association.

"The Department of Budget and Management is yet to release for a P5000 financial assistance for farmers all over the country,' she said.

Preservation of Boracay moral values urged

The president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay (PCCI) called on the different sectors for the preservation of moral values among Filipino children in this resort island after the controversy of a tourist wearing almost nothing went viral on social media recently.

Elena Brugger, PCCI-Boracay President, said that the call developed over the furor caused by a Taiwanese female tourist wearing skimpy strings last week.

She said that while residents respect the cultures of different races coming to enjoy Boracay, foreign tourists should also respect Filipinos and the Filipino culture the same way.

“Filipino kids in Boracay are now influenced by the diversity of culture. The traditional culture of hard work, nature, love, and respect are slowly diminishing in this resort island,” she said.

As exposure to different cultures is inevitable, the traditional and conservative values of the Filipino culture should still be preserved.

“I already saw Filipino children adapting the way of life of many people in Boracay. This resort island is considered a holiday destination and what Filipino children see are the side of a good life, drinking liquor, having an easy-go-lucky attitude. These traits can now be easily seen among the millennials in this resort island,” Brugger admitted.

Fire-depressed areas in Boracay identified

The Bureau of Fire Protection has identified several fire-depressed areas in this resort island.

In an interview, provincial fire marshall Supt. Nazrudyn Cablayan said they are exerting efforts to ensure that fire incidents would be minimized in these areas.

“We are planning to put up combination stand pipes in the areas considered as fire depressed in order to ensure mobility of our firefighters and rescue volunteers,” he said.

Named fire depressed areas were ((Yapak) Ayala Compound, Balinghai Area, Mountain of God School; (Balabag) Richroad Mangayad, PCTV area, Talipapa, Seven Stones area Bulabog, Bulabog Beach area, Escondido, Pinaungon Idalum, Bulabog Extension; (Manoc Manoc) Tambisaan, Cabanbanan, Angol Plaza, Sitio Logutan and Sitio Ambulong North and South.

“Last week, we visited all our fire hydrants in this resort island and found that all of them are working,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cablayan said that at least 25 houses were razed by fire Thursday night in Sitio Pinaungon Ibabaw, Barangay Balabag Boracay. The area was not considered a fire-depressed area.

“Damage was estimated at P300,000. A member of a Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Organization identified as Dave Ong have been injured . Our investigators have already identified the house where the fire originated and we are investigating the cause of the fire,” said Cablayan.

Wooden-hulled boats phase-out underway

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is now cooperating with the Caticlan-Boracay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) in the implementation of the phasing out of wooden-hulled boats not only in this resort island but all over the country.

Lieutenant Commander Marlowe Acevedo, head of the PCG-Aklan said that he received a memorandum coming from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) about the planned phasing out of wooden-hulled boats.

For several years, the CBTMPC has been largely using wooden-hulled boats transporting tourists and residents to and from Boracay and Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.

“As soon as I received the memorandum from MARINA, I have been discussing this with the CBTMPC. The management are cooperating with the plan,” Acevedo said.

In recent years, the CBTMPC has already started acquiring few units of fiberglass boats anticipating the MARINA policy of phasing out wooden-hulled boats. Last 1 October the CBTMPC enforced a price adjustment from P23 to P30 for both tourists and residents traversing Caticlan-Boracay and vice versa.

Acevedo said he was advised by the CBTMPC officials that the price adjustment is meant to raise funds for the acquisition of more fiberglass boats.

The MARINA policy mandated phasing out of wooden-hulled boats operation in five years.

Boracay to host global MSME forum in 2020

The Department of Trade and Industry is preparing to host the global Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) forum next year.

DTI-Aklan chief Carmen Ituralde said the Bureau of the International Trade Relations will initiate the forum in Boracay Island.   

“Our Trade and Industry specialist Marie Sherylyn Aquia has met with local officials in Malay to discuss necessary preparations in the said global forum,” Ituralde said.

The Global MSME Forum 2020 will serve as a culminating activity for the implementation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC)-Boracay Action Plan Agenda (BAA). 

The initiative started when the Philippines hosted the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in the island on 2015. 

The BAA plans to strengthen global actions in order to harness the opportunities presented by open and increasingly integrated markets and to take advantage of new opportunities that allow these enterprises to more significantly participate in the global trade.(With APEC/

Series of brownouts experienced in Boracay

The Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) said some 8,000 member-consumers in the resort island experienced a series of power brownouts since last week.

Engineer Joel Martinez, head of the engineering department, said the brownouts may be experienced for a month.

"The series of brownouts are being experienced because we have to transfer our electrical posts to give way to the road widening of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These efforts are part of the environmental rehabilitation of this resort island," Martinez said in an interview.

The series of brownouts started on September 23.

