By Leo Udtohan
 |
| Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado delivers his accomplishments in his First 100
days in office on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of the New
Capitol Building in Tagbilaran City. Contributed photo |
In a speech detailing his accomplishments in his First 100 days in office on Friday (Oct. 7) at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Capitol Building, Aumentado assured his supporters that he will be true to his campaign promises.
He shared his administration's ten-point development agenda- jobs and livelihood, peace and order, infrastructure, governance reforms, health and social services, trade and industry, eco-cultural tourism, agriculture, education and heritage and protection of the environment.
He said when he ran for governor, he took a hard look at the many issues and concerns that beset the people caused by the two years of COVID- 19 pandemic and the onslaught of super typhoon Odette.
"Our two main economic drivers - agriculture and tourism — suffered greatly. Many of our farmers, fisherfolks, businessmen, frontliners and ordinary workers despaired of their future," Aumentado said.
He revealed that even in the gloomy situation, some unscrupulous people in - and even out of -government have managed to advance their own personal interests, resulting to the reported widespread graft and corruption at the Capitol.
True to his campaign promise to institute good governance, he took steps to rid the Capitol of unscrupulous people who have soiled the good reputation of Boholanos.
"The so-called Ivan who victimized quarry operators, mining permitees, and sand and gravel dealers by collecting 30% kicback, has been removed from the equation," he reported.
In just three months, he said the provincial government tripled the collection of quarry permit fees from industry players. And there is now a substantial increase of bidders and a more fair and transparent procurement set-up.
He also said that for the First 100 days, his administration's biggest move to realize a clean and honest government was the creation of the Office for Governance, Accountability, and Reform (OGAR) that will dig into past and present anomalous transactions.
"The office is being manned by people of highest integrity and probity who are one with your Governor in the goal of keeping our Capitol corruption-free. It is considered as the first of its kind in the history of local government administration and governance," Aumentado said.
He also mentioned that to jumpstart the economic recovery, his administration triggered a stimulus by creating and mobilizing the Bohol Economic Recovery Task Force and convened the Bohol Investment Board composed of government and private individuals and organizations whose mission is focused on reviving Bohol's economy under the new normal, and in identifying priority areas and incentive packages for investors.
He said that he opened Bohol for investors like Ayala group, Robinsons, SM, the Aboitiz group, Puregold, the Pangilinan group, Megaworld and many others to invest in Bohol to give jobs and income generation.
He also pushed with much vigor the province's tourism industry. He said his administration crafted new and smart strategies to propel what we have started as a booming industry prior to the pandemic.
The provincial government also fixed the overprice of local tourism services and products through fair and equitable regulation following reports of expensive food being sold to tourists at Virgin Island and other tourist establishments.
He also boasted an improved tourism package during the Philippine Travel Mart in Manila a week ago, Bohol promoted their 4Fs as new tourism magnets: Food, Fiesta, Fitness, and Faith-based tourism strategies.
"No, we cannot present Bohol with the same packaging ten, twenty years ago. We have to open new frontiers. We have to innovative, mindful that we have so many unique Boholano ingredients to present more attractive tourist offerings," said who established ties with other countries for possible economic initiatives and cultural exchanges.
He said that globally, Bohol is attracting notice like a rockstar becoming the Philippine's first UNESCO Geopark. Bohol has just been nominated for the UNESCO Global Geopark for its rare geologic monuments, biodiversity, rich cultural heritage and tourism sites, and their being managed in a sustainable and holistic mariner.
The provincial government entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the maintenance and preservation of the Danajon Double-Barrier Reef, considered to be a world heritage.
"Much remains to be done. But with your abiding faith in the present leadership coupled with God's help, I know we can do much more and much better in attaining our goal of becoming a smart, resilient province advancing climate smart agriculture and sustainable tourism," Aumentado said.
The First 100 Days of Aumentado was attended by Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, board members, municipal mayors and heads of the different departments.
