Diocese of Tagbilaran holds Requiem Mass for Pope Benedict XVI

By Leo Udtohan 

TAGBILARAN CITY — A Requiem Mass was held at Diocese of Tagbilaran on Wednesday, Jan. 4, to honor the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

The pope emeritus, whose birth name was Joseph Ratzinger, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022 at the age of 95.

Bishop Abet Uy led the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine at 12 noon. 

In his homily, Uy said that Pope Benedict was given the nickname "God's Rottweiler" for his uncompromising conservative views.

He stressed that the pope was completely the opposite of the caricatures that his enemies made of him.

"Caricatures are simply not true or exactly the opposite. He was meek, humble, warmth and very compassionate who listens and makes one important," Uy said. 

The prelate also shared on how Pope Benedict tried to teach the joy of discipleship.

He said Tagbilaran Bishop Emeritus Leonardo Medroso, and Boholano bishops 

Antonieto Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao and Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar could vouch for the pope. 

"They said he's gentle, simple, holy, loving kaayo, same sa Ginoo," said Uy. 

The prelate ended his homily borrowing the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist. Only he gives the fullness of life to humanity!" 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope at age 78 and took the name Benedict XVI. 

He served as pope from 2005 to 2013 and was the first pope to resign from the papacy in almost 600 years.

Photo caption:

Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran officiates the requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy 

Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

At least 2,000 people queued at a community pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for Thursday's opening. The beneficiaries are hoping to get some foods and goods for their families.  Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Mercy Tapia had to endure the long que during Thursday's opening of the Bohol Community Pantry at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in this city.

At least 2,000 beneficiaries hoped to get some foods and goods for their families.

Tapia, 42, a wife of a fisherman, said the inclement weather in the past days due to typhoon Bising left her and her family struggling for food. 

"Lisud jud kaayo rung panahuna kusog ang hangin mao wala nakapanagat," said Tapia, a mother of one.

When she heard that the church had a community pantry, she came early two hours before the scheduled opening at 1:30 p. m. 

However, it started late when some residents failed to follow protocols. Some volunteers had a hard time asking residents to observe social distancing. 

The crowd behaved when Bishop Abet Uy politely asked them to follow safety protocols. 

Bishop Abet Uy with Tagbilaran City's First Lady Jane Yap during the opening of Bohol Community Pantry at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 "Pero we are happy nakahimo ta sa atong adjustments with the help of our volunteers  nahan-ay ra ang mga tawo ming-behave rapud sila nga dili na magduol kaayo bitaw. Kay mao man atong worry nga pagpig-it tungod kay naa tay virus gilikayan," Bishop Uy said. 

The prelate said they hopefully can come up with a better plan or system that safety protocols would be observed. 

The Church’s pantry is providing free rice, eggs, instant noodles, vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. There is also free porridge and pancakes from "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. 

The public could also donate goods or cash for the people who were in need.

Tapia was able to get rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits.  She also received free porridge and pancakes. 

"Dako jud kaayo ni natabang namo, salamat kaayo," said Tapia. 

Bishop Uy said community pantries not only provide the needs of our less-fortunate countrymen but it also unite people to share the love of G-d. 

He said pantries also build empathy by engaging meaningfully with others, being aware of other people's needs, and being kind to others and ourselves. 

"There will be a big impact not only  to the poor but also to the rich people who are given the opportunity to help and share the blessings they have. This is also an eye- opener that we need to help each other in order to survive the pandemic," he said. 

The "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 

Giving has surged during the coronavirus crisis.  In Bohol, several community pantries have sprouted in Tagbilaran, Alona Beach in Panglao, Jagna and Talibon towns. 

Businesswoman Meg Raynaldo, owner of the D'Box in Tagbilaran City, also set up her own Paw Pantry to give free food to cats and dogs. 

Charity is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity. Nothing in your pocket? Show some empathy. 

No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others.

It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you.

* * * 

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

My ‘recycled’ gifts for my favorite Boholanos

Since we are celebrating Christmas, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos.

