Early birds file COC in Bohol

Wake-uppers:

Scene:  Miss Bohol 2018 3rd runner-up Jesseth Nez Pasagad was crowned Miss JCI Philippines-Visayas 2018 held in Iligan City.  Pasagad, a petroleum engineer, advocates for the use of renewable energy for sustainable development.

Scene:  The 4th Bohol Milk Festival aims to promote and expand the dairy sector in the country. It was graced by Sen. Cynthia Villar. “I hope this event will teach our farmers to become productive and competitive.

Scene: Doris Dinorog-Obena, a licensed tour guide and president of the Kahugpungan sa Bol-anong Guides (Kabog)  will file her certificate of candidacy on Oct. 17, at  the Comelec Central Office as the 3rd nominee for Akbayan Partylist. She is the first Boholana who will run under a National Partylist for 2019 midterm elections.

***

The first two days of filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) were another proof that elections in Philippines are full of surprises.

The provincial election office said that the first and second days of COC filing was actually slow.  Only one notable Sangguniang Panlalawigan candidate submitted the form.

The submission of COCs started on Thursday, Oct. 11 and will run until October 17, Wednesday, excluding weekends. 

More personalities are expected to flock to Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the last three days, including bets from both the administration and opposition groups.

A village chief and his three councilors in this town were among the early birds to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office last Thursday, Oct. 11.

Barangay captain Johnny Orioque of Poblacion, Trinidad who is also the editor and publisher of The Bohol News Today and Bohol Balita Daily News, filed his COC for town mayor at 9:30 a.m. under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

His COC was accepted by Trinidad election officer III Cecelia Araceli Balili.

Orioque was the first candidate to have filed a COC in the province, according to Comelec records.

“I just want to file early to prove that we are serious and aggressive in our campaign for change,” Orioque said.

He said he would focus on the town’s agriculture which he said was neglected.

“I am real and genuine Trinidadnon. I know how a Trinidadnon feels and I know what a Trinidadnon needs for the development and change in our municipality,” he added.

Orioque was accompanied by wife Jessica, some supporters and three candidates for councilor -Ireneo Acuña, Carmilo Tabada and Jose Marlon Autentico  —in the Comelec.

Out of eight seats in the municipal council, Orioque only has three candidates in his slate who also have filed their respective COCs.

According to Malou Cempron, assistant to the provincial election supervisor.  the Comelec will accept COCs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cempron also reminded candidates affiliated with a political party to attach their Certificates of Nomination and

Acceptance (CONA) to the COCs otherwise they would be considered as independent bets. 

Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo and his slate filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) on Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Buenavista town.

Duallo seeks the mayoral post with Councilor Ma. Christine Torregosa as his running mate under the banner of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Duallo was elected vice mayor in 2016 polls but had to take over as mayor after Mayor Ronald Lowell “Sample” Tirol was killed inside the cockpit arena last May 27.

Completing their slate were candidates for councilors – Elsa Tirol, Rena Erojo, Romeo Aparece, Martin Nuñez , Jr., Rene Mero, Alice Lopez, Junel Torregosa and Nena Melecio.

Duallo said that his slate attended Mass first at the Santo Rosario Parish Church before going to the local office of the Commission on Elections to file their certificates of candidacy past 10 a.m.

They were accompanied by their family members and supporters.

“We are united leaders for a united people of Buenavista for a lasting peace, prosperity and development of the municipality,” said Duallo.

Other mayoral candidates who filed their were Mark Monton (Balilihan), Casey Camacho (Getafe) and Mayor Katrina Lim (Valencia)

Board member Elipidio Jala who is seeking reelection filed his COC at 1 p.m. last Friday, Oct. 12 without any fanfare.

***

State of the art hospital will rise in Panglao

 A tourist died while diving at the world-famous Panglao Island, Bohol province last July 23.

The victim was identified as Oh Eng Hoe, 70, a Malaysian national, according to PO3 Gregorio Perocho, desk officer of the Panglao police station.

