Lights blink out in Boracay

BORACAY, Aklan – More than a hundred protesters, mostly resort owners and their employees, staged a rally on the white sands of this island yesterday to denounce poor service by power distributor Aklan Electric Cooperative Inc. (Akelco).

The rallyists complained that the resorts and other establishments in the world-renowned tourist destination have been greatly affected by shortage of power that has resulted in frequent voltage fluctuations and brownouts.

"We have been suffering heavy losses from equipment damage as a result of these fluctuations," said Airen Ganzon, manager of the Sea Wind Beach Resort. "We had to buy another generator set to compensate daily operations due to the brownouts."

Voltage drops to as low as 30 percent of normal, the resort operators said.

Establishment owners, employees and several residents said that as memebrs of the cooperative they have a right to adequate services. They demanded the resignation of Akelko general manager Leovigildo Mationg.

The Akelko office here declined to issue any statement in connection with the rally and the complaints.

Protesters also called on President Arroyo to improve the supply of power to the island.

"If this is does not improve, Boracay might lose its international image," said one resident.<