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
(Do you hear what I hear?)
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know?

In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know?
(Do you know what I know?)
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and…

 -Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Do You Hear What I Hear? is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of its haunting, urgent and modern message. Originally penned by Noel and Gloria Regney in 1962, it is a timeless Christmas prayer for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Cold War.

 

Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Robert Goulet, Susan Boyle and Andy Williams are just a few of the artists that have recorded the more than 120 versions of Do You Hear What I Hear? in musical styles from jazz to reggae.

 

Since Christmas is only five sleeps away, here’s my own list of "recycled" gifts for my favorite Boholanos:

 

-For Gov. Art Yap — Unwavering commitment for the welfare of the Boholanos.

 

-For Vice Governor Rene Relampagos— A clean bill of health! He has more work to share his extensive experience involving local governance.

 

-For Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Vanessa Aumentado-— More noble initiatives for the promotion and improvement of the second district of Bohol. Their “fitspiration” can inspire many people to live a healthy lifestyle.  

 

-For Representatives Alexie Tutor and Edgar Chatto — Confidence that they have the continued support of their constituents and more successful efforts in local governance.  Same for Board Members Jade Acapulco Bautista, Lucille Lagunay, Mimi Boniel and Aldner Damalerio.

 

-For Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap and First Lady Jane Yap— More high-impact projects for Tagbilaran City’s #AsensoPaMore.

 

-For Celina Villocino and Raclaire Stephan Trigo — An opportunity to represent the beauty and grace of the Boholano women in a national pageant.

 

-For Willy Ramasola—   A “silencer” that will prevent him from posting “shocking” and “revealing” tidbits. He can do it after Christmas! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

-For Joy Sevilla and Rain Calimbayan— Creative and colorful ideas for their bayong projects ! And peace pipes they should smoke with Willy Ramasola! Peace! Peace! Peace!

 

 -For Vanessa Cubrado and her beau— Wedding bells! Wedding bells!  Same for  Elvie Bongosia and Erol Macalandag.

 

-For Dominic “Dobap” Aparicio and Charmaine—   A marriage contract! His Christmas wish? “I will be celebrating my Christmas together with my future wife, Charmaine. Though almost all of us are struggling due to the crisis brought about by pandemic, we should not forget that everything happens for a reason. This is the time we should show and give love to everyone, express love to one another and spend it to the people we treasure the most. Loving them the way God loves us.”

 

-For Mizken Tirol- A colorful lovelife!

 

-For  Shanon Pamaong, Maximiel Tallo, Mikee Andrei, Omie Auza, Jong Magallano, Omie Auza, Rose and Paul Ranara, Rhigel Dulfo, Charlow Arbasto and EJ Relampagos, Aileen Sendrijas, Khim Magtagad —A huge runway project to display their artistic collections! Same for Khim Laway, Roxanne Monton, Kim Villamor, Christian Bustrillos, Ryan Sadudaquil, Christian Relator and Nikki Simporios.

 

-For Chris John Rener Torralba— More opportunities for professional growth and a holiday with his special someone.

 

-For Mikey Gatal— A hot partner to color his world.  Same for Jholly Lim, Edison Gumapac, Anthony Ceniza and Butch Bernas.

 

-For Benjie Oliva and Atty. Joan Jagonos-Oliva —Another “joint” venture!  The nights are cold! Ha!Ha!Ha! More energy to liase between provincial and national leaders.  His Christmas wish? “We will celebrate Christmas at home in Quezon City with family and friends. We will prepare our usual Christmas delicious recipes for the Filipino Christmas tradition Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Dinner) like Paella, Morcon, Embutido, Kaldereta, Pansit, Bibingka and Lechon de Leche. And the family will set up a wide screen TV for the online Christmas Eve Mass. We also prepare gifts for the children and a trip to Tagaytay and Batangas to breathe some fresh air in the holidays.”

