DENR wants geo-hazard impact
certificate from Boracay resorts


BORACAY Island, Aklan: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is requiring resorts and stakeholders here to get a geo-hazard impact certificate to ensure their establishment is environment-friendly.

In a report by Panay News, DENR provincial officer Raoul Lorrilla said they found out Boracay Island is environmentally-sensitive. The geo-hazard certificate is obtained from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR.

“Some stakeholders put their establishment any where in the island without noticing that they are already disrupting the environment. We must understand that the island is only made of limestone sensitive to large-scale construction and development,” Lorilla said.

“An example is a resort constructed on a cave in Boracay. The owners had insisted that their establishment is environment-friendly but we would like to know if it will be safe a few years from now,” Lorilla added.

It was learned that five more resorts are currently being investigated by the DENR. These resorts are operating without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate.

“We must remember that Boracay is along the Tablas Fault that is why we want to ensure that the island is safe from threat of earthquakes and even tsunamis in the future,” Lorilla said. Manila Times

My Boracay Pictures(Jan 10 - 13)
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z133/ron973/DSC01549.jpg


i think i didin't get to visit this spot. saang station po ito?

;18036938']http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2219920509_8ae94d8110_b.jpg
Boracay

Photos by stansantiago (http://flickr.com/photos/stanships/)

WOW! Even those 2 small islands in the foreground have resorts already. I wonder where they get their water supply and throw their wastes...

i think i didin't get to visit this spot. saang station po ito?

Sorry, hindi ko rin alam kung saang station kami. Pero kuha yan dun sa hilera ng tinuluyan naming Hotel Le Soleil. :)

some cause for concern here!
----------------------------------


Boracay residents lose sight of stranded, bruised dolphin
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 18:04:00 02/06/2008


ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- Boracay Island residents have lost sight of a stranded two-meter-dolphin also called a pilot whale after they guided it to deeper waters for the third time at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

There have been no sightings of the dolphin since then, according to Nenette Graf, owner of the Green Yard Funboard Center, whose staff helped in bringing the pilot whale back to sea after it was first sighted at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The two-meter-long dolphin, identified as a pilot whale by dive instructors, was first seen near the shores of the village of Balabag at the opposite side of the white beach. The area is popular for water sports like windsurfing and kite boarding.

Graf said her staff, along with wind surfing and kite boarding instructors, first brought the whale towards the open sea but it kept on coming back to the shore.

"We are concerned because the whale kept on hitting its head against the rocks," Graf told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview Tuesday night.

Around 5 p.m., the residents and the water sport instructors brought the dolphin out of the waters and transferred it to the white beach on the other side of the island, first through a van then on a raft attached to a speedboat.

The dolphin was returned to knee-deep waters at around 5:30 p.m., said Graf.

Tourists and residents on the island flocked near the shore in the middle of the island, between Boat Stations 2 and 3 to watch the dolphin. The dolphin had bruises especially on its head most likely from hitting the rocks and reef.

The residents brought it to deeper waters for the third time Tuesday night and there were no sightings of it after 8:30 p.m., said Graf.

The pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) belongs to the dolphin group.

The website of the National Marine Fisheries services of the US Department of Commerce describes the short-finned pilot whales as larger members of the dolphin group reaching average lengths of 12 feet for females and 18 feet for males and adult weight of 2,200 to 6,600 pounds.

They prefer tropical and temperate waters found typically in deep waters and are often involved in mass stranding.

At least 15 pilot whales reportedly died in a mass stranding on Farewell Spit in New Zealand's Golden Bay on Tuesday. Another 18 are at risk of beaching and were being monitored by the New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC).

The pilot whale is considered at a low risk of being endangered or vulnerable, according to the Red List of threatened species of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Aklan PESO continues to source local, overseas jobs for Aklanons

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan — The Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here continues to generate local and overseas jobs for Aklanons.

Records from the PESO here, headed by Manager Vivian Solano, revealed that in 2007, a total of 166 Aklanons were deployed to various countries like Hongkong, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Cyprus, Kuwait, Taiwan Caribbean and middle east countries, remitting substantial amount of dollars which has helped improve their economic and financial status.

For local employment, PESO has facilitated the hiring of 1,072 Aklanons by local business establishments in Aklan and other parts of the country as resort and restaurant personnel, construction workers and other office personnel.

Also, through PESO’s assistance, 400 Aklanon students were employed by the province under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) otherwise known as Summer Job of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help the students earn some amount of money for their expenses not only during the opening of classes but also to teach them the dignity of labor by working for 30 days.

“They were paid P864,000 at P2,160 each as the 60% counterpart pay of the province. The DOLE paid the remaining 40% of the 200 students in the total amount of P530,136 at P2,664 each,” Solano said.

Meanwhile, with the feared economic recession affecting the United States of America which might have a spillover effect on the economy of the country especially the dollar earnings of the OFWs, President Arroyo, when she recently visited Dubai, launched the hedging program of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

According to her, hedging would protect the earnings of OFWs against fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, particularly by the strong peso.

The President said the DBP’s hedging program for OFWs consists of the voluntary foreign exchange insurance fees that protect OFWs from a strengthened peso.

The President said the DBP has been going around the Filipino communities and would be giving more information about this facility through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

RP still bird flu free, says DENR; Aklan wetlands monitored for migratory birds

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (6 February) — The Philippines is still bird-flu free, but the Department of Environment and Nnatural Resources (DENR) here, together with other concerned government agencies, sustains monitoring activities of wetlands in the province frequently visited by migratory birds as part of the agency’s mandate to prevent the entry of bird flu in the country.

The Philippines is taking extra care and measures in preventing entry of bird flu in the country, and one of these is the continuous monitoring of wetlands, as infected migratory birds might mingle with local birds and domestic poultry.

Once the country’s poultry industry gets affected by bird flu, the country’s economy will also suffer, as chicken and other poultry products are major components of the Philippines’ booming food industry.

Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan said monitoring of Aklan’s wetlands is further intensified with the agency’s observance this month of World Wetlands Day.

Rico said Aklan is host to a number of wetlands distributed in different municipalities of Aklan, which are frequently visited by wild birds as they migrate to the Philippines when their countries of origin get unbearably cold.

The DENR here emphasized that besides being useful to migratory birds, wetlands provide other benefits like food, water for farms and as catch basins for water from various sources.

The DENR is also sustaining the country’s Green Philippines Project, which is seen by Secretary Lito Atienza as one of the country’s strategies to help alleviate the negative effects of climate change and global warming.

Very recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the people to unite to address the challenges of global warming.

In her speech at the First Ibon-Ebon Festival in Candaba, Pampanga, one of the most important wetlands in the country, the President said the Philippines is an island nation and the “rising seas due to global warming would affect us.”

She said that from rising tides, to changing weather to deforestation and pollution of the air, sea, land, the challenges of the environment at this time of climate change are great.

In Aklan, the Green Philippines Highway Project starts from Caticlan, Malay, Aklan to Cabangila, Altavas, with roadsides planted to trees, and ornamental/flowering plants aimed to beautify the route of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SNRH) of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as well as to help eliminate air pollution in the roadsides caused by vehicles emitting harmful gases, and to help cool the air.

Caticlan airport fetches 5M passengers yearly

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Caticlan Airport fetches half a million passengers a year, said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who also chairs the infrastructure committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC-6).

It is high time then to develop the airport’s runway in order to accommodate bigger aircrafts and eventually host international flights.

Caticlan Airport is the gateway to the much-visited Boracay Island.

The airport accommodates at least 38 flights daily and up to more than 100 flights in peak seasons like summer vacations and long holidays. The number of passengers coming in has reached 500,000 a year.

A study by the Caticlan International Airport and Development Corp. (CIADCO) confirmed this increase in passenger traffic over the last decade.

From 52,230 passengers in 1994, the figures rose to 349,960 passengers in 2004, which meant an annual average growth of 31 percent.

It also showed that there was a much higher increase rate (46 percent) from 2000-2004.

In fact “This estimate prepared by the proponent (of the study) was deemed conservative….This was way below the actual passenger traffic of 521,524 as recorded by the Air Transportation office (ATO),” the report said.

Earlier, ATO-6 Chief Engineer Alan Java said that the number of visitors coming to Boracay daily could equal the passengers arriving at the country’s busiest airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

He said the Caticlan airport caters to 64 daily arrivals “almost like NAIA.”

Java explained the airport could accommodate eight aircrafts at one time although the facility mostly caters to a smaller 18-seater plane.

Because of this influx, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) proposed for the expansion of the facilities in Caticlan Airport.


Link : http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/

Chinese New Year brings good economic luck for Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan - Kung Hei Fat Choi! The Chinese are coming! The Year of the Rat is expected to bring good economic luck in Aklan with series of economic activities scheduled in the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Air Transportation Officer provincial chief Engr. Percy Mallonesio said a group of Chinese tourists will be landing at the Kalibo Airport today for the Chinese New Year celebration. The group will arrive via the Philippine Airlines airbus. Another plane from Shanghai, China will bring more tourists here the following day.

The direct PAL flights from Shanghai, China to Kalibo Airport land here two to three times a week.

"The Chinese wanted to celebrate their new year in Boracay Island. We see this as a golden economic opportunity for Aklan," Mallonesio said.

Aside from the regular arrival of Chinese tourists, Kalibo Airport also has another direct flight from Incheon, South Korea.

Meanwhile, the province of Aklan also welcomes some 2,000 participants for the Western Visayas Private Schools Athletic Association (WVPRISAA) from Feb. 6-10. The province will host the WVPRISAA cultural contest for the first time.

Expected guests during the series of events are Senate President Manny Villar, Philippine Sports Commissioner Eric Loretizo, WVPRISAA president Cecilia Ortiz among others.

"Our local traders and food vendors in Kalibo are expected to generate income for the duration of the contest," said Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo. Panaynews

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2202075952_fc177e5b95.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2202074478_42e095257e.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2191882223_bd018eccd3.jpg?v=0

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q113/pinoyhefner/caticlan.jpg?t=1202404220

Aklan gets bigger share from ‘08 budget, solon says

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (30 January) — Compared with what the province got from the national government budget last year, Aklan will be getting a bigger share from the budget this year, with its recent Congress approval, according to Aklan’s lone Representative to Congress Florencio T. Miraflores.

In an interview over a local radio station here, Miraflores said the bulk of Aklan’s budget share will be used for further improvement of the Kalibo Airport here to attain an international gateway status, strengthen the runway to protect incoming and outgoing airplanes, and construction of a new terminal building to accommodate more passengers arriving through international flights.

Miraflores said Aklan stands to get more or less P300 million from the budget this year, which, besides being use to develop the Kalibo Airport, would also be utilized to construct the national road network from Malay to Buruanga, repair portion of the national highway in Altavas, and finish the circumferential road in Boracay Island.

Aklan’s tourism industry will also gain much from the 2008 national budget, Miraflores said.

In general, Congressman Miraflores said this year’s budget will allot more funds for the government’s social services, health services, education as wll as infrastructure development throughout the country.

Earlier, Malacanang appealed to Congress for the immediate passage of the General Aprropriations Act because its approval would surely boost the country’s present economic gains recognized by Moody’s.

“The government needs to be fully supported by the budget to go full steam ahead in its infrastructural expenditure program, which will give the economy the fuel to drive the country’s gains to even higher ground,” according to a Malacanang statement.

With its approval, House Speaker Jose de Venecia expects that the P1.227-trillion national budget will be ready and be signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by Feb. 1 or 2.

Aklan desrves it as Boracy is giving billion of pesos to the country's economy. More projects and infrastructures developments for Aklan !

Hala Bira, AKLAN !:banana::banana::banana:

P2.5-B facelift for Caticlan Airport
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Caticlan Airport will undergo a P2.5-billion facelift.

The project will be implemented through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme by a private investor at no cost to the government. It will be turned over to the government after a certain period.

“The project involves a runway extension of two kilometers by slicing a hill to accommodate bigger aircrafts and establish a new terminal building which will mean an international standard for the airport,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.

The airport has an existing runway of 950 x 30-meter. This is to be extended to 2.1-kilometer x 45-meter.

The proposed development through BOT Law has been conceptualized by the Caticlan International Airport and Development Corp. (CIADCO).

The initiative started when Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and CIADCO entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) April 25, 2005.

The MOA provides that CIADCO conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of developing the airport.

CIADCO should also prepare a business plan for its implementation.

The proponent will undertake developments including longest trip, largest aircraft, runway extension, different terminal building for passengers and cargoes, administration building, fire station and perimeter fence.

The total basic construction cost was estimated at P1.698 billion, exclusive of land acquisition cost – P466 million, engineering and financial advisory services – P224 million and five percent contingency amounting to P119 million.

The project is expected to be implemented in six years, including one year defect liability period after construction.

Phase 1 of construction is targeted to be completed by 2010 with the 1.8-kilometer runway and new passenger terminal building.

Phase 2 will involve the extension of runway at reclaimed area, expansion of passenger terminal building and apron to be undertaken from 2012-2013.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^^^ way to go for Aklan ! Hala Bira gid iya for development ! Western Visayas is indeed gaining more and more strengths ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Caticlan airport fetches 5M passengers yearly

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Caticlan Airport fetches half a million passengers a year, said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who also chairs the infrastructure committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC-6).

It is high time then to develop the airport’s runway in order to accommodate bigger aircrafts and eventually host international flights.

Caticlan Airport is the gateway to the much-visited Boracay Island.

The airport accommodates at least 38 flights daily and up to more than 100 flights in peak seasons like summer vacations and long holidays. The number of passengers coming in has reached 500,000 a year.

A study by the Caticlan International Airport and Development Corp. (CIADCO) confirmed this increase in passenger traffic over the last decade.

From 52,230 passengers in 1994, the figures rose to 349,960 passengers in 2004, which meant an annual average growth of 31 percent.

It also showed that there was a much higher increase rate (46 percent) from 2000-2004.

In fact “This estimate prepared by the proponent (of the study) was deemed conservative….This was way below the actual passenger traffic of 521,524 as recorded by the Air Transportation office (ATO),” the report said.

Earlier, ATO-6 Chief Engineer Alan Java said that the number of visitors coming to Boracay daily could equal the passengers arriving at the country’s busiest airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

He said the Caticlan airport caters to 64 daily arrivals “almost like NAIA.”

Java explained the airport could accommodate eight aircrafts at one time although the facility mostly caters to a smaller 18-seater plane.

Because of this influx, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) proposed for the expansion of the facilities in Caticlan Airport.


Link : http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/
^^^^good for Aklan. And I'm glad Mayor Trenas of Iloilo City is very supportive of Aklan (Kalibo and Caticlan) development. Iloilo and Aklan should get a good grip of each other's strengths as we push the entire Panay Island's provinces into a greater height. Hala Bira !

Btw, it's 500K and not 5M. he he he.

Boracay is definitely a great place to relax, fine sand and splendid sunsets...


____________________
hotels resort Philippines (http://www.avltravelphilippines.com)

Boracay is definitely a great place to relax, fine sand and splendid sunsets...


____________________
hotels resort Philippines (http://www.avltravelphilippines.com)

Reduced vegetable price, steady supply of agri-aqua products in Aklan noted

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (12 February) — A report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) here revealed that several kinds of vegetables sold in the market had reduced in prices, while a steady supply of other agriculture and aquaculture products remains readily available in the markets compared with last month’s.

Every month, the OPA here, headed by Provincial Agriculturist Delano T. Tefora, releases a report on Aklan’s Agricultural-Based Commodities pursuant to R.A. Nos. 7394 and 9581, with copies furnished to other concerned agencies and offices.

Municipal markets in Aklan monitored by OPA for the report included Kalibo, Malinao, Lezo, Numancia and Makato.

The report showed that vegetables which are not locally-produced in Aklan reduced in prices, like the Baguio beans, which last month cost P50-60 a kilo, but could be bought now at P35-50 a kilo. Cabbage, a month ago, could be bought for P60-70 a kilo, but now, its current price per kilo is at P35-40 while carrots, priced at P70-80 per kilo last month, is now sold per kilo at P60-70. Sweet pepper, which cost P90-200 per kilo last month, could now be bought at P80-125 a kilo.

Supply and prices of rice in the markets also remain steady, according to the report. Farm gate price of palay is now at P8.60 – 11.50, NFA rice is now sold at P18.25 a kilo while commercial rice prices range from P22-29 per kilo.

Currently, the province of Aklan is implementing various agricultural programs such as the hybrid rice program, the high-value commercial crops program, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or Kasalikasan Program, the Palamayanan, and the National Farming System Program. This move of the provincial government under Governor Carlito Marquez is to make Aklan self-sufficient in agricultural commodities, and to supply the needs of Boracay Island as well as that of other neighboring provinces.

According to Gov. Marquez, Aklan remains a rice supplier with a 63,459.19 consumption against a 146,691 metric ton production.

“We still produce more than we can eat,” he said during his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA).

The support and assistance of Aklan State University (ASU) here, the Philippine Rice Research Institute; the Agricultural Training Institute, the Department of Agriculture in the regional and national levels and the province’ agriculture personnel were also acknowledged by Gov. Marquez in Aklan’s agricultural development efforts.

He cited the Palamayanan Program as one example of government assistance to poor, marginal farmers, especially those in the uplands, which was implemented through the help of ASU and Philrice

Two developers told to stop construction in Boracay

BY ERIC B. DORENTE

Vol. XXI, No. 138
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES


THE ENVIRONMENT department has stopped two companies’ construction activities in the island resort of Boracay, Aklan.

In an interview, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the two companies, Boracay Crown Regency Hotel and Gorgeous Holdings were building development projects in two reclamation areas in Boracay.

In building the projects, the two firms violated a moratorium imposed on construction on the island.

"I have ordered the provincial officer on the ground to find out how they were given the permit, what documents they had, and to cancel whatever these are," Mr. Atienza said.

Mr. Atienza said that the "clever" developers are able to circumvent the moratorium.

"They reclaim swampy areas, put up a tax declaration, and apply for a title," Mr. Atienza said.

Mr. Atienza stressed that swampy areas are open spaces that serve as natural basins for rainwater.

He said their destruction causes floods.

Redevelopment plan

Meanwhile, Mr. Atienza said he has seen the final draft of the new environment management plan for Boracay that was crafted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6.

The "master plan," as Mr. Atienza called it, provides that whatever remains of the open spaces in the area, such as swamps and mangrove areas, will be maintained.

There will also be a comprehensive geo-hazard mapping in the area "to determine all physical environmental qualities of the area where buildings can still be put up, and other natural area characteristics."

Mr. Atienza said that after the geo-hazard mapping, there would still be areas available for development.

"We can still do something about this after the physical layout is studied and the facilities are improved," Mr. Atienza said.

The environment management plan will include a solid waste disposal plan and wastewater treatment systems, Mr. Atienza said.

The master plan is set for presentation to Boracay’s stakeholders.

Six-month moratorium

On Jan. 2, a six-month moratorium on the issuance of permits of new construction projects in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan was imposed following reports of environmental degradation, overcrowding, water supply, and waste disposal problems.

The moratorium was later extended to all ongoing construction.

More than 50,000 tourists visit Boracay every month.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW021308/content.php?id=043

Kalibo to operate hatchery soon; aims to be WV’s “bulgan” supplier »


by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan fishery experts from SEAFDEC and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources recently conducted assessment of Kalibo’s “Bulgan” (sea bass) hatchery to determine its readiness to operate soon.

The fish hatchery will be operated by Kalibo town’s Municipal Agricultural Services Division. The hatchery assessment was requested by Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo through a letter addressed to BFAR 6 Regional Director Malcolm Sarmiento.

“Bulgan” or sea bass is of one of the country’s resilient fish species which could thrive in changing water temperature and climate. It also matures fast so propagation for commercial purposes is ideal.

In Aklan, sea bass is very much in demand, especially in the island of Boracay, which fetches a good price.

Kalibo’s municipal officials are optimistic that with the sea bass hatchery operation, the town could be Western Visayas supplier of fingerlings and mature sea bass or “bulgan”, as well.

The presence of government agencies here that aid farmers and fishermen in processing marine and meat products for added value and better marketing appeal could also enable “bulgan” to be an export product of Aklan, just like its Pina cloth, nito handicrafts and boneless bangus.

Coincidentally, Kalibo’s move to be a sea bass producer jibed with the country’s current program to promote agri-exports, which sea bass could be a part.

In a recent move to strengthen existing export markets and tap new ones for the country’s agricultural products, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Export Development Council (EDC) in promoting agricultural and fishery products overseas.

The four agencies, represented by Agriculture Secretary Yap, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and Philippine Exports Confederation Sergio Ortiz-Luis signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on this joint undertaking before the Cabinet meeting recently.

Yap said the MOA covers priority categories in the agri-fishery sector such as fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, marine products, root crops, natural fiber, horticulture, plantation crops, wood products, herbal products and natural ingredients.

Yap said the program to sustain and accelerate farm growth and raise the profitability of agriculture for its small stakeholders is in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s directive to focus on sustaining food security and creating jobs as embodied in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP)

ALTA VISTA BORCAY RESORT VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efJNqGcdNns&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUBQcFk-5so&feature=related

KITE BOARDING IN BORACAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eN3UGeZaqM&feature=related

DENR chief stops reclaim of Boracay wetland areas


Aimed to avert the problem of flooding on the popular tourist spot, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has stopped the reclamation of two wetland areas on the famed Boracay Island in Aklan.Atienza last Friday stopped the reclamation of a four-hectare wetland in Barangay Yapak and another one-hectare wetland in Barangay Balabag.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, both areas are proposed to be developed for commercial activities.

Atienza also ordered Lormelyn Claudio, DENR regional director for Western Visayas, to cancel the tax declarations issued to the claimants to the wetland areas.

The DENR chief reasoned that wetlands play a critical role in ecosystems.

“They serve as storage for surface water or act as flood control mechanism.

The reclamation of Boracay’s wetlands explains why the island is now susceptible to flooding during heavy rains,” he said in a statement.

Atienza also said wetlands stabilize the shoreline by tempering wave and coastline erosion. He said these areas also provide habitat to aquatic life and recharge or replenish water supplies.

“We should see to it that the natural wealth is adequately protected. This should be spelled out clearly in the Master Development Plan of Boracay,” he added. By KATHERINE ADRANEDA and REINIR PADUA

Abs-Cbn Interactive

KALIBO CITY, ANYONE?

THE Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo in Aklan is raring to become a city.

Mayor Raymar even went to Malacañang to ask for the support of PGMA.
The mayor is pinning his hopes on the controversial Hofer bill seeking to automatically make into cities capital towns of provinces even if these do not meet the requirements as stated in the Local Government Code.

We are very interested to know what Mayor Jerry of Iloilo City will say. His League of Cities is against the Hofer bill.

