Volume 20
KALIBO, Aklan – The Island of Boracay, in Malay, Aklan received a total of 113,596 tourists in December 2021, according to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office. Based on the record of the local tourism office, the said figure is so far the highest number of arrivals of tourists in Boracay since January 2020 when coronavirus pandemic struck the country. Before the pandemic, the island was able to welcome 4,000 to 6,000 visitors daily. According to Malay tourism officer Felix delos Santos, the increase in tourist arrivals in December was mainly due to the long holidays, wherein tourists celebrated the Christmas and New Year’s Day in the island. Majority of the visitors of the island last month came from the National Capital Region with 49,185 arrivals or 43% of the total arrivals. It was followed by the local tourists from Western Visayas with 30,347 arrivals; CALABARZON with 19,161 arrivals; Central Luzon 8,139; and Central
Mayor Emerson Lachica of Kalibo opted to cancel streetdancing and other major activities for this year's Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival because these are crowd drawers and might cause further spread of COVID-19 in Kalibo and in Aklan in general.
Issue 01
January 1 - 15, 2022
Visayas with 1,319. Tourists who had spent their vacation in Boracay in the whole month of December were mostly 13-59 years old with 93,685; while ages 0-12 years old were 16,280; and 3,631 were ages 60 and up. Meanwhile, with the surge of COVID19 cases in NCR and the threat of Omicron variant in the country, the Provincial Government of Aklan issued
Tourists walk barefooted on a stretch of White Beach in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan. The Island received a total of 113,596 tourists in December 2021, according to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office. The said figure is so far the highest number of arrivals of tourists in Boracay since January 2020 when coronavirus pandemic struck the country. (SQP-PIA Aklan/Photo courtesy of Malay MuniciContinued on page… 02 pal Tourism Office)
KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) -Starting January 9, 2022, tourists bound for Boracay Island and returning Aklanons as well as travelers just passing through Aklan will be required again to submit a negative RT-PCR test result. This requirement is imposed by the
Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is still celebrating its world-famous KaliboSto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival this year, but it will do away with street dancing or “Sadsad” to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Dubbed as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”, the celebration this third week of January 2022 will focus on other Ati-atihan-related activities instead, with some already conducted in the earlier days of the month. Aside from the “Sadsad”, officials of Continued on page… 02
Provincial Government of Aklan based on Executive Order No. 001, series of 2022, issued by Governor Florencio T. Miraflores on January 5, 2022. E.O. 001 is an order providing guidelines on the implementation of restrictions on the movement of persons in and out of the province of Aklan as well as protocols to be observed under the Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response. Tourists, returning Aklanons and travelers passing through must submit their negative RT-PCR test result certificate (saliva, nasopharygeal or oropharyngeal) with date of extraction within 72 hours to date of travel. Tourists and travelers must secure a “Quick Response” Code via the Online Health Declaration Card that can be a c c e s s e d a t h t t p s : / / www.touristboracay.com/ or https:// aklan.gov.ph. For returning Aklanons, on top of the Negative RT-PCR test result, they are again required to obtain a Notice of Coordination/Acceptance from the Municipality of destination issued by the Office of the Mayor, screenshot of the Continued on page… 02
PIA AKLAN BALITA
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Vol. No. 20 Issue No. 01
Tourists, returning… From page 01
The number of poor Aklanons increased in the first semester of 2021 according to Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan. Based on the record of PSA, the poverty incidence among Aklanon individuals in the first half of 2021 went up to 24.9 percent from 19.8 percent in 2018. This is equivalent to 152, 300 persons. Poverty incidence is the proportion of the population living below the poverty line to the total population. Subsistence incidence, or the proportion of Aklanons in extreme poverty, likewise, increased to 9.2 percent in the first semester of 2021 from 6.0 percent in 2018. This translates to about 56, 400 persons. The per capita food threshold, or the minimum amount needed to meet a person’s basic food needs, was estimated at P9, 445.00, which translates to P1, 574 per month or P52.00 daily. This means that a family of five needs at least P7, 870.00 per month to meet the family’s basic food needs. Meanwhile, the first semester per capita poverty threshold or the minimum income required to meet the basic food and non-food needs of Aklanon families was estimated at P13, 542.00.