 

-For Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan (of Touch of April) and Arch. Junibe Froilan— A long-delayed stork’s visit.  Same for  Eden Descallar and Mikel Ceballos and Anthony Aniscal and DarL.

 

 -For Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin—She can establish her own school for beauty pageant and public speaking in the province. After all, she has nothing to prove to anyone. Her Christmas wish? “That there will be enough food for each and every member of the family to partake and share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, even in this difficult time when our smiles are concealed.”

 

-For Achinette Joy Villamor—More award-winning films! Her Christmas wish? “No plans. Maybe we will watch two films at night instead of one, read more books, maybe get a little writing done. Because we always lived outside of the normal anyway, 2020 feels like one more exercise in improvisation, like playing jazz, shooting guerilla, speaking extemporaneously. You go into a state of flow, managing bumps as they come. The funny thing about this is, the science affirms it. Jazz and physics are more connected than earlier realized.”

 

-For Lailette Boiser, TinTin Ng and Gerry Lugod— Another teleseryes and movies that will showcase  their natural acting.  Same for YamYam Guc-ong, Niña Vivoree Matutes Esclito and Fenech Aimee Veloso.

 

-For lawyers Julius Gregory Delgado and Marie Nickie Bolos— Another “joint venture.”  The night is getting colder!  Ha!Ha Ha! 

 

-For Nestor Pestelos, Dr. Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing, Maria Fe Evasco, Pat Ruiz, Atty. Kins Aparece, Salvio Makinano, Judge Raul Barbarona, Mightee Palo, Rosalinda Paredes, Vera  Villocido-Gesite, Emilia Roslinda, Doris Dinorog-Obena, Liza Macalandag, Isidore Ancog, Ellen Gallares, Lester Ouano, Michael Canares, Clement Paulinel Ingking, Jesse Acebes, Ludwig Quirog, and other earth warriors, Alex Bongawan, Dr. Mutya Tirol-Macuno, et al—Strength of character to overcome challenges and to continue advocacies.

 

-For Fred Araneta, Chito Visarra and Tibbs Bullecer (of dyrd’s Inyong Alagad) and Allen Doydora and Anthony Aniscal (of dyRD’s Tagbilaran By Nite) —   More explosive issues, more interesting and “controversial” personalities in their radio programs.  Same for Lito Responte, Peddy Bolanio and Ted Ayeng of dyTR’s Cuentas Claras, Bob Galero and Bohol’s Queen of All Media Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy.

 

-For Leah Tirol-Magno, Karla Magno,  Dalareich Polot, Meg Raynaldo —Continued balance in professional and artistic endeavors. Same for Atty. Ted Lagang and Atty. Licelle Zamora.

 

-For Marianito Luspo, Gardy Labad, Reigh Monreal, Fr. Val Pinlac, et al —Unwavering dedication for preservation of historical and cultural assets of the province.

 

-For Joey Labrador, Sam Penaso, Rico Tompong, Pedro Angco Jr., Jackie Curambao, et al— More zeal to embark on more creative pursuits in arts.

 

-For Hannah Precillas, Gian Ale, Mark Michael Garcia, Cleai Tadena, Allan Roy Santarin, Gian Luigi Ale, Kimpoy Mainit, Humfrey Nicasio, Jerome Sala, Isabel Iris Garsuta and Center Stage Band— More music!!!

 

-For Anna Maris Igpit-Taylor and Thomas Luke Taylor, Rebecca Lusterio and Thomas Mejiso —Another “joint venture.” He!He!He! Same for lawyer David Maulas and Jenissa Laguda Peteros, Abdul Wallace and Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs-Wallace, Doxson Asoy and Karen Digal, Marianne Domivee Chatto and Rob Calipes.

 

-For Bebei Tagoctoc —The “Most Powerful Bading” deserves a round-trip ticket to Europe!  Her “Hair Majesty” deserves a grand vacation.

 

-For Shandy Mission, Ryan Sines, EP Relampagos, Rholly Ingking, Jonathan Ucat,  Donna Vitos, Nina Jasmine Cadeliña, Ramil Dolauta, Tamara, et al — A “hairy” year 2021 to more rakets and pangkabuhayan projects.   

