The Newspaper of the World’s Best Island
A Boracay-based
Regional Newspaper
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015
VOLUME 4, ISSUE No. 8
CONTINUOUS GROWTH
Boracay tourism continues to grow despite coliform scare
B
oth foreign and local tourists still
continue to flock to this resort
island despite the existence of the
high coliform level recently reported by the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources-Environmental Management
Bureau (DENR-EMB).
Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty port February.
administrator, said that both foreign and
Data from the Caticlan Jetty port
local tourist arrivals continue to increase indicates that there are 133,598 domestic
despite the coliform controversy.
and foreign tourists who arrived in January.
Maquirang said Boracay tourism
This is much higher compared to the
increased by nine-percent in January 122,629 tourists registered in January 2014.
and increased by more than 10 percent in
In February 2015, the same office
Photo by Suzie Ismael
registered 130,293 tourists compared to
the same month last year which was only
118,096.
“This month of March, we anticipate an
only five percent increase since the holy
week last year falls in the month of March.
This year it falls on April,” said Maquirang.
It can be noted that the EMB warned
about the high coliform levels in Bulabog
Beach located at the back portion of
Boracay.
The area is popular among water
sports enthusiasts like kite boarders and
windsurfers.
According to the EMB, the levels
reached 47,460 most probable number
(mpn) per 100 milliliter.
EMB noted that coliform levels must
not exceed 1,000 mpn per 100 ml for a
body of water to be considered safe for
swimming.
Coliform bacteria are found mainly
in human and animal waste, soil, and
vegetation.
The EMB meanwhile clarified that
the coliform level in the island’s famed
White Beach is not alarming and is safe
for swimming.
Coliform level at the White Beach was
only 58 mpn/ml, according to EMB.
Meanwhile, Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago wanted the Senate to investigate
the issue citing its impact on the island that
“contributes immensely to the country’s
tourism revenues.” (with PNA)
Proposed 2nd legislative district in Aklan now in plenary
The bill creating a new district in the
province of Aklan is now for plenary debate
in the 16th Congress.
The House measure authored by Aklan
Representative Teodorico Haresco, Jr. finally
passed the committee level, more than a year
it was filed.
The Local Government committee, chaired
by Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. of the 1st District of
South Cotabato, approved House Bill No. 112
last February 12.
House Bill No. 112 provides for the
reapportionment of the lone legislative district
of the Province of Aklan.
Barely months before the filing of the
certificates of candidacy for the May 2016
presidential and local elections, the measure
should be approved by Congress and Senate
this year.
If signed into a law by President Benigno
Aquino III, the reapportionment of the district
brings to two the number of legislative districts
in the province.
The bill by then Aklan Rep. Florencio congressional district. Each district should
Miraflores was refiled by Haresco on July 7, be composed of a “contiguous, compact, and
2013 after it was stalled in second reading in adjacent territory.”
the Senate in 2012.
Aklan has a total population of 535,725
Under Section 5-3, Article 6 of the based on the 2010 census of population and
Constitution, a minimum population of housing issued by the National Statistics
250,000 is required for a local government unit Office.
█ To Page 05
(LGU) or clusters of LGUs to be declared a
For more information like and follow us on
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02 WWW.BORACAYINFORMER.COM
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8 INFORMER
Cagban port expansion starts
The multi-million peso expansion project
of a port in this tourist island has already
started.
Caticlan Port Administrator Niven
Maquirang said the expansion and
improvement of Cagban Port is now being fast
tracked in time for the island’s hosting of the
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation minister’s
summit in May.
Maquirang said the project is funded
by the Department of Transportation and
Communication (DOTC).
The Phase I of the project has an allocation
of P20-million and P40-million for Phase II.
The port expansion aims to accommodate
the increasing passenger traffic at Cagban port
and the increasing number of luxury cruise
ships docking in Boracay Island.
The port situated in Manocmanoc village
is the main entry and exit port in the island.
With the expansion, the port can now
accommodate more passengers and will
have wider docking spaces for the motorized
pump boats servicing the island’s tourist and
residents.
Meanwhile, Aklan Governor Florencio
Miraflores said he will also seek the support
of DOTC for the purchase of pontoon boats
which will be utilized during cruise ship visits.
Boracay is expected to host more than
2,500 international delegates during the
summit.
The APEC Senior Officials Meeting here
in Boracay is slated on May 10-21 while the
Ministers Responsible for Trade will be on
May 23-24.*
DSWD to LGUs: Comply shelter
assistance requirements
By Boy Ryan Zabal
said DSWD regional information officer May
The Department of Social Welfare and Rago Castillo.