This means that a family of five would need to earn at least P11, 285.00 per month to provide for its daily nutritional sustenance and other non-food basic requirements. Among Aklanon families, poverty incidence was estimated at 18.3 percent in 2021, higher by 24.49 percent compared to the 14.7 percent reported in 2018. This is equivalent to 28, 300 families from 21, 700 families below poverty line in 2018. On the other hand, the subsistence incidence among Aklanon families was estimated at 6.1 percent in the first semester of 2021, a decline by 48.78 percent compared to 4.1 percent recorded three years ago. This translates to about 9, 500 families compared to 6, 100 families in extreme poverty in 2018. In the first semester of 2021, on average, incomes of poor families were short by 24.7 percent of the poverty threshold. This means that, on average, an additional monthly income of P3, 345.00 is needed by a poor family with five members in order to move out of poverty in the first sem of 2021. (PSA-Aklan)
Kalibo celebrates…
holding up their miniature Santo Nino statue and shouting “Viva Kay Senyor Santo Nino” and “Halabira, PweraPasma”. This year, the celebration runs from January 10 to 16, 2022. Among the activities featured this year are the Exhibit of Entries of the Ati -atihan Costume Making, PintaAti, Suksokni Santo Nino, Inter-Barangay Mosaic, Color My Ati, and Doll-Sized Pina Gown Design Contest, which will be viewed at the Ati-atihan Gallery, KaliboPastrana Civic Center; and the Virtual Launching of the Ati-atihan Jingle Contest. The Exhibit of Entries at the Atiatihan Gallery is open from January 11 to 17, 2022. A virtual search for Miss KaliboAtiatihan Festival 2022 will also be held on January 14, 2022 in the evening with candidates coming from various barangays of the municipality. Meanwhile, just today, January 14, the municipality conducted the BalikPatik Battle of the Ati-atihan Bands at Kalibo Magsaysay Park in the morning with Aklanon Troopers winning 1st place and getting P25,000.00 as prize; Merisi, 2 n d , P15, 00 0. 0 0; Ro ad si de, 3 r d , P 1 0, 0 0 0. 00 ; A e an g - A ee an g , 4 t h ,
From page 01 Kalibo led by Mayor Emerson Lachica decided to cancel also other major activities like the Food Bazaar, Food Festival and the “Aw Meow Dog and Cat Show” contest. This is the second year that the municipality canceled the “Sadsad”, where Ati-atihanrevelers dance or prance around the major streets of Kalibo accompanied by the beating of the drums,
Boracay Island logs… From page 01 an Executive Order No. 001-2022 on January 5, 2022 for tighter restrictions on travelers and tourists with January 9, as the effective date. Aside from the confirmed hotel bookings, proof of identification with Philippine residency, round trip travel details and digital health declaration form, tourists going to Boracay once again should submit their negative RT-PCR test (swab or saliva) results taken 72 hours prior to departure. Further, the Caticlan airport in Malay, Aklan is the only designated entry point for Boracay-bound tourists traveling by air.(AAL/SQP/PIA-Aklan)
OHDC confirmation, Philippine government -issued ID with Aklan address, travel details, and proof of vaccination status. In the latter part of last year, the province issued an advisory already doing away with Notice of Coordination from the LGUs for returning Aklanons. The new E.O. meanwhile has also set new guidelines and pronouncements on operations of business establishments, operating office hours of government and private offices, curfew hours, and mandatory use of AkQuire OHDC QR Code. Effective January 9, establishments and activities shall be allowed to operate or to be undertaken at a maximum of 30% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50% outdoor venue capacity, but the establishment owners should ensure that all onsite workers/employees of the establishments, and organizers of activities are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and minimum public health standards are strictly maintained. All business establishments in Mainland Aklan will be allowed to operate from 5:00 o’clock in the morning until 8:00 o’clock in the evening except public and private hospitals, drug stores, health emergency and frontline services, media establishments, funeral and embalming services, and security personnel, which may operate beyond 8:00 o’clock in the evening. For Boracay Island, operating hours of establishments, effective January 9, shall be from 5:00 o’clock a.m. until 9:00 o’clock p.m. Curfew hours in Mainland Aklan will start from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. while in Boracay Island, curfew hours shall be from 10:00 o’clock in the evening until 4:00 o’clock the following morning. The new E.O. also emphasized that all airlines, commercial or chartered, shall scan the screenshot of QR Code or copy of OHDC of their passengers before boarding. (AAL/VGV/PIA6 Aklan) P3,000.00; and 5 th , Blue Birds, P3,000.00. Aside from Kalibo, there are also other towns in Aklan celebrating the feast of Senyor Santo Nino. These are the towns of Ibajay, Makato, Malinao, Altavas, and Batan. (AAL/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)
PIA AKLAN BALITA
Vol. No. 20 Issue No. 01