 

-For Joseph Gara—Another album to showcase his artistic talent.  Same for Glee Orcullo and Feby Ingking and CenterStage Band.

 

-For Pauline C. Amelincx  —  An opportunity to represent the Philippines in an international pageant.

 

-For Ingemar Macarine — The “Pinoy Aquaman” can conquer the English Channel in July 2022.

 

-For  Tessie Labunog-Sumampong, Marilou Dumaluan, Reichyl Vallente, Mary Ebone Cimafranca-Ong, Walter and Leslie Ramirez, Tina and Alexander Dumas,  Mila Lim — Grace under pressure in keeping with the demands of business pursuits.

 

-For Marisol Balistoy – She will be an instrument  that people who have lost their livelihood during the pandemic will find means to bring income into their families to provide for their needs in this health crisis.

 

-For DTI ASEc Aster Caberte – That as a Boholana trusted with higher position in the national government, she will be able to communicate the programs of the government that will give assistance and will redound to bring economic recovery to affected sectors.

 

-For Bishops Abet Uy and Dan Parcon– They can inspire more followers, especially the downtrodden. Same for Msgr. Jeff Malanog and Fr. Warli Salise Jr. , Pastors Boy Rio and Bobby Rio.

 

May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter!

 

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook/Instagram.

Bohol farms dry up due to El Niño

Wake-uppers:

Scene: For the faithful, the presence of the heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis last week placed inside a glass casing also mean the visit of the saint himself. The relic was brought to the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral last March 8, which was followed by a Mass officiated by Bishop Albert Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. After the Mass, Boholanos who are known for their intense Catholic faith, started lining up to get close to the relic. They took turned in either touching the glass that housed the heart or wiping it with their handkerchief while uttering a short prayer.

Scene: Boy Pernia on the Bohol Poll 2019:  For all the 23 years of conducting surveys HNU poll forgot to include to survey the 2nd dist? First of all they have a pre-survey where questions are carefully crafted to cover all bases;We have been an active participant and supporter of HNU poll enough reason for them not to forget; We were never given the courtesy of an explanation except during the public consultation. They even wrote us a letter informing us of the presentation and they could not even explain the situation to us? This incident has left a black mark on the integrity of HNU poll. They should not prostitute the process.

***

Farmers reaping the grains and the noise of “bulhot” (manual threshing machines) were usual scenes this month as rice farmers in Bohol who planted early their crops are now reaping their first harvest for 2019.

For the 35 -year-old farmer Ruel Barrete, the golden grains were mature enough to harvest, a sign of good harvest.

 "Maayo nga panahon, naka-una mi og tanum mao wala maapsi sa El Niño," said Barrete who farms near Barangay Buenos Aires in this town. He was able to harvest 17 sacks of rice in his 2,000 sq meter rice paddy last week.

He was happy with the quality of grains because it was bigger and heavier compared to last year’s harvest which dropped to only 9 sacks while the grains were smaller. Barrete, 35, also helped in harvesting a nearby 1-hectare farm with other farmers which would yield to 60 sacks of rice.

The effects of the El Niño phenomenon
affecting Bohol has been draining the Malinao
Dam in Pilar town, Bohol province, with its
water level dropping to a critical spot.
 Large cracks appeared in some parts of waterbeds
of the dam. Photo by Leo Udtohan

Farmers also harvested their palay in Dimiao, Ubay, Carmen, Batuan, Bilar, Pilar and Sierra-Bullones.

“Based on our observation, we have a good harvest this year. We are 90 percent in our harvesting season hitting a rice sufficiency in the province,” said acting provincial agriculturist Larry Pamugas.

Farmers are expected to produce a total average of 200,000 metric tons of palay (paddy rice) which could generate at least 100,000 metric tons of milled rice that can feed about 1.1 million people for one year.

However, not all farmers were fortunate.