DSWD-6 already released the emergency
Development (DSWD)-6 urged local government
units in Aklan to complete their requirements for shelter assistance for Kalibo which received P92.9
them to benefit the emergency shelter assistance million for beneficiaries with partially damaged
houses and Libacao for P109.6 million for totally
of the agency.
The government has yet to release P844- damaged houses.
The town of New Washington also received
million shelter assistance for Aklan to help
P146.1 million for totally and partially damaged
Yolanda survivors rebuild their homes.
The amount is part of the P9-billion allocation houses.
The towns of Ibajay (P16.9 million) and Lezo
to typhoon-affected families in Western Visayas,
Boracay spa therapists join
skills enhancement workshop
A 3-day workshop that aims to enhance the
services of spa therapists in this tourist island
was conducted by the Department of Tourism
on February 17 to 19.
The Professional Filipino Spa Therapist
Workshop held at Sea Wind Resort was
conducted in partnership with Spa and
Wellness Professionals.
Spa and Wellness Professionals is the first
locally and internationally accredited spa
school in the Philippines, holding accreditations
from Confederation of International Beauty
Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) of the
United Kingdom and Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of the
Philippines.
Participants of the workshop were taught
on the various wellness skills and techniques
including the healing, ethics and caring for
their customers.
Courses taught include Anatomy and
Physiology, Swedish Massage, Philippine Hilot,
Reflexology, as well as spa business courses
such as ‘Spa Management’ and Customer
Service for Spas.
Spa and Wellness Professionals has been
consistently nominated at the Hong Kong Asia
Spa Baccarat Awards as one of the Top Spa
Academies in Asia.
DOT targets to promote the country not
only as a vacation destination but also a premier
relaxation spot in the world.
Spa centers are popular in Boracay that offer
unique Filipino hospitality and professionalism
and one-of-a-kind spa treatments to clientele.
The island also has destination resorts and
luxury spas promoting balance and healthy
living for tourists from other countries.*
(P15.1 million) are also waiting for cash releases
from DSWD.
Families whose houses were totally damaged
will receive P30,000 and P10,000 for those with
partially destroyed houses from DSWD.
As of this report, three towns – Banga, Malay
and Nabas in the province of Aklan have yet to
submit their requirements to DSWD regional
office on emergency shelter assistance.
The agency said the December 2013 cut-off
report of local MSWDOs for families affected
by Typhoon Yolanda was the basis for the
rehabilitation program and funding support.
“If the LGUs have notice of sub-allotment
and notice of cash allocation, they will receive
their emergency shelter assistance downloaded
by the budget department to our DSWD office,”
Castillo said.
Those LGUs who will submit their complete
requirements in the region will be prioritized also
for shelter assistance for affected families, she
added.
DSWD regional office also set March 31,
2015 as deadline for LGUs for the additional list
of beneficiaries to request for funding from the
national government.*
BFP reminds public on fire safety
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in
Kalibo has urged the public to be more cautious
to and vigilant to avoid the incidence of fire.
Fire Inspector Donie Torre, acting BFPKalibo acting fire marshall said the public
must be extra cautious especially with the start
of the summer months.
“We must be conscious and extra careful in
our homes, establishments and offices against
fire,” Torre said.
In the first two months of the year, two
fire incidents were recorded in Kalibo with
an estimated damage of P90,000, according
to Torre.
The month-long public awareness
campaign of BFP is part of the annual
commemoration of the Fire Prevention Month
in March.
To avoid occurrence of fire at home, BFP
reminded the public to regularly check any
electrical wiring and installation defects,
keep flammable and igniting materials from
children’s reach at all times, check the liquefied
petroleum gas tank in the kitchen frequently,
never place gas or oil lamps and candles near
curtains, unplug all appliances before leaving
the house and in case of electrical problems,
ask the help of the electrician.
The firefighters and volunteers will
also conduct ocular visits in houses and
establishments in fire-prone areas, disseminate
information materials on fire safety and
prevention, fire drills and lectures in different
areas in the province.
The theme for this year’s celebration
is “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at
Isabuhay Natin.”
Aklan has six fire stations particularly in
Altavas, Numancia, Ibajay, New Washington,
Kalibo and Boracay Island.