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CAMP CARREON, Calinog – A total of two hundred thirty-three (233) CPPNPA-NDF members and mass supporters formally surrendered to the RTFELCAC Region 6 and withdrew their support to the communist organization during a formal ceremony on 08 January 2021 at Calinog, Iloilo. The 233 former members and supporters of CPP-NPA-NDF came from Calinog, Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz and surrendered earlier to the 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. During the ceremony, former members and supporters also took an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines that they will no longer support the CPP-NPA-NDF and signed a wall of commitment to display their sincerity in junking the communist organization and to give full support to the government instead. Members of RTF-ELCAC 6 who were present during the activity were PRO6 Regional Director PBGEN MIRANDA, 3ID Commander MGen Eric C Vinoya represented by Lt. Col. Joseph Jason L Estrada of 12IB, Representative of Iloilo Governor Arthur R Defensor Jr, repre-
sentative of Capiz Governor Evan B Contreras, Calinog Mayor Francisco L Calvo, Fiscal Chris Gonzales, representative of RTF-ELCAC 6 Chairman Juan Ingeniero. Each member have delivered their messages that expressed their gratitude to the participants for taking a stand against the CPP-NPA-NDF. Others have also encouraged them to convince the members of the CPP-NPA to surrender and go back to the folds of the law in order to live a normal life. Lt. Col. Estrada of 12th Infantry Battalion relayed the message of MGen
Eric C Vinoya, Commander of 3rdInfantry Division in which he conveyed to the participants that the Army is happy that they have returned to society and embraced the true essence of freedom and that their surrender and withdrawal of support will save people from harm especially the youth, many families will remain intact and united, and the communities that will be saved from the hostile activities brought by the CPPNPA-NDF.
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan Capiz – To promote brotherhood, build a good and harmonious relationship with other priests and seminarians, a Clergy Fellowship was held at 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Chapel, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz on Saturday, January 9, 2021. The fellowship was attended by seven (7) priests and eight (8) seminarians
CAMP CARREON, Calinog – Influx of CPP-NPA mass supporters from the town of Tapaz, Capiz withdrew their support to the communist group on January 7, 2021, at the Army's 12th Infantry Battalion in Camp Carreon, Barangay Libot, Calinog Iloilo. During the activity, the mass supporters took the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and signed the wall of commitment signifying their withdrawal of support to the CTGs in all forms. The supporters had a dialogue with the authorities regarding their concerns. According to the Deputy Brigade Commander of 301st Infantry Brigade, COL ORLANDO EDRALIN, the people who voluntarily surrendered were identified as mass organizer and supporters from the barangays of Katipunan, Abangay, Minan, Aglinab, Wright, Gebioan, and Roosevelt of Tapaz, Capiz. COL EDRALIN also said that the people who surrendered have come forward to show support for the government.
COL ORLANDO EDRALIN encourages those individuals to surrender their firearms and weapons should they have any. Col Edralin also assured them that they will help them restore their normal lives and keep them from peril imposed by the CTGs. People from the barangays who surrendered were assisted, processed and evaluated so that those who will qualify for the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP) will receive their due benefits from the government. The Commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, BGEN MARION SISON assured that those who are willing to surrender are welcome and that their safety will be a priority. He also encouraged others especially the CPPNPA in the Calinog-Tapaz area to follow suit to finally achieve peace and development in the area. #NoToCPPNPANDF #YourArmyinPanay (Phil. Army)
based in neighboring towns in the province of Capiz. The fellowship's primary goal is to strengthen the relationship among the religious sectors and to orient the participants to the military's life. Captain Jake Bilbao, 3ID Chaplain, said in his message that the activity would serve as an opportunity for the participants to explore their life as a priest and to have a bird’s eye view of the soldiers' lives inside a military camp. "As a military priest, I used to visit various battalions and brigades to uplift our soldiers' morale and spiritual journey. Along with that is our effort to introduce their contributions to the rest of humanity. And this I began with my fellows in the religious sector." Bilbao said. Meanwhile, attendee Fr. Reupert Garcia, said that wherever you are assigned to serve, it may be in the Armed Forces or in the area dioceses, one thing that is essential to bear in mind is to understand and support the other priests in different areas. On the other hand, Seminarian Peter Gerrou G. Deseo, expressed that he had gained unforgettable and joyous memories that he would always treasure in his heart. “I will never forget the smiles of kind-hearted people who embraced us wholeheartedly during the moments we shared with each other. Indeed, it's more fun in Jamindan,” said Deseo. Rev. Fr. Mlex O. Gevero said, his experiences deepen his understanding of compassion and respect for the dignity of every person. It allows him to strive for excellence and to be the best version of himself. “It ushers me to be more relevant and effective in this ministry. But above all, it brings me joy, a celebration Continued on page… 05