Maybe Mayor Raymar should also consult Mayor Jerry on the matter. But the handsome mayor of Kalibo has already secured the nod of PGMA. Will Mayor Jerry go against the wishes of PGMA?

PGMA’s support, says Mayor Raymar, is anchored on the brisk tourism business in Kalibo, the province of Aklan, and Boracay.

If Kalibo becomes a city, Mayor Raymar hopes to make it a premier tourist and business destination in Central Visayas.

After all, the Kalibo domestic airport is the first airport in Western Visayas to accept regional and international flights -- from Taiwan and China. Even the new Iloilo airport cannot lay claim to this.

from: Panay News

Boracay plays host to 100 business communicators
Boy Ryan Zabal

BORACAY – The island resort of Boracay plays host to some 100 communicators and 30 chief operating officers from six countries in the Asia-Pacific Conference sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

The conference is slated on March 3 to 5 at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center and Hyatt Hotel in Manila, said Ramon Osorio, ABS-CBN head of corporate communication and IABC Asia-Pacific regional director.

"The annual event aims to raise public awareness on the importance of communication in business and organizational management in the country," he said.

The three-day IABC conference of eight chapters tackles issues on best tourism campaigns, rising CEO expectations, marketing and media aspects of the Beijing Olympics, ethics and governance and PR-advertising-media convergence.

Former BPI vice president Roni Tapia-Merk of MerkCom and Elpi Cuna of Meralco are in charge of the Boracay conference.

Osorio said the two-venue convention features the 2008 Communications Excellence in Organizations (CEO) Excellence in Communication Leadership (EXCEL) awards to recognize top-level executives as models in organizational communication, chapter presentations in Boracay and a concert of Sing Young Winners.

The EXCEL is one of the highest honors bestowed by IABC to business leaders — a chief operating officer, managing director or president for their excellence in communication programs.

IABC is a global network of communicators from different industries with over 100 chapters and 14,500 members in 70 countries and 10,000 organizations that provide products, services, activities, and networking opportunities to help people and organizations achieve excellence in public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs, and other forms of communication.

from: Manila Bulletin
link: http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080221117506.html

Another Asian airline sets sights on direct flights to Aklan

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (21 February) — Another Asian airline is training its sight on landing directly to Kalibo Airport. For a start, the airline’s staff is going to hold an exploration tour in Boracay Island from February 22 to 25 of this year.

According to the office of Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, the exploration tour of Mandarin Airlines is in preparation for its possible putting up of a charter route from Taipei City in Taiwan to Kalibo Airport in Aklan because of the many tourism attractions in Boracay Island and Aklan in general.

This information of the possible entry of another airline directly from its point of origin to Kalibo, Aklan came from the office of Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab of the Department of Tourism through a memorandum forwarded to Kalibo by DOT 6 Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

To serve as host to the staff and crew of Mandarin Airlines when they arrive for the exploration tour is the Team Asia Pacific. An ocular inspection of the Kalibo Airport will take most of the crew’s tour time, according to sources from the Kalibo Mayor’s Office.

The entry of another charter route of another regional flight is seen to be another opportunity for Aklan to promote not just the island of Boracay but other attractive tourism destinations in the province waiting to be discovered.

Last year in May, the first direct international flight landed at the Kalibo Airport through the Asian Spirit Airlines which ferried passengers from Incheon, South Korea. Records from the Provincial Tourism Office here showed that since that inaugural flight, almost 13,000 South Korean tourists visited Boracay Island through the route.

Currently, the Kalibo Airport is undergoing expansion and improvement, and through the efforts of Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has fastracked the release of funds so the airport could accommodate still bigger planes and more flights direct from more countries.

On the other hand, for Caticlan, the jump-off point to Boracay Island, the Infrastructure Cabinet Committee chaired by PGMA recently approved the expansion of Caticlan Airport in the amount of P2.4 billion under the Build-Operate-Transfer Scheme.

“This will pave the way to accommodate bigger planes such as Airbus 319/320 or B737 that will cater to passengers from other parts of the world,” said Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, who bared the news in his latest State of the Province Address (SOPA).

Coincidentally, one airline is already moving along this goal, as next week, Cebu Pacific will be having its maiden flight landing at Caticlan Airport from Manila.

Arrangements and coordinations with local officials and the media are being made for this maiden flight presently.


Just got this from panay thread, thnks to fundador

i want to go to boracay this summer but sad to say i have to take summer classesT_T

KALIBO CITY, ANYONE?

THE Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo in Aklan is raring to become a city.

Mayor Raymar even went to Malacañang to ask for the support of PGMA.
The mayor is pinning his hopes on the controversial Hofer bill seeking to automatically make into cities capital towns of provinces even if these do not meet the requirements as stated in the Local Government Code.

We are very interested to know what Mayor Jerry of Iloilo City will say. His League of Cities is against the Hofer bill.

Maybe Mayor Raymar should also consult Mayor Jerry on the matter. But the handsome mayor of Kalibo has already secured the nod of PGMA. Will Mayor Jerry go against the wishes of PGMA?

PGMA’s support, says Mayor Raymar, is anchored on the brisk tourism business in Kalibo, the province of Aklan, and Boracay.

If Kalibo becomes a city, Mayor Raymar hopes to make it a premier tourist and business destination in Central Visayas.

After all, the Kalibo domestic airport is the first airport in Western Visayas to accept regional and international flights -- from Taiwan and China. Even the new Iloilo airport cannot lay claim to this.

from: Panay News

This is way long OVERDUE... it should have been a city as early as mid 90's.

Aklan labor situation peaceful - DOLE


by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (26 February) — There is industrial peace in Aklan, as far as the labor scenario is concerned, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here.

“Unlike with other provinces, there are no labor strikes in Aklan,” said DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito dela Banda. He admitted, however, that compliance of labor laws by employers is not so satisfactory, so inspections are conducted here by the DOLE to monitor establishments.

De la Banda said that to further strengthen the provincial operations of the DOLE, the office recently moved to a bigger office, and employees from other provincial offices were assigned to Aklan to reinforce their number.

Currently, DOLE-Aklan is conducting regular labor education activities through labor relations, human relations and productivity seminars to update employers and employees of their respective rights and responsibilities.

De la Banda said several sessions of this kind had been conducted in large resorts in Boracay Island and in mainland Aklan mostly at establishments with 200 or more employees.

For establishments with 10 and below employees, DOLE conducts visits and talks with employers of their obligations to their employees, seen to result positively into voluntary compliance of labor laws.

“We do not inspect directly but we inform them of their obligations, so the employers could plan on how to comply with labor laws and to provide what needs to be given to their employees,” De la Banda said.

Working beyond eight hours a day is the most common complaint brought to the attention of DOLE by Aklan private employees, which should be stopped by employers, as this practice will make the employees less productive or tired the following day.

Meanwhile, with a number of special and regular holidays proclaimed by the government for this year, DOLE-Aklan clarified the manner of compensation payment for private employees.

De la Banda said special non-working holidays will earn for a private worker 30% of his daily wage plus his rate for the day, while regular holidays will give him 100% of his wage plus his daily rate, provided that he has reported for work the day before the holiday and has actually rendered work during the holiday.

The issue on holiday compensation came up because of President Gloria Arroyo’s signing of Proclamation No. 1463 setting the dates of 2008 regular and special holidays.

The President declared February 25,2008 as a Special (Non-Working) Day nationwide to mark the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

This year, there are 9 regular holidays and 5 special nono-working holidays as seen in the proclamation.

In Aklan, at least five special non-working local holidays are being observed yearly

Russian envoy vows
to bring more tourists

By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

KALIBO, Aklan – Russian federation envoy to the Philippines Vitaly Vorovieb vowed to bring more Russian tourists in the Visayas as he also urged stakeholders, the local government, and the residents to prepare for more economic opportunities.

Vorobiev and his honorary consul Armi Garcia held a media dialogue last Tuesday after exploring trade and tourism prospects in nearby Boracay Island. They were accompanied by Vice Governor Bellie Calizo.

Gov. Carlito Marquez is supposed to meet with Vorobiev but he is still in Malacañang attending an economic forum.

Vorobiev said this is the best time for European tourists to visit Boracay and other tourism destinations in the Visayas such as Cebu and Bohol. The Russians are fond of exploring tourist sites.

"Based on our records, about two million tourists visited Turkey last year and some1.5 million tourists went to Egypt," he said.

The Russian envoy said despite the on-going political crises in the country, he still considers the Philippines as safe for Russian tourists.

"I just hope the Philippine National Police will not get involve in politics so that they could focus in securing the safety of tourists here," Vorobiev said.

Based on their explorations in the Visayas, Filipinos could benefit from bars, the love of foods and leisure, sea and underwater sports of the Russians, said Vorobiev.

Calizo said European tourists are important to the country's booming tourism industry because they usually stay for 15 days. Other Asian tourists like Chinese and Koreans normally stay only for three to five days.

"We should also consider that Russians enjoy going to flea markets to buy local souvenirs and try local foods," she said.

Vorobiev also discussed with Calizo the possibility of extending Boracay's tourism industry to mainland Malay and on how to improve the present tourism infrastructures in the said resort island.

Boracay awes Russian ambassador

By JESSIE L. REYES

KALIBO, Aklan – Boracay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, has captured the love for tropical paradise of His Excellency Vitaly Vorobiev, Russian ambassador to the Philippines.

Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo assisted the ambassador in his visit here recently.

“He loves the drive from Kalibo to Caticlan because of the scenic view. That confirms my confidence that the drive from Kalibo airport to Caticlan will entertain him,” Calizo said.

The Russian ambassador was very impressed with Boracay Island, describing its water as clean and warm. The island’s tropical attraction has drawn a growing number of Russian tourists recently.

Vorobiev visited the province and the island to forge stronger tourism and trade ties and will soon established an avenue for a better understanding between the two countries.

Already in the pipeline of the provincial government’s plans here is a cultural center in the island wherein different nationalities would be able to showcase their cultures.

This will also help Filipinos understand better other nationalities and cultures and how to serve them best while in the island.

Vorobiev said the Russian government is doing its best to uplift the standard of living of its people. They now have a politically stable situation which helps Russians earn well and be able to travel in a country they like.

“Russians are the longest staying tourists in the island. They stay there for two weeks, at the very least. That means a lot of income for businessmen in Boracay,” Calizo said.

Also, the visit of Vorobiev has also given him information on the security of the Russians in the island and of other support they still need. During a luncheon conference with local media here, Vorobiev said better facilities, air travel, and language barriers are just some of the things which the provincial government should work on.

He also suggested for hotels in the island to offer Russian cuisine as part of their service improvement.

Armi L. Garcia, Russina federation honorary consul, disclosed that many Russian-speaking Filipinos in Russia might be given an opportunity to work in Boracay. They can work as chefs to teach Filipinos how to prepare authentic Russian cuisines for the island’s Russian tourists.

Cebu Pacific begins maiden
Boracay flight with new plane
By TOOTS B JIMENEZ JR.

BORACAY – Cebu Pacific brings its first passengers to Boracay Island via its brand new ATR plane that will touch down early today at the Caticlan airport in Malay, Aklan from Manila.

Government officials, top airline executives and the media will be on hand to welcome the first batch of Cebu Pacific passengers.

Caticlan is the gateway to the world-famous island resort of Boracay.

Boracay tourism officials and owners of tourism-related establishments welcome Cebu Pacific’s decision to fly the Manila-Caticlan route. This will bring more tourists to Boracay, they said.

Cebu Pacific will be acquiring around 14 ATR aircraft to boost its fleet. The ATR that is flying to Boracay today is the first delivered to it.

By March, the second ATR aircraft from France will service the Cebu-Caticlan route, bringing the flights to Caticlan to 10 daily.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo3.htm)

^^^^ soar high, AKLAN ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:

This is way long OVERDUE... it should have been a city as early as mid 90's.
thats' right. Beside, Kalibo has the feel and looks of a real city.More than anything else, Kalibo has a bigger income compare to other cities in the country. It is a well-deserved fete, just in case.

Go, go, go for Kalibo City! :banana::banana:

No contest, Boracay is the forefront of Philippines' Tourism Industry.

Fly High .... BORACAY ! :banana::banana::banana:

great news indeed.

That's why its really important to preserve its beauty...

i think i didin't get to visit this spot. saang station po ito?

alliele,
thats in Station 2. Benito's Coffee is on the left, i always have coffee there whenever I pass by.
Next to that coffee signage is a small alley where you can find accommodations too and one of the entrances to the Talipapa (wet & dry market).

anone, looks like you've had good weather this January. I go there usually on a January too and it was predominantly hazy or overcast during the day last 2007.

in spite of the over development, i still would like to go back there since the beach is so ideal for lap swimming.

That's why its really important to preserve its beauty...


I have seen recent photos of Boracay and still Bulabog Beach on the other side of the island is littered with rotten coconuts/husk. Worse, resort owners seem not to care at all.

http://ww.youtube.com/watch?v=617P3LQ82wc&feature=related

this is something else, it's not related to boracay thread but it's f***ing hillarious...lol That was from spearhead's posted youtube for boracay

alliele,
thats in Station 2. Benito's Coffee is on the left, i always have coffee there whenever I pass by.
Next to that coffee signage is a small alley where you can find accommodations too and one of the entrances to the Talipapa (wet & dry market).

anone, looks like you've had good weather this January. I go there usually on a January too and it was predominantly hazy or overcast during the day last 2007.

in spite of the over development, i still would like to go back there since the beach is so ideal for lap swimming.

I've been to Boracay in January 3x in the last few years. It was overcast 2 years ago but the weather from Jan 30 - Feb 3 this year was perfect. It was sunny most of the time so I got myself a good tan. It only rained (drizzled actually) once and it stopped after a few mins.

I can't wait to go back this weekend to attend a wedding there. :banana: It's my 10th trip to the best beach in the world - Boracay! :D

RICH business mogul Donald Dee is reportedly buying the Sampaguita Garden Hotel in New Washington, Aklan. The owner has decided to sell the property because it has been losing in its operation.

source: LAPSUS CALAMI
http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/lapsus.htm

^^ It's losing? Sayang! It's the perfect vacation place outside Boracay in Aklan. :( Imo, the location was bad...it was built in a place with little population. If they could have built it nearer Boracay or in Iloilo (which Sam Butcher-the owner-has a lot there), then the business might have gone smoothly. It's like a mini-Disneyland there.

RICH business mogul Donald Dee is reportedly buying the Sampaguita Garden Hotel in New Washington, Aklan. The owner has decided to sell the property because it has been losing in its operation.

source: LAPSUS CALAMI
http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/lapsus.htm

i believe it's losing because of ill management/planning i think. Can you imagine that our group was spared from paying the entrace fee when we went there last time because we know one of the managers there:lol: Imagine ang dami namin no. It might be the usual trend kaya ayan wala silang kita.:lol: And i agree also that the location is a bit far. it's hard to package it as a tourist destination. it has the potential in the long term pero as of now i highly doubt it can sustain its business with it's location and it's products/souvenirs are tho in good quality but a bit pricey i think...And might be Mr. Butcher is feeling also the recession in the US, well this is just my guess...

I've been to Boracay in January 3x in the last few years. It was overcast 2 years ago but the weather from Jan 30 - Feb 3 this year was perfect. It was sunny most of the time so I got myself a good tan. It only rained (drizzled actually) once and it stopped after a few mins.

I can't wait to go back this weekend to attend a wedding there. :banana: It's my 10th trip to the best beach in the world - Boracay! :D

I'm flying there tom!!! Yoohoo!!! :banana::banana::banana:

One question please - Is there a Starbucks or any other coffee chains operating in Boracay? thanks guys. :)

i think they need to improve their facilities and promo. They can post big, colourful and enticing promotional materials right at the Caticlan port going to Boracay ... or they can provide brochures to be given to all visitors of Boracay when they're issuing tickets. It's one way of promoting Precious Moments ... ina kung willing sila to shed money when it comes to promotion.

One question please - Is there a Starbucks or any other coffee chains operating in Boracay? thanks guys. :)

there is no starbucks but Cafe Lupe is one of the others at D'mall D' Boracay.

there is no starbucks but Cafe Lupe is one of the others at D'mall D' Boracay.

There is also good coffee in Cafe del Sol beside Aria (same owners).

grabe pahirapan ang pag book ng flight next week :cry2:

bohol and cebu are good alternatives of boracay

grabe pahirapan ang pag book ng flight next week :cry2:

That's not your only problem during Holy Week... you'll also have a hard time getting rooms if you still have not reserved for them. Suggest to book months in advance next time.

Municipality of Libacao, Aklan
The Next Tourist Destination
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/libacao1.jpg
Discover and explore Libacao‚ a fourth ¬ class interior municipality 29 kms. southwest of the capital town of Kalibo. It has a vast land area, a relatively colder weather condition and beautiful natural scenery consisting of green valleys, upland farms, high mountain ranges, virgin forests,tropical flora, fauna and wildlife, numerous waterfalls, natural springs and creeks.
Rich in natural resources and blessed with fertile soils favorable to agriculture, this town has become the leading producer of Abaca fiber in Western Visayas. Almost all 24 barangays are now accessible to transportation using motorcycles except for the two farthest barangays, Oyang and Dalagsaan which could only be reached by foot for 2 ¬ 3 days.
Libacao is emerging to be discovered as an adventure destination of the province where extreme physical challenge awaits visitors. The wild river near the mouth of the Aklan river are ideal for bamboo rafting and kayaking that would compliment the experience of the "white beaches" of Boracay.

Mga turista sa Boracay, dagsa na rin
3/20/2008 9:33:17 AM

KALIBO, AKLAN – Kahapon pa ay dagsaan na ang mga local at foreign tourist sa isla ng Boracay subalit inaasahan ang maraming bilang pa ng mga ito ngayong darating na mga araw upang magapalipas ng Semana Santa at samantalahin ang mahabang bakasyon.

Ayon kay Mr. Niven Maquirang, Port Adminsitrator it Caticlan Jetty Port na hanggang alas-dies na ng gabi ang biyahe ng mga pump boats at posebli pa umano itong i-extend, depende sa dami ng mga bisitang magsisi datingan.

Umaabot na sa 84 na mga pump boats ang pinapayagan ngayong bumiyahe para ma-accomodate ang lahat ng mga turista na tatawid papuntang isla.

Samantala, mas naka alerto din ngayon ang miembro ng Provincial Mobile Group sa Cagban at Caticlan Jetty Port upang magbigay seguridad sa mga turista.

May mga ipinakalat din na k-9 units upang mag-usisa sa mga bagahe upang maiwasan na makapuslit ang ilegal na droga sa isla ng Boracay.

www.bomboradyo.com

Mga turista sa Boracay, dagsa na rin
3/20/2008 9:33:17 AM

KALIBO, AKLAN – Kahapon pa ay dagsaan na ang mga local at foreign tourist sa isla ng Boracay subalit inaasahan ang maraming bilang pa ng mga ito ngayong darating na mga araw upang magapalipas ng Semana Santa at samantalahin ang mahabang bakasyon.

Ayon kay Mr. Niven Maquirang, Port Adminsitrator it Caticlan Jetty Port na hanggang alas-dies na ng gabi ang biyahe ng mga pump boats at posebli pa umano itong i-extend, depende sa dami ng mga bisitang magsisi datingan.

Umaabot na sa 84 na mga pump boats ang pinapayagan ngayong bumiyahe para ma-accomodate ang lahat ng mga turista na tatawid papuntang isla.

Samantala, mas naka alerto din ngayon ang miembro ng Provincial Mobile Group sa Cagban at Caticlan Jetty Port upang magbigay seguridad sa mga turista.

May mga ipinakalat din na k-9 units upang mag-usisa sa mga bagahe upang maiwasan na makapuslit ang ilegal na droga sa isla ng Boracay.

www.bomboradyo.com

saw it last night in Bandila. :) ang daming tao. :)

^^suv111 ive been living in Altavas Aklan 2 months (brod in law), but i have not been to boracay. hope i will:nuts::lol::lol:

bohol and cebu are good alternatives of boracay

i think there are some nice beaches in Bohol but they are not as well developed as Boracay:)

Will it be a bad idea to fly to Iloilo, to get to Boracay? Or is it about the same if you go straight to Caticlan?

Carabao Island - Sister Island of Boracay
dX6PjPCgtAY

just came from boracay for the holy week. Surprisingly, I still saw some vacant room signs up to good friday. Those"commissioner" or those people who offer you the aqua rides in boracay said that there are much less people than last year's holy week. The manager of the hotel I stayed in says he assumes there are 20-30% less people for this holy week than last year's. Last year, you can't see the shoreline anymore with all the beach parties going on. This year, the parties are not that plentiful. Other than dmall which had throngs of people all through out, you could observe a noticeable thinning of the crowd walking up and down the beach walk to/from dmall.

Also noticeable is the consistent lumot that covers the waterline of the main beach, though it doesn't really wash up unto the beach front. Water was kinda itchy at times. And when it is low tide, you will notice black/gray muck at the surface. If not, all you need is to dig no deeper than 4 inches and already notice that black, kinda smelly muck. Its not that white sand anymore. That's the pollution that is being absorbed by the sand and provides the nutrients for the lumot to grow.

Still, boracay was still partying all throughout.

^^ Which reminds me whatever happened to the Boracay CLUP (Comprehensive Land Use Plan)? Are they letting Boracay suffer the fate of urban blight?

[QUOTE=swahi;19192990]
Also noticeable is the consistent lumot that covers the waterline of the main beach, though it doesn't really wash up unto the beach front. Water was kinda itchy at times. And when it is low tide, you will notice black/gray muck at the surface. If not, all you need is to dig no deeper than 4 inches and already notice that black, kinda smelly muck. Its not that white sand anymore. That's the pollution that is being absorbed by the sand and provides the nutrients for the lumot to grow.
[QUOTE]


I hope they get their act together.
Otherwise, Boracay will turn ugly and as soon as the next party place is born then Boracay will be suffer hard.
Even tourist will not go there anymore.

just came from boracay for the holy week. Surprisingly, I still saw some vacant room signs up to good friday. Those"commissioner" or those people who offer you the aqua rides in boracay said that there are much less people than last year's holy week. The manager of the hotel I stayed in says he assumes there are 20-30% less people for this holy week than last year's. Last year, you can't see the shoreline anymore with all the beach parties going on. This year, the parties are not that plentiful. Other than dmall which had throngs of people all through out, you could observe a noticeable thinning of the crowd walking up and down the beach walk to/from dmall.

Also noticeable is the consistent lumot that covers the waterline of the main beach, though it doesn't really wash up unto the beach front. Water was kinda itchy at times. And when it is low tide, you will notice black/gray muck at the surface. If not, all you need is to dig no deeper than 4 inches and already notice that black, kinda smelly muck. Its not that white sand anymore. That's the pollution that is being absorbed by the sand and provides the nutrients for the lumot to grow.