Last year, 29 fire incidents were recorded
by the BFP-Kalibo. Aside from Kalibo, the
station also covers the towns of Libacao,
Madalag and Banga.*
04 OPINION
WWW.BORACAYINFORMER.COM
Rethinking
the island
M
ention
of
navigable rivers and
we tend to think of
the Amazon, the
Nile, and Mississippi Rivers. But
there are actually navigable rivers
in the Philippines. Until the 1960s
when roads were constructed to
link the province of Agusan with
Davao, the only means of travel to
the south was by way of the Agusan
River.
Footsteps
The Tago River in Surigao is
another river waterway. In the
Narciso Dionson
mid-80s I joined some friends to
go up the Tago River to join a small
church fellowship deep in the town of San Miguel. It took nearly a whole
ay to navigate to LibasSudwhich was a small clearing in the jungle where
a community of a few hundred people lived.We were much delayed. There
were frequent stops at small communities along the river bank. Also
there were many occasions when we to get down and help lift the boat
over sand bars.
It was a most educational trip for me, a city-bred bookworm. The most
important lesson for me was that people behave differently when they
treat the river like a highway and another when they treat it like a sewer.
The Tago and Agusan Rivers of Caraga are highways for transporting
people and goods. It was fun to watch the first item to be unloaded up
the river bank was a box of Coca Cola!
Because it was a highway, homes along the banks opened towards
the river. Not so in the Iloilo River where I grew up. What you saw
from the river was not front doors and living rooms but ugly kitchens
and toilets. The river was for dumping household and industrial waste.
When I was a boy swimming near the Forbes Bridge it was not unusual
to swim alongside floating animal carcasses and human waste!The river
was one huge sewer.
Not anymore. Recent urban development has changed the way the
Iloilo River is being treated. The Esplanade is a beautiful kilometer-long
riverside park and walkway designed after the famous quays of Singapore.
The urban renewal of Iloilo was begun by Senator Frank Drilon beginning
some thirty years ago with the conversion of the old railway bridge to
Rizal Street in La Paz and the restoration of MuelleLoney. Plans are also
under way for extending the Esplanade, running river cruises through
the entire stretch of the estuary and for the restoration of the Custom
House. “Metro Manila can learn a lot from Iloilo. Its river is cleaner than
the Pasig,” wrote Esplanade designer Paolo Alcazaren: “Iloilo now has
the longest landscaped river Esplanade in the country.” Once again the
city is facing its famous river and giving it the dignity it deserves.
█ To Page 05
Informer is published by HMV Multimedia
Productions, Inc. with main business office
at Manggayad Main Road, Brgy. Manoc-manoc,
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines.
HMV Multimedia Productions, Inc.
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Karen Bermejo, Editor-in-Chief
Kent Jufre Taborda, Layout & Graphics
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Columnists & Contributors:
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Narciso Dionson, Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman
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Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-2418 (Operations & Marketing)
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We b : w w w. b o r a c a y i n f o r m e r. c o m
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8 INFORMER
J
No to Boracay
coliform
ust try to recall certain
honors that Boracay Island has
achieved and been for as such,
but not limited to the best beach
in Asia for 2013 in the TripAdvisor
survey.
TripAdvisor has the distinction
of holding “regular polls of favorite
destinations and properties” through
its Travelers’ Choice Awards.
In 2013, Boracay was voted for
the third time as the No.1 on the
website according to the Philippine
Star March 7, 2013 news item written
by Mayen Jaymalin.
In 2014, White Beach in Boracay
has been named by the popular travel
website as the No.19 best beach
destination in the world.
Boracay Island was also named
as the top beach in Asia according
to TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice
Award.
I still remember the Traveler
+Leisure where it also cited Boracay
in its World’s Best Awards as the best
island destination.
However, the coliform level in
Boracay has again surfaced with
the Department of Environment’s
Natural Resources admonition on
commercial establishments who
are discharging their waste directly
to the sea. There are other findings
that may contribute to the coliform
level to residential and commercial
establishments.
Wit h t hese, t he DEN R’s
Environmental Management Bureau
(DENR-EMB), the local government
of Malay, the Boracay Redevelopment
Task Force and Boracay stakeholders
should take this matter seriously into
account.
It is my hope that this matter can
earlier be remedied.
***
Political movements in Aklan had
been going on although in a rather
silent manner. But then, the media
has already revealed the probable
political alignments and coalitions.
By May 2015, we can probably
know the names of provincial
and municipal candidates in the
Philippines.
That shall be a probability
REASON AND
CONCERN
Ronquillo Tolentino
because of the proximity of the filing
of the certificates of candidacies on
October 2015.