"The brownouts are being experienced 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the afternoon Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. We in AKELCO are doing everything to immediately transfer the poles so that the series of brownouts will not reach the one month target," he said.

Because of this, resort and hotel managers are using generator sets to power up their establishments.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte closed Boracay to tourists for six months to undergo environmental rehabilitation. After the six-month closure, another year and a half commenced to continue what has been started.

Arson case in Boracay resort reaches stalemate

The owner of the controversial Westcove Resort is looking for other possible legal remedies to seek justice on what he claimed as an arson case.

Crisostomo Aquino, owner of Westcove, said the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor recently dismissed the arson case he filed against Rowen Aguirre, former Malay executive assistant at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office last year.

Aquino accused government personnel of burning the main building of the resort last April 28, 2018, however, Aguirre denied the allegation.

The Westcove Resort has been ordered closed last year by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for lack of business permits.

The resort owner said they have been consistent in paying taxes, and that the local government is denying in giving them permits they need to legally operate.

Aquino said that there are inconsistencies with the government report after he received documents coming from the national headquarters of the Bureau of Fire Protection indicating that the resort has been deliberately burned.

In a three-page report May 14, 2019, Chief Superintendent Felixberto Abrenica, national director for Intelligence and Investigation, said he opined that there is an arson in the said incident.

"This office finds no reason to disturb the facts established in the investigation report. However, based from the totality of the documents contained in the submitted case by the Malay Municipal Fire Station, affidavit of witnesses and the apparent lack of any other competent ignition source. This office opines that the fire incident is considered a case of arson," said Abrenica.

Use of Tetra Pak as alternative to plastics introduced

TETRA Pak Philippines has officially launched its nationwide campaign that urges people to use Tetra Pak as alternative to plastics.

The launching happened during the conduct of Boracay Food Safety and Beverage Carton Recycling Forum at Crimson Resort and Spa in Boracay Island Thursday, September 26.

The company, during the forum, took part in the establishment of the first Used Beverage Carton (UBC) recycling process in the island. Other stakeholders present were the local government of Malay and Boracay Foundation Incorporated.

"Sustainability is our key priority. By continuously initiating recycling value chain process and recognizing the importance of our relationships with our partners -- the collectors, recyclers, customers, government, communities, schools and other stakeholders -- we aim to drive low carbon circular economy across Southeast Asia and that includes the island of Boracay and the whole Philippines. Through this movement, we stand by our commitment to protect food, people, and the future," said Michael Wu, managing director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia.

Tetra Pak aims to take proactive and pioneering approach to make sure cartons are collected, sorted and recycled so that UBCs can continue delivering value.

It also aims to reduce waste, keep materials in use and regenerate natural systems.

The UBCs can be down-cycled into paper or upcycled into durable roof, tiles and boards.

The informal sectors will also soon be taught on how to creatively reuse these waste materials through workshops, according to Tetra Pak.

Diane Ibay-Raza,  economic manager, circular economy expert said each Tetra Pak contains 75 percent paper and the rest are polymer and tin cans.

Boracay Newcoast opens second homegrown hotel

SINCE the controversial six-month closure of Boracay Island in 2018, the National Government has been strict on the opening of hotels, as it imposed environmental conservation to the highest standard.

Fortunately for the Boracay Newcoast, it has been able to open the second of its three homegrown hotel brands in its sprawling 150-hectare property, the Belmont Hotel.

The first hotel, Savoy, was opened in 2017, and now the Belmont. Another hotel, the Chancellor, is currently being constructed.

Newcoast's Boracay investment in Belmont Hotel has reportedly reached P2.1 billion.

"Our second hotel under the Belmont brand offers an exclusive nature experience, as it allows guests to see the island's panoramic natural scenery from one building to another -- from the vast sea to the lush mountains and hills of the island and other nearby islands," said Raymundo Melendrez, managing director of Luxury Global Hotels and Leisure Inc., the company operating Belmont Hotel under the Megaworld Hotels Corporation Monday, September 23.

Belmont Hotel Boracay has 442 rooms that feature a wide array of amenities and services that include a swimming pool and in-pool lounge, aqua spa, a courtyard, two food and beverage outlets, landscaped gardens, a fitness center with shower and changing rooms.

It also has a business center, function halls, meeting rooms, a full-time concierge, a 24-hour in-room service, dining service, and complimentary shuttle services.

"Our continuing thrust to help boost tourism in the country is even gaining more momentum as we open more hotels across our tourism township. Geri (Global Estate Resources Incorporated), as the developer of Boracay Newcoast, remains committed to help build our country through tourism developments," said Monica Solomon, Geri president.

Belmont Hotel is the second homegrown hotel brand introduced under Megaworld. It opened in Newport City in 2015. Another Belmont Hotel is set to open in Iloilo Business Park by 2023.