While diving at 30 meters, his companions noticed that Hoe slowly descended and was struggling.

When he was unresponsive, he was brought to the surface where personnel  from the dive shop performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for the ambulance.

He was brought to a hospital in Tagbilaran City, at least 47 minutes from Panglao, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hoe, according to attending physician, died through asphyxia by drowning.

Hoe’s friend (who asked not to be named) said that "If there is an hospital in Panglao Island,  the unfortunate 70-year-old might have been saved."

The case of Hoe was among the deaths in Panglao Island recorded.

Residents and tourists have long protested about the lack of hospital available. Many are forced to go to the city. 

Last Oct. 8, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the construction of the Bohol Doctors’ Hospital  in Barangay Bil-isan in this town to provide healthcare and wellness to the needs of tourists and residents in the island.

The demand for more quality health services also increases because of the tremendous growth of tourism industry in Bohol, according to Board Member Jade Bautista, president and chief executive officer.

Bautista, a nurse by profession, said  the project was a dream come true to her since it would be the first in the province. 

“I was exposed to the medical world since I was young as my family runs a healthcare facility in the US, which is also why I studied  Nursing and became a registered nurse thereafter. I wanted to bring our beloved Bohol everything that I learned in my experiences abroad in terms of medical practices and expertise,” she said.

Bautista said It is to  complement tourism by contributing in the area of health services sector, particularly on medical tourism, so that Boholanos and tourists alike may no longer have to go to Cebu for health  care needs.

“We don’t want our visitors to worry while on vacation,” she said.

She said that hospital would have access  to their medical records abroad to give them equal or greater quality services than in their home country.

The P450-million hospital is a five-story medical building that would have 100 beds ready to cater 24/7 after its construction within 18 to 24 months. It will be equipped with state-of the-art healthcare facilities and energy-efficient practices to optimize sustainable healing and promote less carbon footprint infrastructure.

But the hospital is also a “hospitel,” a hospital-hotel, said Bautista.

The fifth floor will have 20 rooms especially built for that purpose.

“We do not just cater the needs of the sick who seek medical attention but we also cater our grandparents and great parents who wished to relax on their retirement,” she said.

“We will make sure that our hospital’s environment will be very conducive to a sustainable healing,” she added.

Bautista said this hospital will be much like other Metro Manila hospitals and in the USA which are accredited internationally by JCI.

JCI is an international hospital accreditation body known for its Gold Seal of Approval that provides the highest standards of medical care in more than 100 countries.

In the Philippines, there are only five hospitals accredited by JCI, among them are the Makati Medical Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City in Taguig, Asian Hospital and Medical City, all in Metro Manila.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Health Regional Director Jaime Bernadas, former board member Yul Lopez, Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, the medical director of Bohol Doctors’ Hospital, and the founding doctors and investors led by Bautista.

This 8,000 sq meter location of the hospital will be at Barangay Bil-isan which is a few kilometers away from the newly-constructed Bohol Panglao International Airport.

Bautista, who is an incumbent board member of Bohol province, also said the hospital will employ Boholano personnel to cater to tourists and residents, adding that this is a good opportunity for medical professionals.

Bautista also said that the hospital will add texture the Bohol wonders.

Lopez also said this new hospital will change the healthcare system landscape of the province as its impact will be felt in so many ways.

Bernadas said the hospital is an idea of evolution.

***

Bong Go still undecided to run

Even if his boss has announced that he is running for senator, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go remains coy on his political plans. Go told Bohol reporters here during the opening of the Malasakit Center at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) here, he still had five days to decide whether or not he would run for an elective position.

The filing of the certificate of candidacy has started on Oct. 11 and will end on Oct. 17.

A groupie with SAP Bong Go and some of the members of the Bohol media.
Photo courtesy: Bob Galero

President Duterte told reporters in Manila on Wednesday earlier that Go was among the six Cabinet members who would soon resign to run for public office. This was the second time the President spoke about Go's candidacy.

