Zero-tolerance vs litterbugs in Boracay

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against litterbugs in Boracay after trash was found on the beaches during the first day of the dry run of the island’s reopening, an official said yesterday.

Photos of discarded trash along Boracay’s famous White Beach went viral on social media hours after the island was reopened to local tourists for a test run ahead of its scheduled reopening on Oct. 26.

DENR Undersecretary for solid waste management and local government unit Benny Antiporda said they would strictly enforce the guidelines against littering on the island.


Antiporda said they held a dialogue with the Compliant Association of Boracay (CAB) whose members include owners of hotels, resorts, retail shops and restaurants.

He said the DENR and other government agencies in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation support the CAB’s proposal to designate its pollution officers as marshals to go after litterbugs.

He asked CAB members to use social media to remind Boracay visitors to dispose of their trash properly.

The DENR also recommended citizen’s arrest against litterbugs, Antiporda said.

The CAB earlier asked Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to deputize its members as Boracay marshals to police public areas on the island.

As marshals, the CAB said their pollution officers would be on the lookout for litterbugs.

The DENR said littering is a criminal offense and violators may face a fine or be made to render community service from eight to 16 hours.

Under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer who would ensure compliance with the law, among others.

source: philstar.com

SC asked to stop Boracay shutdown

MANILA, Philippines — On the eve of the six-month closure of Boracay Island, the Supreme Court (SC) was asked yesterday to halt the government-mandated shutdown aimed at cleaning up the world-renowned tourist destination.

In a 29-page petition, three residents of the island – Mark Anthony Zabal, Thiting Estoso Jacosalem and Odeon Bandiola – sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the closure.

The petitioners questioned the authority of President Duterte to close the island to tourists and non-residents, accusing him of violating constitutional rights to travel and due process, and arguing that only Congress can shut down the island.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said only a court TRO can stop the shutdown of Boracay. But the SC is in recess and may not be able to issue a TRO today even if the petition might have merit.

Through lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)-Panay chapter, the petitioners argued that the order violated the separation of powers under the 1987 Constitution since the executive branch has no authority to close down the island based on its supposed police power.

“Police power is exercised through legislative bodies. It is the plenary power vested in the legislature to make statutes and ordinances to promote the health, morals, peace, education, good order or safety and general welfare of the people,” the petitioners argued.

They alleged that Duterte stepped on the power of Congress in issuing the closure order.

“Despite having the highest position in the land, President Duterte simply cannot, under our system of law, arrogate unto himself a power which the Constitution does not give him,” they stressed.

They further argued the order is unconstitutional insofar as it restricts the movement of the people within the country in violation of their right to travel under Article III Section 6 of the Charter.

“In this case, the ground for the restriction (of right to travel) has not been shown to exist. There is no national security, public safety or public health situation calling for the curtailment of the right to travel,” read the petition.

The petitioners also claimed violation of their right to due process under Article III Section 1 of the Constitution, which they said includes their “property rights and right to work and earn a living.”

“The petitioners and all those who work, do business or earn living on the island are deprived of their livelihood,” they pointed out, adding the closure order is “unreasonable, arbitrary and excessive,” especially since the government has not provided a clear alternative to the 17,000  registered workers affected by the measure.

The petition named President Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Department of the Interior and Local Government officer-incharge Eduardo Año as respondents.

Guillen explained the implementation of today’s closure order would not make their prayer for issuance of TRO moot since the SC could still issue a status quo ante order upon hearing the petition.

Inherent power

The government is preparing to shut down Boracay starting today to rehabilitate the world-famous island resort.

President Duterte has ordered the holiday destination off-limits to tourists, saying the tiny island has become a “cesspool” tainted by sewage.

“Unless a TRO is issued, the planned closure of Boracay to tourists shall proceed,” Roque said.

Roque shrugged off the petition, saying the government can impose the closure since the island is owned by the state. He added the stay of private persons in the area was just allowed by the government.

“While the President respects the Court, we see absolutely no merit for any private party to restrain the closure of Boracay to tourists given that SC itself has previously ruled that Boracay is owned primarily by the state,” Roque said.

“We see no reason how private persons can allege and prove irreparable injuries, a prerequisite for TRO, given that their stay on the island is by mere tolerance of the state,” he said.

Roque invoked the government’s inherent police powers for the closure. He said the government has the “inherent police power of the state to protect the environment in Boracay.”