At present, Megaworld has already opened five homegrown hotel brands, namely, Richmonde Hotels, Belmont Hotels, Savoy Hotels, Twin Lakes Hotels, and Hotel Lucky Chinatown with around 3,000 hotel rooms.

In the next five years, the company will also open new homegrown hotel brands in Paranaque, Bacolod, Iloilo, Boracay, and Laguna.

During the first quarter this year, Megaworld's hotel business became the fastest growing segment of the quarter, soaring 56 percent to P574 million compared to last year's P369 million. (

Boracay bans processed meat, canned goods

The Caticlan Jetty Port has urged domestic and foreign tourists not to bring canned or processed goods in coming to this resort island.

In a forum with stakeholders and the media Thursday, jetty port administrator lawyer Selwyn Ibaretta said the measure, however, is only temporary due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) scare all over the world.

“Both the Caticlan Airport and the Kalibo International Airport already has a measures in place prohibiting the entry of these canned and processed meat foods. What we wanted to protect is those going to Boracay via the Strong Republic Nautical Highway and from local transport,” he said.

Tourists usually bring canned and processed meat foods to Boracay as their cheaper source of foods while visiting. Tourists who will bring meat canned and processed foods will be confiscated by the jetty port securities.

Tourists could instead buy canned meat and processed foods at the local stores in Boracay as these passes through strict security screenings. Hotels were also advised not to give their spoiled food for hogs.

In a press conference held after the forum, Ibaretta said they will visit Chinese and South Korean restaurants here to see if they are also actively campaigning against the spread of ASF.

Last week, the Department of Agriculture has monitored ASF cases in Luzon and the province is wary that it could reach the province due to the availability of transport.

Aklan investment, trade center nears completion

 The Aklan Provincial Government is excited over the nearing completion of an Investment and Trade Center which hopes to lure more investors in the province.

Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, former congresswoman and now the province’ consultant on tourism and investment said the structure being built at the Aklan Provincial Capitol is now at 70 percent.

The state-of-the-art center which has an allocation of P50 million started its construction last year. Its budget allocation came from the funds of former Sen. Loren Legarda which is then the chair of the committee on finance.

“The center will also include data on fisheries and agriculture which would serve as a one stop shop of information for potential investors in the province and in Boracay Island,” Quimpo said.

The investment center is also planning to lure Business Process Outsourcing in the province.

While the center is being built, several fastfood chains have already expressed their interests in putting up their branches in Kalibo.

Among these companies are Yellow Cab Pizza, Max Restaurant (which includes a conference room) among others.

“They will soon open their branches in Mabini Street, Kalibo. We have already coordinated this with the chief executive of Kalibo,” added Quimpo.

Tourists with night flights urged to leave early

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) urged both foreign and local tourists who have night time flights to check out early.

This after the PCG imposed a permanent policy that wooden hull boats were only allowed to sail from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Because of this, only eight large boats are available to sail on those hours.

The limited availability of the boats makes the long queues of passengers going to and from Boracay at night.

In a copy of the memorandum, Lieutenant Commander Marlower Acevedo, PCG-Aklan station commander, said that they have received a memorandum from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to implement such policy.

“In order to uphold the passenger safety among passenger motorbancas and comply with existing Marina regulations, operation of motorbancas with night-time navigation is hereby suspended. The operation of passenger motorbancas will be from sunrise to sunset only,” he said.

The new policy developed in relation to the Guimaras sea tragedy last August which killed several people.

PCCI-Visayas endorses proposed Bida Law

Various chambers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Visayas has forged a joint resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the Senate Bill No. 1756 as urgent.

The senate bill, known as the creation of the Boracay Island Development Authority (Bida), was authored by Senator Franklin Drilon. The lower house has a similar version of this, which is from Congressman Albee Benitez.

Signatories of the joint resolution include Donna Rose Ratilla, PCCI regional governor for Western Visayas; Edward Du, regional governor for Central Visayas; Ramel Buncalan, PCCI-Aklan president; Lawyer Joebert Penaflorida, PCCI-president Iloilo; Ma. Elena Brugger, president of PCCI-Boracay; Ronald So, president of PCCI-Capiz; and Roberto Montelibano, president of the PCCI-Metro Bacolod.

Francisco Martinez, president of the Negros Oriental-PCCI; Vicente Lagunday, president of PCCI-Antique; and Neptune Pittman, president of Guimaras-PCCI are yet to sign the resolution.

The joint resolution was approved during the Visayas Area Business Conference held in Tacloban City, Leyte, on Friday, August 24.

“The swift passage of Senate Bill No. 1756 into law will ensure the full rehabilitation and conservation of the island into a sustainable tourism destination,” the resolution read.

“The Governing Board of the Authority shall be composed of the representatives from various national government agencies, provincial and local government and the local business chambers,” it added.