Many of the farmers who lost their newly harvested and ready to harvest rice to the dry spell already suffered from the impacts of dry spell in 2016 and 2018.

The rice bowl of Central Visayas has been reeling from the drought brought on by El Niño phenomenon.  Farmers reported that their palay had either wilted or literally burned due the intense heat of the sun.

The lack of water caused the palay of Orcesio Amoy planted in a 8,000-square meter farm lot in Sitio Camanayon, Barangay Buenos in Carmen to wilt. His rice paddies had cracked due to lack of water while the palay had turned yellow as these started to wilt.

 Amoy said he was expecting to get a huge financial lost. Last year, he was not able to recover the P20,000 he invested in farm inputs after suffering from the brunt of a dry spell.

Gerry Quita, a farmer from Sierra-Bullones, said that the intense heat literally burned down some of the stalks while others had wilted. Those that survived did not grow as tall. “It is very hot. I planted late so my palay were burned,” he said.

He relied on rains that didn't come due to the drought. Bohol is known as the rice bowl of the Central Visayas.

Pamugas said the farmers and their crops were insured by the Philippine Crops Insurance System. For palay, the coverage is P30,000 per hectare.

Several ricefields in Bohol have dried up
as palay seedlings have turned yellowish green
due to the dry season made intense by the El Niño
 phenomenon. Photo by Leo Udtohan

Farmers are expected to produce a total average of 200,000 metric tons of palay (paddy rice) which could generate at least 100,000 metric tons of milled rice that can feed about 1.1 million people for one year.

The average daily consumption of Bohol is 9,020 bags a day, according to National Food Authority (NFA) Bohol Manager Maria Fe Evasco.

For NFA, they will buy harvested palay for P 20.70 pesos from farmers’ cooperatives, and P20.40 from individual farmers. NFA targeted to buy 13,840 bags from local farmers for the year.

 “We hope we can buy more,” said Evasco.

The agriculture sector in the province remains to be the major source of employment and livelihood, with 42 per cent of the province’s population working or dependent on agriculture.

The province has a total of 46,587 hectares for rice farming, which is 25 percent of the agricultural land area of the province at 185,276 hectares.

Of the 46, 587 hectares of rice field in Bohol, 24,000 hectares are irrigated through dams, small water catchments, and diversionary canals.

The rest of 23,000 hectares rely on rain.

In 2015 and 2017, Bohol produced 66 percent or 149 percent thousand metric tons of Central Visayas’ rice production and 10 percent of corn production.

A total of 238,728 metric tons in 2017 and 252, 816 metric tons in 2015, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The production lowered to 161,003 metric tons in 2016 due to a prolong dry spell.

The effects of the El Niño phenomenon were felt in some parts of the country including Bohol province.

The water supply in various irrigation systems - Malinao Dam in Pilar town, Bayongan Dam in San Miguel town, Capayas in Ubay town and Zamora Dam in Talibon town- have also dwindled.

Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas
said the water levels in Bohol dams could last
until May. He said their office would conduct cloud
seeding operations in May to protect possible damage
 to croplands and in preparation for the next cropping season.
Courtesy: GMA News

In Malinao Dam, the water level continues to drop to ”critical” spot. It is now lower than the 152- meter normal water level.

Some parts of waterbeds of Malinao Dam were already exposed, creating island-like grounds or large cracks on the dam.

Some springs and creeks in the province are drying up.

Pamugas said the water levels in these dams could sustain until May.

He said their office would conduct cloud seeding operations in May to protect possible damage to crop lands caused by dry spell and for the preparation for the next cropping season.

The cloud seeding operations have a budget of P2.3 million from the funds of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).

 There is no escaping the fact that the prevailing dry weather is more severe than was probably expected.

