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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Malay Boracay LGU) |
The local government unit (LGU) of Malay Boracay amplifies its thrust for tourism and green investments in this year’s Tourism Week Celebration. Through its partner Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA), the LGU announced Daenniel Fernandez of Palawan as the winner of their much anticipated High 5 Boracay Song Writing Competition. With almost 50 entries from all over the country and a month-long online voting period last August 2022, the organization geared towards positioning Boracay for meetings, incentives, conferences, conventions, and events (MICE) praised the work of the tourism student from Palawan State University with his composition entitled “Isla Boracay”.
The 24-year-old tourism student shares, “I’m truly proud of this accomplishment not just for myself but as well as for Boracay for continuously thinking of ways to engage artists and young Filipinos like me to be part of nation building. Everyone has a role to play and me winning this competition is a huge plus.” BMA Chairperson Cleofe Albiso confirms that “other than the recognition, Fernandez will take home a Php100,000 cash prize through the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI and Local Government Unit of Malay”. Top finalists Simon Moes Almira from Puerto Princessa, Jamie Roy from Taguig City, and Rhode Ryan Velez from Iloilo City will also receive Php10,000 worth of cash as consolation prizes. Albiso shares, “As part of a bigger sustainability effort, BMA plans to collaborate and play the song across radio stations and establishments daily every 5:00 pm for five minutes that will signal the start of a regular clean-up drive in the island.”
To strengthen this effort, Executive Order No. 32 series of 2023, an ordinance requiring all establishments and other stakeholders thereof to participate in the HIGH 5 BORACAY CLEANUP PROGRAM, has also already been signed by the Malay Mayor Hon. Frolibar Bautista to aid in the immediate execution of this initiative. Mayor Bautista notes, “It is important for us to marry the efforts of the local government units and that of the tourism sector for us to be on the same page because it after all benefits everyone.” In an interview, DOT Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriquez said, “Private institutions and MICE attendees have a significant role in maintaining Boracay’s cleanliness, not only for the benefit of the environment but also for the island’s tourism industry, public health, and overall sustainability”. She further adds that “their actions contribute to the preservation of Boracay’s natural beauty and the well-being of its community and visitors”.
Albiso, who is also the Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, says, “Apart from its aim to bring more MICE business to the island, the organization is upholding its obligation to spearhead efforts on keeping the island clean through sustainable efforts made more accessible to everyone especially its tourism operators and guests.” Currently, BMA now has more than 50 partner establishments ranging from airlines, land and sea transportation services, accommodation, and meeting venue operators within the island.