It could be recalled that President Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay in 2018 to undergo six months environmental rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Council of Malay is planning to schedule a public hearing for their approval on the said bill.

Malay Councilor Dante Pagsuguiron during his privileged speech Tuesday, August 20, said that he also wanted to know the full content of the Bida law so that it would be clear to the residents of Boracay.

“The bill may have a higher chances of being approved by President Duterte,” he said.

Luring more Europeans to go to Boracay 'a big challenge'

The former consul of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Prague considered promoting Boracay Island to European countries a big challenge.

Jed Dayang, now the special assistant to the DFA secretary, said among the challenges are the long hours of flight from Europe to Boracay, and the impression of the island as a "crowded" place.

In July this year, international website, Travel, included Boracay in the top three most crowded destinations in the world. First on the list was Machu Picchu in Peru, followed by Venice in Italy. Boracay is third.

"Boracay is famous among the Europeans. They knew Boracay Island was rehabilitated for six months. But there's a wide impression among them that Boracay is already crowded. What the European wants is a place where they could relax and unwind privately. I knew this because in my personal capacity, I am promoting Boracay to my friends," said Dayang, who hails from Kalibo, Aklan, which is located a few kilometers away from Boracay.

Meanwhile, Dayang said he will visit Cebu on August 17 to address the participants of The Outstanding Cebuano Award (Toca).

The awardees this year are Engr. Samuel D. Augusto Jr. for environment; Engr. Alan T. Alvez for engineering management; Ramoncito L. Arquiza of general services; Dr. Cornelio G. Duaso, science and technology; Mayor Gerald Anthony V. Gullas Jr., public service; Engr. Rodel T. Naval, mechanical engineering; Engr. Leonides M. Paragosa, design consultancy; Mayor Sun M. Paragsa, government service; Engr. Siegfred G. Sia, poverty alleviation; and Dr Edwin R. Torilla, education.

Now on its 19th year, the Toca aims to honor outstanding Cebuanos for their contributions to the community and nation building. The award categories are extended to Cebuanos who excel in their own fields of endeavor.

The awarding is a highlight of the dyCMs Tingog Sa Lungsod Program's 35th Anniversary Celebration at Sacred Heart Center Cebu City.

Chinese top foreign visitors to Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND -- China ranked first in the list of top tourism market sources of this resort island in Aklan province from January to June this year, data from Caticlan Jetty Port showed.

According to the tourist arrivals report forwarded to SunStar, a total of 250,326 Chinese have so far visited Boracay from January to June 2019.

South Korea, which for several years was the top market source, now ranked second, with a total of 197,488 tourists.

Third in the list is Taiwan with 14,476, followed by United States of America with 14,305, United Kingdom with 8,372, Australia with 7,327, Russia with 7,074, Japan with 6,506, Saudi Arabia with 4,874, and Germany at 4,557.

Julfe Rabe, information officer of the Caticlan Jetty Port, said the number may still increase, as they are still finalizing the number of foreign and domestic arrivals for the first half of 2019.

He said the local government of Malay and the Department of Tourism are helping in the validation of the number of tourist arrivals.

The Caticlan Jetty Port is the main gateway to Boracay Island.

Management group seeks understanding as Boracay rehab not yet over

Boracay Island, Aklan -- The Boracay Inter Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) urged both tourists and residents in this resort island to be understanding as Boracay continuously is undergoing environmental rehabilitation.

In a press conference held at Casa Pilar Wednesday afternoon, July 17, Natividad Bernardino, chair of the BIARMG, said that they were saddened by many critics on social media after Boracay experienced flooding brought about by the heavy rains of Tropical Storm Falcon.

“We seek for understanding and patience from everyone as Boracay is still undergoing rehabilitation. Rest assured that all of this would come to pass when the rehabilitation of Boracay is expected to end by May 2020,” she said.

For his part, Aklan district engineer Noel Fuentebella said that even after the rehabilitation program, this resort island may still experience occasional flood incidents in the coming years. “With what happened to Falcon, we experienced a huge bulk of rain water in the resort island which results to flooding. What we could do is to prepare our roads, sewerage and drainage to immediately address incidents of flooding in the future,” said Fuentebella.

 It could be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of this resort island for six months last year. Boracay was once again opened for tourism last October despite the marching order that it should work on continuous road and environmental road rehabilitation for two years.

Guv: Boracay ranking 9th in Asia's best islands due to rehab

AKLAN Governor Florencio Miraflores is hoping Boracay Island would "regain its glory" after it was ranked ninth in Travel+Leisure Magazine's 2019 best islands in Asia.

Boracay was named the best island not only in Asia but in the world in 2012.

Miraflores attributed the downgrade in Boracay's rating to the ongoing rehabilitation of the island.

He admitted that he was saddened by it, considering that Boracay was named the second best island in 2018. In 2017, it ranked third.