***
The Congress of the Philippines
shall thoroughly review the
Bangsamoro Basic Law bill as
certain constitutional issues had
been uncovered needing studies and
debates.
It has to be so as the Congress is
duty bound to protect the Philippine
Constitution.
While majority of the Filipinos
long for peace in Mindanao, verily
the Bangsamoro Basic Law bill
should be thoroughly studied and
should not appear as an affront to
the Philippine Constitution on the
issues of sovereignty, territoriality
and other political issues.
I beg your pardon
A
disturbing image thin nor ragged clothes. In relative
from friends in Manila terms, the same can be said of the
reached me th rough puppy. It is not emaciated and has
Facebook. The picture reasonable fur. To me, this indicates
shows a child and a puppy in Boracay they both do have some form of a
lying side by side on a piece of home, although the scene is clearly
cardboard with the obvious intention intended to suggest the contrary to
to solicit money. I suppose all regular improve the chances of the unwary
visitors and locals recognize the making a donation. You could be well
scene.
excused for reaching the conclusion
Both from the humanitarian that the scene is staged. But for me,
and the animal welfare angle, this this smells like a profitable business.
is a disturbing sight indeed. Being
However, we need to consider
an animal rescuer, the first thing to that in this instance, both the puppy
hit home is that the young puppy, I and the child are in need of help. It is
estimate some two to three months obvious that the child is not receiving
old, remains remarkably quiet. This is proper education under these
very unnatural for a puppy that age as circumstances. In fact, rather than
any dog owner will be able to tell you. being at school, the child is made to
Instead I expect
it to be playful
and inquisitive,
interacting with
both the child
(which it would
consider
its
playmate) and the
passers-by. But
it doesn’t, it is
just lying there.
My friends heard
rumors that the
puppy may be
intoxicated, most
Do they really need your cash?
likely with alcohol,
something that’s reputedly done commit the illegal act of begging and
often by begging syndicates.
it is highly questionable in how far
Animal welfare is, perhaps both child and puppy benefit from the
surprisingly, NOT only about proceeds. The puppy is also getting
animals. It has a strong humane angle a bad deal - no play or other ways
and this is one of them. The fate of to express its natural behavioral
the puppy is undoubtedly tied to that patterns, being made to stay still,
of the child.
possibly by intoxication, and no doubt
I started thinking about a a lack of basic veterinary care such
possible scenario. The child looks as anti-rabies vaccination. Besides,
reasonably well cared for, neither what will happen to the puppy when
BORACAY
FURRY TALES
Michel van der Kleij
it’s no longer cute enough to beg? I
think you’re getting the idea.
Am I the only one to think this
doesn’t jive? Not at all! Direct your
browser to any search engine and
type in a search phrase like “Boracay
children begging” and witness the
reputational damage that has already
been done.
So, what can or should we do?
Clearly, it is a social problem and
it is in the interest of everybody
involved, including Boracay as a
prime destination, to act right now!
If I were allowed to make a bold
suggestion, I’d say that the law must
step in and strictly enforce the antibegging regulations, take the puppies
into safe custody and track down the
responsible parties.
I’m willing to bet my bottom
dollar that convictions will follow
and that Boracay will turn into a
much safer place, for children and
puppies!
Would you like me to write
about a particular subject or give
feedback, please contact me at
aklananimalrescue@gmail.com
INFORMER FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8
WWW.BORACAYINFORMER.COM
3 out of 10 female workers in Aklan ‘gainful’
Three out of ten females in Aklan were
gainful workers based on the results of the
2010 Census of Population and Housing.
Of the 183, 935 total gainful workers 15
years old and over in the province, about 53,
500 or 29.1 percent were females while 130,
436 or 70.9 were males.
A person is considered gainful workers
if she works for at least 10 hours a week for
six months or longer either for pay, for profit
or work without pay, on own family farm or
business.
Of the 53, 500 female gainful workers, 29.9
percent were laborers and unskilled workers
such as domestic helpers, vendors or farm
laborers, while 18.6 percent were service
workers or shop/market sales workers such as
waitress and saleslady. Furthermore, females
who worked as professionals constitute
13.0 percent, while those who are officials
of government, managers, and managing
proprietors and supervisors make up 11.2
percent.
On the other hand, there is higher
Yolanda survivors in Kalibo receive
shelter aid, fishing equipments
Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Kalibo,
Kalibo mayor William Lachica said the
Aklan received more assistance from the beneficiaries were based on the validated list
national government agencies this month.
of totally and partially damaged houses.