Still, boracay was still partying all throughout.

i think this lumot is seasonal. i was there last november and didn't saw any lumot. but on the other hand i saw those coconut husks littering in the shores on the other side of boracay. i was not also happy with our boat hopping and snorkeling activities since we were brought to the parts where there's no sight of sea corals and reefs unlike our previous trips:ohno:.

@mwg12a if you can take a 4 to 5 hours travel by car or bus then it's not really bad to drop by in iloilo. you can eat a lot of seafoods there and the prices are very cheap. at least you could also visit iloilo. But if you don't really like long travel by car better take a flight directly to caticlan.

Thanks weina!!!

just came from boracay for the holy week. Surprisingly, I still saw some vacant room signs up to good friday. Those"commissioner" or those people who offer you the aqua rides in boracay said that there are much less people than last year's holy week. The manager of the hotel I stayed in says he assumes there are 20-30% less people for this holy week than last year's. Last year, you can't see the shoreline anymore with all the beach parties going on. This year, the parties are not that plentiful. Other than dmall which had throngs of people all through out, you could observe a noticeable thinning of the crowd walking up and down the beach walk to/from dmall.

Also noticeable is the consistent lumot that covers the waterline of the main beach, though it doesn't really wash up unto the beach front. Water was kinda itchy at times. And when it is low tide, you will notice black/gray muck at the surface. If not, all you need is to dig no deeper than 4 inches and already notice that black, kinda smelly muck. Its not that white sand anymore. That's the pollution that is being absorbed by the sand and provides the nutrients for the lumot to grow.

Still, boracay was still partying all throughout.

Re: lumot. Try to go to Boracay between November to early March (I went there last November, January and March - before Holy Week). This is the best period to see Boracay without the lumot. I've been there so many times during the said months in the last several years and Boracay White Beach has always been picture perfect. No trace of green on the shoreline.

Will it be a bad idea to fly to Iloilo, to get to Boracay? Or is it about the same if you go straight to Caticlan?

To get to Boracay by plane:

Option 1: Manila-Kalibo-Manila (uggh!)
Less than 1 hour plane ride to Kalibo Airport then from the airport, travel by bus/van to Caticlan port for 1 1/2 hours, hop onto a boat to get to Cagban port on Boracay Island in around 15 mins, ride in a multicab in Cagban to go your resort (travel time depends on the location along White Beach)

Option 2: Manila-Caticlan-Manila (definitely recommended!)
Less than 1 hour plane ride to Caticlan Airport then from the airport, take a very short 5 min ride to Caticlan port, hop onto a boat to get to Cagban port on Boracay Island in around 15 mins, ride in a multicab in Cagban to go your resort (travel time depends on the location along White Beach)

Iloilo is quite far and it's really your call if you want to spend several hours more on the road.

Resort developer in Boracay sues DENR

March 26, 2008 17:42:00
Nestor P. Burgos Jr. / Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- The owner of a multi-million-peso resort and hotel being built on a wetland on Boracay Island has sued the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for stopping the construction of the property.

In a 49-page petition for declaratory relief filed before the Aklan Regional Trial Court Branch 5 on February 29, the Cebu-based J. King and Sons Company, Inc. sought a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against the DENR's order that suspended the construction of the Boracay Crown Regency Hotel and Convention Center.

The 450-room hotel is being constructed in an 11,000-square meter property in the village of Balabag, one of three villages on the island-resort.

Named respondents were Environment Secretary Lito Atienza Jr., three other DENR officials and the municipality of Malay where Boracay is located.

In its petition, the property owner asked the court to nullify a February 11, 2008 notice of adverse findings and a cease and desist order against the construction of the hotel.

It also asked the court to rule that the property was not covered by a moratorium on the new construction on the island. The petitioner is also seeking at least P1.5 million in damages and legal fees from the DENR.

But Atienza said they were standing by their decision until ordered otherwise by the courts.

"It's their prerogative (to file a case). But we will continue to conduct a thorough investigation how they were able to secure permits and tax declarations for the area considered a wetland. This is the kind of abuse of the environment that is prevailing in Boracay," Atienza told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview.

The DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issued last February a notice of adverse findings against the hotel for undertaking construction work without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

The bureau also directed the hotel to halt construction because the property has been identified as a wetland.

The DENR has blamed unregulated development and construction on the island's wetlands for the flooding in Boracay.

Wetlands are natural deterrents to flooding because they are "storage for surface water," they help control wave and coastline erosion, provide habitat to aquatic life, and recharge or replenish water supplies.

The agency has identified 10 areas on the island, covering at least 14.59 hectares, as wetlands that have been reclaimed.

But J. King and Sons said the DENR assessment that identified the property as a wetland was "totally unwarranted and baseless."

According to the firm, the area is not a natural wetland but is a diversion for the overflow coming from a natural wetland located across the property.

However, DENR regional executive director Lormelyn Claudio said field investigations and testimonies of long-time residents of the island supported their assessment.

J. King and Sons explained they did not have an ECC from the DENR because of a moratorium sought by Atienza.

But the company said it should not be covered by the moratorium because it applied for an ECC from August to September in 2007, months before a six-month moratorium on the issuance of permits for new construction projects was implemented on January 2, 2008.

The company said it started the construction of the hotel in November 2007 after the Malay municipal government granted building and other permits on October 10, 2007.

The DENR is set to file an opposition to the hotel owner's petition, according to lawyer Romeo Mijares, chief of the legal department of the DENR Western Visayas office.

Thanks weina!!!

no thanks...hope you could visit also iloilo or before you proceed to boracay you can drop by on guimaras island. if you love isolated beaches i think you'll love guimaras.

Re: lumot. Try to go to Boracay between November to early March (I went there last November, January and March - before Holy Week). This is the best period to see Boracay without the lumot. I've been there so many times during the said months in the last several years and Boracay White Beach has always been picture perfect. No trace of green on the shoreline.

last year november i was there in boracay but it was raining most of the day and some of the non beachfront hotels are flooding :ohno: but still yeah the beach shoreline is perfect no trace of green.

for lumot to propagate, you need enough sunlight and nutrients for it to develop. During summer, the heat of the sun is at its strongest. Without all the available nutrients, a strong sun still will not make any lumot, or any seaweeds grow. In this case, the muck I mentioned is the nutrient source. During the rainy days, lumot will have a hard time to grow with not enough sunlight. I know, coz I am in the aquaculture business. Sand is a natural absorber of dirt. This is why in aquariums, there are sand or gravel that is put at the bottom of the tank. Your water may look clear, but when you touch the sand or gravel, you will see the waste. Too much waste will allow water turbidity to develop, or lumot, lablab, or green colored plankton water, with sunlight exposure.

Its the dirty sand underneath that is the concern. It goes to show that the sewage system that was put in place is still woefully inadequate.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view/20080311-124084/Bora-treats-for-under-P500

Bora treats for under P500
By Pam Pastor
Philippine Daily Inquirer
03/11/2008

GET INKED. Hit one of the many henna tattoo stands on the island and get yourself inked. For around P150, you can get a skin souvenir that will bring back memories of the beach as you head back to the city.

TACO LOCO. Mañana is a Boracay must-visit for Mexican food junkies. The three-piece taco platter, which costs P300, is a big filling treat that can be shared with friends. Don't forget the sour cream.

MORNING CREPE. Benito's is our favorite Boracay secret breakfast spot. Start your day right by grabbing a stool and ordering a butter and sugar crepe. If you want a more sinful way to load up on carbs, try the choco banana or the nutella crepes. Crepes go for around P100.

REAL COFFEE. Another secret Bora spot, Real Coffee, is the place to go to for great sandwiches (the Zesto Pesto, a big Real Coffee hit, is around P150) and for yummy calamansi cupcakes and oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies, both sold for less than P50.

CHORIBURGER OVERLOAD. People dream of the Choriburger even when they're not in Boracay. At P40, it's a steal.

SHAKE IT. A trip to Boracay is not complete without the fruity shakes. The mango-banana has become a classic and newer flavors like the choco-banana-peanut are fast gaining fans from all over. Visit Jonah's or Jammers for a fruity dose of creaminess. Prices range from P75-P150.

SANDY SPA. Leave the resort spas to the loaded. You can clock in quality massage time on the beach, thanks to countless Bora ladies who will charge you only P300 for an hour of kneading.

HOP ABOARD. Most watersports will put a dent in your pocket but not skimboards. Rent a board for just P300 an hour and have a blast hitting the waves.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view/20080311-124082/Boracay-take-two

Boracay, take two
By Brian Keith Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
03/11/2008

MY first trip to Boracay was quick and tiring. I spent only 24 hours on the island-a terribly uneventful trip.

Last week's visit was different. For starters, it was my first time to fly with Cebu Pacific and experience landing in Kalibo airport instead of Caticlan.

We checked into the Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, a resort with Triple A rating from the Department of Tourism. Many of the guest rooms, including mine, overlooked the pool and lush gardens.

Our little Boracay adventure started with a rough ride aboard an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through various trails leading to Mount Luho, said to be the highest peak in Boracay. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy, preventing us from seeing the spectacular view from the top.

The next day we tried one of the newest fun water activities in Boracay.

Reef-walking entailed putting on these heavy metal headgear, diving to about 20 feet, and walking around a fascinating reef. The others had fun feeding the fishes while I tried my best to get away from them!

Something that I had always wanted to do in Boracay was to parasail, and this time I got to do it. Before that, however, I checked and double-checked the straps to see if they were locked properly.

It was very windy so ascending was not really a problem for the three of us. Next thing we knew, we were flying. The sensation was great-the longest 15 minutes I'd experienced. It was the next best thing to skydiving.

Cebu Pacific now flies five times daily to and from Caticlan airport. With new 72-seater planes, the airline offers Boracay tourists the option to fly directly to Caticlan at cheaper rates, or go through Kalibo airport aboard slightly bigger aircraft.

Re: lumot. Try to go to Boracay between November to early March (I went there last November, January and March - before Holy Week). This is the best period to see Boracay without the lumot. I've been there so many times during the said months in the last several years and Boracay White Beach has always been picture perfect. No trace of green on the shoreline.


Sorry to disappoint you but I was there during the week of Ati-Atihan in January 2003 and the algae was present during my whole stay. From what I have heard from the locals, it is worse during the summer months.

guyz... what are the best times that I can visit Boracay?

Here is boracay during December!

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00391.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00390.jpg


At the beach with zero algae...

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00395.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00402.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00438.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00437.jpg


Yellowcab beside Casa Pilar

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00377.jpg

Yellowcab Paraw

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00381.jpg

for lumot to propagate, you need enough sunlight and nutrients for it to develop. During summer, the heat of the sun is at its strongest. Without all the available nutrients, a strong sun still will not make any lumot, or any seaweeds grow. In this case, the muck I mentioned is the nutrient source. During the rainy days, lumot will have a hard time to grow with not enough sunlight. I know, coz I am in the aquaculture business. Sand is a natural absorber of dirt. This is why in aquariums, there are sand or gravel that is put at the bottom of the tank. Your water may look clear, but when you touch the sand or gravel, you will see the waste. Too much waste will allow water turbidity to develop, or lumot, lablab, or green colored plankton water, with sunlight exposure.

Its the dirty sand underneath that is the concern. It goes to show that the sewage system that was put in place is still woefully inadequate.

The rivers at the nearby island of Panay particularly the towns of Nabas and Malay are very clean but during summer algae really develops, those rivers are small that passes only 2 to 3 barangays. These towns got only few residents..
Maybe it is only a normal cycle of our environment.

Here is boracay during December!

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00391.jpg

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh229/pangyao-nabaoy/DSC00390.jpg



based on the pictures... I think December is the best time... Am I right guyz?

based on the pictures... I think December is the best time... Am I right guyz?

I was there Nov 9-11, 2007; Jan 30-Feb 3, 2008; Mar 8-10, 2008. November to early March continue to be the perfect months to see Boracay in all its white splendor! :)

I don't suggest that you visit the island during the Holy Week (too crowded) or the habagat season (although cheap).

^^it's true... I really don't have plans to visit bora during Holy Week... para ka lang nag-attend ng convention ng mga sosyal..hehe!

An old Boracay photo I took during my 2003 visit with algae around the shoreline.
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/bor.jpg

^^it's not pristine.... it's so green...

^^^^It was bad from north to south of the main White Beach although I found Puka Beach a beautiful slice of paradise. I hope they keep it that way. There was only 1 restaurant tucked at the end of the road when I visited Puka Beach. Local government then said they wont build anymore structures at Puka Beach, don't know now if that remains true. They even mentioned, no structures taller than a coconut tree but basing from photos I have seen lately that thought was just a thing of the past.

Photo taken with a manual Pentax K1000 film cam. Horizon a bit tilted but anyway I was the only one on the whole stretch of the beach. Paradise!!!!
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/bi9.jpg

^^beautiful!!! is the sand powdery also?

The closer to the water, the finer the sand because of the pounding waves but closer to the trees it was not as fine. The time I took this shot the sand has a beige/peach tint to it.:)

Boracay in November (2007)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/BoracayDay2_1111007.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/BoracayDay2_2111007.jpg

Both shots taken near Willy's @ White Beach, Station 1, Boracay. No green. All white. Perfect.

I'll post some more shots of White Beach taken in January and March 2008 in the next few days.

^^ And quite tranquil too. :okay: I guess the best time to go there is during semestral break or off-peak season for me. Kahit wala masyadong gigs, pero I get to enjoy the beach without the crowd nor the greeneries at the shore. :D

Boracay in November (2007)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/BoracayDay2_1111007.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/BoracayDay2_2111007.jpg

Both shots taken near Willy's @ White Beach, Station 1, Boracay. No green. All white. Perfect.

I'll post some more shots of White Beach taken in January and March 2008 in the next few days.
wow! the sand really is white! I guess this is powdery!

So white (the sand!!!). So beautiful (the beach!!!).

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4427.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4430.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4426.jpg

Haay, go to Boracay already! Or are you blind?!? Hehe. :D

P.S. I didn't shoot the pics above (I wish I did) so credit goes to the real photographer whoever you are. :)

Puting-puti talaga ang buhangin nila at napakafine talaga. Puerto Galera doesn't compare but each of them have their own charms. :)

Boracay's algae bloom has been there with increased sunshine and coliform in the seawater. Can't do anything about it now. Boracay should try controlling the seepage of coliform-tainted water to the sea so that algae wont keep coming back. If it continues to gros, it might choke marine life and would not be nice for swimming. It was teeming with a meter broad "algae-line" along the coast last time I was there in March. I hope it would be reduced or washed away when I come back by mid-April:banana::banana:

^^you mean.. may algae pa rin?

wassup! bora fellas! juz wanna know if there are still available rooms that would cost me from 500bucks to a thousand? thanx... pls pm me...god bless!

gonna be there by 3rd week........ see ya guyz!

So white (the sand!!!). So beautiful (the beach!!!).

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4427.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4430.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Boracay7/IMG_4426.jpg

Haay, go to Boracay already! Or are you blind?!? Hehe. :D

P.S. I didn't shoot the pics above (I wish I did) so credit goes to the real photographer whoever you are. :)



I like the girl! who is she? I hope she dyed her hair brown...
attracted ako sa mga brunette eh!

Caticlan -Manila route to Boracay now open

BORACAY ISLAND: With the surge of tourists in this island resort, shipping company Negros Navigation (Nenaco) revived its Caticlan-Manila trips using the newly refurbished M/S Saint Joseph the Worker vessel, reported Panay News.

The ship’s recent blessing was attended by Nenaco Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sulficio Tagud Jr. at Pier 2 in Metro Manila.

Nenaco Corporate Communications Head Gian Galvez said M/S Saint Joseph the Worker is a “fun ship” that would suit budget-conscious tourists. There will be comedy acts, concerts, parties, games and other entertainment features on board.

“We expect to serve more local and foreign tourists in the Visayas and Mindanao at very affordable rates,” Galvez said.

The ship had its maiden voyage to Caticlan on Friday.

“An alternate vessel, M/S San Paolo, already made its maiden voyage to Caticlan on March 20 (Holy Thursday). It will sail every Thursday, while M/S Saint Joseph sails every Friday” Galvez said.

In Manila, free shuttle service will be provided passengers from Alabang, Cubao and Baclaran going to Pier 2, likewise to passengers from Kalibo going to Caticlan.

Nenaco also serves Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas, Coron, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Iligan, Ozamis and other key destinations in Visayas and Mindanao.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/31/yehey/prov/20080331pro3.html

^^you mean.. may algae pa rin?

yep.....i had night swimming there last march and the algae was like "sotanghon" that clings to your body.....he hehehe....at least its not that thick and extensive

can't wait to be in Bora! :D

yep.....i had night swimming there last march and the algae was like "sotanghon" that clings to your body.....he hehehe....at least its not that thick and extensive
yayks!! better not to swim with them! hehe!

can't wait to be in Bora! :D

Hahaha, ako din. Kagabi lang suot-suot ko yung trunks habang nagpi-print ng table ng flights ng Cebu Pacific at tinitignan yung packages dun sa hotel. :D

Hirap lang magplano kasi di ko alam kung magkano travel from Kalibo to Caticlan, at saka boat na Caticlan to Boracay (sa Station 2 yung hotel). Anyone? I need to at least have an idea of the rates. Thank you.

buti pa kayo.. makapag bora... ako...

bakasyon lang...

Hahaha, ako din. Kagabi lang suot-suot ko yung trunks habang nagpi-print ng table ng flights ng Cebu Pacific at tinitignan yung packages dun sa hotel. :D

Hirap lang magplano kasi di ko alam kung magkano travel from Kalibo to Caticlan, at saka boat na Caticlan to Boracay (sa Station 2 yung hotel). Anyone? I need to at least have an idea of the rates. Thank you.

For your 1 1/2 hour bus trip from Kalibo to Caticlan and a short 15 min boat ride from Caticlan to Cagban on Boracay Island, you can get the services of ISLAND EXPRESS (recommended as their buses are more comfortable). One way is 250-300 pesos. You'll find their booth just outside the Kalibo Airport.

From Cagban, you will take a multicab to your resort. This is 50 pesos.

Of course, don't forget the terminal fee/environmental taxes at Caticlan, this is 100 pesos.

^^ Thanks a lot, that sure helps on planning the finances of the trip. :okay: But what about renting a van from Kalibo to Caticlan? Around how much would that be? There'll be about 11 of us so it may be more convenient and cheaper to get a van, I guess.

Ano ba yun, nandun si mama at papa kaya bantay sarado ako. :D Haha, di pwedeng lumandi! :hilarious

^^hmm... parang gusto mo nang mapag-isa noh? hehe!

Cebu Pacific launches Cebu-Boracay (Caticlan) route with new ATR

CEBU Pacific (CEB), the country’s single largest domestic airline and biggest carrier to the ASEAN region, added a direct Cebu-Boracay (Caticlan) daily service to its domestic network on April 4, 2008.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Boracay President Charles Uy sent off the passengers to the paradise island at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) departure area, saying, “It is the first time an ATR72-500 with a 74-seat capacity will be landing in the Caticlan Airport, and we really welcome this development from Cebu Pacific.”

CEB’s newest ATR aircraft was just delivered a few days prior to the maiden Cebu-Boracay (Caticlan) flight. It landed at the MCIA for the first time last April 4 at approximately 11:00am.

In a press release, CEB spokesperson Candice Iyog said, “Boracay has one of the world’s best beaches, and with our trademark year-round ‘Go’ fares, more Filipinos and foreign tourists will now be able to spend less on their air travel and more on the fun and exciting activities the island has to offer.”

Meanwhile, SKAL International Cebu President Charles Lim said on behalf of the private sector, “With the CEB service, the two most popular destinations in the country are now finally efficiently and conveniently linked.”

The airline is acquiring up to 18 ATR72-500 regional aircraft manufactured by Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), based in Toulouse, France. CEB expects to take delivery of six ATR aircraft this year, and another four in 2009. ATR is the world leader in the 50-74 seat turboprop market. This fleet expansion is valued at over US$330 million.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the country. It flies to 12 and soon to be 15 international destinations, with the addition of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Kaohsiung. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations. /PN

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/business1.htm)

^^ more and more flights to Kalibo and Caticlan .... undisputed development talaga ang Boracay when it comes to tourism! :banana::banana:

BIR rates Kalibo as No. 1 first-class town in W. Visayas
Danny Fajardo

KALIBO, Aklan — The Bureau of Internal Revenue branded Kalibo as No. 1 first-class municipality in Western Visayas.

Nelia Demalata, officer-in-charge of the Revenue District Office here, said that Kalibo – capital town of Aklan – has surpassed the P50-million annual income.

There are eight first-class municipalities in Region 6, Kalibo was among those who classified in this group.

Along with Kalibo, other first class municipalities in the region are Tapaz in Capiz, Calinog, Iloilo; Janiuay, Iloilo; Oton, Iloilo; Pototan, Iloilo; San Jose and Sibalom in Antique.

Demalata said first-class municipalities must have an annual income of more than P50 million; municipalities with annual income of above P40 million belongs to second-class and third-class are the ones with less than P40 million.

Demalata reminded the businessmen that failure to register their establishments with the BIR will have to pay penalties depending on their municipality’s classification.

Establishments from first-class municipalities will shell out P10,000 fine; second-class, P5,000; and third-class, P2,000.

Establishments from the cities will pay a penalty of P20,000 each.

Demalata appealed to Aklanons to pay correct taxes on time.

"The taxes we pay will also come back to us through the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of our province, which will be spent to build schools, for salaries of teachers, and for other vital government services," Demalata said.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080410121529.html)

aside from Kalibo, I think there's another town in Aklan classified as first class as well recently.

Good Afternoon Boracay!!

Sana lang e develop din nila yung looban ng Boracay hindi lang yung puro sa beach front.

Sana lang ay e develop din nila yung looban at hindi lang puro sa beach front ang development.

This is the Seco Island of Tibiao, Antique.

Municipality of Tibiao, Antique is two-hour ride from Caticlan (Boracay). Still unspoiled island and beach.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/4801/snc11955gd8.jpg http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3007/snc11931rd6.jpg

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5241/snc12006zc2.jpg http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1821/snc11937sf0.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8272/snc11933px7.jpg http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3948/snc11916vq9.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8791/snc11947mn4.jpg http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9047/snc11927sp5.jpg

Seco Island, an island two hour motorboat ride from the mainland, resembles a giant floating object due to its white sand. Approximately 1 meter above sea level, it stretches up to 1.5 kms. and 500 meters to its widest and in ideal for island hopping, fishing, scuba diving and culture of “Tambalang” algea.

Seafoods in the Seco Island
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8465/snc11930bm2.jpg http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9962/snc11929ky8.jpg

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3447/snc11985vx6.jpg

^^I love the pics especially the white sand!

mahal ba ang fare papunta sa beach na 'to?

Il Tenore,

If you want to inquire about that island you can email the contact person "desireedesello@yahoo.com" or PM me.