"I am not confident with Boracay's current ratings. I hope Boracay would regain its glory as soon as the ongoing rehabilitation has been finished," he said.

The rehabilitation started in April 2018 after President Rodrigo Duterte named the resort island a "cesspool" and ordered it closed for six months. It was reopened six months after its closure, but the rehabilitation has been extended for two years

Malay council may adopt Boracay bridge project

The Municipal Council of Malay may adopt the proposal to build a P5.5-billion bridge in this resort island soon.

Vice Mayor-elect Floribar Bautista said Wednesday, June 26, that he is looking for the bridge to become an effective solution against certain problems in this resort island.

Bautista's reign will start effective June 30 after winning the election last May.

Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced that it will soon give original proponent status (OPS) to the San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

The SMC in 2018 offered unsolicited proposal to the government to build the bridge.

"The bridge is just one of the three options I wanted Boracay to have. One is a cable car, another will be through underwater tunnel and the third the bridge. Having Boracay connected in Malay will lessen prices of basic commodities and will speed up delivery of services," said Bautista.

"One of Boracay's biggest challenge(s) is tourists were sometimes stranded as boats are not allowed to sail especially during typhoons. Through a bridge, tourists could now conveniently travel to safety," Bautistra added.

He also suggested that protective measures should be in place to avoid possible abuses on the use of the bridge.

For his part, Godofredo Sadiasa, of the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBYMPC), said they welcome the proposal "because they have no choice."

The CBTMPC is a cooperative of boat operators in this resort island.

"The challenge here for me is we hope that the government would support the boat crews who may be displaced with the said development, possible increase of community livelihood and the possibility that the pristine beauty of Boracay would now be lesser," he said.

At present, the CBTMPC is bracing itself and finding other alternatives once the proposed construction of bridge will push through.

Local PCCI forges cooperation with Texas Chamber

The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (Rio Grande Valley Region) has officially forged a partnership with the Aklan Provincial Government and the local chapters of Kalibo and Boracay of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Ramel Buncalan, PCCI-Kalibo president, said Monday, June 24, they held a joint signing of the cooperation agreement at the Provincial Governor's Office last June 20. 

Buncalan signed the deal on behalf of the PCCI-Kalibo, while Elena Brugger signed on behalf of PCCI-Boracay. Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores and Texas Chamber Chair Rhodora Elizondo also signed the cooperation agreement.

"We welcome this development as this is another milestone for business and trade sector in the province," said Buncalan.

Under the agreement, the forms of cooperation include the exchange of economic and industrial technical data about the participant's regions for the purpose of educating each other on their respective strengths for possible import and export of products, visits and exchanges of representatives, trade policy analysts and other experts in technical personnel, information exchange on mutual market issues, technical meetings, joint seminars, workshops and exhibitions, bilateral trade and investment missions and business exposition, joint or cooperative programs and projects, establishment of closer links between business interests, education and training participation in an ongoing program, creation of a sister chambers, and other forms of cooperative activities.

Council renews advocacy vs rice straw burning

THE Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC) in Aklan is passing a resolution asking the local government units in the province to renew their commitment against rice straw burning practice among farmers.

In a PAFC quarterly meeting held Thursday, June 20, at the Aklan Provincial Capitol, Emerlinda R. Dela Cruz, PAFC chairman, said the burning of rice straws has been one of the concerns raised by the council's members.

Incidents of burning rice straws have reportedly been monitors in some barangays in the towns of Lezo, Tangalan and Makato, among others.

Some farmers said the barangay officials should be in the front line in intensifying the campaign against rice straw burning.

Many of the officials, however, are hesitant to make apprehensions for fear of not supporting them in the barangay elections scheduled in 2020.

"In the province, we are invoking the provincial ordinance enacted for several years already. Violators, when caught, will be penalized will be asked to join a seminar, render community service, or pay a penalty of P500," said Dela Cruz.

But she said that although the provincial ordinance renders light penalties among others, it is not easy for the local government unit to implement it.

"For one, based on the provincial clean air act code, a town should first organize a soil conservation committee. The committee should [be] composed of the Municipal Agriculture Office, a Sanguniang Bayan chair on agriculture and fisheries, a representative of the Municipal Development Council, among others," Dela Cruz said.

According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), burning of rice straws, which is generally practiced during the harvest season, causes air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide. If continually done, it will decrease soil’s nitrogen, 25 percent of phosphorus, 20 percent of potassium, and 5-60 percent of sulfur.

The practice also damages food resources of beneficial insects in the rice field, said PhilRice.

The Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 prohibit open-field burning, including burning of rice straws.

In Aklan, burning of rice straws also affects tourists coming to and from Boracay Island, as several farmers burn their rice straws along the highway.

Some agriculturists in Aklan described the scenario as an inferno-like scenery, when farmers started burning of rice straws simultaneously.