The dry season intensified by the El Niño is now felt in Bohol.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome atleoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

FIRST IN BOHOL: Inabanga lights up Christmas trees and parols dedicated to PWDs

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Rep. Dennis Laogan of Ang Kabuhayan Partylist visited Bohol on Friday (Sept. 28). Laogan introduced the Negosyo Caravan for cooperatives and micro, small  and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the P3 program that will serve as an alternative source of fund for the underprivileged entrepreneurs in Bohol. The “Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso” (P3) was introduced by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to help business of the underprivileged entrepreneurs grow. “This P3 program is one way to combat the 5-6 loan sharks,” Laogan told Bohol reporters. Laogan, the chairman of the House Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurs Development, is the youngest representative in the country. He 

Rep. Dennis Laogan (center) of Ang Kabuhayan Partylist 

officiated the oath of office of then Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and the newly installed House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo  as a tradition that the youngest congressman will administer the oath of the speaker.  Laogan was accompanied by Benjie Oliva, the acting Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) chairman of the Board of Administrators, who at 36 years old is the youngest person to have held the highest post of the regulatory body.

Scene: Red Tide Alert:  In its shellfish bulletin no. 25 dated Sept. 25, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned that the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol province are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) based on the latest laboratory results the bureau conducted. All types of shellfish gathered from the said areas are not safe for human consumption.

Scene:  The mayors’ troubles in Panglao town are far from over. Despite the order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recognizing Pedro Fuertes as the legitimate mayor of Panglao town, embattled Mayor Leonila Montero defied the department’s memorandum and still carried on her duties last Monday, Sept. 24. Montero and Fuertes both attended last Monday’s flag raising ceremony and gave speeches before the municipal employees. Montero explained she can’t honor the DILG decision ordering her to leave office as it was based on opinion and not valid. “It was done hastily, arbitrarily and very unlawfully,” she said. Fuertes, however, said that it’s only the law that could make him leave the mayor’s office. “The DILG knows who follows the law,” he said. “Your full-fledged mayor has followed the law. If we follow the law, mahapsay unta ang atong pagpangalagad.”

***

 Siblings Gerwin and Jan Vier Yudelmo went home to Inabanga town in Bohol to witness the town’s “Christmas tree lighting” ceremony on Saturday night, Sept. 22.

Inabanga residents and tourists gathered last Saturday, Sept. 22,
for the historic "Christmas Tree Lighting," the first town in Bohol
to come alive this Season.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

Yudelmo, 28, a call center technical representative in Cebu City, said he didn’t want to miss Christmas celebration which came early to his hometown.

Residents and tourists gathered at the town plaza to witness the spectacle of holiday lights, fireworks, live music and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Yudelmo said the town plaza infront of the town hall which sparkled with glowing lights melt their hearts.

“We are happy that our municipal plaza is full of Christmas lights because since the earthquake in 2013 up to the Abu Sayyaf siege, finally Inabangnons are able to celebrate Christmas without fear,” said Yudelmo.

“And for that it’s a merry, merry Christmas,” he added.

Inabanga was one of the towns severely damaged of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake which brought Bohol to its knees in 2013.   Still recovering from the aftermath of the quake, four years after at least 10 members of Abu Sayyaf, with the help of an Inabanga native, entered the town and tried to set up a base there.

After authorities got wind of the terrorists’ presence in Inabanga, operations were launched to finish them off which lasted for more than a month.

The celebration was a manifestation that the town had moved on.

There were 21 Christmas trees and 100 parols (star-shaped Christmas lantern).  The highest Christmas tree measured 20 feet. 

The materials made out of indigenous materials.  They used bamboo slits and dried “kabkaban” leaves that grow on the barks of trees that are abundant in the place. 

Inabanga was the first town in Bohol to celebrate Christmas so early.

At least six persons with disabilities (PWDs) received
 free wheelchairs from the municipal government of Inabanga
 during the lighting ceremony which was dedicated to them.
 Mayor Josephine Jumamoy said the event gave importance to PWDs.   Photo by Leo Udtohan

But for Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy, the Christmas celebration was more than the vibrant Christmas lights illuminating the plaza. It was dedicated to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Why so early? It’s because TEAM Inabanga wants to create an atmosphere for the spirit of Christmas. It is really our direction for the PWDs, for the persons with disabilities, that we can help them out,” said Jumamoy.