That island is owned by the municipality of Tibiao, Antique kaya hindi ganung kamahal kapag pumunta ka sa Seco Island and actually the municipality are also offering eco-tourism adventures aside from island hopping.


The Tibiao town were blessed with several rustic, unspoiled and panoramic beauty of its surroundings. Bugtong Bato Falls is a seven tiered waterfalls with located at Tuno, Tibao, Antique.

Tibiao River, ideal for white water kayaking, rises on the slopes of Mt. Madja-as the highest point in Panay Island and plunges with over 1,000 meters on its short run to the ocean. There is about 23 kms. of navigable water on the river but access to upper section is difficult.

The EBJ Rain Forest, located in Brgy. Tigbaboy has an area of 100 hectares with a thick variety of wild and known forest trees, named after the first evolved hero in Antique, Evelio B. Javier who sowed the first seed to open the nursery for the municipality in 1970s. Mahogany and Gmelina are most dominant.

The Hanging Bridge located at Brgy. Tigbaboy stretches up to 80 meters suspended across Tibiao River. Constructed in early 1980’s which served as finishing line to Kayaking-slalom competition and gateway to nearby barangays, since the area is half lined with steep river filled with wild specially during wet spill.

Paris Mountain Resort, the early ancestral settlements site headed by Datu Oguid of Borneo in the year 1786. In this place evolved a community where christianity, trade and commerce were first practiced.

In the Poblacion, the palm-fringed Villa Arsenia Beach is itself a scenery. Tiguis by the Beach is located at Brgy. La Paz, along the national highway. Both provide swimming enthusiasts with the exotic blend of big white rocks under the roof of thick “Lunok” tree.

The Coral Resort, approximately 5 hectares wide submerged landscape of colorful corals assorted variety of flora and fauna growing abundantly at its bed. This is ideal for snorkeling, whereby one can view the vastness of large sponges, starfishes, cucumber, urchins, colored barnacles clinging to protruding stones and drifted wood, tiger fish, perch, eels, lapu-lapu and octopus in assorted colors and sizes. Located at Poblacion Sur, this is 50 meters from the shoreline by wading. For beginners, bangkas are available for hire.

^^thanks for the info.... uhm... some time nalang siguro.. hehe!! sorry po!

pero.. maganda ang beach at tsaka ang food.. parang katakam-takam!!

^^ Thanks a lot, that sure helps on planning the finances of the trip. :okay: But what about renting a van from Kalibo to Caticlan? Around how much would that be? There'll be about 11 of us so it may be more convenient and cheaper to get a van, I guess.

Ano ba yun, nandun si mama at papa kaya bantay sarado ako. :D Haha, di pwedeng lumandi! :hilarious

Van? Yes, they also have vans traveling from Kalibo to Caticlan but since your group is that big pala I recommend that you should make all the transfer arrangements here in Manila. Don't do that there as you will leave too much to chance. Dami nyo eh. It will be better to arrange everything here before you travel. Sorry I just don't have the phone number of Island Express. Maybe you can check with the resort where you will be staying or any travel agency coz I'm sure they are familiar with the bus company.

Good Afternoon Boracay! :)

Boracay resort to build P250-M high-end hotel
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW041408/content.php?id=044

BORACAY REGENCY Beach Resort has earmarked P250 million for the construction of a 120-room, high-end hotel as it capitalizes on the growing tourist traffic to the island in the coming years.

Henry O. Chusuey, Boracay Regency chairman, said the hotel would be called The Regency Lagoon and will be built on a 7,800-square meter lot along Boracay’s main road.

"Construction of The Regency Lagoon will begin next month and will be completed by November next year," Mr. Chusuey told reporters in Boracay on Friday.

Once The Regency Lagoon is completed, Boracay Regency will have a total of 500 rooms.

"We are bullish about Boracay’s tourism potentials. We expect greater demand for more luxurious accommodations in Boracay in the future," Mr. Chusuey said.

Tourism records showed tourist arrivals in Boracay went up by 8% to almost 600,000 last year.

Visitors to Boracay generated P10.9 billion in tourism receipts in 2007, from P10.2 billion a year earlier, mainly due to increased spending on hotel accommodation and food.

Mr. Chusuey is confident that Boracay would continue growing this year amid a global economic slowdown.

"We expect more Koreans to discover Boracay. At the same time, the affordable airfares will help encourage local tourists to visit," he added.

Out of the total tourist arrivals last year, 359,433 were local tourists, 208,870 were foreign and 28,404 were Filipino workers overseas.

Tourists from Korea were the bulk of foreign visitors coming to Boracay, reaching 128,909 last year from 124,618 in 2006.

Meanwhile, Boracay Regency Resort has spent P750 million to expand its guest facilities.

Mr. Chusuey said he had built a new international standard spa and a new restaurant focusing on Asian cuisine. The Kai Regency Spa and Zhu Restaurant were inaugurated on Friday.

"Our business success is mostly credited to our mission of satisfying our guests’ expectations," Mr. Chusuey said, adding that Boracay Regency’s service and facilities are unmatched.

That is the municipality of Malay, where boracay belongs to.. I don't know the exact income but it already surpassed the 50million..

^^boracay is in hype!!

Good Morning Boracay!

Alta Vista destroyed a huge portion of forest in Boracay, why did the local authorities let this development to push through. The development is quite large destroying whatever little nature is left in Boracay. Sad!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QbxT92ub0U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1P6VaXV9Mk

good news parin naman to..hehehe...try nyo lng...:banana:

Alta Vista destroyed a huge portion of forest in Boracay, why did the local authorities let this development to push through. The development is quite large destroying whatever little nature is left in Boracay. Sad!!!
whatta!!

I can't believe it!!

why?

poor trees.... I'm so sad...

Alta Vista destroyed a huge portion of forest in Boracay, why did the local authorities let this development to push through. The development is quite large destroying whatever little nature is left in Boracay. Sad!!!

I say....enough construction for Boracay!......lets just let the remaining unspoiled areas as it is. Boracay is too small and fragile to be host to such development. Be contented with what Boracay has now..........imagine the trash and the water supply it would contaminate with domestic waste. Stop Stop Stop.....and please I hope the government would improve the island's hospital....the beach is the best but its hospital is the worst....one could die by just staying there

^^can't help but to agree with you...

I say....enough construction for Boracay!......lets just let the remaining unspoiled areas as it is. Boracay is too small and fragile to be host to such development. Be contented with what Boracay has now..........imagine the trash and the water supply it would contaminate with domestic waste. Stop Stop Stop.....and please I hope the government would improve the island's hospital....the beach is the best but its hospital is the worst....one could die by just staying there


These condo developments are quite large and being built high. Local authorities are just talk to talk but not walk the walk. "No structures taller than a coconut tree" is just pure lip service from the local authorities. :ohno:

I guess.. they really don't want boracay to be as green as nature...

I guess.. they really don't want boracay to be as green as nature...

They want a different green...
Green as in Greenbacks... $$$ :lol:

It just shows a lack of respect for the environment, in other words money talks, scr*w the environment. You would think they have learned from all the problems that has manifested on this tiny island now as well as in the past but NO.

They want a different green...
Green as in Green bucks... $$$ :lol:
so true!! different green talaga!
It just shows a lack of respect for the environment, in other words money talks, scr*w the environment. You would think they have learned from all the problems that has manifested on this tiny island now as well as in the past but NO.

agree with you...:ohno:

2007 Census of Population Aklan
Province, City, Municipality Total
and Barangay Population

AKLAN 495,122

ALTAVAS 23,692
BALETE 26,360
BANGA 34,276
BATAN 29,243
BURUANGA 15,767
IBAJAY 42,742
KALIBO (Capital) 69,700
LEZO 13,077
LIBACAO 26,610
MADALAG 17,889
MAKATO 25,043
MALAY 32,110
MALINAO 23,921
NABAS 28,345
NEW WASHINGTON 39,656
NUMANCIA 27,570
TANGALAN 19,121

Pano yan Aklan can not be divided into 2 districts..

2007 Census of Population Malay
as of August 1, 2007

MALAY 32,110

Mainland Malay: 13,881
Argao 863
Balusbus 1,064
Cabulihan 537
Caticlan 4,368
Cogon 593
Cubay Norte 254
Cubay Sur 911
Dumlog 648
Naasug 455
Nabaoy 952
Napaan 585
Poblacion 1,012
San Viray 869
Motag 770

Boracay Island: 18,229
Balabag 6,354
Manoc-Manoc 8,426
Yapak 3,449

April 09, 2008 - Wednesday


Libacao town exec seeks help of President Arroyo
By Boy Ryan B. Zabal/Panay News/Manila Bulletin


LIBACAO, Aklan – Mayor Charito Navarosa urged the national government to support his efforts in making this "sleepy town of Libacao" a haven of investors in mining, power and agriculture.


He said the town of Libacao has bright prospects of attaining a stable power supply due to the growing infrastructure projects of American firm California Energy International (Calen).


Libacao's $420-million Aklan Hydroelectric Power Project is the largest sole investment in the eastern side of Aklan, Navarosa added.
"If the plans of the government are to address the power crisis, now is the time to support private sector-led investments in Libacao in electricity generation and agriculture," he said.


Navarosa has invited President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to inspect the California Energy project in his town, and see for herself the eco-tourism potentials of Libacao.


The hydropower project is expected to lower the power rates in Aklan and the island of Boracay, attract investments and boost the infrastructures in far-flung barangays, the mayor added.


Another investor, First Gen Renewables Inc. (a Lopez-owned consortium), is pushing for a 10-megawatt small hydroelectric power project in Libacao.


"In three years time, we could achieve progress and improve the lives of our people in the hinterlands," Navarosa said.

Libacao opens door to mining
By Boy Ryan B. Zabal/Panay News



KALIBO, Aklan – The town of Libacao is opening its doors to small-scale mining, a top local official said. "Mining operations are welcome. They will contribute to the economic growth of this town and provide jobs to our constituents," said Mayor Charito Navarosa.


But he stressed to Panay News that there must be environmental safety measures.


"Allowing mining companies to conduct explorations and develop potential mining communities in the mountains of Libacao is a big boost to the Aklan economy," said Navarosa.


Libacao has a land area of 35,593 hectares -- almost 17 percent of the total land area of Aklan. It borders the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo and Antique.


The town's hinterlands have mineral reserves. If tapped, these could bring progress in far-flung barangays, the mayor said.


"While we favor mining exploration and development opportunities in the town, we are closely monitoring its effects to the environment in the long-term," Navarosa also said.


American firm California Energy International and First Gen Renewables Inc., a Lopez consortium, are presently embarking on a multi-million Aklan hydroelectric power project in the town to address the power supply needs of Panay Island and Boracay.


The mayor recently invited President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to visit the $420-million California Energy project and the eco-tourism potentials of his town.

There are eight first-class municipalities in Region 6, Kalibo was among those who classified in this group.

Along with Kalibo, other first class municipalities in the region are Tapaz in Capiz, Calinog, Iloilo; Janiuay, Iloilo; Oton, Iloilo; Pototan, Iloilo; San Jose and Sibalom in Antique.


Good thing to hear from you Spacewagon1 that of the eight first class municipalities in REGION 6 are from PANAY.
The idea of NEGROS and PANAY is inseparable is a concept of OLD VISAYAS.
Similar to the idea of Old Europe :cheers:

Cebu Pacific begins maiden
Boracay flight with new plane
By TOOTS B JIMENEZ JR.

BORACAY – Cebu Pacific brings its first passengers to Boracay Island via its brand new ATR plane that will touch down early today at the Caticlan airport in Malay, Aklan from Manila.

Government officials, top airline executives and the media will be on hand to welcome the first batch of Cebu Pacific passengers.

Caticlan is the gateway to the world-famous island resort of Boracay.

Boracay tourism officials and owners of tourism-related establishments welcome Cebu Pacific’s decision to fly the Manila-Caticlan route. This will bring more tourists to Boracay, they said.

Cebu Pacific will be acquiring around 14 ATR aircraft to boost its fleet. The ATR that is flying to Boracay today is the first delivered to it.

By March, the second ATR aircraft from France will service the Cebu-Caticlan route, bringing the flights to Caticlan to 10 daily.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/iloilo3.htm)

^^^^ soar high, AKLAN ! :banana::banana::banana::banana:
PAL to revive inter-island flights



Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:21:00 04/14/2008


MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Airlines (PAL) said Monday it would soon set up a hub in Cebu City for the turbo-propeller aircraft it recently acquired to boost its competitiveness in the domestic market.

PAL said some turbo-prop flights, which are expected to revive its inter-island operations, would also operate out of Manila during the initial phase but Cebu City would be the focal point.

It noted that there is a “growing intra-regional market in Visayas and Mindanao.”

PAL’s turbo-prop service is expected to take off on May 5 with eight flights daily from Manila to Caticlan, the gateway to the resort island of Boracay. Fifty-seat Bombardier Q300 aircraft will be deployed on the route.

A slightly larger turbo-prop model, the 76-seater Bombardier Q400, will operate most of the Cebu services.

More destinations in Visayas and Mindanao will be served from Cebu, and from Manila, in the coming months as PAL takes delivery of more Q300 and Q400 turbo-props, the airline said.

The aircraft, valued at $150 million based on prevailing prices, will be delivered over the next four to six months.

Turbo-props were an integral part of the PAL fleet for decades until 1999.

PAL operated a bustling Cebu hub for most of its 67-year history.



. . .



Air Phils expanding fleet



Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:53:00 01/20/2008


MANILA, Philippines--AIR PHILIPPINES is buying newer aircraft as it strives to open more destinations, according to sister carrier Philippine Airlines.

"Air Philippines started flying to Caticlan last December, after taking delivery of one Bombardier Q300 aircraft. It will increase flights there to 12 times a day from four a day when they take delivery of two more Q300s," PAL president Jaime Bautista told reporters.

The second and third Q300 will be delivered in March and April, respectively.

Air Philippines uses its 60-seater Q300 for a four-times-daily service from Manila to Caticlan, the gateway to the famous beaches of Boracay. Bautista said the Q300 turboprop was such as success that Air Philippines wanted to increase frequencies for this route to 12 times daily.

As Air Philippines devotes its Q300s for services from Manila and Cebu to Caticlan, the carrier will acquire six Bombardier Q400 planes with an individual list price of $20 million.

The Q400 regional jets will service secondary routes covering Romblon, Virac, Catanduanes, Basco, Busuanga, Pagadian and Surigao.

That would prepare Air Philippines to ground its eight 737-200s by 2010.

Air Philippines earlier indicated its plan to retire its 737-200s. In January 2007, Air Philippines leased a 737-300 from sister carrier PAL, which owns the aircraft.






:horse: GO PANAY! GO! :horse:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080422-132003/Mayor-faces-raps-as-Boracay-building-frenzy-continues

Mayor faces raps as Boracay building frenzy continues

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
04/22/2008

GUIMARAS ISLAND, Philippines -- The continuing construction frenzy on Boracay Island is pushing top government officials to support plans to file charges against the mayor of the Aklan town that has jurisdiction over the world-renowned resort island.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano added his backing to plans by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to sue Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling for failing to stop the construction rush on the island, known for its white sand beaches.

"I support intervention coming from all the other departments to help us defend the island from further deterioration," said Durano.

Durano was in Guimaras for the launching of the Guisi Discovery Quest, a community-based tourist adventure and heritage site at Nueva Valencia town.

He said he does not know the exact violation that Environment Secretary Joselito "Lito" Atienza has taken Cawaling to task for.

"But definitely, for us to defend the island from further deterioration, there has to be a adjustment on the land use on the island," said Durano.

He said the Department of Tourism (DoT) would support the filing of the case against Cawaling and other measures to encourage the local government to be more aggressive in protecting the island from congestion, pollution and other problems that come with overdevelopment.

Atienza expressed disappointment over Cawaling's failure to stop the construction frenzy despite a moratorium ordered by the local government.

The environment secretary saw for himself the continued construction of new hotels and expansion of buildings on the island during a visit there last weekend.

"The unabated construction of buildings in Boracay, whether it is a new construction project or mere expansion of old projects, is clear proof of the failure of the local government to enforce its own resolution on moratorium," he said.

Atienza said he would discuss the matter with Local Government Undersecretary Virtus Gil, chair of the Boracay Task Force.

Atienza was to file charges against Cawaling early this year but, at a meeting, the mayor presented a Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) resolution imposing a construction moratorium on the island from January 2 to July 2, 2008.

He also promised to stop the construction frenzy.

Cawaling and Atienza also agreed during the meeting to stop construction projects that have been issued permits in the past until the Boracay Environment Master Plan shall have been in place.

"With the failure of Mayor Cawaling to stop construction...I have no recourse but to file the necessary charges," Atienza said.

Among the construction activities on the island are those by Ambassador Hotel in Paradise Resort, Crown Regency Hotel, Bocaray Regency Lagoon, BTR Hotel, KCI Ariham, Crown Regency Prince Hotel, Teodora Biggiogero KCI, Erus Suite Hotel, and Salic B. Ibrahim Hotel.

Lormelyn Claudio, DENR regional executive director, said the Boracay environmental plan has already undergone several revisions.

Medyo dugay na ko nga wala ka post diri.. anyway, mo lang ni anay ma-share ko. next time man ang iban..

Airport Development:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/expansion.jpg

ORANGE: the present Kalibo Airport
RED: Currently under construction
BLUE: Next Phase of development

In the meantime, since the 80 Million allocated funds for Kalibo International Airport is not sufficient to have a world class terminal building, the new terminal building’s design will be the same as of the existing Domestic Terminal of the Airport. The new building will serve as the terminal for international flights.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/Kalibo_International_Airport.jpg

To that matter, the Provincial Government had committed financial support for the studies of constructing another terminal building and full development of the airport in the future which can be called as World Class.

Last April 14, 2008, the Mandarin Air of Taiwan had finished its final inspection of the airport’s facilities and will soon start its Taipei-Kalibo and vise-versa route. The Asian Spirit, having new management, also bared its plan to have a Xiamen-Kalibo route after having the Incheon-Kalibo route.


This is the update of the construction of the
SAINT GABRIEL COLLEGE MEDICAL CENTER
a 6-Storey, 130-bed TERTIARY HOSPITAL.

View from Pastrana Street.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/sgcmc_pastrana.jpg

View from L.Barrios Street.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/sgcmc_barrios.jpg

View from Archbishop Reyes Street.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/sgcmc_reyes.jpg

The is the present building of the Saint Gabriel Hospital.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/sgc_existing.jpg

Others...

Waldolf Garcia Building, Osmeña Avenue, Kalibo
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/waldolf.jpg

Citi Hardware in Toting Reyes St., New Buswang,Kalibo
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/citi.jpg

AM Home Depot in Laguinbanwa East, Numancia
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/AM.jpg

The Proposed Hospital of Panay Health Care, Osmeña Avenue, Estancia,Kalibo
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/PHC.jpg


“TATAK MMDA sa KALIBO”

Urinal along Archbishop Reyes Street
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/MMDA_urinal.jpg

Pink Line along Mabini Street (may bandal lang)
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/MMDA_pink.jpg

Is Ace Durano running in 2010? his name is still written on those Philippine Tourism Authority seals along the sidewalks of Boracay main road ^^

^^^^^ A good example of why the Philippines remain the basket case of Asia. Anything goes and there is no respect for the rule of law.

Is there any cheap places to stay in Boracay, like 1,000 pesos or below per night???

^^there's a lot esp.during low season.;)

there's orchids on station 3.
Boracay Courtyard on station 2(sister resort of La Carmela de Boracay) which is 1,200 per room good for 4 persons

I've stayed at Orchids and it was a simple well kept place. Nice courtyard and yes inexpensive. A very short, less than a minute walk to the beach. :)

Income And IRA Share of Malay for 2007

Income: Php83,433,637.74
IRA Share: Php29,748,492.00
Expenses: Php72,165,984.59

Proposed budget for 2008: Php110million

Malay is not yet approved to 1st Class Municipality.

Income And IRA Share of Malay for 2007

Income: Php83,433,637.74
IRA Share: Php29,748,492.00
Expenses: Php72,165,984.59

Proposed budget for 2008: Php110million

Malay is not yet approved to 1st Class Municipality.

^^ The money going to Boracay doesn't go to Malay?

BIR rates Kalibo as No. 1 first-class town in W. Visayas
Danny Fajardo

KALIBO, Aklan — The Bureau of Internal Revenue branded Kalibo as No. 1 first-class municipality in Western Visayas.

Nelia Demalata, officer-in-charge of the Revenue District Office here, said that Kalibo – capital town of Aklan – has surpassed the P50-million annual income.

There are eight first-class municipalities in Region 6, Kalibo was among those who classified in this group.

Along with Kalibo, other first class municipalities in the region are Tapaz in Capiz, Calinog, Iloilo; Janiuay, Iloilo; Oton, Iloilo; Pototan, Iloilo; San Jose and Sibalom in Antique.

Demalata said first-class municipalities must have an annual income of more than P50 million; municipalities with annual income of above P40 million belongs to second-class and third-class are the ones with less than P40 million.

Demalata reminded the businessmen that failure to register their establishments with the BIR will have to pay penalties depending on their municipality’s classification.

Establishments from first-class municipalities will shell out P10,000 fine; second-class, P5,000; and third-class, P2,000.

Establishments from the cities will pay a penalty of P20,000 each.

Demalata appealed to Aklanons to pay correct taxes on time.

"The taxes we pay will also come back to us through the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of our province, which will be spent to build schools, for salaries of teachers, and for other vital government services," Demalata said.

source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080410121529.html)

aside from Kalibo, I think there's another town in Aklan classified as first class as well recently.

Maybe it's New Washington. It's doing farely well as a town. :) Maybe they should merge both towns because accdg to Bernie, Kalibo can't be a city because it has a small land area. IMO, disregard that law. It's like saying that a certain town was built that it will never be called a city. It's just a matter of income and population that determines a city.

There are eight first-class municipalities in Region 6, Kalibo was among those who classified in this group.

Along with Kalibo, other first class municipalities in the region are Tapaz in Capiz, Calinog, Iloilo; Janiuay, Iloilo; Oton, Iloilo; Pototan, Iloilo; San Jose and Sibalom in Antique.


Good thing to hear from you Spacewagon1 that of the eight first class municipalities in REGION 6 are from PANAY.
The idea of NEGROS and PANAY is inseparable is a concept of OLD VISAYAS.
Similar to the idea of Old Europe :cheers:

That's cause Negros has cities while in Panay, we're still struggling with the cities. :lol:

Musta al. tagal na nga. inaabangan ko nga post mo e.. Tiis tiis lng ta anay sa amo na nga terminal kay wala gid kita kwarta..

^^ The money going to Boracay doesn't go to Malay?

Majority of the income of the municipality came from the Island.

Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival kicks off

Ninety-one exhibitors composed of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) from the province of Aklan participated in the 9th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival, which kicked off Wednesday at the provincial capitol grounds, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan.

The festival is one of the major events in the week-long celebration of the 52nd anniversary of the province.

The Fiber Fest will showcase Aklan's best products of blended loomwoven fabrics, fashion accessories and furnishings from piña, abaca, raffia and other fibers.

Mixed-media-based gifts, houseware, furniture and furnishings are of the latest designs and concepts. Deboned bangus, meat-based processed foods, and bakery products are also available as well as cutflowers and ornamental plants.

The participants include 24 local government units/agencies and non-government organizations; 18 groups that are into garden/cutflower business; 15 from the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo concessionaires; 10 each from loomweaving and gifts and housewares; eight who are into processing/bakery; four from furniture and furnishings and two others.

Special features of the Fiber Fest are the Aninag Fashion Show at 6:30 tonight and Raw Material Showcase that will be set-up side by side with the One Town One Product (OTOP) Corner and the contemporary lifestyle setting of living spaces by the world-renowned lifestyle designer, Mr. PJ Arañador.

Aside from the assisted SMEs, the 17 municipalities of the province and several community-based organizations/agencies will exhibit their OTOP and agri-industrial products.

The Fiber Fest is a joint project of the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Congressional District Office and the Department of Trade and Industry – Aklan Provincial Office in coordination with the Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc.

Alongside the Fiber Fest is the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo, a nightly dinner event at the Godofredo P. Ramos Park, Provincial Capitol Grounds. Local restaurateurs will showcase their various native gourmets' amidst music from live bands. This is a special project of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. - Aklan Chapter (PCCII-AC) and the Provincial Government of Aklan.

Both the Fiber Fest and the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo will run until April 29. (PNA)

source: The News Today (http://thenewstoday.info/2008/04/24/aklan.pina.and.fiber.festival.kicks.off.html)

Is Ace Durano running in 2010? his name is still written on those Philippine Tourism Authority seals along the sidewalks of Boracay main road ^^

Correction it is Robert Dean Barbers who is the head of PTA and not Ace Durano who is our Tourism Secretary. See article below:

Boracay residents turned off by Barber sidewalk engraving

BORACAY ISLAND -- Sino po si Barbers? Pulitiko ba siya? (Who is Barbers? Is he a politician?)

This was the reaction of a fruit vendor to the name of Robert Dean Barbers, general manager and chief executive officer of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), which was engraved on sidewalks along the main road of this island-resort.

Barbers has drawn flak from some residents and resort owners after his name appeared on the PTA seal etched in many sections of the cemented walk marking the P140-million PTA drainage system project.

“He has no right (to put his name) because that (project comes from) our money. Why, is he running for office?” said a resort owner and longtime resident. The owner asked not to be identified out of concern for his business because of Barbers’ position and authority.

Another resort owner, a community leader, said including Barbers’ name in the seal showed “lack of professional ethics.”

“People’s money, not his personal money, was spent on that project. It’s giving the wrong impression on how government officials spend our money,” the resort owner said.

“It’s bad taste … In our country, we don’t have people like him,” said a European expatriate.

Barbers downplayed the use of his name in the engraving.

“It was the project’s architect who designed that. I was surprised when I saw it. But I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Barbers told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview on Sunday.

As in the case of many politicians who put their names on waiting sheds, roads and bridges, Barbers’ name was prominently displayed on the PTA engravement.

The seal is about two feet in diameter and spans almost the whole width of the sidewalk that covers the drainage pipes. The seal has three circles, with the PTA logo at the center in red, yellow, white and blue.

Engraved in the second circle are the words “Philippine Tourism Authority 1973.” The last circle bears the slogan “Pilipino sa Turismo ay Aktibo” and the name “Robert Dean S. Barbers” in blue.

The engraved seal can be found at intervals of almost every 50 meters on one side of a four-kilometer stretch of the main road from Barangay Balabag, located at the center of the 1,000-hectare island, to Barangay Manoc-Manoc at the southern end.

The road is the main thoroughfare for the island’s more than 13,000 residents and foreign and local tourists. It runs parallel to Boracay’s world famous white beach.

Hayden Bandiola, a bar owner and civil engineering graduate, said putting Barbers’ name on the PTA logo might have been acceptable had it been placed about a kilometer apart.

Ideally, however, the project should not have carried the name of Barbers since “it’s his obligation to construct infrastructure projects,” said Bandiola.

The PTA, which is tasked with developing, supervising and operating tourism projects and areas, has several projects on the island, including the operation of the Boracay Water and Sewage System (BWSS). The drainage system is among the measures being undertaken to help solve the problem of flooding.

Barbers said the installation of the pipes was about 90-percent complete. But it has been stalled by right of way problems. The PTA has filed expropriation cases before the Kalibo Regional Trial Court for three areas where it plans to build pumping stations to flush out rainwater to the sea.

Asked if he planned to run for public office, Barbers said he had no such plans because of the bad experience of his father, the late former Sen. Robert Barbers.

Robert Barbers ran for reelection in the May 2004 polls but, in a protest-marred vote count, lost to Sen. Rodolfo Biazon in their fight for the last slot in the 12-way senatorial race.

The PTA chief’s brother, Robert Ace, is a former congressman of the second district of Surigao del Norte and now governor of the province. Another brother, Robert Lyndon, also served as governor of Surigao del Norte.

I've stayed at Orchids and it was a simple well kept place. Nice courtyard and yes inexpensive. A very short, less than a minute walk to the beach. :)

i've stayed there for 2 days before transferring to other hotels...simple and very affordable resort. the staffs are excellent. the only drawback is when it's rainy season the road from the beach to this resort is flooding, the usual problem of some inner hotels and resorts in boracay. for budget travellers orchids and davids inn, neighbouring resorts, are excellent place to stay.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2437831495_16eb4bef8f.jpg?v=0
flickr by tyt_myk (http://flickr.com/photos/25912430@N05/2437831495/)

2010 Expanded Tourism Plan
includes Carabao Island
By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

BORACAY - Carabao Island in the nearby province of Romblon has been included in the 2010 Expanded Tourism Plan of Aklan. The program targets to get one million tourists by that year.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Roger Esto said they included Carabao Island after learning that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is considering another airport in it.

If the plan pushes through, Boracay will be surrounded by three airports.

Currently, the Kalibo International Airport and the Caticlan Airport are among the busiest airports in the country outside Metro Manila.

"Right now, the DOTC has already endorsed P2.5 billion for the Caticlan Airport development to be handled by a private firm under the Build-Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme," said Esto.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Carabao Island is located within the Tablas Fault line, posing a threat to tourists going to Boracay Island in case an earthquake occurs.

Reports culled from the Internet said George Yang, the franchise owner of McDonalds Philippines, earlier negotiated with the DOTC to bid the project.

"We proposed an expanded tourism program because of persistent reports of over-development and building moratorium in Boracay. Aside from Carabao Island, nearby Aklan towns such as Malay and Nabas will also benefit from the expanded tourism program," said Esto.

Last year, the Department of Tourism reported that the number of foreign and local tourists who visited Boracay reached 600,000.

In the 1970s, former President Ferdinand Marcos decided to include the province of Romblon to Luzon because of its abundant supply of marble. The province is now included in the Mimaropa region (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan./PN

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/boracay1.htm)

there was a picture posted on one of the national dailies just last week of boracay's drainage running towards the main beach with its yucky water. I was there 2 months ago, didn't see this. Though I didn't walk towards station 1. Where would this drainage be? Wherever it is, the local government shouldn't let it drain out towards the beach front! Bad, bad, bad.

^^ its in station 2., somewhere near dmall.,

i'll be in boracay this friday!!! i hope it'll still be as great

Let me share my photos from my recent trip.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2442482889_07a45ee45b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2443310308_5818145b96.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2443309420_4e5ed1da81.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2443308472_73d6359ea4.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2442479563_29fe594bec.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2442477369_d948ce0469.jpg

-dp-

^^ Nice pictures there! Feels like I'm reading SMILE Magazine. :)

links fixed now, thanks.

Wonderful photos Philip! Do you apply any post processing technique(s) to enhance the photos?

^^ Okies :)

Sinjin, yes I ajusted the levels, brightness, contrast, and saturation. But the sunset at Boracay is still definitely breathtaking sans the post processing :) I miss it already :(

Income And IRA Share of Malay for 2007

Income: Php83,433,637.74
IRA Share: Php29,748,492.00
Expenses: Php72,165,984.59

Proposed budget for 2008: Php110million

Malay is not yet approved to 1st Class Municipality.

I think Malay is already a 1st Class Municipality..

Majority of the income of the municipality came from the Island.

Even the population.. out of the 32,000+ population of Malay, 18,000 came from Boracay.

I think there's a need to create for another district in Aklan-Antique in Panay.
Namely: Nabas, Malay, Boracay and Buruanga in Aklan.
I would like also to incorporate the Libertad, Caluya and Pandan of Antique in my proposed district.
Others are also welcome to join in the said new district.
I might call this new area in Panay as MALAYNON

This is just a proposal.
The main idea here is to support the accelaration of progress in PANAY






:cheer: GO AKLAN GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO ANTIQUE GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO CAPIZ GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO GUIMARAS GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO ILOILO GO! :cheer:

nice updates and developments here!

I think Malay is already a 1st Class Municipality..

Even the population.. out of the 32,000+ population of Malay, 18,000 came from Boracay.

Not yet Al, Actually somewhere in 2004 or 2005 Malay ask for reclassification from 4th class to 1st class but only approved as 3rd class-because of some problem in Personal Services.
Yes pop growth in the island is really high..


I think there's a need to create for another district in Aklan-Antique in Panay.
Namely: Nabas, Malay, Boracay and Buruanga in Aklan.
I would like also to incorporate the Libertad, Caluya and Pandan of Antique in my proposed district.
Others are also welcome to join in the said new district.
I might call this new area in Panay as MALAYNON

This is just a proposal.
The main idea here is to support the accelaration of progress in PANAY






:cheer: GO AKLAN GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO ANTIQUE GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO CAPIZ GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO GUIMARAS GO! :cheer:
:cheer: GO ILOILO GO! :cheer:

Hehe, You are talking about the Northwestern Panay Peninsula
AKLAN PART: 76,222
BURUANGA 15,767
MALAY 32,110
NABAS 28,345

ANTIQUE PART: 69,697
CALUYA 25,526
LIBERTAD 14,653
PANDAN 29,518

NORTHWESTERN PANAY PENINSULA INCLUDING CALUYA: 145,919
Still it needs more than 100,000 pop to qualify into a single congressional district.. hehe

Aklan State U asserts agri supremacy

KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan State University (ASU) is considered as one of the top five agricultural state universities in the country. It is also fast gaining a reputation of being the center of agricultural excellence in Western Visayas.

Many have sought the opinion of ASU leaders in some important matters – like the possible establishment of a university in the nearby province of Antique.

"Senate President Manny Villar asked my recommendation on a proposed university in Antique. I told him that a university in Antique is needed for the mass production of muscovado sugar,” said Dr. Benny Palma, ASU president.

Antique is a main producer of muscovado sugar that is in demand abroad due to its health benefits.

ASU had been asked, too, to support the programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government of Aklan to ensure food sustainability.

"We are maximizing our resources in Aklan. We could not already expand our farm lands because of rapid economic developments. What we can do for now is to maximize our land resources to its full potential without doing harm to the environment," Palma said.

Among the initiatives of ASU in coordination with the DA and the Aklan Provincial Government is to train farmer-leaders as para-technicians.

These farmers, Palma said, will teach fellow farmers agricultural innovations to maximize their production.

"We are preparing for massive food production. We hope to counter the effects of climate change in our farm lands with the available agricultural technology," Palma said./PN www.panaynewsphilippines.com

@philip_v what camera did you use in taking those shots? They're beautiful!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asian Spirit, SEAir, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express... it is really getting very crowded at the small Caticlan airport. There'll be more choices though in flying to Caticlan so I guess I can bear with it. :)

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW050608/content.php?id=042

Delays mark PAL Express’s maiden flight to Caticlan
BusinessWorld
May 6, 2008

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES’ (PAL) budget carrier brand took off for the first time yesterday, promising quality service at cheaper rates for hard-to-reach tourist spots in the country.

But flights from Manila to Caticlan and back were delayed, which the flag carrier blamed on the congestion at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Aklan province. In a code-share agreement with the Lucio Tan group’s budget carrier unit Air Philippines, PAL Express started the commercial operations of its Manila-Caticlan route aiming to tap the tourist market on Boracay Island.

PAL Express was delayed for about 45 minutes from Manila to Caticlan and was late for over an hour for the return flight. PAL said the congestion at the Caticlan airport had prevented their small Bombardier aircraft to operate freely.

"One of the reasons for that was delay dispatches or late turnaround of our airplanes because of airport congestion [at Caticlan]," PAL Chief Executive Officer and President Jaime J. Bautista said in a telephone interview.

"At [the airport’s] current state, multiple aircraft cannot land and take off simultaneously," he said, adding that the expansion of the airport would be good for public safety and the profitability of airlines flying the route.

Mr. Bautista said PAL is losing potential revenues because of the decrepit airport’s runway length limitation of 950 meters. Carriers cannot use the full passenger capacity of their airplanes for safety considerations. The shorter the runway, the lighter their load must be.

The size of the parking bay must also be doubled, while the passenger terminal capacity should be tripled. The Caticlan parking bay can only accommodate four turbo propeller planes, while the passenger terminal only has an area of about 300 square meters.

PAL Express operates 12 flights daily from Manila and will expand its network in the next two months by launching 22 routes, 13 of which will operate from Cebu. — MGSR

Hi -TC-! I used a Canon Powershot A570 IS. Just a point and shoot. Talagang maganda lang ang Boracay at ang sunset dun.

New Akelco execs start
review of power contract

By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

KALIBO, Aklan – The newly elected Board of Directors of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) have started reviewing the cooperative’s Electricity Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) with Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC).

Lawyer Noli Sodusta, vice president of the Board, said they will invite representatives from the GBPC to discuss the contents of the voluminous EPPA, especially the pricing.

"I have thoroughly reviewed the content of the EPPA but with the voluminous documents, it is not easy to understand all of them, especially the legal points," said Sodusta.

Member-consumers have been complaining about the EPPA’s high rate imposed to consumers.

Local government officials led by Cong. Florencio Miraflores have filed a case to enjoin the implementation of the EPPA.

Miraflores said the EPPA approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is different from what had been agreed during a series of public hearings.

Akelco sought the service of GBPC to produce electricity.

The GBPC-Akelco power contract is for 20 years. www.panaynewsphilippines.com

Former mayor improves
organic fertilizer machine

By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

KALIBO, Aklan – Former Numancia, Aklan Mayor Ernesto Templonuevo has “re-invented” a machine that converts waste into organic fertilizer.

He calls it the organic fertilizer shredder machine.

The equipment earned him the Outstanding Aklanon award.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has issued the former mayor a temporary certification for his creation.

Templonuevo told Panay News he became aware of the problem on waste in 1998 when he became a mayor. He attended several conferences and seminars on waste management to fix the waste problem in his town.

“That time, Numancia had one ton of garbage piling every week. Our problem was how to manage the wastes. We had a temporary dumpsite but we had no area for a permanent sanitary landfill,” said Templonuevo.

SHREDDER MACHINE
In one of the conferences of the Municipal Mayors League in Manila, the municipality was able to purchase a shredder from Bacolod City for P400,000.

The equipment specializes in the production of organic fertilizer through vermi composting.

“It became a burden to us to maintain the equipment. I consulted with some friends in the agriculture sector on how to maximize the equipment,” said Templonuevo, a tradesman and project contractor by profession.

Templonuevo's team developed a cheaper kind of machine but more efficient in waste conversion.

His advocacy on sustainable waste management prompted the Aklan provincial government to offer him a consultancy job, focusing on Boracay but he refused. He said he wanted to concentrate his public service in his town.

His wife Elvie is currently the Numancia mayor.

Because of his invention, Numancia was declared twice as the Best Clean and Green town in Western Visayas.

GARBAGE LESSENED
Templonuevo said his improved machine lessened by 20 percent the volume of garbage in his town.

“Seventy percent of my materials are non-biodegradable wastes and the remaining 30 percent comes from cattle or carabao manure. They are mixed in the machine and through a series of processes, we are able to produce organic fertilizer,” he said.
Before the re-invention of the shredder machine, organic fertilizer was produced for seven months.

“With my invention it takes only one month to produce organic fertilizer,” he said.

In one of the seminars he attended, Templonuevo learned about the plan to conduct a feasibility study of vermi-composting in Japan.

“I studied the proposal of our Japanese speaker. I was able to develop what is now called the Clean and Green Fertilizer Blender. The vermi compost I originally produced is now blended with the wastes of the African Night Crawler, a worm that produces better organic fertilizer,” he said.

AFFORDABLE FERTILIZER
With this new technology, the cost of organic fertilizer can drop from P540 per 50 kilos to P225.

“Although the work is more tedious, we are happy to produce cheaper organic fertilizer for our farmers,” he said.

The African Night Crawler eats the shredded non-biodegradable wastes and carabao manure. The wastes of the worm are refined through the Clean and Green Blender to produce cheaper but efficient organic fertilizer.

The former mayor now provides more employment as he buys from residents P20 per sack of cattle or carabao manure for his project.

“I need to have at least 20,000 sacks of manure for the rainy season,” he said.

Templonuevo said he is now developing a portion of his land as an Organic Fertilizer Garden.www.panaynewsphilippines.com/

Akelco braces for power outages

By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

KALIBO, Aklan – The Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) is preparing for the worst possible power crisis in Panay Island.

Experts predict a severe power crisis in Panay by 2010 if the current power supply shortage is not addressed.

“Other electric cooperatives are also on their toes to avert the looming power crisis,” Akelco General Manager Chito Peralta told members of the Provincial Board yesterday.

Akelco has contracted Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC) to produce at least four million kilowatts of electricity for the province every year.

All the provinces in Panay Island are experiencing power fluctuations, Peralta revealed.
“The National Power Corp. is doing its best to prevent a power crisis," Peralta said.
The Provincial Board had invited the new officers of Akelco to justify their proposed power rate increase – an average of 78 cents per kilowatt hour.

Akelco’s power rate hike petition was filed before the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Peralta said Panay electric cooperatives have been asking for the transfer of Napocor’s Power Barge 104 which is now in Davao City to help avert a power crisis in the region.

Akelco is preparing its facilities to supply more power to Caticlan, the jump-off point to the world-famous Boracay Island. www.panaynewsphilippines.com/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2437831495_16eb4bef8f.jpg?v=0
flickr by tyt_myk (http://flickr.com/photos/25912430@N05/2437831495/)

WOW!:banana:

More international flights soon at Kalibo Airport
by Venus G. Villanueva

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/ma.jpg

Kalibo, Aklan (8 May) -- Another airline is set to land its first international flight direct to Aklan at the Kalibo International Airport soon, presently considered one of the busiest airports in Panay Island.

According to the office of Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo here, this time, the international flight will come from Taipei, Taiwan.

Air Transportation Officer Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said the flight from Taiwan through Mandarin Airlines will arrive at the Kalibo International Airport on May 31 bringing in some 168 Taiwanese passengers on board Boeing 737 Series Turbo Jet.

It is seen that the flights from Taiwan will be arriving twice a week which will further boost and enhance Aklan's tourism industry with Boracay Island as the main attraction and Kalibo with its many attractions like the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival, its Bakhawan Eco-Park and its Manggad it Kalibo tour package.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo underscored recently the importance of promoting tourist destinations and the availability of vital infrastructure to attract more tourists and achieve government's goal of hosting five million tourists by 2010.

The President vowed full government support in the two concerns – promotions and accessibility in a three-in-one interview with local and national media at the Gota Beach at Caramoan Island.

She said good roads and airports are vital for tourists to reach their destinations thus the government has gone into a surge in infrastructure.

Promotion is equally important, she said, as there is a need for tourists to be informed of the natural beauty spots of the country, such as the Caramoan Island, which she described as "paradise …the Boracay of Bicol."

The President stressed that there is a need to develop cultural tourism aside from eco-tourism thus she ordered the tourism department to coordinate with non-government organizations to come up with a tourism masterplan for the Caramoan and Lahuy islands, which are considered poor and the remotest areas in the region.

The government has identified the tourism sector as one of the biggest contributors to the government's goal of creating six to ten million jobs until 2010. (PIA)


Kalibo airport spruced up for tourism drive
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL/Manila Bulletin/Panay News

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/Alteeway/malonesioairport.jpg

CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL BUILDING. Air Transportation Office Kalibo Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio points to the ongoing construction of the new terminal building of the Kalibo International Airport. The new terminal will accommodate the increasing number of tourists going to Boracay /GCawaling

KALIBO, Aklan — Construction of a new terminal building has started at the Kalibo International Airport to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting world-famous Boracay Island.

Air Transportation Office (ATO) Kalibo Manager Percy Malonesio said the P80-million airport terminal will attract more tourists and businesses as well as direct flights from China and Taiwan.

"The Kalibo airport needs international standard terminal and security facilities and state-of-theart runways to serve as a primary airport in Central Philippines ," he added.

Malonesio said the modernization of the airport will open new doors to trade and boost the economic potentials of Aklan and neighboring communities.
The new terminal building is one of the significant projects of the Arroyo administration under the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).
Kalibo airport is also one of the busiest airports in the country with an Instrumental Landing System (ILS) and Navigation Aid installed for international flights.

Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores said the airport terminal will be operational next year primarily to serve as gateway to the expanding tourism industry of Aklan and the island of Boracay .

The province is famous for its annual Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festivals, eco-tourism sites of Nabas, Tangalan, Libacao, and the loom-woven abaca and piña products.

Last month, Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo supported plans to develop a master plan for the Kalibo International Airport for funding by the national government.

The governor said, "the airport should be modernized with a clear-cut master development plan to accommodate passenger growth for the next five years."
Kalibo airport is home to regular flights of major airlines, including Cebu Pacific, and international flights of Asian Spirit from Incheon, South Korea.

Boracay Island registered 596,748 tourist arrivals in 2007 compared to 558,084 in 2006.




Aklan hydropower engineering study nears completion
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL/Panay News


LIBACAO, Aklan – California Energy International announced it has substantially completed engineering and optimization studies for a $420-million Aklan hydroelectric project.

The studies were made by its hydropower engineering consultant, Maunsell Philippines.

Business Development Officer Raymond Cunningham said the final selection of the project structures will be based on an independent estimate of the project cost.

The estimate is being prepared by Leighton Contractors Philippines.
“Leighton is evaluating several methods based on 17 drawings developed by Maunsell. Maunsell also provided other information essential to Leighton’s cost estimating process,” he said.

