There are amazing adventures and flourishing business and tourism on Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan primarily because there is peace and order.
Once, Malay and the whole province of Aklan, especially the mountainous areas of Ibajay, were threatened by insurgents and common criminals, with plenty of loose firearms and violent incidents happening.
Former Gov. Florencio “Joeben” Miraflores, who was governor then, endeavored to mobilize the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies and institutions to make the province, especially Boracay, free from crime.
Miraflores even initiated the government’s move to use local peace negotiations to talk peace with a major group of insurgents who broke away from the New People’s Army (NPA). This is the group called Rebolusyonaryong Partido Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army - Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group or RPM-P/RPA ABB-TBG now known as Kapatiran.
There rebels who had been the bane of businessmen and investors in Aklan, particularly Boracay, were convinced by Lolo Guv Miraflores to talk peace with the government, for which Governor Joeben was awarded the Gawad Kapayapaan Highest Distinction Award by the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
The award was given in September, 2023 but the efforts of Miraflores toward peace resonate until now, as Boracay remains peaceful and business continues to grow there.
With Boracay making waves in international and local tourism, Aklan itself and the whole of Panay island have become beneficiaries of continued economic growth and high rate of employment and incomes of their constituents.
Great Boracay Getaway
The peaceful and healthy business climate in Boracay continues with the private sector launching promotional and marketing initiatives such as the ongoing Great Boracay Getaway.
The Great Boracay Getaway gives travelers more reasons to go back to the island.
Running from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, this exclusive, island-wide promotion offers unbeatable travel bundles, added perks, and unique experiences to gather all hotels, food and dining outlets, wellness providers, and other merchants in Boracay. This special initiative aims to make Boracay a must-visit destination, encouraging longer stays with curated experiences from the moment you arrive to the time you come back.
The initiative invites local and international tourists to explore a refreshed and reinvigorated Boracay. Each participating establishment offers curated experiences such as door-to-door travel packages, beachfront room packages, exciting island-hopping adventures, and relaxing spa & massage vouchers not available anywhere else.
Organized by the Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA), this campaign was conceptualized last November by general managers and directors of sales and marketing of hotels and resorts from across the island. The goal is to align efforts in creating exceptional experiences for every traveler stepping foot on Boracay’s shores.
“This is the most beautiful Boracay has ever been. The island has undergone significant rejuvenation since the six months of rehabilitation and its temporary closure during the pandemic. Now, travelers can look forward to a destination that offers endless water activities, vibrant culinary offerings, and the most pristine beaches. There’s much to choose from—and we want the world to know just how excited we are to welcome them back,” said Cleofe Albiso, chairman of Boracay MICE Alliance.
“We are excited to offer travelers a seamless way to plan their next Boracay getaway. We’re allowing them to conveniently purchase everything they need for their trip, including non-expiring vouchers, all in one platform, which they can use when they book anytime,” said Maia Israel, area general manager of Boracay Newcoast properties.
The list of participating brands: Almon Ink Tattoo, Altabriza Resort Boracay, Alta Vista, Aria Cucina Italiana, Azalea Hotels, B and C, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Boracay Adventures, Boracay Amor Apartments, Boracay Beach Truck, Boracay Grace, Boracay Haven Resort, Boracay Haven Suites, Cafe del Sol, Crimson Boracay, Grand Blue, Hama Japanese Cuisine, Mega Paraw, My Boracay Guide, New Lounge, Ondus, Purple Diaries, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Shore Time Condotel, Shore Time Hotel, Viaje and Traveloco.ph .
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