Official uniform for security guards in Boracay still in floating status

Posted January 17, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

The Official uniform for security guards in Boracay is still in floating status.

This is why different security agencies in the island constantly wear their own type of unofficial uniform.

Based on the information, another meeting is set for the security agencies and the Security Agencies and Guards Unit (SAGU) before its full implementation.

It will be recalled that last year, SAGU Chief-PSupt. Condrado Carganillo called for a meeting with the security agencies to settle some issues regarding the uniform.

Carganillo gave those agencies three months to implement the official uniform.

Based on their agreement, security guards will be wearing a black bull cap, gray t-shirt, black short pants and rubber shoes, gold color name cloth with their agencies name.

Meanwhile, because of the official uniform is yet to be implemented, security guards in the island can be mistakenly identified as a Boracay Police or a lawyer, making some island tourist wonder.

Malay tops Aklan Festivals Parade and Higante Contest

Posted January 16, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Apparently the Pope Francis arrival dish up as a blessing for the municipality of Malay as it clinched as 1st place in Best in Higante and Best in Mass Presentation.

Hence, spectators and guest were very happy as well while witnessing the parade as this giant Pope Francis image is very much alike to the original pope when he arrives at the Villamor Air Base yesterday.

In this regard, DepEd Malay Public Schools District Supervisor Jessie Flores said that it is not just the honor of the Malaynons but of all Aklanons.

Furthermore, this show also captures the national scene as it was featured in the two prominent news channels in the country.

Meanwhile, it also became viral on social networking sites.

More than 16 cruise ships to visit Boracay this 2015

Posted January 15, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

More than 16 cruise ships are expected to visit the island of Boracay this 2015.

This was confirmed by Aklan Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Carina Ruiz in relation to this year’s 1.7-M tourist arrival target of the Aklan Provincial Government.

The Department of Tourism Boracay Sub-Office meanwhile confirmed the arrival of new cruise ships in the island, namely MS Celebrity Century, SeaBourn So Journ, L’Austral, Seven Seas Voyager, Legend of the Seas, and Silver Shadow.

Some cruise ships like MS Europa II, MS Super Star Aquarius and MS Costa Atlantica are expected to revisit the island.

With these cruise ships, Ruiz said that the tourist arrival target for this year was raised to 1.7 Million.

It can be recalled that the 1.5 million tourist arrival last 2014 was not met due to weather disturbance and typhoons, and China’s travel ban to the Philippines.

SB Malay deliberates Municipal traffic code

Posted January 15, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay recently deliberated the municipal traffic code of Malay and the island of Boracay.

It was discussed, Tuesday, during the 2^nd Regular SB Session in Malay lead by the Chairman of Transportation and SB member Leal Gelito.

Based on the traffic code, the operation of truck in the island will be regulated so as not to affect the traffic especially during the class adjournment students.

Included to the discussion is the operation of public vehicles, tourist buses and tricycles in Boracay including in mainland Malay.

Meanwhile, according to Gelito it is subject to long discussion in order to get better implementation of the traffic code in the town of Malay.

Speedy processing of Mayor’s permits sought

Posted January 14, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

It was a busy operation for the Municipality of Malay this year.

For these dates’ motions is the renewal of permits for business establishments and employees requirements in the municipality especially in the island of Boracay.

In this regard, the Local Government Unit (LGU) Malay will expect a speedy process and advice respective business establishment to renew their permits as soon as possible.

Malay Administrator Godofredo Sadiasa suggest that to avoid hustles, “it’s better to ask their office first if there are any problems or needs to be adjust for a smooth processing.”

“The team has established a systematic flow to hasten the renewal of permits for both businesses and employees.” He added.

Although, each year they are having extension, Sadiasa patently said that requirements should be prepared beforehand to avoid bundles.

Meanwhile, he admitted that they are now restricting the island of Boracay because of some erring traders.

Thus, business establishment owners are also free to contact the LGU Offices for inquiries and also to avoid penalties.

On the other hand, employees are now forth getting some needed documents while bringing the following needed requirements for year 2015.