In its latest report to Gov. Carlito Marquez and Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa, the American firm stressed that the process will be completed in four to six months.

“When this work is finished, CalEnergy’s financial model will be updated to reflect the results of Leighton’s cost estimate, the quotations for the major generating equipment and Maunsell’s evaluation of capacity and energy benefits. Then, term sheets can be prepared for presentation to the distribution utilities serving the Panay sub-grid,” Cunningham said.

California Energy is preparing a turnkey/design-build proposal for a major water supply project, with principal structures very similar to the Aklan project.

The power benefits of the Aklan project will substantially exceed the requirements of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco), the sole power distributor in the province and the northern towns of Antique.

“It will likely cover several utilities serving Panay Island as interest in the project is expected to be keen. Energy can be delivered at a wholesale cost competitive with oil-fired generating plants,” Cunningham said.

The government should start making a plan on how they can preserve the natural beauty of this island resort. Too many modern establishments are being built, I hope Shangrila would be the last one to do this.

Latest bulletin from typhoon2000.com

Typhoon Butchoy would sideswipe the Philippines eastern portions and would induce an early monsoon from the southwest. Expecting heavy thunderstorms and high surf along coastlines of Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Panay, Negros, Boracay Island and Mindoro for the start of this week.:ohno:

A forecasted formation of a tropical disturbance at the South China Sea 2 weeks from now would again soak the said areas with rains and high surf.:ohno:


:bash: currently here in Boracay, the tide is rough with foaming waves and it is pushing seawater up to the islands sewerage system. At high tide the manholes are bubbling out foul smelling sewerage mixed with the tides from the sea......:ohno:

Mayor aims to make Banga
‘fruit capital’ of Aklan

By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

BANGA, Aklan – Mayor Antonio Maming wants to make this town the “fruit capital” of Aklan within the next 10 years.

He had purchased various fruit tree seedlings and seeds worth P1 million from Davao City and distributed these to the different barangays. He wanted these planted.

The exotic durian, pomelo and mangoes were just some of the fruit trees he wanted to grow in his municipality.

"I required barangay officials to plant them so that residents will have sufficient fruits to eat and sell someday," said Maming.

Fruits are in demand in Aklan, especially in the world-famous Boracay Island.

Most of the fruits sold in the resort island are from Davao.

"This is also a part of my livelihood program for poor residents in the barangays," Maming said./PN

www.panaynewsphilippines.com/

Engineering study for Aklan hydropower nears completion


LIBACAO, Aklan – California Energy International announced it has substantially completed engineering and optimization studies for a $ 420-million Aklan hydroelectric project.

The studies were made by its hydropower engineering consultant, Maunsell Philippines.

Business Development Officer Raymond Cunningham said the final selection of the project structures will be based on an independent estimate of the project cost.

The estimate is being prepared by Leighton Contractors Philippines.

"Leighton is evaluating several methods based on 17 drawings developed by Maunsell. Maunsell also provided other information essential to Leighton’s cost estimating process," he said.

In its latest report to Gov. Carlito Marquez and Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa, the American firm stressed that the process will be completed in four to six months.

"When this work is finished, CalEnergy’s financial model will be updated to reflect the results of Leighton’s cost estimate, the quotations for the major generating equipment and Maunsell’s evaluation of capacity and energy benefits. Then, term sheets can be prepared for presentation to the distribution utilities serving the Panay sub-grid," Cunningham said.

California Energy is preparing a turnkey/design-build proposal for a major water supply project, with principal structures very similar to the Aklan project.

The power benefits of the Aklan project will substantially exceed the requirements of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco), the sole power distributor in the province and the northern towns of Antique.

"It will likely cover several utilities serving Panay Island as interest in the project is expected to be keen. Energy can be delivered at a wholesale cost competitive with oil-fired generating plants," Cunningham said.

The government should start making a plan on how they can preserve the natural beauty of this island resort. Too many modern establishments are being built, I hope Shangrila would be the last one to do this.




OK of House bill seen to boost eco-tourism dev’t of Boracay (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080513124448.html)



Boy Ryan Zabal

BORACAY ISLAND — There is no hindrance to the disposal of agricultural lands on the island into eco-tourism projects as House Bill No. 1109 was passed on the final and third reading by the House of Representatives last week.

House Bill 1109, authored by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, allows the disposition of agricultural lands under the Public Land Act for residential, industrial and commercial uses, and for eco-tourism developments.

The measure was approved by the Congress on April 30.

Boracay Island, a 1,032 hectare tropical land, is considered the jewel of the Philippines and the pride of the country’s booming tourism sector.

The approval of the House measure will enable tourism authorities to explore more ways to attract other tourists, especially those interested in eco-tourism.

Presently, tourists going to Boracay enjoy the island’s beachside attractions.

The development of more areas in the island for eco-tourism will provide tourists with more ways to enjoy their visits.

Tourist arrivals registered 596,748 in 2007 compared to 558,084 in 2006, the Department of Tourism (DoT) data showed.

A comprehensive land use and development plan was formulated and solid waste management system had been constructed to address concerns on unregulated development in the island.

President Arroyo made tourism a priority agenda for economic recovery.

She earlier issued Presidential Proclamation 1064 declaring 60 percent of the island as alienable and disposable to provide more security of tenure to occupants of certain parcels of land.

A group of businessmen and resort owners in the island however sought to recall PP 1064, citing the adverse impact to development and foreign investments.

Under the Public Land Act, portions of the land in Boracay declared as alienable and disposable can be titled and the present occupants can confirm their imperfect titles, 30 years of continuous possession from May 22, 2006, when the presidential proclamation took effect.



From Manila Bulletin, May 13,2008:
OK of House bill seen to boost eco-tourism dev’t of Boracay (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080513124448.html)

Improved Caticlan port boosts Boracay tourism

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

MALAY, Aklan – The provincial government thanked the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for completing the Caticlan Port, a vital facility that can boost the tourism industry and economy of Aklan and the island of Boracay.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez also lauded PPA Assistant General Manager for Finance Aida Dizon and PPA General Manager Oscar Sevilla during the turnover of the Caticlan port management and operations to the province.

“The island of Boracay would be competitive with the completion of Caticlan Port. It is a priority government port for development by PPA, owing to its strategic location in Panay Island,” he said.

Adjacent to the newly-constructed PPA Caticlan Port is the Caticlan Jetty Port and Terminal managed by the province under the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).

In 2007, the Caticlan and Cagban ports collected P41.451-million compared to P30.647-million in 2006.

Local officials who witnessed the turnover were mayors Ceciron Cawaling (Malay), Quezon Labindao (Buruanga), Maria Lourdes Miraflores (Ibajay) and Elverita Templonuevo (Numancia), Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Selwyn Ibarreta, Jose Yap, Pedro Garcia, Rodson Mayor and Gerick Templonuevo and the provincial department heads.

Aklan Cong. Florencio Miraflores also assured the proper management of the Numancia port in Brgy. Navitas.

The solon said the Caticlan Port is a major component in the nautical highway roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) system that would complement with the expansion of Caticlan airport to cater the regular flights of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

“The province plans to make Caticlan port purely for passenger activities. The major cargo handling for domestic vessels or cargoes will be in Numancia port,” he added./PN www.panaynewsphilippines.com

http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW051608/content.php?id=074

Boracay mayor sued by Environment dep’t
BusinessWorld
May 16, 2008

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has sued the mayor of Boracay for allowing the reclamation of mangrove areas in the island.

In a press conference yesterday, Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza announced that the department has taken legal action against Malay, Aklan Mayor Ceciron Cawaling for "abusing his authority."

Mr. Atienza criticized the mayor for failing to implement a town ordinance ordering a moratorium on new construction in the resort paradise, citing the mushrooming of new hotel projects.

"He has been giving out permits for structures to be built in these areas even when a moratorium has already been imposed," Mr. Atienza said.

The halting of the reclamation of Boracay’s wetland areas is critical to preventing further destruction of its natural environment, the DENR chief previously said.

The DENR, through Undersecretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, filed the complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Mr. Atienza warned that if there were DENR officials involved in the wrongdoings, they would also suffer the consequences.

"We’d like to see some people in jail first before we talk about the damages that have been done," he added.

The DENR has crafted an environmental master plan for Boracay, covering forest lands, protected areas, the coastal zone, the island’s beach front, and others.

Authorities hope the plan will encourage owners of resorts and hotels as well as town officials to observe zoning laws.

rom May 14-16, 2008

Gale winds and heavy rains from a storm-induced SW monsoon hit Boracay starting May 14, 2008.

I took this in front of my workplace.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj75/abudominic/Manholebora.jpg

this manhole overflows with turbid, foul odored water every time there is a high tide. But last May 14-15 the water was so voluminous that it reached ankle deep at the Main Road at Ambulong and Manggayad.:ohno::shocked:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj75/abudominic/Mainroadambulong.jpg

The Main Road after the rains. The smell of the water makes us puke and is scaring tourists away.

SUCH A SHAME!!! UNTIL NOW BORACAY'S ISLAND HOSPITAL IS STILL SUBMERGED WITH ANKLE DEEP WATER FOR THE 4TH STRAIGHT DAY!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2442482889_07a45ee45b.jpg
just curious, are those broken corals on the sand?

Edmund, there are no corals in Boracay. :) Those are blue green algae.

Diversion road to shorten RO-RO travels



ROXAS CITY — Faster and easier travels from Iloilo to Manila via Capiz and Kalibo can be expected upon the completion of the diversion road along Kalibo-Iloilo highway.

In its on-line report, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the Kalibo-Iloilo highway, which is being used for the Strong Republic Nautical Highway Project of President Arroyo, is currently under construction and will be completed soon.

The construction of diversion, or by-pass roads is part of the move by the government to ease the traffic problem that affects motorists using the Roll-On-Roll-Off system.

The 746 lineal-meter Banga Diversion Road Project of the DPWH, which starts at the national road at Mambog, Banga and ends at the Tabayon, Banga junction, is an ultimate solution to motorists’ woes in passing the congested Poblacion area of Banga, Aklan.

Part of the Kalibo-Iloilo National Road, which is a vital component of the Western Seabord of the SRNH that links Luzon through Mindoro, Panay and Negros Island leading to Mindanao, the Banga Diversion Road, will serve as major route of cargo trucks, buses and other vehicles to avoid heavy traffic.

Transportation Undersecretary Maria Elena Bautista recently revealed that three more ports in Western Visayas are up for development, upgrading or rehabilitation this year under President Arroyo’s SRNH major legacy project.

These include the ports of Caticlan in Aklan, Dumangas in Iloilo and Ajuy in Iloilo, Bautista said.

Bautista disclosed that said ports are among the identified 15 Roll-On-Roll-Off (RO-RO) port projects for expansion this year until 2010 based on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) workplan.

Other identified ports include San Antonio in Sorsogon, Esperanza in Masbate, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Naval in Biliran, Toledo in Cebu, Getate in Bohol, Tabuelan in Cebu, Bogo in Cebu, Balud in Masbate, Taytay in Palawan, Ubay in Bohol and Eagano in Cebu. (PIA)



From Manila Bulletin :
Diversion road to shorten RO-RO travels (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080519124960.html)

Bares hotel-resort dev’t in Boracay
http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080521125157.html#
SMC takes control of comm’l bank

Food and drinks giant San Miguel Corp., headed by Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr. as Chairman and CEO, is taking a majority stake in a local bank and is in talks to develop a luxury hotel on the central resort island of Boracay as part of its diversification strategy.

The group said yesterday that property subsidiary San Miguel Properties and its retirement fund planned to increase their stake in Bank of Commerce to 51 percent from 34 percent. No price was put on the purchase.

The two units bought the initial stake in the bank about 7 months ago for around R2 billion.

Bank of Commerce is partly owned by Antonio Cojuangco, un uncle of the SMC chairman/CEO, last year had net income of R504 million, flat from a year earlier, with total assets of P76.6 billion.

Since announcing last year it wanted to diversify into heavy industry at home after failing to achieve high-growth rates from overseas food and drinks acquisitions, San Miguel has signed some property deals but has not made a major investment in its other favored fields of mining and energy.

San Miguel Properties said it planned to spend P1.0 billion to P2.5 billion for the initial development of a 28-hectare property on the central island of Boracay, one of the Philippines’ top holiday destinations.

San Miguel Properties said it hoped to sign a deal with the property owner before the end of the year and was looking to build a five-star hotel, a condominium complex and a mall on the site.

The unit has earmarked up to R5 billion for residential and commercial property projects for this year and next.

Earlier this month, San Miguel listed its flagship domestic beer division and the group said yesterday agents Citigroup and ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners have exercised an over-allotment option for 155.577 million shares.

The brewery unit, valued at around $ 3.6 billion and accounting for about 40 percent of the parent company’s operating profit, offered 5 percent of its stock to local and overseas investors at 8 pesos each to raise $ 147 million. (Reuters)

rom May 14-16, 2008

Gale winds and heavy rains from a storm-induced SW monsoon hit Boracay starting May 14, 2008.

I took this in front of my workplace.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj75/abudominic/Manholebora.jpg

this manhole overflows with turbid, foul odored water every time there is a high tide. But last May 14-15 the water was so voluminous that it reached ankle deep at the Main Road at Ambulong and Manggayad.:ohno::shocked:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj75/abudominic/Mainroadambulong.jpg

The Main Road after the rains. The smell of the water makes us puke and is scaring tourists away.

SUCH A SHAME!!! UNTIL NOW BORACAY'S ISLAND HOSPITAL IS STILL SUBMERGED WITH ANKLE DEEP WATER FOR THE 4TH STRAIGHT DAY!!!

You see the same thing at White Beach, sewer overflowing from the covered manhole. Disgusting really, you can see the sewer flowing all the way reaching the water at White Beach. The whole island is a disappointment. DMall which is supposed to be one of the main areas in Boracay Island aside from the beach areas is a half-a$$ed development with unpaved and uneven portions especially around the restaurant area that gets filled with rainwater when it rains. Very third world looking!!!!

sad,,,

sad,,,




I was in Boracay last November 2,2007, Friday. All Souls Day.
Alone and stayed for an overnight in one of the affordable hotel.

Ang inis na inis ako ay itong mga nag o-offer sa akin ng service.(I met them in Station 2).
I wont mention anymore from where they came from.

Someone acknowledged that ..."I was wearing a Germany sports t-shirt"

I was in Boracay last November 2,2007, Friday. All Souls Day.
Alone and stayed for an overnight in one of the affordable hotel.

Ang inis na inis ako ay itong mga nag o-offer sa akin ng service.(I met them in Station 2).
I wont mention anymore from where they came from.

Someone acknowledged that ..."I was wearing a Germany sports t-shirt"

=) i have similar exprience when I was in Boracay few years back, these cross dresser just wont leave me and my cousin, they were offering all these services and we have to tell the guard of the resort to not let them come to the resort because we actually got worried about them.

Aklanon boxer joins national training pool

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – A feisty Aklanon boxer is joining the national training camp for boxers in Baguio City.

Jose Rob Montero, 19, is a native of Brgy. Naisud, Ibajay town. He was selected by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) for his superb showing in the recent National Open Amateur Boxing Competition in Iloilo City.

Montero scored a 22-21 verdict against Regie Berador of Davao del Norte for the flyweight title.

Gov. Carlito Marquez also hailed the selection of Montero as a member of the national training pool in the flyweight division (51-kilogram). He said the provincial government has extended financial assistance for its youth and sport development program.

“He (Montero) brought pride to our community for his discipline and determination. This is an opportunity for him to develop his abilities and experience competition in the international level,” the governor stressed.

Montero dreams to finish his studies. He turned to amateur boxing to avoid illegal drugs.
Marquez said the provincial government is proud to support high-performance athletes like chess players Mira Mirano and Susan Grace Neri, boxer Montero and female athlete Merily Teodosio who have brought honor to the country and Aklan.

ABAP said the new boxing recruits will represent the country in the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore and in the 2012 London Olympics./PN

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

BORACAY CASINO
Malay officials give nod amid Church protest
By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

BORACAY – This island resort is inching closer to having a casino. The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay, Aklan endorsed the operation of a casino in the municipality.

Although the municipal council did not specify which part of Malay will the casino operate, it is believed that the move will pave the way for legalized gambling in Boracay, which is under the geopolitical jurisdiction of the town.

Councilor Rowen Aguirre, chairman of the SB Committee on Laws, said the casino proponent presented all the documents needed and these were all legal.

“We were told by the representatives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) that they need our endorsement. We are only doing our job,” added Aguirre.

The SM member also said that with their endorsement, it is now up to PAGCOR to deal with the possible opposition of some sectors.

It was learned that a certain Base Game Corp. wants to operate a casino in this resort island.

Early this month, the Catholic Church reiterated its opposition to plans of having casinos in Boracay.

Sources at the Diocese of Kalibo disclosed that a PAGCOR representative visited the Kalibo Diocese adjacent to the Kalibo Cathedral to discuss the casino two weeks ago.

“The representative explained to us that they are looking for three possible resorts in Boracay interested in putting up a casino. But the Kalibo Diocese is still vigilant and we will oppose the operation of a casino in the resort island,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.

In the early 1990s, the Kalibo Diocese also led campaign rallies against PAGCOR’s proposal of putting up a casino in Boracay.

Then Jaime Cardinal Sin intervened and asked the state not to allow the establishment of the casino.

Several years after Cardinal Sin’s death, Boracay stakeholders also attempted to push for the operation of a casino but President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reportedly intervened.

“Now, they are back again to push for the casino. No matter what they do, we will still oppose all forms of gambling in Boracay,” said the source, a priest.

It was learned that Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo is preparing a pastoral letter condemning the possible operation of casino in this resort island.

Sources said the casino operation will be free against the moratorium of construction issues in this resort island since three large resorts have already expressed its intent of running the casino operation in their respective establishments./PN

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

SSS-Aklan extends service to Boracay


BORACAY – Acknowledging that this island resort is a big source of potential members, Social Security System (SSS)-Aklan send a staff here every Tuesday at D' Mall to accept membership applications.

The SSS staff also answers queries concerning SSS benefits and services to members.
SSS-Aklan recently opened its tellering service in Kalibo. It receives payments for loans and contributions of members in the province.

SSS-Aklan Branch Head Isaias Leyson said members need not line up for long hours anymore at banks receiving SSS payments.

SSS’ tellering service in Kalibo opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Aklan has more or less 30,000 self-employed SSS members while those who have employers number more or less 20,000. The tellering system is very timely," Leyson said.

The SSS here, according to Leyson, is on-line. A member who works in Manila or any part of the country can look into his records in Aklan through the computer, and could avail of services offered by the system.

In Aklan, people flock to the SSS office everyday to file claims for retirement, disability and death, as well as to apply for membership and loans.

"SSS serves its members from cradle to grave – starting from giving maternity benefits to mothers, helping members and their dependents when sick, giving pensions when retired, and burial benefits when the member dies. The surviving spouse and minor children below 21 years old also get pensions," Leyson said.

Leyson also said that before, people are not interested to apply for SSS membership. Now that they are aware of the many benefits the system offers to private employees and their dependents, he said many are eager to become members. (PIA/PN)

www.panaynewsphilippines.com

Boracay resort price up


AMID the controversy surrounding its construction, the resort hotel project on Boracay Island by a Cebu-based developer continues to sell.

The Boracay Crown Regency Resort Hotel is so popular among buyers that J. King and Sons Co. Inc. raised the price per unit of the project last week, despite allegations that the development sits on a wetland and should not be allowed to continue.

The P2-billion Boracay Crown Regency Resort Hotel project will involve the construction of four hotel and condotel buildings, a convention center and two 800-square-meter swimming pools. The project will supply 457 additional rooms in Boracay and will reportedly create 600 jobs for local residents.

Strong demand

“We based the price on demand. Since there is strong demand, we just raised the price (per unit in Boracay) by P1 million,” said Jose Ma. H. Gianzon, vice president for sales and marketing of Fuente Triangle Realty Development, which is tasked with the marketing of J. King and Sons’ properties in Cebu and Boracay.

With the increase, the cheapest unit at the Boracay Crown Regency would be P5 million.

Gianzon said the project continues to sell despite negative reports because people know that the development is guaranteed to earn “unprecedented income.”

He said following the negative reports, many people called up the company. “We had the chance to explain to them,” he added.

He said the cheapest unit at Boracay Crown Regency was priced at P3 million at the start of the pre-selling stage.

“The (sales) exceeded our expectations. Because of the velocity of sales, we increased it to P4 million … and now to P5 million. We expect more sales,” he said in an interview last week, following a press conference Thursday where J. King and Sons Inc. chairman Richard King announced that the company will file graft charges against Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials who have blocked the project.

Irregularities

In the press conference, King alleged there were “inconsistencies and irregularities” in the way DENR officials conducted an inspection of the project site, which resulted in the issuance of a cease and desist order in February this year.

Mandarin Airlines offers flights
to Kalibo International Airport
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Mandarin Airlines will launch its charter international flights to the Kalibo International Airport on May 31.

Air Transportation Office (ATO) Kalibo Manager Percy Malonesio said the Mandarin Airlines 37-800 -- with 168 seats -- have two flights a week from Taipei, Taiwan to service foreign tourists to Boracay Island, the country’s top beach destination.

“The opening of this new twice weekly flights will encourage travelers. Many Taiwan visitors are eager to visit Aklan and the island of Boracay,” Malonesio said.

The charter flight is a big boost to the local tourism industry. It will increase the number of tourists from other countries and spur renewed interest in Philippine tourism, Malonesio added.

Currently, the P80-million new terminal building of the Kalibo International Airport is undergoing construction. The passenger terminal is adjacent to the old building, which is being used as arrival and departure area.

The expansion is expected to be completed by next year.

Asian Spirit also flies to Incheon, Korea via Kalibo regularly. The international airport, one of the busiest in the country, is serving the domestic flights of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has identified the Kalibo airport as a major component of tourism development in Central Philippines./PN

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/mainnews4.htm

Aklan mulls hog-raising venture

Kalibo, Aklan -- The provincial government of Aklan is mulling to embark on hog-raising to help meet the supply of pork in the province.


Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez raised this possibility during the recent Local Price Coordination Council (LPCC) meeting here in response to concerns raised by some food processors here that there is a low supply of pork in the province.

A leading food processor here is said to be hesitant to avail of financial assistance from the government as it is not assured of a steady supply of raw meat.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here, Aklan currently lacks supply of hogs for slaughter. Buyers are said to be sourcing their supply from Capiz backyards. Based on household interviews, BAS revealed that Aklanons currently raised pigs for fiestas.

The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) here bared that Aklan is not operating big piggeries anymore, due to high prices of feeds.

Presently, the province is focusing on livestock production at Tina, Makato, with on-going pasture and forage production, large and small ruminant production, cattle fattening and production, and goat upgrading programs.