Valerie Briones, a representative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said while provincial ordinance is difficult to implement, local enforcers may face a harder experience if they invoke the national law against rice straw burning.

"The easiest is to urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to apprehend suspects in the actual rice straw burning," she said.

Briones said local enforcers could also use citation tickets, but based on national standard, "citation tickets should be printed at the National Printing Office in order for it to become legally valid."

The council is also eyeing to introduce vermi composting machines to recycle rice straws for fertilizer through the organized cooperatives and the use of shredding machines as an alternative against the rice straw burning problems, she added.

25 Boracay establishments face closure

THE Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) has started distributing notices of closure to about 25 establishments that failed to get business permits and violated the road easement law.

Natividad Bernardino, chair of the BIARMG, said they started distributing the closure order Monday, June 17. 

The 25 establishments were part two of the crackdown undertaken by the BIARMG against erring establishment owners in the resort island. Last month, the group closed down 11 shops, many of whom were Chinese firms.

"The BIARMG has been giving the establishments notices to comply since April but until now, they are remiss. We have to enforce the closure order in order to remind the establishments that we mean business in rehabilitating Boracay," Bernardino said.

Among the shops that face closure are a famous health and wellness shop, a commercial bank, and cellphone repair shops, among others.

Bernardino said they had informed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu that they are investigating several DENR officials who are allegedly giving out certification to establishments that have existing violations.

She said there may be a third round of closure, as they await the next set of elected officials who sit starting July 1. 

New council eyes to implement price tag law

THE new set of municipal councilors who will sit on July 1 is eyeing to strictly implement the price tag law among vendors and businessmen who sell certain products in Boracay Island.

Incumbent Councilor and Vice Mayor-elect Frolibar Bautista said Monday, June 17, that the price tag law is just among the priorities of the council. 

"We in the council for several years has been receiving complains especially from tourists about the expensive goods being sold in Boracay. I am receiving reports that many businessmen in this resort island are charging higher fees to a certain product once they saw that a foreigner has an interest in buying their products," he said.

Once the price tag law has been strictly and fully implemented, the prices of products will now be uniform among residents and tourists.

The price tag law, anchored on Republic Act 7394, is also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. It mandates that one should only need to purchase the product based on the price tag no matter what the seller says.

The price tag law is usually based on the existing suggested retail price recommended by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Bautista said he will coordinate with the DTI for the implementation of the law.

He said he is confident that his council would support his advocacy since many of the members were his allies.

Bautista, suspended and re-elected Mayor Ciceron Cwaling and several council members won the majority of the post in the May 2019 elections.

They recently took their oath of office at the Kalibo Regional Trial Court.

More 'contaminated' meat confiscated at KIA

Around 13 kilos of alleged contaminated meat was confiscated Sunday, June 9, 2019 by the Quarantine section of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

Doctor Christine Lyn Melgarejo, veterinarian officer III of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), said that 11 kilos of the said meat was contaminated from a South Korean tourist Sunday evening. Another two kilos was confiscated from a Chinese tourist Sunday afternoon.

On Friday, June 7, the KIA has burned some 100 kilos of the said contaminated meat at the Kalibo dumpsite. The confiscated meat was recovered at the KIA from arriving Chinese and South Korean tourists at the KIA in the previous weeks.

“Since last year (2018), we received a memorandum from the central office to confiscate meat products that are suspected to be contaminated coming from different countries at the KIA. Most of those meat were placed inside the luggage and we wonder why they were still able to enter the airport,” Melgarejo said.

The meat some of those were intestines were being brought by the tourists as their personal consumption on their vacation to Boracay Island. The meat was monitored by the Bureau of Customs at the KIA and then informs the quarantine personnel.

“We then fumes it before placing it in our storage facility. After some time we burned it,” Melgarejo added.

She added that it will put up local meat products at risk if they were mixed with suspected contaminated meat from abroad.

The KIA welcomes 35 flights daily many of whom were direct flights coming from different cities and provinces in China and South Korea. Almost all of these foreign flights has tourists bound to Boracay Island.

DTI: Local food an emerging attraction in Boracay

Foods that are produced by the local entrepreneurs in the province are the emerging attraction in this resort island says the Department of Trade and Industry.

Maricar Iturralde, DTI acting provincial director, said during the monthly forum with the media held Friday, May 31, 2019 that tourists coming to Boracay has started to be attracted in buying locally made foods.

Prior to the media forum, the DTI has launched the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation at the D' Mall on April 26. It also launched similar activity in Kalibo, the capitol town of the province.

“During the Aklan Fiber Festival at the Provincial Capitol (April 24-29), local entrepreneurs who participated in the exhibit reported of earning around P12,954,395.25 both in cash and booked orders. Most of those exhibited were locally made foods,” said Iturralde.

