Arms cache recovered from slaughterhouse administrator

A 51-YEAR-OLD slaughterhouse administrator in Malay, Aklan is in hot waters after police operatives confiscated from his residence a cache of firearms and ammunition.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Don De Dios, chief of Malay police, identified the suspect as Niel Quintin, a resident of Zone II, Cubay Sur, Malay, Aklan. The operation was conducted by operatives of Malay police Saturday night.

"We thank the community for their trust in our PNP (Philippine National Police) in sharing their series of information to ensure peace and order in the town of Malay," De Dios told this writer in an interview.

Seized from the suspect were a .45 caliber pistol, two pieces of 40-millimeter grenade launcher ammunition, one 12 gauge shotgun with two pieces of ammunition, and a homemade improvised .22 caliber rifle.

The search warrant was issued by Judge Bienvenido Barrios, executive judge of the Kalibo Regional Trial Court.

Currently, our investigator is preparing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against the suspect," De Dios added.

Earlier this year, Malay police operatives also seized firearms against another suspect on Boracay Island

Boracay model for water resource management

BORACAY Island, Malay Aklan — This resort island is being eyed as a pilot model for water resource management hoping to be replicated in several tourism island areas in the Philippines.

Raymond Sucgang of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute said that the project has a P5 million project coming from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging

“DoST (Department of Science and Technology) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña are supportive of this endeavor,” said Sucgang who hails from Batan, Aklan.

This resort island has been identified as a model because Boracay has been recognized as a world class tourist destination. In 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic, it registered twoo million tourists.

“We plan to go to Nabaoy River in Malay, Aklan this October to start the evaluation for the potable water resource management. The Nabaoy River in mainland Malay, Aklan is currently the lone source of potable water supply for the consumption of both tourists and the residents,” Sucgang said.

Results of the study will be used to craft government policies in order to ensure water resource sustainability in tourism island areas all over the country.

Technology Research and Development.

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES OPENS TE3LUS ILO9ILO CITY, 1ST SITE OUTSIDE METRO MANILA

Iloilo City- Leading digital solutions and costumer experience (CX) Provider TELUS International Philippines (TPP) opened its 7th delivery center in the country and first outside Metro Manila in Iloilo City. The new TELUS Iloilo City delivery center is located on Levels 14 to 16 of the SM Strata Tower on Senator Benigno Jr Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Iloilo City, and right across SM Iloilo Mall, accessible through a covered bridgeway from SM Iloilo.

"We are thrilled to launch our milestone delivery center in Iloilo City, our first-ever TELUS International Philippines location outside of Metro Manila. The IT and customer experience business scene is booming in Iloilo and we want to be part of its growth as we provide more employment opportunities  for residents in Iloilo and surrounding cities. We look forward to building a strong team of professionals who will provide strong exceptional support to our growing list of clients in the areas of digital costumer care, IT and technical support," said Jonabee Catura, TELUS Iloilo City Site Lead.

TELUS International Philippines is a leading Philippines based provider of digitally-enabled costumers experience and business solutions for companies within the technology and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, travel and hospitality, healthcare and other exciting sectors.

The TELUS International world-class workspace is designed to celebrate Ilongo culture, taking design inspiration from Iloilo's rich heritage, famous landmarks, treasured historical buildings, the region's natural scenery and even local cuisine. The new site's design features colorful murals by local artists that were created to inspire team productivity through striking Ilongo creativity.

"Our new TELUS Iloilo City delivery center was a uniquely exciting project to design and conceptualize. Knowing how the office becomes a second home to our team members, it was important that the design of our new workplace reflects the amazing culture of our hosting city, the work culture that we encourage at TELUS International Philippines as well as our values as a company. The unique experience of working at TELUS Iloilo City is something we want each member of our team to feel, " explained Pia Zapata, TELUS International Philippines Facilities Director.

The new workplace is thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, from the site's workstations to the themed meeting room, where murals of local artistic landmarks and scenery add to the energy of the collaboration spaces where team members and clients come together.

At the elevator lobby on Level 14, visitors will find designs that depict a mix of modern and natural textures, giving onlookers and visitors a coastal feel within the office. Reflective ceiling elements, were inspired by bubbles with accent colors of the corals.

The reception and waiting area will surprise visitors with a 3D Map of Southeast Asia, highlighting the Philippines and the story of Maragtas, which features the history of Panay coming from the first inhabitants and Bornean immigrants.

The whole office makes use of indigenous materials such as rattan and 'solihiya' to imbibe that truly local culture of Iloilo, as a province. From the reception and waiting area of Level 15, visitors are able to see vibrant hues of violet and purple to illustrate the spirited people of Iloilo, adding to that is the reclaimed wood and terrazzo stone features that give the space a more modern industrial appeal.

Collaboration areas, meeting rooms, focus rooms, and board rooms across all three floors occupied by TELUS Iloilo City are inspired by the details of historical sights of the province, handicrafts and fiber designs, local crafts, as well as attractions of the province.

