The greatness of CPG

By Leo Udtohan 

Ang lalawigang Bol-anon

May anak nga bantugan

Matarung ug maligdong

Sulundon ug buotan.

Ang iyang mga mithi

Gugma ug kaangayan

Pag- alagad nga hingpit

Sa yuta tang natawhan.

Ug halad ka sa langit

Alang Bol-anon katawhan

Ang mga buhat mong matarung

Kanunay namong gikamingawan

Ang dila mong balaknon

Garbo ning yutang tabunon

Carlos P. Garcia buhi ka sa tanang panahon.

Ikaw mao ang kadasig,

Ikaw mao ang kalagsik,

Ikaw mao ang kahayag,

Sa dalan namong mangitngit.

Among paninguhaun ang pagsunod sa imong mga lakang

Ug ang imong pagtulun-an

Dili namo hikalimtan.

 — Carlos P. Garcia: Bantugang Bol-anon

While singing and humming that song (composed and written by Onecimo “Onie” Oclarit from his Ubilandia album), you and I can further reflect on the greatness of the late Carlos P. Garcia as Bohol celebrated his 126th birth anniversary last Friday, Nov. 4.

As we remember CPG, may we be inspired by his example of prioritizing the interests of the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, the greatness of CPG was remembered after three former governors of Bohol were honored during the commemoration of the 126th birth anniversary of CPG, Bohol’s most illustrious son. 

The posthumous awards were given to Victor De la Serna, Constancio Torralba and David Tirol for their exemplary deeds and contributions to the province. The awards were received by their respective familes.

Dela Serna was appointed officer-in-charge (OIC) governor from March to October in 1987 following the 1986 People Power Revolution. He was the first Boholano bar topnotcher in 1965 and he served as a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. 

Torralba, former undersecretary of DPWH under Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, was appointed OIC governor from October to December in 1987.  He was elected governor from 1988 –1992. 

Tirol was elected governor from 1992-1995.

Nov. 4 is a special non-working holiday in the province of Bohol. 

The commemorative program in honor of CPG was attended by CPG scholars and provincial officials led by Gov. Aris Aumentado. He led the flag- raising and wreath laying ceremonies along with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Victor Balite, heads of offices, national agencies and civil society organizations at the CPG Park before the program that was held at the provincial Capitol lobby. 

In his message, Aumentado said CPG is a

shining example for the youth. He recalled his own inaugural address to pay tribute to CPG, who he said along with his late father and former Gov. Erico Aumentado whose public service life birthed his own passion and commitment. 

He said his "Abante Bohol, Boholano First," was inspired by the former president’s widely known Filipino First Policy. 

"The History of Bohol" written by Lumin Tirol-Pamaran was also launched during the event. The book provides rich historical account of the province from  pre-Spanish era to the early 1970s.

The event was also attended by Marilou Valmoria-Fudalan, a descendant of CPG. 

CPG, who was born in a small village in Talibon town, became the 4th president of the Republic of the Philippines and the first president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. He was known for his "First Filipino Policy." 

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