Among the best sellers of locally made foods were banana chips and processed foods such as choriizo and longanisa. In the old days, tourists coming in this resort island enjoys food coming from different countries such as Chinese, South Korean among others.

To further promote the emerging local food as a tourist attraction especially in this resort island, the DTI has also partnered with the Department of Tourism.

“Clients can now also order the foods online through the online application called OneAklan,” she added.

The DTI also urged other entrepreneurs in the province to venture in food production as the demands increases.

Because of the emerging demands of locally made foods among the tourists, an entrepreneur in Kalibo is also eyeing to branch out in Boracay before 2019 ends.

Jess Fernandez, owner of Cafe de Calivo, said that they are currently scouting a place in Boracay for the establishment of their new branch.

Cafe de Calivo which promotes food and heritage offers foods that are unique in the province

Newly built irrigation dam to open June 1

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has announced that it will open the newly built run-off irrigation dam in Barangay Sigcay, Banga, Aklan on June 1.

Engineer Lorena Sioco, division manager of NIA for Aklan and Capiz, said the irrigation dam has a budget of P650 million. It stretches at least seven towns, affecting some 5,000 farmers.

In October 2018, the irrigation was closed to farmers to give way to the construction of the dam. Because of this, the Aklan Provincial Government had to declare a state of calamity to aid farmers affected by the closure.

During the closure, farmers were discouraged to plant rice due to unavailability of water at the Aklan River. The situation worsened with the impact of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon that hit the entire country.

“On June 1, there will be no ceremony to be held. We will just open the dam early morning so that farmers could immediately enjoy it. We will close the said farm for some time during the year to give way to repair,” she said.

The depth of the dam would also be maintained at 1.5 meters.

Last May 15, the NIA conducted a test run of the operation of the dam to determine glitches. It was learned that it would take a day for the water to reach all the seven towns in the province.

The towns include Kalibo, Banga, New Washington, Numancia, Lezo, Makato and Malinao.

Re-elected Provincial Board Member Soviet dela Cruz, who chairs the committee of agriculture in the Provincial Board, said he will file several ordinances for the protection of the dam.

Among the ordinances he is looking into are anti-littering and prohibiting residents from passing through the dam for their safety.

“We in the province welcome this development as it would help for our food security and to also feed our tourists,” Dela Cruz said.

Many farmers in the province delivered their supply to Boracay Island for the consumption of both foreign and local tourists.

18 countries join FIVB Beach Volleyball Boracay Open

SOME 53 teams from 18 countries are joining the FIVB Beach Volleyball Open in Boracay Island, Aklan.

Charo Soriano, co-organizer of the tournament, said that they chose Boracay as the venue to promote sustainable beach tourism.

Boracay Island has gained international mileage in 2018 after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of this resort island to undergo environmental rehabilitation.

“This tournament is in coordination with the Boracay Inter Agency Task Force, the Department of Tourism and the local government of Boracay,” Soriano said.

The tournament held along the white beach near the famous Boracay rock starts in the afternoon of May 23

Royal Air opens Caticlan to Cebu route

The Royal Air Philippines has opened its Caticlan to Cebu route on Tuesday, May 21, hoping to contribute to the booming tourism industry in the countryside.

Eduardo Novillas, Royal Air Philippines executive officer, said that they wanted to focus on the millennials to lure them to travel to different destinations.

“We wanted to connect Boracay to Cebu and in Mindanao destinations through our airline. We will also soon open our commercial flights to China,” he said.

The Caticlan to Cebu route and victory versa uses a 97-seater British Aerospace. Caticlan-Cebu flights is scheduled three times weekly.

Novillas also said that their day flights is scheduled for commercial flights. Night flights are scheduled chartered flights.

The Royal Air Philippines is a Filipino plane carrier based in Clark Pampanga.

Dismissed Malay mayor reinstated through election

Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling who was earlier dismissed by the Ombudsman for alleged neglect of duties has been given a fresh mandates after winning this year’s midterm election.

Elsa Salvacion Javier, election officer of Malay, Aklan proclaimed Cawaling around 2:17 a.m., Tuesday, May 14. Cawaling garnered 16,277 votes compared to his opponents John Yap with 12, 620 votes and Rodgiet Ranara 1,200.

Cawaling's team also gained majority of the winners in the just concluded election. His Vice Mayor Frolibar Bautista won with 16, 149 votes against incumbent Mayor Abram Sualog (12, 473) and Aloy Daqguno 567 votes).

Cawaling's son, Nino Carlos Cawaling ranks first in the winning councilors. Other winners were Daligdig Sumndad, Lloyd Maming, Danilo De Los Santos, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Nickie Cahilig, Dante Pagsuguiron and Junthir Flores.

Cawaling in an interview said that he urged local residents of Malay for a reconciliation and unity for a common good.