Another signature of TELUS International touch in the latest delivery center are the unique and Instagram worthy themed meeting rooms. Meetings are always inspiring and fun when they take place in skateboarding, wall-climbing, biking or surfing themed meeting rooms. TELUS Iloilo also has meeting rooms that transport team members to the wetlands of Iloilo, Islas de Gigantes, Carmina Balay nga Bato  and the Balbagon Islands.

The view from the office windows includes sights and landmarks distinct to Iloilo, including Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Iloilo River Esplanade, and Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain Shrine) of Guimaras Island.

The fun, thoughtful and inclusive work environment is a fitting backdrop not just to be the flurry of daily activity that takes place at TELUS International Philippines' latest delivery center, but also for the training and growth programs that are part of the team's professional and personal development.

Safety and health considerations are just as important as the inspiring aesthetics and collaborative environment at TELUS Iloilo City. Local and international safety protocols such as physical distancing,  regular deep facilities cleaning, and the wearing of personal protective equipment are strictly enforced and followed. Additional safety measures are also implemented to keep team members safe and well, including ensuring all team members have accessed to a free COVIDB19 vaccine as well as free shuttle services with physical barriers between passengers and reduced passenger capacity to enable physical distancing.

'"We are happy to bring our caring culture to Iloilo and provide employment opportunities to more  Filipinos in this city, " Catura added.

105-year-old grandma gets Covid-19 vaccine dose

A 105-YEAR-OLD grandmother in Aklan received her first dose of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine.

The Altavas Rural Health Unit (RHU) identified the grandmother as Brigida Panadero.

RHU personnel went to Panadero’s house to give her the first dose.

Panadero, who said she also witnessed the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, is currently considered the oldest person in Aklan to have received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Aside from Panadero, a 101-year-old man also got his second dose of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine in Makato, Aklan.

Dr. Rane Tabanar, municipal health physician, said the man, identified as Paceinte Tejada, is a war veteran and could still walk and even do laundry.

"He even walked inside the Makato Gym to get his second dose of Sinovac recently. He is fine after getting his second dose," Tabanar said.

The Aklan Provincial Government has urged residents not to be afraid of the Covid-19 vaccine, as it will help protect them from the deadly virus. 

'No to Bida' tarps spread around Boracay

TARPAULINS bearing "No to Bida" have been spreading around Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan this week.

This developed after both the committee on government enterprise and privatization and the committee on good local government in Congress jointly approved the Bida Bill. The bill is aimed at placing Boracay under the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

In his 2020 State of the Nations Address, President Rodrigo Duterte called Congress to pass a law that will oversee the management of this resort island to ensure environmental sustainability.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores said they support the Bida Law only if it is for regulatory purposes "but not as a government-controlled body."

For his part, Provincial Board Member Jay Tejada said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan along with several stakeholders in Aklan is opposed to the GOCC concept of the Bida law.

"The Bida as a GOCC concept has been patterned to that of the creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. But the situation of Subic is vastly different from Boracay," Tejada said.

The local government of Malay is also invoking the local government code to strongly opposed the passage of the Bida Law as a GOCC.

The "No to Bida" tarpaulins here have been installed by the One Boracay Movement. The tarpaulins were placed at the front beach, passenger boats, jetty ports, residential houses and business establishments.

For his part, Congressman Eric Yap of ACT-CIS party list said the plan to convert Boracay as a GOCC has been initiated by Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte.

"The reason why we are not progressing because we fear change. I will not run for any political position if the Bida Law becomes a failure," he said.

Women as fierce protectors of mangrove forests

 

By: Jun N. Aguirre

KALIBO, Aklan -- For over three decades, the mangrove forest has long been an inseparable part of the lives of people in villages in central Philippines. They have been taking care of the vast forest for generations.

Women from four villages --Barangay Old Buswang, the Kalibo Mangrove in the province of Aklan-- developed a tight bond with the forest as it became a place for sharing food, culture, interactions and hopes. For years, women have been fierce protectors by putting their lives at risk by taking head-on the challenges in the growth of the mangrove forest.

“Women are an integral part of the mangrove forest. Their commitment and care for the forest could not be underestimated,” said Liza Cesar, a member of the board of directors of the Kalibo Save the Mangrove (Kasama), adding that the lives of women surrounding the mangroves in Kalibo are closely associated with the forest.

The Kasama is an organization of mangrove planters and stakeholders in the eco-park, many of whom are women.

Women in the sprawling forest covering the four villages are taking care of their children as their husbands work as fishermen. Some women were also involved in policing the mangroves.

Cesar said during the Covid-19 pandemic, several women can be found looking for food to be given to their families from whatever they found in the mangrove. Among these were fish, crabs, among other types of seafood.

“Fortunately, as villages already knew the importance of the forests we do not receive reports of anybody illegally cutting mangrove trees. Cutting of trees is strictly being regulated by the environment department,” she added.