List of winners in Boracay Ati-Atihan 2015 released by Mtour Malay

Posted January 13, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The Municipal Tourism Office (Mtour) Malay released the list of winners in Boracay Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan 2015.

Based on the list of Mtour, the Tribu Puka Shell won in the Tribal Category.

The Boracay National High School was the 1^st place and 2nd place is the Boracay National High School-Manoc-Manoc extension respectively.

The Mabuhay Host won in the Balik-Ati Category, Tribu Puka Shell-1st place, and the 2nd place is Pina-ungon Tribe.

While in individual category winners here are the following: Trisha won as Jungle Queen, 1st place is Scepter as Fire Queen and 2nd place is Mr. Charles Gabinete.

During the Kabataan’s Night, the Techno New Generation bested among others in the dance competition.

The Senior Class of Hip-hop got the 1st place and the 2nd place was Class of Hip-hop Jr.respectrivley.

In the Commercial Category, Kaniyogan clinched the Best in Uniform award, the Bolabog Group took Biggest Group award, and the Jolliest Group is the Manggayad.

Meanwhile, it is said that many groups joined the Boracay Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan 2015 compared to the previous year.

Aklan SP urges DENR to immediately classify SOOC River waters

Posted January 13, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Alarmed by the rising levels of coliform contamination of water samples taken from the Sooc River very recently.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has urgently asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to immediately classify according to usage the Sooc River waters in the vicinity of Kalibo’s dumping site in Barangay Bachao Sur and Buswang Old.

The urgent request was embodied in Resolution No. 277, Series of 2014 enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its 43rd Regular Session on December 10, 2014.

The reason why the SP has requested for the immediate classification of Sooc waters was that both the DENR and the Aklan Environment and Natural Resources Office cannot possibly establish the parameters as to what level of coliform contamination can be tolerable to prevent hazards to human life and marine resources as well as the environment.

It was also learned that DENR had earlier conducted tests on these water samples in the same vicinity of the Sooc River and tallied millions MPN/100ml of coliform contamination from the Sooc River water samples.

Meanwhile, in a conference Kalibo Save The Mangroves Association (KASAMA) Chairman Atty. Allen Quimpo explained that the law provides in Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the prohibition to operate on a dumpsite when affecting the health of citizens.

10 municipalities in Aklan, to join the Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2015 festival

Posted January 12, 2015

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Ten out of 16 towns in Aklan will be taking part in the festival parade and ground demonstration contest in the town of Kalibo.

This is part of the prestigious 2015 Ati-Atihan Festival that will be held on Thursday.

Provincial Tourism Officer Barry Ruiz said that every town must present native, unique and vibrant festival presentation to entertain guests and viewers.

Street dancing spearheaded by the organizing committee of the Ati-Atihan Festival will also be held in the primary roads of Kalibo.

It will be followed by a ground demonstration in Kalibo Pastrana Park which will be participated by the youth and students.

Meanwhile the town of Balete, Kalibo, Lezo, Madalag, Malay, Tangalan, Banga and Numancia is will be competing for the best in choreography, performance, endurance and execution, costumes and props, musicality and visual impact.

It was also learned that the town of Malay is the defending champion in said competition where it won various major awards last year 2014.

BTAC: Boracay Ati-atihan festival 'generally peaceful'

Posted January 12, 2015

Written by Bert Dalida

The 2015 Boracay Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival was generally peaceful, the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) reported.

Boracay PNP Officer In Charge PSInsp. Fidel Gentallan said: “the festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño was celebrated smoothly and orderly by thousands of revelers, devotees and tourists.”

"There were no casualties of Ati-Atihan-related incidents this year, owing, to intensified police visibility in all areas," he added.

Hundreds of policemen, Philippine Army and force multipliers were deployed in Boracay Island assistance police centers, checkpoints, converging areas in the island to secure the tourists and visitors of the festival.

Traffic re-routing of vehicles in Boracay Island, was also implemented to decongest heavy traffic.

Translated by Gloria Villas