In a speech last March, Duterte warned courts against issuing TROs in the cleanup while he geared up for the declaration of a state of calamity in Boracay due to sewage and environmental concerns.

Duterte invoked public safety, interest and health issues in ordering the closure of the world famous island resort.  

Boracay was known as the crown jewel of Philippine tourism with its world-famous powdery white sand, but unchecked tourism and environmental degradation made it far from the tropical paradise it was decades ago.

Authorities said some of the hundreds of hotels and restaurants use the island’s drainage system to send untreated sewage into its surrounding turquoise waters.

The closure threatens the livelihood of 17,000 hotel, restaurant and other tourism workers, plus about 11,000 construction workers.

The island saw some two million visitors last year, pumping roughly $1 billion in revenue into the Philippine economy.

The government has promised to release P2 billion to help the estimated 35,000 workers affected by the island’s closure. 

On the eve of the closure, restaurants and bars had put up signs offering discounts, with most items on the menu already unavailable. 

Vendors slashed 50 percent off sunglasses and selfie sticks while tourists scrambled to get hold of Boracay souvenir shirts sold at half price.

“We call it the closure sale. We used to sell key chains in a buy one, get one promo. But now we sell ‘Buy one, get 10’,” said vendor Jenie Dagunan.

“We can’t eat these bracelets, might as well turn them into money,” she said.

Oversight

Malacañang said the President has not issued the proclamation placing the island under state of calamity as of yesterday, a day before the temporary closure of the tourist destination. 

Officials, however, claimed the funds for the rehabilitation of Boracay can be released pending the issuance of a proclamation.

Roque said the document can be released even after the island has been closed for rehabilitation. 

“They know that it (proclamation) will come out. So it’s a matter of issuing the document. So there is no problem with that. Before the implementation of the closure, it will come out. Even after the closure, it can still be issued because the closure will serve as the legal basis to fast track all the projects in Boracay. 

Otherwise, they will be subjected to regular processes of government procurement,” Roque told GMA News. 

“These projects will not start at once. My point is they know what will happen and anytime, the President would issue the proclamation,” he added. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Oscar Albayalde said they would push through with the order to close Boracay today.

While acknowledging that the closure would adversely affect the tourism industry, Albayalde stressed it would just be temporary.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, for his part, said they have started implementing the emergency employment assistance to displaced workers in Boracay.

He added some 2,500 workers on the island were given emergency livelihood assistance.

Lawmakers, on the other hand, said they will closely watch the rehabilitation work on Boracay to make sure the closure will not be wasted.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said they will exercise oversight functions, especially as the closure comes at huge costs, particularly the loss of revenues and jobs.

“We will conduct oversight if the government really kept its promise,” Pimentel said.

He said the closure, which is viewed by many as a step backwards for tourism, could turn out to be “two steps forward.”

“We need to do this – if that is cleaned and we open and reintroduce the brilliant Boracay, then it will become precious again,” Pimentel said.

While Congress may come up with new legislation to prevent a similar degradation of the country’s other tourist attractions, Pimentel stressed the responsibility lies primarily with the concerned local government units (LGUs).

“That’s why we want to find out why despite the many complaints from Boracay, the LGU did not act,” he said.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said the closure order on Boracay was just a “knee-jerk” reaction on the part of the government.

Alejano claimed the government had no concrete plans on how to address the problem on environment and congestion in Boracay.

Alejano said if a certain place is closed for the purpose of rehabilitation, there must be activities in that area from day one to six months.

“There must be daily activities but to them, there is none,” Alejano said. “What would they do? What’s the purpose?”

Alejano stressed the closure of Boracay should have been done in phases because thousands will be affected by a complete closure.

Overkill

Alejano added the closure should not be implemented all at the same time.

“This is like overkill. There are military, police and coast guard in the sea. It’s like martial law in Boracay. It’s really overkill,” he said.

The police preparing to implement the closure of Boracay staged drills in riot gear yesterday, startling the laid-back beach community as workers mounted a last-ditch effort to halt the six-month closure.

“The capability demonstration exercises were done to ensure that we have the appropriate and well-crafted response to any contingency that may arise as a result of the temporary closure of the world-renowned island,” Western Visayas regional police director Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag said.

Some residents in the island, however, were not enthusiastic.

“I think it’s too much. We don’t think that any resident of Boracay would be swayed to go into protest or conduct violent actions against the closure,” said Elvira, a Boracay resident.

Facebook user Bill McGrath said, “This can’t happen in reality.”