A total of 9,294 beneficiaries for partially
On February 20, Lachica led the
damaged houses got their P10,000 emergency distribution of the DSWD assistance to
shelter assistance from the Department of typhoon survivors with partically damaged
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) houses.
as part of the rehabilitation efforts to help
La ch ica along w it h Mu n icipal
typhoon victims.
Agricultural Officer Primo Ibesate also
Acting municipal treasurer Rey Villaruel released to 40 fishermen the fishing gears and
confirmed that the local government of engines from the Department of Agriculture
Kalibo received P92.940-million assistance at Kalibo Magsaysay Park on February 23.*
from DSWD.
proportion of females in Aklan working in
wholesale and retail trade with 29.0 percent.
This is followed by those in other service
activities such as beauty parlor, laundry and
domestic services with 18.2 percent, education
with 10.3 percent, public administrative and
defense with 8.8 percent, and manufacturing
with 8.4 percent
Meanwhile, out of 53, 500 female gainful
workers in the province, about 37.4 percent
05
worked for private business enterprise or
farm, 20.4 percent were self-employed, 19.1
percent worked for government or Government
Corporation, and 16.6 percent worked for
private household. Those who worked without
pay in own family farm or business and
employer in own farm or business make up
3.9 and 2.3 percent, respectively.
Of the 262, 775 female household
population in Aklan, 20, 945 or 8.0 percent
were considered head of the household, while
83, 527 or 31.8 percent were regarded as
spouse.* (Informer/NSO-Aklan)
IBP-Aklan elects new officers
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Ronaldo Ingente, treasurer; Atty. Mark
Aklan Chapter has new sets of officers.
Peralta, assistant secretary treasurer and
Atty. Marienne Ibadlit of Banga town Atty. Antonio Tabang, auditor.
was elected as president of the lawyers
The board of directors is composed
group.
of Atty. Romeo Lachica, Atty. Shermaine
She will replace outgoing IBP-Aklan Delgado, Atty. Dangal Nadua, Atty. Pedrito
president Atty. Niflem Meren.
Flores and Atty. Saykeme Martelino.
Other elected officers are: Atty. Joan
The new set of chapter officers will
Ibutnande, vice president; Atty. Ma. serve the chapter for two years beginning
Genalyn Ibardolaza, secretary; Atty. on April this year.* (Informer)
DENR promotes
environment protection
To promote environmental awareness
among the youth, the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
conducted lectures in different elementary
schools in Aklan.
The lectures were conducted in Makato
Integrated School (MIS) in Makato, Malinao
Elementary School (MES) in Malinao, Naisud
Central School in Ibajay, and Yapak Elementary
School (YES) in Boracay Island.
The team spearheaded by Madeline de
la Pena of Public Affairs Office of the DENR
Central Office conducted lectures on protecting
the environment, story-telling and film showing
to elementary students in the selected schools.
After the lectures, the DENR team likewise
turned over flipcharts, storybooks and CDs to
the respective schools.
All participating pupils were given coloring
books after the lectures. The participants were
also given tests to determine their knowledge
about the environment.
De la Pena said only the province of Aklan
was chosen in the entire Visayas for the conduct
of the environmental lectures.
The same activity was conducted in
Laguna for Luzon and in Davao for Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the activity was endorsed by
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Officer Ivene Reyes, saying the lectures are in
support of Republic Act 9512 of the National
Environmental Awareness and Education Act
of 2008. (with PIA-Aklan)
Proposed 2nd legislative district...
The municipalities of Kalibo, New
Washington, Altavas, Batan, Balete, Madalag,
Libacao and Banga will comprise the First
Legislative District.
The Second Legislative District will be
composed of the towns of Malay, Buruanga,
Ibajay, Nabas, Lezo, Malinao, Numancia,
Makato and Tangalan.
Last February 10, the Government
Enterprises and Privatization joint with
Transportation (Technical Working Group) also
approved House Bill No. 113 in style creating
the Aklan Airport Authority.
The technical working group (TWG) was
co-presided by Rep. Jesus Sacdalan (1st District,
North Cotabato), chair of the Committee on
Government Enterprises and Privatization and
█ From Page 01
Rep. Al Francis Bichara (2nd District, Albay),
Vice Chair of the Committee on Transportation.
