By Leo Udtohan
It was scorching hot- the best time for sightseeing at the complex so off we hie to the highest hill to marvel at G-d's creation.
"Beautiful! How great thou art," I gushed. Our media friends- veteran broadcaster Bob Galero, Rey Tutas, Dave Charles Responte, Willy Ramasola and Helen Castaño-shared the same feelings when they saw the iconic hills.
We were at Carmen to cover the kick-off ceremony for the construction of Carmen Police Station Building that will be serving the 29 barangays in Carmen town, a tourist destination in Bohol province.
Police Major General Ronaldo Olay, director of the Directorate for Logistics at the Philippine National Police (PNP), represented PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr who wasn't able to attend the cermemony due to overlap of schedule.
He read the message of Azurin assuring the tourist destination would benefit the help of the police and the local government.
"The construction of soon to be the new Carmen Police station exemplifies the PNP's desire to effectively reserve peace and order in the community by upholding the rule of law and recognizing the needs to ensure operational readiness and capacity by improving the facilities, services and other features including physical development thru infrastructure projects," said Olay.
He added that a new patrol car and a 150 cc motorcycle will also be given to Carmen police station.
Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Santos said that even before she embarked on her first 100 days in office, she has always regarded peace and order as the backbone to progress and development of her town.
After she assumed office in June this year, and knowing the needs of the policemen of Carmen, she went to visit Police General Rodolfo Santos Azurin, Jr. at Camp Crame. And in one of the many concerns that she raised to Gen. Azurin, he gave the commitment for the realization of the construction of a new and modern PNP building.
This project was actually started during the incumbency of her brother, former Mayor Jun Toribio, when he caused the donation of the LGU to the PNP of a portion of the municipal owned land as site for the construction of the PNP building.
Unfortunately, after the title of the land had been issued in favor of the PNP, the project fizzled off, did not anymore continue.
"Here we are now, a witness to start anew of that dream. This proposed modern PNP Building will be used to cater the needs of our constituents. This will bolster the morale of our policemen and further empower them towards maintaining the peace and order of our town," said Delos Reyes during the kick off ceremony.
Delos Reyes said it was the LGU which submitted the design and layout to the PNP to replace their small and old police station.
The groundbreaking will happen anytime soon.
Board member Nathaniel Binlod, Carmen Vice Mayor Romeo Bigay Jr, Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay captains were also present.
And more, more projects to Carmen, she said.
Oh well, that's another story better told another time.
* * *
After more than two years of lockdowns, quarantines and social isolation, the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Francisco Dagohoy Eagles Club (FDEC) conducted its community programs with its first face-to-face community engagement held recently at Bolod Elementary School in Panglao town.
New members were required to render community service as part of their mandatory requirements to be part of fraternal strong brotherhood.
They helped in Brigada Eskwela at Bolod ES, donating of 50 gallons of paint, contruction materials. They also constructed the school's twin flagpole.
The members also conducted the CVAC cleaning at Cabawan road and Bohol District Jail.
They also joined the coastal cleanup and mangrove planting at K of C Drive.
"Earned, not given," said "Kuya" Seaman 2nd Class Anwar Sinajon of the PCG Tagbilaran Substation.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagles is the first born fraternal socio-civic organization in the country. It is a movement, an idea kindled by the founders- to nurture with the fire of brotherhood.
* * *
Gov. Aris Aumentado as Bohol marks the 9th anniversary of the 2013 earthquake: "This should serve as an opportunity to remember the lives lost, houses and structures destroyed, and lives changed. We thank the Almighty for being with us after the calamity we suffered, but we will continue to work together to continue our recovery from the earthquake."
Former Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan on Panglao's participation during the recent Philippine Travel Mart: "Luoy kaaayo ang Panglao. Makagasto, makapalit mi og booth gusto makakuha og area. This is the negligence of the leadership in Panglao. Ang leadership sa tourism industry is poor."
Bohol's Chocolate Princess Dalareich Polot during the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in California, USA: "I found a huge family and like minded women change-makers in Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. What a blessing to speak on stage today. Thank you so much Goldman Sachs Foundation and Fortune for bringing me here and giving me grant for my community project."
* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.
Photo captions:
Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes says she has always regarded peace and order as the backbone to progress and development of her town. Photo: Leo Udtohan
A modern police station will be constructed in Carmen town, Bohol province after the kick-off ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2022. Photos: Leo Udtohan
Members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Francisco Dagohoy Eagles Club (FDEC) and teachers of Bolod Elementary School in Panglao during FDEC's community service. Contributed photo