Another netizen, Martina Sacapaño, said the police and military exercises might show that Boracay island is preparing for war.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao agreed the security measures the administration has taken in Boracay were an overkill.

“The Navy, Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should deploy their ships and personnel to patrol the West Philippine Sea, not Boracay,” he said.

He said state agencies were imposing “overacting” security measures.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Duterte is imposing “virtual martial law” in Boracay.

He said restricting the entry of residents, businessmen and workers and requiring identification cards for them “violate their constitutional rights.”

Zarate added journalists are limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. coverage, and are required to be escorted at all times and to get out of the island before darkness sets in.  – With  Alexis Romero, Christina Mendez, Jennifer Rendon, Paolo Romero, Eva Visperas, Artemio Dumlao, Jess Diaz, Rainier Allan Ronda, Sheila Crisostomo, AFP

source: philstar.com

Boracay named top 'hookie' destination for Chrismas

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from the clear waters and white sand that Boracay has to offer, the island is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, which is why travel dating site MissTravel.com has ranked it as the top destination for people who want to skip family gatherings during the holidays.

A recent study showed that many youngsters are opting for romantic getaways, rather than dealing with the stress and anxiety brought on by the awkward family encounters during Christmas season.

“Family get togethers can be a source of anxiety for many people, especially those who have a hard time answering questions about their personal lives,” said Brandon Wade, founder and
CEO of MissTravel.com.

According to a recent poll conducted by the Las Vegas-based site, out of the 6,036 trips planned by its users between December 20 and 27, most are going to Boracay.

Top December Hookie Destinations (6,036 Trips Planned Between December 20 and 27)

1. Boracay Island, Philippines ­ 689
2. New York, NY ­ 488
3. Las Vegas, NV ­ 187


"The Philippines is famous for its festive celebration of Christmas, making Boracay Island a traveler favorite," the website said.

Boracay has consistently been part of the list of the best beaches in the world. Early this year, it has been declared as the "Favorite Beach Destination 2015" by the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents for its annual MATTA Fair. Moreover, TripAdvisor listed Boracay as seventh best beach in the world for 2015.

source: philstar.com

On top of minimum wage, regional wage board mulls productivity base pay for Boracay workers

ILOILO CITY - The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is thinking of issuing an advisory on the productivity base pay for workers in Boracay Island.

RTWPB Secretary Nesa S. Nolido said it will be done through the Industry Tripartite Council of Boracay in response to the request of labor seeking additional support based on productivity.

Nolido explained that the productivity standards that fall under the two-tier wage system will provide bases for increases on top of the minimum wage.

The productivity standard can be implemented per industry or establishment through a request for a time and motion study.

“The board will issue a job order for specific establishment or industry,” she added.

Currently, only the sugar industry has its own productivity base pay for its workers.

To recall, business groups in Western Visayas called on the labor department and the RTWPB to come up with a productivity standard for every sector prior to the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order 21.

The order, however, already took effect May 2 following its publication in major publications.

The new minimum wage for workers in non-agriculture/industrial and commercial with more than 10 workers is now P298.50, and P256.50 for those with less than 10 employees.

For the agriculture industry, those working in plantation earn P266.50 a day and P256.50 for those working in non-plantation.

“The minimum wage is for the protection of skilled and new entrants to the labor force,” Nolido emphasized.

Meanwhile, a series of seminars and trainings is being conducted in Boracay Island for the proposed productivity base pay.

source: interaksyon.com

Beauty and the beach

The hashtag #LaBoracay2014 has gotten much attention on social media this week, with mixed reactions from all sectors — some are amused and excited, others are disgusted at the conspicuous display of bodies and bikinis this side of “thin-seltown.”

It’s  the peak of summer, if you haven’t noticed, ladies and gents, time to brighten up, get that Belo sunblock, take off your clothes (not all of them)) head over to our 7,107 beautiful islands and Instagram away. And don’t forget to hashtag.

Last week’s hottest beach shebang? #CenturySuperbods2014 drew a stellar mix of the country’s biggest stars, a standout selection of the best bodies and nonstop workouts to make sure we get to maintain that “transformation.” The T-word was the big buzz for the season, as everyone awaited the unveiling of a shirtless John Lloyd Cruz in Boracay.

Leading to that grand unveil was a Zumba-thon in the morning, with participants doing nonstop workouts. The BNO Boys hosted while everyone got possessed with the heat and sweat of the morning sun. I must compliment the transformation of the BNO Boys, who underwent the Century challenge and really showed great results! Credit for all the transformation goes to fitness coach Jim Saret and nutritionist Nadine Tengco, who I promise, will be my new best friends. Hello, Century!