They referred the bill authored by Haresco
to the Committees on Appropriations and Ways
and Means for the consideration of the bill’s
appropriations and tax provisions.* (Boy Ryan
Zabal)
Rethinking the island
█ From Page 04
With Iloilo taking the lead, I prayBoracay
will follow. We have gotten accustomed to
thinking of the east side of the island as a
backyard. When we say that White Beach is
still unpolluted it is almost like giving up the
island’s east side. Just looking at those black
pipes spewing smelly and polluted water into
Bolabog beach is enough to make the stomach
turn. It is a shame that to reach the beaches on
the east side one has to enter some dank, dark
and narrow alleys. Thus, out of sight, out of
mind.
This entire island of unsurpassed natural
beauty deserves better treatment than what we
have given her so far. But it comes by changing
the way we think about this island.
Gobyerno sa Baryo in Albasan, Numancia on February 28. It is a government
outreach program initiated by the Aklan Provincial Government and various
government agencies in the province. AKLAN PROVINCE FB PHOTOS
06
WWW.BORACAYINFORMER.COM
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8 INFORMER
Aklanon swimmers bag gold in 73rd PSL league
Aklan swimmers Annyka Frances
Beatriz Dela Cruz and Kyla Ong Soguilon
won gold medals in the 73rd Philippine
Swimming League (PSL)-Diliman
Preparatory School (DPS) national
swimming championships held on February
28 to March 1.
The two Aklanon swimmers competed
with more than 300 swimmers in the
competition held at the DPS swimming
pool in Quezon City.
The two-day tournament also serves as
tryout for future international competitions
in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore,
China, India and Japan.
Dela Cruz won gold in the 200-meter
individual medley (17 years old and over
age group) and bronze in the 100 meter
freestyle.
The 16-year old swimmer from Kalibo is
a second year University of the PhilippinesMiagao food technology student.
She will also compete in the 2015 World
University Games in Gwangju, South
Korea this July.
Meanwhile, Soguilon dominated in the
Soguilon
10-year old age group category and bagged
Dela Cruz
gold medals in 200-meter individual
medley, 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 50m
Soguilon, a grade four pupil of Kalibo Australia on April 4 to 6.
backstroke and 100m freestyle.
She was also awarded as this year’s PSL
She also won the Most Outstanding Sun Yat Sen will also compete in the 2015
Swimmer (MOS) award in her age group. Indian Ocean All-Star Challenge in Perth, Female Swimmer of the Year.*
WV students compete in
Regional Arts Festival
Text and Photos by Christine Jann Oribe
Elementary and high school students in
Western Visayas showcased their talents in
the 2015 Regional Arts Festival held at Belison
National High School in Antique province on
February 19 to 21.
This year’s event with the theme “Cultivation
and Preservation of Culture through Arts” was
participated by 1, 132 students and teachers
from the region.
The activity aims to provide opportunities
for students to showcase their talents and
Complete list of winners:
Sining Tanghalan Category
Likhawitan (OPM Song Writing)
First Place – Lapaz NHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Bacolod City NHS (Negros Occ.)
Third Place – Belison NS (Antique)
Neo Classical Pax De Deux
First Place – Iloilo NHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Sta. Barbara NHS (Iloilo)
Third Place – Iloilo City NHS (Iloilo City)
Contemporary Group
First Place – Iloilo NHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Negros Occ.HS (Negros Occ.)
Third Place – Iloilo City NHS (Iloilo City)
Pintahusay (On the Spot Painting)
Secondary Level
First Place – Hinigaran NHS (Neg. Occ.)
Second Place – Iloilo NHS (Iloilo)
Third Place – Dingle NS (Iloilo)
Elementary Level
First Place – Sta. Barbara CES (Iloilo)
Second Place – Sta. Barbara CES (Iloilo)
Manik-AninongDulaan (Scriptwriting Shadow
Puppetry)
First Place – Pavia NHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Oton NHS (Iloilo)
Third Place – Iloilo City NS (Iloilo)
Best Script – Negros Occ. High School
(Negros Occ.)