The OPVET said the site in Makato is also ideal for hog production. The provincial government through OPVET is currently implementing a swine dispersal program on a rollover scheme among provincial employees.

To help in this concern, council members urged the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to request Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) all over the province to encourage swine production in their areas.

Governor Marquez, for his part, said the low supply of pork meat might have been caused by the high demand of processed meat products in the market, noting that some companies have branches that have sprouted in the region and even in Manila.

He advised these food processors to operate a piggery too to have a sure supply of pork for their business needs. (PIA)

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/05/28/aklan.mulls.hog.raising.venture.html

Farmer-scientist from Aklan vies in national search
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The region's entry in the 2008 Best Magsasaka Siyentista is among the top three contenders in the national search for the farmer scientists in the country. Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) refers to a farmer who shares farming practices proven to be very effective in the over-all agricultural cycle.


Former bank employee Margarito Andrade is vying for the national award for Magsasaka Siyentista. He is the MS of the Banga Farmers' Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in Banga Techno Pinoy. He has been an MS since 2003.

Andrade who is from Banga, Aklan has been involved in farming and was able to invent three models of egg incubators and multi-purpose biogas digester for poultry and livestock wastes. Andrade has introduced technology practices in egg incubation, digester technology and natural farming system.

He also developed technologies like multi-purpose grater, multi-purpose pulverizer, multipurpose dryer, heater kerosene stove, wood and charcoal stove, rice hull stove and wood sawdust stove which burns for more than six hours, steam bath and mouse trap.

Andrade also involves himself in the herbal processing of vinca, lagundi, mint, pandan and turmeric. In turmeric, he has produced turmeric capsules and turmeric teas. Turmeric contains natural nutrients and food enzymes rather than synthetic source.

The MS is a project of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCCARD). WESVARRDEC is also an Ugnay awardee in 2006.

The farmer scientist is using grasses and fodder trees as feeds particularly marande tree which has high crude protein content in his chicken production. Andrade believes raising the chicken in the natural way will provide healthy food while protecting the environment.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/05/29/farmer.scientist.from.aklan.vies.in.national.search.html

Mandarin Airlines offers flights
to Kalibo International Airport
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Mandarin Airlines will launch its charter international flights to the Kalibo International Airport on May 31.

Air Transportation Office (ATO) Kalibo Manager Percy Malonesio said the Mandarin Airlines 37-800 -- with 168 seats -- have two flights a week from Taipei, Taiwan to service foreign tourists to Boracay Island, the country’s top beach destination.

“The opening of this new twice weekly flights will encourage travelers. Many Taiwan visitors are eager to visit Aklan and the island of Boracay,” Malonesio said.

The charter flight is a big boost to the local tourism industry. It will increase the number of tourists from other countries and spur renewed interest in Philippine tourism, Malonesio added.

Currently, the P80-million new terminal building of the Kalibo International Airport is undergoing construction. The passenger terminal is adjacent to the old building, which is being used as arrival and departure area.

The expansion is expected to be completed by next year.

Asian Spirit also flies to Incheon, Korea via Kalibo regularly. The international airport, one of the busiest in the country, is serving the domestic flights of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has identified the Kalibo airport as a major component of tourism development in Central Philippines./PN

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/mainnews4.htm

Aww, I feel so happy yet so jealous for Kalibo. I wish we had international flights already. But I am very very happy Kalibo is experiencing such growth. I hope it becomes a HUC. :)

^^eat your heart out @kid because you're jealous!:lol: hehehe, joke, joke! tourism is aklan's forte courtesy of boracay. let's give them that. ako, i'm wishing more international flights will open for them. if that happens, the spillovers to other places will be inevitable. chances are, the spolis will be abundantly shared to many, albeit, not equally obcourse.

^^ :lol:

I'm not that jealous, but I am very happy for them. Yeah, Iloilo will have her spoils, once Caticlan and Kalibo airports become over saturated, it's our turn. hehe

No tuition fee hike at Aklan State University

KALIBO, Aklan – The Aklan State University (ASU) is not increasing its tuition fee this school year. In fact, it has not jacked up its fees since 2005 yet.

The state university, with its main campus in Banga town, has other campuses in Kalibo, Ibajay, New Washington and Makato, specializing in various courses.

Dr. Edilberto Solidum, ASU Main Campus Director of Students Affairs, said enrolment at different university campuses is ongoing on a staggered basis, but the university is contemplating of having walk-in examinations, noting that a big number of incoming freshmen students have shown interest in enrolling in the state school.

"Courses most favored by incoming students to take this year appear to be related to computer science, like Information Management, Information Technology, and Nursing and Home Technology," Solidum revealed.

Enrollment in agriculture courses remains high. The government recently called on ASU and other state universities to help in the food production to avert hunger. They may devote their vacant lots to rice and other agricultural crops.

Solidum said many students are interested to take up Nursing at ASU because the tuition fee is almost half than those charged by private schools.

"We cannot accommodate them all. The university's facilities, classrooms and teachers are currently not enough," Solidum said.

Early this week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed the Commission on Higher Education to freeze all tuition fee increases in the 110 state-run colleges and universities nationwide, to help students and parents cope with the global rise in oil and food prices

She also appealed to private colleges and universities to consider and freeze plans to hike tuition and other school charges, in the meantime.

The President said the freeze on tuition fees would greatly help ease the financial burden of students and their parents. At present, parents are spending an average of P450 per unit, or about P10,000 per school year for their children taking a 21-unit load in college.

The Chief Executive said shelving tuition fee increases would also help reduce the college dropout rate and set off an environment conducive to quality tertiary education for all. (PIA/PN)

http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/mainnews4.htm

GMA to visit Ibajay on June 2


By JUN ARIOLO N. AGUIRRE

KALIBO, Aklan - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is visiting Ibajay town on June 2 to inaugurate a President's Bridge, according to Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores.

"I was told by the President that she might visit the town. We are already preparing for her,” Miraflores said.

The mayor was recently named Vice President for Visayas of the Lady Municipal Mayors League of the Philippines. She was also nominated as member of the Board of Trustees of the Congressional Wives Association of the Philippines. Her husband is Aklan Cong. Florencio Miraflores.

"The bridge was built under the Tulay ng Pangulo program. Ibajay is a major route of tourists from Kalibo Airport or from Iloilo to Boracay Island," said Miraflores.

She said she will also bring to the President's attention the rehabilitation of the Ibajay Public Market razed by fire early this year./PN


http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/aklan3.htm

Boracay's environmental masterplan to be completed before June ends


The Environmental Masterplan of Boracay Island will be completed probably in two weeks time, says Environment and Natural Resources regional executive director for Western Visayas, Lormelyn Claudio.


The masterplan she said contains the environmental scanning, policy on environment, assessment of the current situation, impact of development, available resources and proposed measures to rehabilitate the degraded ecosystems in Boracay which was formulated out of a series of consultations with the local government units from the provincial down to the barangay level in Aklan and other stakeholders.

"The finalization of the masterplan is a matter of packaging it," Claudio said. "It will be implemented as soon as it is completed."

Claudio added that some of the components are already being implemented.

"Probably you have heard of the DENR's filing of complaint against the local government unit of Malay, Aklan for its failure to implement the moratorium on construction in Boracay and its failure to develop the island," she cited.

In addition to the masterplan, the Aklan LGU with the support of the DENR is also preparing its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), said Claudio. (PNA)


http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/05/30/boracays.environmental.masterplan.to.be.completed.before.june.ends.html

New flights from Taiwan, China to boost tourism in Boracay (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=120254)

More tourists are expected to visit Boracay this year as the Kalibo Airport opens its doors to more international flights and tourists from Taiwan and mainland China.

The Kalibo Airport in Aklan province is one of the gateways to Boracay, the country's top beach destination.

Taipei-based Mandarin Airlines has launched its first direct flight to Kalibo Saturday to give Taiwanese tourists easier access to Boracay, which is an ideal vacation spot for Taiwanese because of its proximity.


"With fuel prices soaring these days, the air ticket prices are higher to Japan, Korea, North America, and Europe. Southeast Asia is thus a very good choice for passengers who want a very reasonable price," said Mandarin Airlines' Richard Ma.

"The Philippines is a very good choice. Thailand is also competitive, but we believe that service attitude, service standards of Filipinos are very good," he said.

The next six consecutive flights of Mandarin Airlines are fully booked.

The airline will fly twice a week to Kalibo, which becomes its fourth destination in the country.

Taiwan visitors comprise the third biggest number of tourists in the Philippines, after Koreans and Americans.

According to Mandarin Airlines officials, they plan to increase their flights but limitations of the Kalibo airport had to be considered.

Local officials assured though that improvements in Kalibo Airport are now under way to make it adhere to international standards.

"The first phase is to expand the Kalibo terminal. The next phase in 2009 is lengthening of runway, because the present runway is 2,100 meters, which is quite tiny. International standards require 2,500 meters. Next year, the project is to extend the runway to another 400 meters to the sea," said Aklan Rep. Joeben Miraflores.

"Initially, we were a little bit surprised by this tiny airport. We were afraid that we will not have enough space here because we have 160 passengers. But with the help of airport officials, we did very good," Ma said.

An estimated P1 billion is needed for the upgrade of the airport.

Although the completion may take at least two years or more, more international airlines are expected to fly to Kalibo in the coming months, one of which is the Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines.

Around half a million tourists visited Boracay in 2007, and the local government expects this figure to double this year since the island's visitors have already reached seven hundred thousand for just the first four months of the year. -- Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=120254)




:banana:

New flights from Taiwan, China to boost tourism in Boracay (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=120254)

More tourists are expected to visit Boracay this year as the Kalibo Airport opens its doors to more international flights and tourists from Taiwan and mainland China.

The Kalibo Airport in Aklan province is one of the gateways to Boracay, the country's top beach destination.

Taipei-based Mandarin Airlines has launched its first direct flight to Kalibo Saturday to give Taiwanese tourists easier access to Boracay, which is an ideal vacation spot for Taiwanese because of its proximity.


"With fuel prices soaring these days, the air ticket prices are higher to Japan, Korea, North America, and Europe. Southeast Asia is thus a very good choice for passengers who want a very reasonable price," said Mandarin Airlines' Richard Ma.

"The Philippines is a very good choice. Thailand is also competitive, but we believe that service attitude, service standards of Filipinos are very good," he said.

The next six consecutive flights of Mandarin Airlines are fully booked.

The airline will fly twice a week to Kalibo, which becomes its fourth destination in the country.

Taiwan visitors comprise the third biggest number of tourists in the Philippines, after Koreans and Americans.

According to Mandarin Airlines officials, they plan to increase their flights but limitations of the Kalibo airport had to be considered.

Local officials assured though that improvements in Kalibo Airport are now under way to make it adhere to international standards.

"The first phase is to expand the Kalibo terminal. The next phase in 2009 is lengthening of runway, because the present runway is 2,100 meters, which is quite tiny. International standards require 2,500 meters. Next year, the project is to extend the runway to another 400 meters to the sea," said Aklan Rep. Joeben Miraflores.

"Initially, we were a little bit surprised by this tiny airport. We were afraid that we will not have enough space here because we have 160 passengers. But with the help of airport officials, we did very good," Ma said.

An estimated P1 billion is needed for the upgrade of the airport.

Although the completion may take at least two years or more, more international airlines are expected to fly to Kalibo in the coming months, one of which is the Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines.

Around half a million tourists visited Boracay in 2007, and the local government expects this figure to double this year since the island's visitors have already reached seven hundred thousand for just the first four months of the year. -- Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=120254)




:banana:

shouldn't they fix the problems of Boracay first before they start wishing for more influx of tourists. mamaya niyan maging Manila bay na yan.
at damay na ren yung mga ibang malalapet na pulo.

^^ yes crappypants :)

totoo yan kabansa!

Nung isang beses na naglibot ako dyan sa pamamagitan ng paglalakad(community malapit sa da mall) at pagsakay ng tricycle, wala dyan maayos na drainage system. Kaya duda ako sa garbage disposal system nila na di tulad ng sa Davao.

Nung isang beses na nasa beach front ako, dun sa sa malapit sa mga stalls ay may mga naghuhukay, tinanong ko kung para saan yan. Sabi nila ay para daw sa telco. whaaaatttt??? ganon ba kadali yun?

Kawawa yung mga Senior Citizen na mga taga-Aklan(dun na lang mismo sa Malay), ni sila mismo hindi maranasan at ma-feel ang ganda ng likas na yaman ng Panay o probinsya ng AKLAN.

hey guys, are there any less expensive Boracay restaurants (that offers good food nonetheless) you can recommend? thanks! :okay:

;21339961']hey guys, are there any less expensive Boracay restaurants (that offers good food nonetheless) you can recommend? thanks! :okay:

Fast food restos are the most affordable: Andok's, Mang Inasal

Try scouring beachfront resto's along station 2 - station 3 (D'Mall to Angol Point) because they could give you nice food at "equally nice" prices ^^:lol:

But if you are really on a budget, small eateries along the Main Road at Ambulong and Balabag (at the area of kalibo Cable and at the Plaza):cheers:

Take your pick!

Fast food restos are the most affordable: Andok's, Mang Inasal

Try scouring beachfront resto's along station 2 - station 3 (D'Mall to Angol Point) because they could give you nice food at "equally nice" prices ^^:lol:

But if you are really on a budget, small eateries along the Main Road at Ambulong and Balabag (at the area of kalibo Cable and at the Plaza):cheers:

Take your pick!

bilis! thank you! :D. what about mga activities like island-hopping, watersports? how much kaya ang mga yun and any tips you can provide?

Any news/updates about the Shangrila Project?

shouldn't they fix the problems of Boracay first before they start wishing for more influx of tourists. mamaya niyan maging Manila bay na yan.
at damay na ren yung mga ibang malalapet na pulo.

Sorry to disappoint you but it won't be long, on the Bulabog side of the island, a sewer pipe is discharging waste directly on the water.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2476229506_94e0e2a9c2.jpg

Boracay sunset
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2527767628_8dd37934db.jpg

D' Mall
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2507105284_7719b90f14.jpg

Congress approves hydro-power plant in Aklan Province (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080603126401.html)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

KALIBO, Aklan — The energy problem in Panay Island will soon ease up as the House of Representatives approved House Bill 3679 that allows the establishment of the Timbaban hydropower project within the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve in Brgy. Maria Cristina, Madalag, Aklan.

Congressman Florencio Miraflores, vice chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, said the Timbaban hydropower project will be completed by 2013 as Japanese government will allot .985-million fund through the Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC).

The project, once completed, is expected to have a capacity to generate power up to 23.5 megawatts.

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) will implement the project.

Aside from Timbaban hydropower project, the California Energy International has completed engineering and optimization studies for the hydroelectric project in Libacao, Aklan. It is expected to supply power to neighboring provinces.

Miraflores also said a Lopez-owned consortium, First Gen Renewables Inc., is also constructing micro-hydroelectric power plants that can generate 15 megawatts of power.

Earlier, President Gloria Arroyo had directed the Department of Energy (DoE) to seek more immediate solutions to the power supply shortage being experienced in Panay Island.

The President also advised Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes to first concentrate efforts on solutions that can be implemented on the short term.

Arroyo said that while the construction of more power-generating plants is a feasible solution, its benefits would still be felt only after three more years at the least.

"Panay Island cannot wait that long," the President said, as she assured its residents that the national government will make sure that the every village in the island will be energized before her term ends in 2010. (Danny Fajardo) (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080603126401.html)



From Manila Bulletin Online
Congress approves hydro-power plant in Aklan Province (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080603126401.html)

MANILA, Philippines - The government will impose a "Martial Law" proclamation on Boracay Island in a bid to preserve its beauty and tourism, Malacañang said Monday night.

A Palace statement said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will implement an "unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation” making Boracay a national park and placing its resources under government protection.

"An example of our efforts to preserve Boracay's tourism value which spreads throughout Aklan is by applying an unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation declaring Boracay Island as a tourist zone under the administration and control of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)," the chief executive said in a keynote address during the inauguration of the newly-constructed P207-million Ibajay bridge in Aklan.

The martial law regime had declared Boracay a national park placing the tourist island and its resources under government protection.

With the implementation of the unrepealed Martial Law proclamation, Boracay and its inhabitants are guaranteed sustainability of the islands resources and livelihood.

"Investing in the vital infrastructure also includes building up our environment as a reflection of our commitment to our quality of life," President Arroyo said.

She also said she is working to provide "a reliable supply of power" through the construction of more power plants in Panay Island.

"Also high on our priority list for Panay is the provision of a reliable supply of power that will sustain tourism and other industries," she said.

President Arroyo said she will be back in Panay Island, specifically in Capiz, "to launch a new project that will give the island an additional 15 megawatts of power." -

GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/98733/Arroyo-to-impose-%E2%80%98Martial-Law%E2%80%99-proclamation-on-Boracay)

Palawan seen to overtake Boracay as RP’s No. 1 tourists destination



Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

PUERTO PRINCESA — Palawan is expected to overtake Boracay in three years as the country’s number one tourist destination with Bohol coming in as close second, a tourism stalwart said.

Samie Lim, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and tourism champion for the private sector, said this as the Palawan province prepares a master plan that put emphasis for sustainable tourism development.

"In three years, Palawan will overtake Boracay if they have a masterplan. Bohol will come in second," Lim told reporters after delivering a speech on tourism at the 17th Southern Luzon Area Business Conference.

"Palawan offers diversity, he said. Its 1,700 islands have better things to offer than Phuket and Bali. Palawan has better sights to offer," Lim said.

The island province of Palawan has been declared as a natural sanctuary of the world, and for good reason. It is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and pristine beaches. It is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life. It boasts of exotic flora and fauna, like the mousedeer and the scaly anteater, that are found nowhere else.

Palawan waters are among the best in the world, not only for diving but also for fishing. A diver’s paradise, it has miles of sub- surface coral and rainbow reef walls whish surround the coasts and coves teeming with rich marine life.

Among its famous sites are the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Resources, a world heritage site encompassing both Tubbataha atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef. The almost 100,000 hectare size park contains roughy 10,000 hectares of coral reef, which lie at te heart of the coral triangle, the center of global marine diversity in the world.

The Puerto Pincesa Subterranean River National Park, another natural world heritage site, is believed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world.

Among its significant features is the 8.2 kilometer underground river that flows beneath spectacular karst formations before emptying out into the sea.

The El Nido Marine Reserve in Miniloc, El Nido, occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, is a popular nature spot in the province. It boasts of diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone reefs as well as a variety of fishes, like mantaray and the sea cow or "dugong", known as the world’s rarest marine mammal. It is now one of the country’s premier destinations, blessed with amazing natural scenery, and considered as sanctuary for various forms of wildlife.

Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City is where Honda Bay can be seen. The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs, bordering fabulous beaches and small resorts which have become the favorite water sports destination of local and foreign tourists alike.

The province boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa- giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles- co- exist with endemic Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock (pheasant), in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga, considered on of the province’s most amazing sites. Another sanctuary found in Rio Tuba Village, Bataraza is the Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. This island is a haven for birds that rest and converge two hours before sunset, after a day’s flight.

With the immense biodiversity in Palawan, Lim said, it is expected to become a tourist haven in three years.

On the other hand, the country’s pristine Boracay is already congested that it should now be ready for the next level of development to keep its attraction.

"With too many tourists and resorts coming up, where should all the wastes go but into the sea," he said.

Lim said that the next level development of Boracay should concentrate on building up Aklan as the staging point for tourists going to Boracay.

Tourists should not stay in Boracay but go back to Aklan after a day’s swim in the island.

"Let us make Boracay our swimming pool and for that help preserve the island," he said.

www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080603126301.html)

^^now that is welcoming. they should crucify that mayor in boracay. he's really stupid and done nothing but destroy boracay:ohno: by allowing it in its current state. boracay is our precious jewel and should be treated as such. we have to learn how to value and protect our nature's blessings. other's are dying to have this place but we seems dying to destroy it instead.:ohno:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2547452451_707d310be5_o.jpg




Wow! New Washington!

^^looks like a ginger bread house.


Ibajay's new bridge project assures Aklan further development

President Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurates the Ibajay Bridge
in Ibajay town in Aklan with Public Works Secretary
Hermogenes Ebdane UK Ambassador Peter Beckingham,
Ibajay Mayor Maria Lourdes Miraflores and Aklan Rep.
Florencio Miraflores. The new 246-linear meter (lm) double-lane bridge in Ibajay, Aklan is expected to spur more development not only to the host local government unit but also to its neighboring provinces, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)regional director for Western Visayas Rolando Asis.

The P207-million bridge was inaugurated Monday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The project situated in Barangay Polo, Ibajay leads to the Caticlan Jetty Port, the jump off point to Boracay Island.


It also serves as major route from Iloilo towards Caticlan, Aklan and nearby Antique province and vice versa.

Asis said that the new bridge, that replaced the existing 252-lm long Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) Bridge, would also be an access to farm to market roads and other far-flung areas.

The national government funded the project under its Special Bridge Project with the assistance from the United Kingdom and undertaken by the consortium of Balfour Kilpatrick Cleveland Bridge Joint Venture.

It is one of the 242 steel bridges implemented nationwide with the support of the United Kingdom.

Asis further said that in addition to the Ibajay Bridge, the DPWH also completed the Dumga Bridge in Barangay Dumga, Makato, Aklan which is also a UK-assisted project to the tune of P15-million.

The project is now passable, according to Asis.

DPWH also proposes for the concreting of the 1.3 kilometer road along Malay town that connects the municipalities of Caticlan, Malay, Buruanga towards Antique.

The project cost is pegged at P20 million. (PNA)


http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/06/03/ibajays.new.bridge.project.assures.aklan.further.development.html

Pumpboat to ferry guests from Boracay up to 3 a.m. mulled
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

IBAJAY, AKLAN—In a move that would certainly please party animals, President Macapagal-Arrroyo yesterday announced that she has directed the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to provide a pumpboat to ferry guests from Boracay to the mainland up to 3 a.m.


The President said that Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano has agreed for the PTA to buy a pumpboat that will be operated by the Aklan Chamber (of Commerce). She said the boat "will bring back the night lifers at 3 a.m. from Boracay back to the mainland."

Passengers presently ferry guests from the island-resort to the mainland only up to 10 p.m.

The late trip would allow tourists who stay on the mainland to enjoy the island's beach and popular nightlife to go back after after partying on the island, according to Ms Arroyo. She said this will also allow tourists to enjoy other destinations in northern Panay like Pandan and Libertad towns in Antique and Ibajay in Aklan.

The President said in a speech during the inauguration of the P207-million bridge funded by both the Philippine and United Kingdom governments in Barangay Palo here, around 35 km north of the capital town of Kalibo.

Resort owners welcomed the announcement. But Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) President Loubelle Cann said priority should be in providing transportation and housing for resort staff and other service personnel so that they could return to the mainland after their work. This would help decongest the island and lessen the strain on its resources and infrastructure, said Cann.

Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta said authorities should also closely monitor and supervise the operation of the boat to ensure the safety of guests.

The President also announced that she will be in Boracay in November to inaugurate the US$60-million Boracay Shangri-La Resort and Spa. She said the hotel will be the "first five-star international resort on the island.

During the ceremony, the President also announced that the government through the National Disaster Coordinating Council will give P5 million for the reconstruction of the Ibajay market which was gutted by fire early this year.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/06/03/pumpboat.to.ferry.guests.from.boracay.up.to.3am.mulled.html

Palawan seen to overtake Boracay as RP’s No. 1 tourists destination
http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080604126301.html

Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat

PUERTO PRINCESA — Palawan is expected to overtake Boracay in three years as the country’s number one tourist destination with Bohol coming in as close second, a tourism stalwart said.

Samie Lim, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and tourism champion for the private sector, said this as the Palawan province prepares a master plan that put emphasis for sustainable tourism development.

"In three years, Palawan will overtake Boracay if they have a masterplan. Bohol will come in second," Lim told reporters after delivering a speech on tourism at the 17th Southern Luzon Area Business Conference.

"Palawan offers diversity, he said. Its 1,700 islands have better things to offer than Phuket and Bali. Palawan has better sights to offer," Lim said.

The island province of Palawan has been declared as a natural sanctuary of the world, and for good reason. It is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and pristine beaches. It is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life. It boasts of exotic flora and fauna, like the mousedeer and the scaly anteater, that are found nowhere else.

Palawan waters are among the best in the world, not only for diving but also for fishing. A diver’s paradise, it has miles of sub- surface coral and rainbow reef walls whish surround the coasts and coves teeming with rich marine life.

Among its famous sites are the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Resources, a world heritage site encompassing both Tubbataha atolls and the Jessie Beazley Reef. The almost 100,000 hectare size park contains roughy 10,000 hectares of coral reef, which lie at te heart of the coral triangle, the center of global marine diversity in the world.

The Puerto Pincesa Subterranean River National Park, another natural world heritage site, is believed to be the longest navigable underground river in the world.

Among its significant features is the 8.2 kilometer underground river that flows beneath spectacular karst formations before emptying out into the sea.

The El Nido Marine Reserve in Miniloc, El Nido, occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, is a popular nature spot in the province. It boasts of diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone reefs as well as a variety of fishes, like mantaray and the sea cow or "dugong", known as the world’s rarest marine mammal. It is now one of the country’s premier destinations, blessed with amazing natural scenery, and considered as sanctuary for various forms of wildlife.

Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City is where Honda Bay can be seen. The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs, bordering fabulous beaches and small resorts which have become the favorite water sports destination of local and foreign tourists alike.

The province boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa- giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles- co- exist with endemic Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock (pheasant), in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga, considered on of the province’s most amazing sites. Another sanctuary found in Rio Tuba Village, Bataraza is the Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. This island is a haven for birds that rest and converge two hours before sunset, after a day’s flight.

With the immense biodiversity in Palawan, Lim said, it is expected to become a tourist haven in three years.

On the other hand, the country’s pristine Boracay is already congested that it should now be ready for the next level of development to keep its attraction.

"With too many tourists and resorts coming up, where should all the wastes go but into the sea," he said.

Lim said that the next level development of Boracay should concentrate on building up Aklan as the staging point for tourists going to Boracay.

Tourists should not stay in Boracay but go back to Aklan after a day’s swim in the island.

"Let us make Boracay our swimming pool and for that help preserve the island," he said.

Boracay to be declared National Park

Manila (4 June) -- Boracay will soon be declared a national park.

This, as President Gloria Macapagal—Arroyo is set to implement an unrepealed Martial Law Proclamation making Boracay a national park and placing its resources under the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)'s control and administration.

The move will be made as the Chief Executive wants to protect and preserve Boracay's tourism value which spreads throughout Aklan, while guaranteeing sustainability of the island's resources and livelihood.

It would be recalled that the Arroyo administration is resolved in investing in vital infrastructures which also includes means to take care of the environment as a reflection of the government's commitment to better the Filipino people's quality of life.

In a related development, P200 million worth double lane new Ibajay bridge will be inaugurated to replace the existing Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) bridge, leading to the Caticlan Jetty port that serves as a jump-off point to Boracay island.

The Arroyo government has already expressed gratitude to United Kingdom's soft loan of over P1 Billion plus a grant of P560 million for the construction of 242 UK steel bridges in the country, including the new Ibajay bridge.

This early, new Ibajay bridge is already seen as a gateway for more developments in the Panay island.

-PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080604.htm&no=56)

Visited Aklan recently. I arrived in Libertad town proper from my trip in Caluya at around 4am. Luckily I was able to find a jeepney that goes directly to Caticlan.
The jeepney left at around 5:30am and I was able to see town on the coast of Aklan (for the first time) during sunrise. It was so cool. I was shocked to see that there are a lot of White sand beaches on that coast too :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2551116860_f91df23637.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2551116804_4fc0161cea.jpg

I was in Boracay for three days and two nights. I was expecting it to be a lot dirtier than my last visit (more than 5 years ago) due to the negative comments posted in the Boracay thread. Think Boracay is still a great place to go to, I didn't find it as dirty as what was described.

Continued....

Boracay Island

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After Boracay, I stayed in Kalibo for 1 night. I was able to tour Kalibo and nearby towns west of Kalibo.

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Tangalan


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Pictures during my recent trip

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@chymera0O: are you referring to Nabas town in Aklan?

Aklan, RP’s golden province, says GMA


By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – For the second time, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called Aklan the Philippines’ “golden province”, owing to its contribution to the tourism industry and the economy.

When she visited Ibajay, Aklan on June 2, the President encouraged Aklanons and the people of Panay to strengthen, not only the P207-million Ibajay Bridge, but the “bridges” of economy, environment and education through the continued cooperation of local officials.

“Together, we will make Aklan a golden province, as what I told you during the golden anniversary. The contribution of this province to our tourism development and our rice security will make this country more secure and stable,” Arroyo said.

The President noted that “there is peace in Aklan, that is why Boracay is so popular.”

Arroyo gave P5 million for the rehabilitation of the Ibajay public market, ordered the Philippine Tourism Authority to purchase a pump boat for night partygoers of Boracay, and allocate funds for the irrigation and electrification projects in Ibajay, Aklan.

"Boracay will spread the gold and be the hub of development all over Aklan and Panay.

Why are you the golden province of the Philippines? You contribute so much to the wealth and the Gross Domestic Product of the Philippines. You are known around the world. It has been said that Spain earns more from tourism than Saudi Arabia from oil.

Well, that is how much Boracay is earning for Aklan and the whole Philippines," she stressed./PN


http://www.panaynewsphilippines.com/mainnews4.htm

Edmund, there are no corals in Boracay. :) Those are blue green algae.

whew...thank goodness =)

Business groups back Boracay moratorium

By MAX V. DE LEON
Business Mirror Reporter

Filipino businessmen have supported the controversial moratorium on construction activities in Boracay and called for a revision of its masterplan so that it would become a high-end tourist destination, with Aklan providing the low-cost accommodations and Carabao Island hosting the casino operations.

Samie Lim, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said that even if it is the most famous destination in the Philippines right now, Boracay will not be able to achieve the target of attracting 5 million tourists annually due to its size limitation.

“Boracay must redo its masterplan together with Aklan and Carabao Island because Boracay, on its own, will not be able to do it,” Lim, a long-time tourism committee chairman of the PCCI before he became its president, told the Businessmirror in a recent interview.

Lim said the moratorium on developments in the island should remain until the national government and the local units there have firmed up strategies on how to address issues like sewage system and the other facilities.

The moratorium is being enforced on orders of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, citing the continuing environmental degradation of Boracay owing to unbridled construction even as the provision of basic infrastructure, such as for sewerage, is not keeping apace.

In the interview, Lim said Boracay as a prime tourist destination is now like a sinking ship that needs to be repaired “the sooner the better.”

One important service that should be established there, Lim said, is the ferry system to allow the so-called “backpackers” and mass tourists to get off the island at night and then stay in cheap rooms in Aklan where they will clean up and “throw away everything.”

This way, Lim explained, “They will be able to get the best of worlds. They can stay in cheap hotels in Aklan and then go to the white-sand beaches in Boracay in the morning.”

He said the ferry system should be like the one in Hong Kong where the boats come and go every 10 minutes.

Boracay, on the other hand, will have the hotels’ room rates at $200 to $1,000 per night.

Nearby Carabao Island , meanwhile, will be the site for the casinos.

“Boracay will always have the finest beach suited for the high-end class. That is why it is correct to stop all these construction [work] that will kill Boracay,” Lim said.

The moratorium on construction in Boracay, which was done with the coordination of the environment department and the local government units there, became controversial after it affected several projects.

The most high-profile project affected is the P1.2-billion Crown Regency Boracay Hotel and Convention Center, envisioned to become the biggest resort in the island.

It is now a subject of a court case after the DENR issued a CDO on its construction.

abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=121107)

Boracay a high end tourist destination will not work. It will alienate many visitors, locals and foreigners from visiting. There are many islands and beach resorts not only in the Philippines but all over the world where visitors can enjoy a vacation without getting charged an arm and a leg. Charging 200 to 1,000 dollars/night for a rundown and dirty island, hhmmmmmnnnnn, no I dont think so!!

;21340230']bilis! thank you! :D. what about mga activities like island-hopping, watersports? how much kaya ang mga yun and any tips you can provide?

island hopping depends on the service provider....a group would make it affordable since you rent the boat with food and drinks included, glass bottom boats are also available:banana:

parasailing, banana boats, skimboarding, windsurfing (monsoon dependent) are also available but prices are varied and seasonal....they're quite expensive for me...he hehehehe^^:lol:

whew...thank goodness =)

coral reefs in Boracay are ringing the island about a kilometer from White beach in the west, then at Yapak at north and an interrupted stretch about 2 kms away from Bulabog beach connecting it with the reefs of Crocodile Island

White beach

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DOT optimistic to reach 1.5 million target visitors for Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_optimistic_to_reach_1_5_million_target_visitors_for_Boracay.shtml)

ILOILO CITY, June 14 (PNA) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said he is optimistic that the targeted number of tourist visitors for Boracay island which is 1.5 million by the year 2015 could be reached.

Dir. Trompeta said that with the increased airlines that have now direct flights to Kalibo Airport he has high hope that they could reach the target set.

He said that last year the Boracay tourist arrival registered more than 600,000.

“This year, we anticipate an increase of 10-12 per cent from last year’s,” Dir. Trompeta contended.

The airlines that are having direct chartered flights now to Kalibo Airport, which is the gateway for Boracay island, are the Mandarin Airline from Taipei and Asian Spirit from Incheon, South Korea.
China Eastern Airlines and Pearl of the Pacific Airlines will also be flying to Kalibo soon. (PNA)

Aklan politicians welcome new developments for Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Aklan_politicians_welcome_new_developments_for_Boracay.shtml)

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, June 11 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Aklan welcomes new and fast developments taking place in Boracay criss-crossing political affiliations for the improvement of this resort island.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez of the ruling Tibyog (united) party said he welcomed the Presidential Decree 1064 issued recently by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo putting the resort island under the control and supervision of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

"The province could greatly benefit from this endeavor and we respect and appreciate the national government in their effort to conserve and protect Boracay as a golden tourism destination," Marquez said.

In her recent visit in Ibajay, Aklan to inaugurate the newly constructed P207 million bridge in the said municipality, Mrs. Arroyo considered Boracay as a jeweled tourism destination in the country today.

For her part, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo who chairs the opposition Kusog party (strength) said that as a tourism expert, she considers the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) presented by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano recently as a laudable and doable solutions to Boracay's uncontrollable growth.

"Under the CLUP, there is a massive rehabilitation plan placing the island for a high-end tourism market while expanding the nearby Malay, Aklan as part of the tourism attraction. This way, we could decongest Boracay and preserve the island's environment in the process," Calizo said.

But the vice governor said that it will take so much effort of decongesting Boracay as the plan involves concentrating hotels and resorts into the island to develop into five star hotels while the low-budget resort will be placed in Malay, Aklan.
"The national government should act fast and precise if they really mean business for this resort island. We in the Sanguniang Panlalawigan will support these endeavor," said Calizo. (PNA)

Boracay a high end tourist destination will not work. It will alienate many visitors, locals and foreigners from visiting. There are many islands and beach resorts not only in the Philippines but all over the world where visitors can enjoy a vacation without getting charged an arm and a leg. Charging 200 to 1,000 dollars/night for a rundown and dirty island, hhmmmmmnnnnn, no I dont think so!!

Where did you get these figures?

I would say the majority of the hotels avg. $100/night...
I think the most expensive is $300/night...

the mayor is a criminal. what a shame. hindi pinagpapala ng diyos ang mga taong hindi pinagkahahalagaan ang kalikasan. Boracay is a rare natural treasure other countries only wish they had in their backyard.

Where did you get these figures?

I would say the majority of the hotels avg. $100/night...
I think the most expensive is $300/night...


Hehehe, I was replying on a post above mine. On the article it said

--

"One important service that should be established there, Lim said, is the ferry system to allow the so-called “backpackers” and mass tourists to get off the island at night and then stay in cheap rooms in Aklan where they will clean up and “throw away everything.”

This way, Lim explained, “They will be able to get the best of worlds. They can stay in cheap hotels in Aklan and then go to the white-sand beaches in Boracay in the morning.”

He said the ferry system should be like the one in Hong Kong where the boats come and go every 10 minutes.

Boracay, on the other hand, will have the hotels’ room rates at $200 to $1,000 per night."

--

.....and this is from the head of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce. Puro kagaguhan pinagiisip!. Instead of thinking of ways to clean this dirty island, he is thinking of ways to rip off the people visiting this dirty and rundown island!!! Worse, his elitist views will alienate locals and foreigners from visiting this island.

Is Boracay really that dirty and rundown now. I haven't been there in five years.
How can the touted number one tourist destination of the PHils be reduced to being rundown and dirty...

DOT optimistic to reach 1.5 million target visitors for Boracay (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/DOT_optimistic_to_reach_1_5_million_target_visitors_for_Boracay.shtml)

ILOILO CITY, June 14 (PNA) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said he is optimistic that the targeted number of tourist visitors for Boracay island which is 1.5 million by the year 2015 could be reached.

Dir. Trompeta said that with the increased airlines that have now direct flights to Kalibo Airport he has high hope that they could reach the target set.

He said that last year the Boracay tourist arrival registered more than 600,000.

“This year, we anticipate an increase of 10-12 per cent from last year’s,” Dir. Trompeta contended.

The airlines that are having direct chartered flights now to Kalibo Airport, which is the gateway for Boracay island, are the Mandarin Airline from Taipei and Asian Spirit from Incheon, South Korea.
China Eastern Airlines and Pearl of the Pacific Airlines will also be flying to Kalibo soon. (PNA)

if the government (local and national), ngos, developers, and other concerned groups will all play their cards right, this target of 1.5 visitors by 2015 is very must attainable. there has to be a coordinated efforts in making boracay's development sustainable.

Is Boracay really that dirty and rundown now. I haven't been there in five years.
How can the touted number one tourist destination of the PHils be reduced to being rundown and dirty...


Well, let us just say many areas are undeveloped, alleyways are unpaved, potholes, sinkholes, garbage, construction materials left on the roads, air pollution, above ground pipes dumping sewer on the water, dirty beaches, definitely unorganized and they are just now finalizing the master plan. Just imagine visitors have been coming for over two decades and they are just now thinking of implementing a masterplan.:ohno:

Is Boracay really that dirty and rundown now. I haven't been there in five years.
How can the touted number one tourist destination of the PHils be reduced to being rundown and dirty...
Well, let us just say many areas are undeveloped, alleyways are unpaved, potholes, sinkholes, garbage, construction materials left on the roads, air pollution, above ground pipes dumping sewer on the water, dirty beaches, definitely unorganized and they are just now finalizing the master plan. Just imagine visitors have been coming for over two decades and they are just now thinking of implementing a masterplan.:ohno:

it's not actually that rundown. Its only that the planning and development for boracay didn't catch up with the rapid tourism-population-construction boom. Shabbily built buildings from former nipa houses and sudden accumulation of vehicles and people along the main road are the eyesores of Boracay. This is the response of the people to the opportunity of making money because the demands for affordable rooms, resto's, clinics, grocery stores, etc are not stopping! How could they resist the flood of tourist money?! Such a sad situation.....Boracay is too fragile to support all of them at a fast pace :ohno:

^^the perpetual reactive rather than proactive approach to development

its my first time in boracay just early this month and what really struck me is how hotels/inns/resorts are situated one after the other. and these resorts are so huge. surely, its not hard to imagine how the island could get chaotic during peak season.

it's not actually that rundown. Its only that the planning and development for boracay didn't catch up with the rapid tourism-population-construction boom. Shabbily built buildings from former nipa houses and sudden accumulation of vehicles and people along the main road are the eyesores of Boracay. This is the response of the people to the opportunity of making money because the demands for affordable rooms, resto's, clinics, grocery stores, etc are not stopping! How could they resist the flood of tourist money?! Such a sad situation.....Boracay is too fragile to support all of them at a fast pace :ohno:

Well, from what I have seen on my last trip, the island is rundown, chaotic and messy. Keep in mind there are alleyways on this island that are being used by visitors and they are still unpaved, full of potholes that got filled with floodwaters during our last visit. These alleyways lead to the room and lodgings all over the island. The road leading to Mt. Luho where the viewing area is located is still the same way. I remember hiking this area in 2003, pretty much nothing has changed. The appearance of algae a few months every year just tells you this place has seen better days.

Oh I forgot to mention, derelict dogs are all over the place and mind you these dogs are sickly looking. I have a photo of my friend on the beach and he was surrounded by these derelicts.

One thing is for sure, neglect has led to the demise of this island. Paradise it is not. Dirty and rundown in my eyes. A visitors point of view!

last time i was there, i also noticed that the local population seemed to have exponentially ballooned. That is also a problem since it's starting to look like Manila.
It's a small island it cannot support that many people. I remember in the 90s there were hardly any small kids and shacks in the island.

Billy surrounded by 5 sickly looking dogs.
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/2007PICS/derelict.jpg

i noticed those emaciated dogs too.
wow looks like a storm brewing on a tropical beach. it's beautiful. I love storm watching .

[QUOTE=jbkayaker12;21762746]Well, from what I have seen on my last trip, the island is rundown, chaotic and messy...QUOTE]

I work in Boracay, so maybe i got used to see all of these, and yes, I wont oppose to what you have said. I just cant imagine that beyond the white beach and beautiful resorts are hidden "dirty secrets" of Boracay. When I first came here, It wasn't that appealing at all....I just liked the sand and the beach but it's a shame what happened to the rush of building structures over swamps, creeks and other natural spots around the island......well i won't comment about the dogs...he hehehehe.....^^

last time i was there, i also noticed that the local population seemed to have exponentially ballooned. That is also a problem since it's starting to look like Manila.
It's a small island it cannot support that many people. I remember in the 90s there were hardly any small kids and shacks in the island.

In the early 90s there wasn't even electricity in the island. Sigh, what a sight and experience that was, i wish i had witnessed and experienced it.

In the early 90s there wasn't even electricity in the island. Sigh, what a sight and experience that was, i wish i had witnessed and experienced it.


Same sentiments there my friend.....but as i have known that in the past...only those who live near Boracay (the provinces in Panay and Romblon)or those who could afford a chartered service to Boracay have experienced its virginal beauty ^^

I work in Boracay, so maybe i got used to see all of these, and yes, I wont oppose to what you have said. I just cant imagine that beyond the white beach and beautiful resorts are hidden "dirty secrets" of Boracay. When I first came here, It wasn't that appealing at all....I just liked the sand and the beach but it's a shame what happened to the rush of building structures over swamps, creeks and other natural spots around the island......well i won't comment about the dogs...he hehehehe.....^^


Do you want another dirty secret of Boracay? Here is one or two.

While walking on the island, my friend and I were solicited for sex, one was an adult man and the other was by a child!!!! Sick!!!!! We were walking on the road and this man made a comment like "male service" which we ignored and on the other occasion on the Bulabog side of the island, this child tried to get our attention and started pointing to his friend. I was puzzled at first and then I realized this child was soliciting for sex.:ohno: SICK!!!!

Visitors, backpackers started coming to Boracay in the 80's and some said even earlier in the 70's.

This was taken at D'Mall right next to the European Deli store. It shows the landscaping at D'Mall, right behind is D'Plaza where all the restaurants are located.
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/2007PICS/Jb1.jpg

Do you want another dirty secret of Boracay? Here is one or two.

While walking on the island, my friend and I were solicited for sex, one was an adult man and the other was by a child!!!! Sick!!!!! We were walking on the road and this man made a comment like "male service" which we ignored and on the other occasion on the Bulabog side of the island, this child tried to get our attention and started pointing to his friend. I was puzzled at first and then I realized this child was soliciting for sex.:ohno: SICK!!!!

Yah..that's true....I have been offered a lot of times while walking along Station 1 and 2...and as far as Angol Point^^...just ignore them but be careful....they could be aggressive at times if desperate, so careful if its dark.:bash: Child prostitution was an issue before and was even featured on TV....sad reality.:ohno:Sitting at my workplace along the main road in Ambulong, I would roughly estimate that 4 out of 10 women and 3 out of 10 men passing by from 7PM onwards are free lance sex workers:ohno:...that includes cross dressing gays and underaged girls:ohno:. Thats why I'm used to seeing Herpes, Syphillis and Gonorrhea from time to time :lol:

Similar sights also at Puerto Galera and sporadic ones at beach resorts of Zambales, Batangas and Cavite

This was taken at D'Mall right next to the European Deli store. It shows the landscaping at D'Mall, right behind is D'Plaza where all the restaurants are located.
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v635/jbkayaker12/2007PICS/Jb1.jpg

D'Mall used to be a marshland and a creek. so this establishment also contributes to Boracay's annual flooding woes. Nice pic anyway......looks like paradise :lol:

Prostitution has been around for a very long time but pedophilia is even more alarming. SAD reality of life.

Regarding D'Mall and D'Plaza both are developments which are one of the central areas in Boracay and yet one is unpaved and undeveloped. D'Mall area is better and cleaner judging from what I have seen while D'Plaza was unpaved and not even pleasing to the eyes considering all the restaurants are in this area. The area is just uneven gravel that gets filled with rainwater and if you are not careful while walking here you might end up kissing the dirt.

Regarding Puerto Galera, I have seen Sabang and I would say I hope the situation in Boracay might not end up like Sabang in Puerto Galera but it is starting to look like it. Dirty alleyways, unpaved, sewers... Local authorities need to get their acts together with the government agencies.