She added, “We are providing assistance to marginalized sectors such as the PWDs kay gusto ipaambit nato kung unsay nindot sa atong balatian kay klaruhay lang kitang tanan lumabalay lang.”

Bebencio Balaga, a resident of Barangay Ubujan, expressed deep gratitude for the new wheelchair given to him during the event.

 Gerwin Yudelmo with Mayor Josephine Jumamoy (center),
Jan Vier Yudelmo and a friend to celebrate early Christmas.  Contributed

He was among the six beneficiaries who received the wheelchairs. Others were Dominador Boiser (Lapacasan Sur), Cyrell Namocot (Dagohoy), Jocery Luzon (Lawis), Mark Vincent Delos Santos (Poblacion) and Rey Acupinpin (Tungod).

Acupinpin said he felt special since the Christmas celebration was dedicated to them.

The Christmas display aims to bring back the Inabangnon to the meaning of Christmas as it upholds faith and resiliency.

Your VRS asked Mayor Jumamoy for her plans in 2019 elections. She said she wants to stay as mayor. “I would like to continue working for Inabanga as Mayor," she said.

Inabanga, the hometown of Francisco Dagohoy who led the longest revolt in the country, is also popular for its weaving industry, producing crafts sold locally and abroad.

***

Alturas to grow 1 million trees

A single tree offers a burst of green, a cooling canopy and an antidote for frayed nerves. But we need more trees to   improve air quality, provide shade, offset climate change, reduce stress, and make people happy.

That is what the Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), a local multinational company in Bohol province, has been aiming to do.

 The Alturas Group of Companies (AGC)
aims to plant one million trees  to make
our province and the world sustainable.
  Alturas big boss, Marlito C. Uy (left), and
Bishop Abet Uy, lead the ceremonial
 tree planting of Alturas "Plant A Million
Trees" Project during the launching
 in Tabalong, Dauis, in Panglao Island.  Contributed

On Sept. 9, employees and volunteers planted more than 500 trees on the first day of AGC’s “Plant A Million Trees,” a record-breaking environmental drive in Bohol province—a starting point in the million trees campaign in making the province and the world more sustainable. 

Through its Alay Marcela Foundation and volunteer group Alta Citta, the AGC aims to plant and grow one million trees all nothing but for the sake of the environment and food security.       

The provincial environment and natural resources office (PENRO) and the Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon, which are both actively participating in many other tree planting activities, are coordinating the said activity.     

Trees are important to the environment through their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and lower ambient temperatures. They also contribute to the overall health of communities, wildlife and aesthetics.

During the launching last Sept. 9 in Panglao island, Bishop Alberto Uy  of the Diocese of Tagbilaran blessed the first 500 seedlings after a holy mass and joined with the Alturas Vice President and General Manager, Marlito C. Uy, for the ceremonial tree planting.

Uy said the activity was “for God’s glory and for the good of humanity” as this is for the best interest of not just the environment but mankind in general. He hopes other multinational companies like Alturas will follow suit.         

The AGC, which operates two malls and three super stores in Bohol; and two Colonnade supermarkets in Cebu, and twenty more subsidiaries, will tap its vast manpower from its thousands of employees, customers, business partners and more in planting the trees.       

Still, planting one million trees wouldn’t be easy. To meet the goal of planting a million trees, Alturas had already identified all those possible areas for the year-round tree planting; and the DENR PENRO is very committed with 100 percent assurance to produce and provide the needed thousands of seedlings. Anyone can also exchange a tree seedling for P10 at Alturas. Likewise, Alturas plans also to produce its own nursery for the seedlings.     

This September, thousands of tree seedlings were already planted in Lourdes, Cortes; Tabalong, Dauis; and San Pascual, Ubay.  More will be planted in Untaga, Alicia; and the coastal areas of Panglao.    

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