I had promised everyone I was going to Zumba with them as soon as I woke up from the past night’s festivities, but I preferred to Zumba in bed — in my dreams. Must remind myself to be more disciplined, to think like a Superbod!

The best Superbods batch 

The White Party the night before was equally eventful. The #CenturySuperbods contestants were formally introduced by host Gelli Victor to the sizable media delegation present. It was not easy to have favorites since almost everyone looked like a winner — a truly spectacular and very international Superbods batch — half Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, American and pure Pinoy, too! From the point of view of someone who’s been judging this competition for a few years now, this is, indeed, the best #CenturySuperbods batch ever.

Joey Mead King, that rock star of a supermodel mentor and Asia’s top, top model herself, started the ball rolling as soon as she rocked that ramp and grabbed that mic. I am amazed each time she does her runway-slash-hosting duties — how she commands the floor and makes you sit up and take notice. She also coached the contestants with their walk and how to carry themselves best. The smooth styling of the show, directed by Robby Carmona, another stalwart in his field, was more than evident in how fast-paced it was. Never a dull moment, each segment was a highlight! Standouts in the audience were Nanette Medved-Po, forever a vision in pristine style, and Marielle Santos-Po, wearing Rajo Laurel’s Palawan summer collection.



Then came Anne Curtis, and the world stopped. She put one leg out in her flowing Charina Sarte lapis lazuli beach dress and owned the stage like no one else can. This was the perfect lead-up to the night’s transformatory unveil. A cleanly unshaven John Lloyd Cruz walked onto the center of the stage. Everyone went wild. He then took his floral buttoned shirt off, waved it to the crowd, to reveal him wearing a sando — a leaner, meaner John Lloyd Cruz, “macho” dancing in front of the audience. “From Superbad, I’m now a Superbod!” Even in these “heated” circumstances, JLC’s sense of humor shines through.

“Why didn’t John Lloyd take his shirt off?” ranted some of my followers on social media. Because he didn’t have to. Transformation doesn’t mean abs. It means a change in mindset and lifestyle. It is both internal and external. He went on a strict diet, lost close to 20 lbs. and looks happier and healthier. In the end, that should be the goal — to be happy and healthy. Abs optional.

Postscript to the announcement of winners after a few months of intense training and grueling challenges — Mario Lumba and Sara Polverini emerged as this year’s #CenturySuperbods. The runners-up and the special awards went to the other early favorites, who, I must say, made judging this year extra difficult but extra pleasurable.

And then fun times at the after party at The District with DJ Mars Miranda. Time to take a dip in this Labor Day weekend sun. But I won’t take my shirt off.

source: philstar.com

Boracay’s Famed White Sands Protected

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) --- Persons caught carting off Boracay Island’s powdery white sand will be imposed stricter penalties with the recent amendment of a Malay, Aklan ordinance banning extraction and collection of white sand and pebbles from the country’s premier holiday destination’s beach.

The Malay Sangguniang Bayan implemented amendments in Municipal Ordinance 310 recently run in a local newspaper with an aim to stop the blatant extraction of white sand from the island.

“Boracay Island, a masterpiece of nature endowed by the Almighty with powdery white sand, is being gradually dissipated by man’s selfish interests without due regard to consequences,” the ordinance stated.

The imposition of stricter penalties provided in the ordinance was also anchored on the provision of the Constitution to protect and advance the people’s right to a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature and on the Local Government Code’s mandate for the protection of the environment and the imposition of appropriate penalties for acts endangering the environment.

With said amendments in place, first offenders caught extracting Boracay Island’s white sand will be fined P2,500 or imprisoned for a month or not more than three month, or both, at the court’s discretion.

For subsequent offenses, the ordinance imposes imprisonment of not less than three months or not more than six months.

The amended ordinance also said juridical persons, hotels, resorts, or business establishments violating the ordinance will be fined P2,500, imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months or both, to be imposed on the establishment’s president, manager, administrator, owner or proprietor.

If warranted, the offending establishments’ business permit may also be revoked.

Aside from the imposition of said stricter penalties, the offenders will also have to return to the beach the white sand and pebbles they extracted and collected.

source: mb.com.ph

No. 1 island prepares for Boracay Newcoast

MANILA, Philippines - It was only a matter of time. From No. 4 last year, Boracay Island has surged to No. 1 island in the world, according to British magazine Travel + Leisure.