Sineliksi (Short Film/Documentary Video
Exhibition)
First Place – OtonNHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Iloilo City NHS (Iloilo City)
Third Place – Iloilo City NHS (Iloilo City)
Bayle sa Kalye (Street Dance Competition)
First Place – Leon NHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Iloilo City NHS (Iloilo City)
Third Place – Pavia NHS (Iloilo)
Solo Guitar
First Place – Capiz NHS (Capiz)
Second Place – Capiz NHS (Capiz)
Third Place – Dumangas NHS (Iloilo)
Unpublished Folkdance
First Place –BelisonNS (Antique)
Second Place – IloiloCity NHS (Iloilo City)
Third Place – Antique NS (Antique)
Paligsahang Pangkultura Category
English Declamation
Elementary Level
First Place – Antique
Second Place –Roxas City
Third Place – Iloilo
Secondary Level
First Place – Filamer Christian University (Roxas City)
Second Place – Mina NHS (Iloilo)
Third Place – Don Felix Serra NHS (Iloilo)
Vocal Solo Visayan Classical
Elementary Level
First Place – Bacolod
Second Place – Aklan
Third Place – Capiz
Secondary Level
First Place – Regional Science HS (Aklan)
Second Place – Filamer Christian University
(Roxas City)
Third Place – Handumanan NHS (Bacolod City)
Filipino Declamation
Elementary Level
First Place –Aklan
Second Place –Roxas City
Third Place – Negros Occ.
Secondary Level
First Place –TigbauanNHS (Iloilo)
Second Place – Hercor College Inc.
(Roxas City)
Third Place – Antique Vocational School (Antique)
P-Pop
Elementary Level
First Place – DASJMS (Antique)
Second Place – Wadeford School (Aklan)
Third Place –Tinaytayan ES (Capiz)
Secondary Level
First Place – AntiqueNS (Antique)
Second Place – Bacolod City NHS
(Bacolod City)
Third Place – Aklan Catholic College (Aklan)
Unpublished Folkdance
Elementary Level
First Place –Nabas ES (Aklan)
Second Place – Antique Sped Center (Antique)
Third Place –Astorga ES (Capiz)
& Sum-ag ES
(Bacolod City)
Secondary Level
First Place – AntiqueNS (Antique)
Second Place – Western Aklan Academy (Aklan)
Third Place – Bacolod City NHS
(Bacolod City)
learning in areas of Dance, Music, Theatre Arts,
Visual Arts, Media Arts and Creative Writing.
The event is celebrated annually and
participated by different schools offering
Special Program for the Arts (SPA).
But for the first time this year, the festival
was opened for schools without SPA.
Participants from schools with SPA
competed in Sining Tanghalan category while
non-SPA implementing schools competed in
Paligsahang Pangkultura category.
First place winners in the Sining Tanghalan
category will represent the region in the National
Festival of Talents while the Paligsahang
Pangkultura is a regional competition only.
The 3-day activity was hosted by the
Division of Antique with the supervision of
the Department of Education 6.
WWW.BORACAYINFORMER.COM
INFORMER VOLUME 4 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015
63 tourist cops finish 3-day
TOPCOP seminar in Boracay
S
ixty three police officers from
the different offices in the
regional finished a 3-day tourism
awareness seminar held here on
February 24 to 26 at Sea Wind Resort in
Station 1, Boracay Island.
The seminar dubbed as the TourismOriented Police for Community Order and
Protection (TOP COP) is an initiative of
the Department of Tourism in partnership
with the Philippine National Police that
aims to train policemen assigned in travel
destinations across the country on how to
deal with tourists.
The participants were composed of
personnel mostly from Boracay Tourist
Assistance Center (BTAC) and the Aklan
Police Provincial Office, according to
Police Officer 3 Christopher Del Rosario
Mendoza of BTAC.
Other participants were from the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime
Group-Caticlan, Boracay Crime Laboratory
Satellite Office, PNP Aviation GroupCaticlan, Iloilo Police Provincial Office
and Police Regional Office 6.
Among the topics discussed includes
Aklan’s tourism industry profile, the
Philippine history and culture and the role
of the tourist police.
They were also trained on handling and
approaching tourists with topics focusing
on Basic Investigation Procedures, Ways in
Handling Tourist Related Cases, Principles
of Tourist Safety and Tourist Safety
Protocol.
They were also trained on Child Wise
Tourism and Child Protection Laws; and
Effective Customer Service and Values
Formation.
The speakers during the seminar were
Malay Chief Tourism Officer Felix Gregorio
Delos Santos, Police Superintendent
Igmedio Bernaldez from the Office of the
Directorate for Operation, PNP National
Headquar ters; ECPAT-Philippi nes
Executive Director Dolores Alforte, DOT
chief tourism promotions officer Francisco
Lardizabal, DOT accredited speaker Carlos
07
Garcia, Jr, DOT-6 supervising tourism
officer Rene Cortum and Ritchel Casidsid.