“I thanked my supporters for making me win. This is a vindication for me,” he said as supporters cheers to Cawaling shouting Lawin.

FastCat eyes to commission 60 vessels in 2030

FastCat, or the Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corporation (APFC), is eyeing to commission at least 60 roll-on, roll-off cum passenger vessels by the year 2030.

In a press conference here Monday, May 6, Christopher Pastrana, APFC president, said they wanted to promote local trade, tourism and capacity training for the maritime industry.

Pastrana was here during the ceremonial voyage of FastCat's Sulas-Caticlan-Bulalacao, Mindoro route.

"Currently, we have 20 modern vessels in the different parts of the country," he said.

With the available vessels, the APFC currently has 600 employees, and the number of job placement is expected to triple in 2030, said Pastrana.

He said all of their vessels are using state-of-the-art facility, including solar and wind energies.

The FastCat vessel, with its Culasi-Caticlan-Bulalacao trip, is expected to become operational before the year ends.

The maiden voyage has been set to sail upon the prodding of Senator Loren Legarda, who is currently running for a congressional seat in Antique. It was unveiled in February.

"This project will open up more opportunities for our kasimanwas (local residents. Antique's progress is truly unstoppable and I will make sure that this will be an inclusive development because we want to uplift the life of every Antiqueno," Legarda said.

DENR: Renewable energy to spur developments in WV

€The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) foresees economic developments through renewable energy that will soon cover Western Visayas.

Livino Duran, DENR assistant regional director for technical division, said Western Visayas has the biggest solar farm in Southeast Asia located in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

“We have windmills, hydro-power among others and we continue to receive more applications for the development of renewable energies,” Duran said during the whole day launching of the Oceans Month celebration.

He added the DENR is coordinating with the National Grid Corporations of the Philippines for the interconnection of renewable energy.

“To spur the development, the Smart Telecom coordinates with DENR to ensure the whole region has reliable internet connectivity,” Duran said.

Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, director of biodiversity management bureau of DENR-Western Visayas urged tourists and residents to avoid single plastic use and straws.

Rodriguez said they chose Boracay as the host of this year’s Ocean Month celebration with the theme, “Stand Up Save Our Reefs” hoping to minimize the use of single plastics use among hotels, restaurants and other establishments in the island.

Gilbert Gonzales, director of DENR-Central Visayas, said they saw the rehabilitation of Boracay “as a model in conserving different tourism areas in Central Visayas.”

“In our region, we have Panglao Island and we hope to conserve the environment based on the best practices in Boracay,” said Gonzales.

(photo courtesy of RB Bachiller/BFRAV)

2 fire incidents hit Boracay

AT LEAST two fire incidents have been recorded in Boracay Island since Sunday afternoon, April 28.

RB Bachiller, of the Boracay Fire, Rescue and Volunteers Incorporated (BFRAV), said they first responded to a fire incident at the former sanitary landfill in the island. 

"The fire started around 4:40 in the afternoon. It took us eight hours to extinguish the fire as it is considered a rubbish fire," Bachiller said.

Aside from the BFRAV, the Bureau of Fire-Boracay, the Mio Riders Associations and from other resorts and volunteer organizations also responded to the area.

Sources said the rubbish fire may have been caused by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

Few hours after battling the blaze, the BFRAV personnel then responded to a fire in Sitio Bantud.

No one was reported injured or killed in the two incidents.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is currently investigating what caused the blaze.

Chinese tour operators to respect PH environmental laws

The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged travel tour operators in China to respect environmental laws as they are being urged to explore different tourism destinations.

In a press conference here Friday afternoon, DOT Secretary Bernadette Puyat said that she was part of the delegation of the recent visit with President Rodrigo Duterte in China. 

“In my visit, I have met with different tour operators and urged them to tell their respective clients to adhere to environmental laws,” she said.

Earlier, the local government of Malay has reported that Chinese were the top violator of local laws, many of whom were environment related.

Since January 2019, some 739 Chinese tourists have been apprehended for violating ordinances which include bar anti-smoking, littering, and eating on the beach, among others.

Korean tourists had the second highest number of violations with 277, while Filipino tourists incurred 92 violations.

Puyat said that they are expecting an influx of Chinese tourists in the coming months also because of the reported friendships between President Duterte and the Chinese government.

“We are also open for all nationalities including domestic tourists to visit other tourism destinations,” she added.

Puyat was here to oversee the one year commemoration of the six months Boracay closure.

Meanwhile, Puyat also said that the DoT now feels vindicated as the tourism industry is now back on track.

“Before the closure, the department of being accused of damaging Boracay hoping to divert tourists to visit other tourism destinations. Now, Boracay is again beautiful because of the ongoing rehabilitation and has once again become a favorite tourism destination in the country,” she said. (