Rolinda Icawalo, 42, said she only started working three years ago as a contractual worker and did not know much about mangroves. She was hired by the Provincial Government to work in Kasama as part of the province’s commitment to helping in the conservation of the mangrove.

Icawalo, a member of the so-called Bakhawan Police, said maintaining the forest gives food to the community, protects them from storm surges and provides their livelihood through tourism and planting of mangroves.

“When I started working here, I have been taught by experience what it is to protect the mangrove forest. My job descriptions tell me to assist the mangroves, so I joined a series of mangrove planting activities spearheaded by various civic organizations. I also started explaining to guests the beauty of the forests. In the forests, one can breathe fresh air, exercise by walking, hear and feel the colors and sounds of nature,” she said.

Elizabeth Ramos, one of the original planters of Kasama and one of the elder guardians of the forest, said a few years ago, she was one of those who ran against trespassers who illegally cut trees inside the mangrove.

During those times, an influential personality tried to do illegal fishing inside the forests with his group of men. The personality, however, died of natural death and the issue has gone down, she added.

There were also times that some outsiders allowed their cows inside the forests, which damages young trees. The women working in the Kasama reported these incidents to the barangay justice system and cow owners have been reprimanded.

Anita Reyes, head of tourism promotion of Kasama, said because of women’s nurturing way of taking care of the mangroves, villagers are free to go inside the forest and look for their food.

“This is the vision of the Kasama, to provide food for the community, so we need to protect the 250 hectares of mangrove forest to also feed the younger generation,” she said.

Rhea Rose Meren, head of the tourism office of the municipality of Kalibo, said has not the Covid-19 pandemic happened, they were planning to enter a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Kasama.

“The MOA between the local government and the Kasama envisions to be emphasized in development, capacity-building and promotion of what is now a Kalibo eco-tourism park,” said Meren.

One of the reasons why the MOA has been stalled is because the Kalibo local government unit is currently in the process of creating an environment office. The plan of having a Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office was created two years ago but was stalled due to the pandemic.

Tourism is one of the by-products of the forest. The Kasama keeps the revenues from tourists coming in to wander the mangrove mainly for relaxation and a view of the sprawling forest.

Another way of revenue of the Kasama is that it sells mangrove seedlings to interested civic groups and plants them inside the forests for sustainability. The Kasama also lobbies from different government organizations.

Among those who were tapped was the Population Commission, where women were given training on population management. Some women were also trained in various livelihood skills.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the management of the sprawling forest. From 15 regular staff of Kasama protecting the mangrove, only seven women actively work as mangrove warriors.

Jay Ann Dalmacio, 35, a Kasama tourist guide, said aside from mangroves, some bird photographers coming from different places come to the Bakhawan to take photos.

“The Bakhawan has lured not only tourists to enjoy but also birds who also just pass by to search for food. I think when the Covid-19 pandemic is over, the eco-park could also be promoted as a potential bird watching destination,” Dalmacio said.

While the mangrove exponentially grows in numbers, it is facing more and more problems each day. Among these are the effects of climate change, especially sea-level rise.

In the 1990s, then-Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary lawyer Fulgencio Factoran approved the request of Mayor Quimpo and provided a budget of US$22,500 for the planting of Kalibo mangrove. The local government then tapped the adjacent four villages of Bakhaw Sur, Bakhaw Norte, Old Buswang and New Buswang for the mangrove plantation.

Quimpo had endorsed the area near the Sooc River in Barangay New Buswang as the main site for the reforestation project. This is because of the broad expanse of mudflats in the vicinity. The planting was done in the first quarter of 1990.

The plantation area initially covers 50 hectares to be planted with thousands of different mangroves species. Records indicated that there were a total of 210 planters of the mangroves, 109 male and 101 female. 

Note: This story is supported by the Earth Journalism Network.

Liquor ban takes effect in Boracay, rest of Aklan

 BORACAY Island, Malay, Aklan - Authorities on Wednesday began strictly implementing the liquor ban in Boracay and the rest of Aklan.

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This was after Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores on Tuesday issued an executive order detailing the health protocols to be followed immediately amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the province.

Under the EO, "selling, dispensing and transporting of liquor or alcoholic beverages or any alcoholic drink containing a specific percentage of alcohol by volume or weight which may be in the form of whisky, brandy, gin, rum cordial, liquor, cocktail, wine, champagne, vermouth, bass, tuba, saki, beer, ale stout and others are prohibited."

Authorities are also strictly checking if incoming tourists have the complete requirements.

Seven tourists were recently arrested for presenting fake negative RT-PCR test results.

Miraflores said a negative RT-PCR test result is still required before a tourist will be allowed to enter Boracay, even if such tourist has already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Based on the tally of the Malay Tourism Office, from June 1 to 6, the number of tourists who arrived in Boracay is 2,905.

Of this number, 1,760 tourists came from the National Capital Region, 550 from Calabarzon, and 230 from Central Luzon.

SWAT teams are making the rounds in the whole island of Boracay to ensure the security of tourists and residents.