With an aggregate score of 93.10, Boracay bested runner-up Bali and the previous year’s champion, Santorini, which was relegated to sixth place. Boracay was also named Asia’s Best Island, topping perennial favorites Bali and Phuket. The 2012 poll was conducted among the magazine’s jet-setting subscribers and the awards were held last July 19 at the Conrad Flagship Hotel in New York City.

It is likely that majority of the 700,000 foreign tourists who visited Boracay in the first half of the year — a 41 percent rise over the same period in 2011 — thoroughly enjoyed their stay and had a lasting impression of the island, that is why Boracay achieved such lofty status.

Such acclaim and the continued influx of tourists will only mean two things. First, Boracay will become a more popular destination worldwide with all the goodwill from top publications like Travel + Leisure plus good word-of-mouth from millions of past visitors. Second, more hotels must be built over the next few years to accommodate the rising number of tourists and delight them with the best of Filipino hospitality.

One expansive project within Boracay will help the island reach its true tourism potential. Boracay Newcoast on the island’s eastern side will rise as its first fully master-planned tourist hub. Covering 140 hectares and an estimated 14 percent of the island’s total area, Boracay Newcoast boasts its own private beach coves with a one-km. white sand beachfront.





According to Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI) vice president for marketing and project head Abraham Mercado, “Boracay Newcoast has been master planned to raise the bar of tourist experience.” GERI is the developer behind Boracay Newcoast and is the tourism arm of Filipino tycoon Andrew Tan.

Five international and local hotels are set to be built within Boracay Newcoast and add 1,500 hotel suites to Boracay’s room inventory. More rooms will be added once investors start to operate their lodging offerings at Boracay Newcoast’s Boutique Hotel district. Their guests will also enjoy access to a private beach cove.

One of Boracay Newcoast’s hotels is set to transform Boracay into the Ibiza of Asia. Home to Boracay’s first and only pool concert arena, Savoy Hotel will host various electronic dance music festivals and concerts. Overlooking the pool and bar area is a 400-square-meter dance roof deck capping a row of commercial establishments.

Oceanway Residences, the first residential condominium cluster in Boracay, enjoys a prime location tucked between two greens of Fairways & Bluewater — the only championship golf course on the island — with resplendent views of the private white beach coves and Sibuyan Sea.

Over at the Shophouse District, tourists can stock up on Boracay souvenirs, dine on the freshest seafood, or schedule a dive to check out the island’s marine treasures, among others.

Guests who fall in love with the Boracay experience may opt for a permanent home at Newcoast Village, Boracay Newcoast’s first and only exclusive gated village. Mercado recommended that lot buyers take inspiration from the ocean villas in Bali, Phuket and Santorini to design their homes.

He added that with a capital-intensive and highly marketable project like Boracay Newcoast, Boracay’s long-term viability and tourism appeal are ensured for the long term.

And just as Boracay’s standing has surged within the global tourism industry, so does GERI, as the company reported an increase in reservation sales to P3 billion for the first five months of the year during its annual stockholders meeting last June 28. This means that investors have warmed up to the potential of integrated tourism projects like Boracay Newcoast, Mercado concluded.

source: philstar.com

Boracay Island All Set To Host Major International Sports Event

BORACAY ISLAND, Malay, Aklan (PNA) - All roads lead to this world-famous resort island, reputedly the country’s premier holiday beach destination, for the Boracay Island Paddlers Association (BIPA)- hosted 6th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival to be held April 26-28.

The BIPA said around a thousand paddlers from Australia, mainland China, Canada, United States, Singapore, The Netherlands and Hong Kong have already confirmed their participation in the event.

The local sports association said it has also invited Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez to grace the event. Officials and members of the Philippine Kanoe Kayak Federation are expected to also come to the Boracay Island for the three-day sports hoopla.

For several years now, the BIPA, which is a group comprised of local boat paddlers based in Boracay with some 300 members, has successfully held and hosted the annual dragon boat festival on the island, contributing substantially to Boracay’s reputation as the Mecca for water sports in the country.

Aside from the Dragon Boat fest, Boracay, mainly through the initiative of champion Philippine female windsurfer, Boracay native Ms. Nenet Graf has, for the past 22 years, been hosting an international windsurf and kiteboard competition, now officially known as the Neil Pryde Boracay International Funboard Cup.

source: mb.com.ph