The 63 police officers also attended a
“technical tour” in different attractions in
the island.
During the tour, the participants were
divided in three groups with respective tour
guides.
They experienced island hopping and
water sports activities and toured in the
island’s other attractions including Puka
Beach, Crystal Cove, the Boracay Solid
Waste Management/Material Recovery
Facility and Mt. Luho.
The technical tour was organized by
Malay Tourism Office.* (Informer)
Batan’s unique banana plant
A unique variety of
banana plant bearing 5’3”
long stalk was found in
Lalab, Batan in Aklan.
In an interview over
Radyo Todo, owner
Gerald Nadong said they
did not even expect the
banana to bear fruits
even.
Nadong said the
b a n a n a pl a nt wa s
damaged during the
onslaug ht of super
typhoon Yolanda in
November 8, 2013.
As months passed by,
they noticed that the plant
just continue to grow and
start to bear more fruits
than the usual.
Currently, the plant
is
bearing
some 2,050
Katodo Reynald Bandiola (left) checks this unique banana
plant found in their village in Batan town. Katodo Jonathan fruits already and is still
growing.* (Informer)
Cabrera also checks himself the unique breed of banana.
Puka Shell Beach
JULY 21-27, 2014
MAP
Puntabunga Beach
BORACAY ISLAND
Ilig-Iligan Beach
Diniwid Beach
Lapuz- Lapuz Beach
Diniwid Road
Boracay Kitchen
Mainroad Station 1, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan
Tel No. (036) 288-2410
iBoracay
I Boracay
D’mall de Boracay, Boracay Island
Malay Aklan
09053460464
Manila Showroom:
G/F Forbeswood Parklane,
Forbestown Center,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Boracay Showroom:
2nd Floor Plaza Sta. Fe,
Station 1, Brgy. Balabag,
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Contact No. +63-917-8104374
Email: boracaynewcoast@global-estate.ph
Website: www.boracaynewcoast.ph
White House Resort
Station 1, Boracay Island Malay Aklan
Tel No. 036-288-3675
us R
oad
White House Resort
ASYA PREMIER SUITES BORACAY
Sitio Cagban, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc,
Boracay Island Malay, Aklan Philippines 5608
Tel: (6336) 288.1790 Fax: (6336) 288.1789
8H
Lap
Boracay Plaza
us-
TILAPIA N' CHIPS
Lap
G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island,
Malay
Phone:(036) 288 2283
Hampstead
Boutique Hotel
BANS RESORT
Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Tel. Nos.: (036) 288-3156 / (036) 288-3837
Fax No.: (036) 288-4510
Mobile No.: (0909) 691-1038
BANS BEACH RESORT
CROWN REGENCY & CONVENTION CENTER
Boat Station 2, Main Road
Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan 5608, Philippines
Phone number: (+6336) 506 3111
Fax number: (+6336) 506 3131
E-mail: reservations@crownregency.com
Bulabog Road
Road 1A
iBoracay
CANYON DE BORACAY
Station 2 Alice in Wonderland, St. Boracay Island, Malay,
Borocay Island, Philippines
OLE Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant
D’Mall Phase 4 -#1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Phone number: (036) 288-5940
Email: Ole_tapas@yahoo.com
Website:www.oleinboracay.com
The Orient Sun Travel and Tours
Across E'Mall, Zone 7 Manggayad Highway, Manoc-Manoc,
Boracay Island Malay Aklan,
(036) 288-2789/09278220727
Email:bebe@TheOrientSun.com/torientsun@yahoo.com
Merly’s Place
Cottages Boracay
Lugutan Road
Tulubhan Beach
Angol Road
Tulubhan Road
LEGEND
Hospital
Main Road
Jetty Port
Beth Shalom Academy
Tambisaan Road
EMERGENCY HOT LINES
Municipal Tourism Office Department of Tourism - D’Mall
Boracay Tourist Assistant Center/PNP
Boracay Action Group
Red Cross
Phil. Coast Guard
(036) 288-7108
(036) 288-3689
(036) 288-3066
(036) 288-2338
(036) 288-2068
(036) 288-6150
For iMap inclusion, just contact:
Boracay Hospital
Bureau of Fire Protection
Municipal Health Office
Mayor’s Office
Malay Auxiliary Police
PNP Cagban
(036) 288- 3041
(036) 288-4198
(036) 288-5624
(036) 288-8772
(036) 288-5269
(036) 288-4392
(036) 288-2418
www.boracayinformer.com
Manoc-Manoc Beach