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Vol. No. 20 Issue No. 01
Joint AFP-PNP… From page 02 CAMP LEON KILAT, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental – Another dissatisfied member of the Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered with his firearms to the troops of 16th Scout Ranger Company (16SRC) under 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade at Barangay Carabalan, Himalayan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, January 08, 2021. COL LEONARDO I PEÑA (MNSA) PA, Commander, 302nd Brigade identified the returnee as Jerryd Gargoles, also known in the movement as SARGENT/ANGEL, 21 years of age and Team Leader of Squad 1, Regional Strike Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor (KR NCBS). The following items were likewise surrendered by aka ANGEL: One (1) COLT Caliber .45 pistol with SN: 981989; One (1) INTRATEC KG-9 caliber 9mm with SN: 012921; One (1) Magazine for Cal. 45 pistol loaded with seven (7) rounds ammunition; One (1) magazine for KG-9 loaded with twenty-one (21) rounds ammunition; and several subversive documents of essential value to determine the plans of the terrorist group in the area. Col Peña warmly welcomed the returnee who apparently realized that his life in the communist movement will just go astray. The Army Brigade Com-
CAMP LEON KILAT, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental – The 302nd Infantry (ACHIEVER) Brigade, 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division, Philippine Army being in-charge of the Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operations Task Force (JEMPO TF) in Negros, welcomes MGEN ERIC C VINOYA PA, Commander of the Joint Task Force Spear and also the Commander of 3ID, Philippine Army at the JEMPO TF Operations Center co-located with the Headquarters of 542nd Engineer Construction (Pathfinder) Battalion, Philippine Army in Sitio Tuyuman, Brgy Caradio-an, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental today January 6, 2021 (Wednesday). MGEN ERIC C VINOYA was apprised by the Commander of 302nd Inf Bde, COL LEONARDO I PEÑA (MNSA) PA, who is also the designated JEMPO TF Commander in Negros, along with his staff and subordinate commanders about the task force's significant
Sagay City, Negros Occidental – A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was apprehended by the joint elements of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion and Talisay City PNP on January 14, 2021 at Hda. Ambulog, Brgy San Fernando, Talisay City, Negros Occidental. This came after the incident that transpired on January 13, 2021 where unidentified persons believed to be members of CPP-NPA escaped when the troops responded to a report on the presence of armed group in Hda. Ambulog. The troops were monitoring the area when they noticed a suspicious person about to enter the house of Marilyn Dianton. The troops immediately hold the said individual for questioning and was later identified as Ruffa Baynosa y Sobelario aka Reniel, a resident of Brgy San Jose, Toboso, NOC. Upon verification by the PNP Talisay, Ruffa Baynosa has an existing three (3) warrants of arrest with Criminal case no. 4353,4354 and 4355 all for Murder, Criminal case no. 4356, 4357, 4358 all for Frustrated Murder, and Criminal case no. 4359, and 5356-58 for another Frustrated Murder issued by Ma. Rita Bascos Sarabia, Presiding Judge of RTC
mander said, “We are thankful for this achievement of our troops; I commend the 16th Scout Ranger Company under CPT ROLDAN T PANGILINAN PA for a job well done. It also proved the professionalism of our Scout Rangers that they are indeed - A Force for Peace! I also thank Mr Jerryd Gargoles, for his decision to lay down his arms and move out from the deceitful belief that the CPPNPA imparts to their recruits and their members. With the whole of government approach through the Task ForceELCAC, we will help Jerryd restore a normal life with his love ones. This is a clear manifestation that members of the CPP-NPA are losing their will to fight and the confidence with their movement because of their falsehearted ideology.” Col Peña added, “We encourage the remaining members of the terrorist group to heed the government’s call for peace. Our relentless effort to hunt you down will surely give you a miserable life. With the help of our Lord and the community, we will end this problem that has been going on for five (5) decades. Rest assured that your Army in Negros will continuously support the local government to protect the Negrosanons from the hands of the comm u n i s t t e r r o r i s t Aklan’s COVID-19… group.” (MAJ KHADAFFY A TA- From page 01 WANTAWAN (INF) PA/Phil. Army) KALIBO, Aklan Jan. 15 (PIA6) – The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the province of Aklan has already breached the 500-mark and the infections have kept on surging, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here. Based on the report of PHO-Aklan, as achievements; as well as, its ongoing plaguing not only Negros Provinces but operational activities to sustain the the whole country, as well." gains in Central and Southern Negros MGen Vinoya, during his Comagainst the CPP-NPA-NDF and in Law mander’s guidance, congratulated and Enforcement Support Operations motivated the JEMPO TF by saying, (LESO). The area of operations of the "The higher units of the AFP together JEMPO task force is crucial for gaining with the PNP in West and Central the grounds to pave way and support the Visayas are ecstatic with what you are government’s thrust of establishing an doing here in Central and Southern environment conducive for peace and Negros. We are thankful for your unseldevelopment in Negros Island. fish job to accomplish the mission deCol Peña was elated during the visit spite you have not fully availed and enof MGen Vinoya as it boosts the morale joyed the holiday season with your reof the operating troops under the spective family. Surely, with your sacriJEMPO TF. He said, “Together with the fices, we will earn the fruits of our labor PNP partners, we are truly thankful to and leave nothing for the terrorist the Commander JTF Spear not only for groups who are hindering the Peace and his visit; but for his confidence with the Progress in this area. With a fresh start JEMPO Task Force in accomplishing its for 2021, we will not just hit them; but mandate at Central and Southern we will hit them hard for the protection Negros. The JEMPO TF in Negros Isof the Filipino people whom we are servland will continue to hunt down the reing!" (MAJ KHADAFFY A TAWANTAmaining terrorists in the area to finally WAN (INF) PA/Phil. Army) eradicate them and prevent them from
PIA AKLAN BALITA
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Vol. No. 20 Issue No. 01
Priests, Seminarians… From page 03
Health experts cited the need for an information campaign to increase vaccine confidence among Filipinos amid concerns over efficacy of vaccines. Infectious disease expert Dr. Bryan Albert Lim emphasized the need for LGUs and the national government to increase vaccine confidence among Filipinos by educating them about the whole vaccination process. "Our conversation now should already shift to vaccine education. We should now be talking about this," Dr. Lim said during the Mugstoria Ta, an online conversation hosted by Assistant Secretary Anthony Gerard ‘Jonji’ Gonzales of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas. He urged the public not to "demonize" specific vaccine brands, since these need to go through the approval process of the country's health authorities before they are commercially release to the market. Lim explained that the limited global supply of COVID-19 vaccines is a major challenge so the Philippine government is negotiating with various suppliers. Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of the Department of Health in Central
Visayas (DOH-7) and Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of DOH-8, echoed Lim's call for educating the public on the importance of vaccines. To achieve herd immunity, the government targets that 70 percent of the population will be vaccinated, according to Dr. Bernadas. Loreche then pointed out the importance of educating people and the need to cascade the information about vaccination. They also urged local government units to plan for the vaccination program, including storage and distribution, as it is crucial in the country's vaccination program. The vaccine developed by Pfizer has to be kept in extreme cold at minus 70 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the Moderna vaccine needs to be frozen at minus 20 degrees Celsius, more like a regular freezer. The AstraZeneca needs to be kept between two and eight degrees Celsius, around the temperature of a regular refrigerator. Dr. Bernadas emphasized the important role of health units across the country, including those in the municipal and barangay levels, for the vaccination implementation. Meanwhile, Bernadas said the government has already started the
of koinonia (Christian fellowship) as I thank the many people whom I encountered and inspired me to work hard in the vineyard of our Lord,” said Gevero. Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, in his statement, said the activity would not only strengthen the relationship among priests in Capiz, but will deepen their faith to serve continuously as well. "The activity will give them a glimpse on the realities inside Camp Peralta, thus our hope that they persistently pray for the divine guidance to all the Spearhead troopers as they carry on their duties and responsibilities towards God, country, and people," Vinoya said. (MAJ CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA/Phil. Army) trainer's training to prepare the country's health system for the vaccination program. He also called on LGUs that have prepared funds for their vaccine purchase, to work closely with the national government regarding their procurement. The government may issue an Emergency Authorization Use (EAU) to a vaccine brand to make it readily available for public use./PR