During an event with Filipinos in Jordan last Sept. 7, Duterte said Go wanted to run for senator but advised him that they should see it first since that would be difficult.

“But if the Filipinos in Jordan allow it, then okay,” he added. But Go told reporters in Tagbilaran that he had not made up his mind.

Go said that while “I still have 5 days to decide ug mangayo kog enlightenment sa atong Ginoo kung Iya kung padaganon (and I'm asking for enlightenment from God if He wants me to run),” he said.

“Also I leave it to the wisdom of the President,” he added.

 While his boss had already issued a statement about his purported plan to run, Go maintained that he had not made up his mind.

“Hulat ko last minute tan-awon nako kung asa ko makatabang didto ko (I will wait at the last minute to check where I can help best),” said Go.

***

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An exciting, noisier filing of COC

It’s still fiesta time in Bohol. The destinations are Buenavista and Lila towns on Sunday, Oct. 7, in honor of the Sto. Rosario (Holy Rosary).

Like fiestas in May, it would be great occasions of joy and merry-making, as well as lots of free food.

Last week, we toured Buenavista town to visit the Cambuhat river village tour and Oyster farm. It was a spectacular sight to see, culture to learn and food to savor.

“There are many interesting facts about Buenavista that you need to know,” our local guide said.

Our guide told us that Buenavista was once a barangay (village) of  Inabanga town. It was annexed to Getafe in 1874 during the leadership of the late Getafe Mayor Columbio Camacho Celosia.

We were intrigued when we learned that when Buenavista became an independent municipality in 1960, Getafe Mayor Celosia was asked to become the town’s first local chief executive.

After 50 years, the first Mayor's son, Engr. Robert Torregosa Celosia, became mayor in 2010. Sadly, he died two days before the town fiesta due to his excitement and personal involvement in the preparations.

Incidentally, when I met Dr. Joahna Celosia Cabalit-Initay last Wednesday, I’d learned from her that Mayor Columbio Camacho Celosia was his grandfather.

Dr. Joahna isn’t the first in her family to run for public service.

Here your VRS, came across the second generation of the Celosia Clan, the granddaughter and niece of the late two Celosia mayors, mixed with big Cabalit Clan of Tagbilaran City.

Dr. Joahna, daughter of the late Engr. Salvador Dote Cabalit and niece of the former Tagbilaran Mayor now RTC Judge Jorge Cabalit.

Cabalit's are family of the Budlong-Dote and Castillo-Cabalit Clan in this city.

Joahna is making plans of running as board member of the first district in  the 2019 elections.

“So, tuloy na for board member?” I asked her.

She replied, “Yes, definitely!”

“I am ready to serve,” she added.

Dr. Joahna's political affiliation was not groomed to follow her family's political career. But she is making a name of herself, her credibility and untarnished integrity and reputation, and not because of powerful connections.

Her heart is not so much in politics, clarifying that her passion is to educate and spread financial literacy among Filipinos being a professor and a consultant. As a researcher, she is an advocate for health and wellness programs.

As a career woman of today, she seeks opportunities for every woman to be useful each day, a way where she finds joy and satisfaction in serving the people of the first district, specially the least fortunate fellow Boholanos.

“I do things the bright way,” she added.

She shared about her current programs—livelihood for indigents and free life insurance for the head of the families.

Veteran broadcast journalist Bob Galero said that Dr. Joahna is an alternative for the first district. Like him, many people realized that "Dr. Joahna will be a great fiscalizer at the Sanggunian if ever she will be elected.”

***

Last Friday, at the Godillos Restaurant (owned by Engr. Nolan Evangelista) along Rajah Sikatuna Avenue (near island City Mall), I was surprised to see former youth leader and Cooperative Development Authority Administrator (CDA) Benjie Oliva.

Your VRS with former youth leader and now Cooperative Development
Authority Administrator (CDA) Benjie Oliva.  

Benjie was in Davao City last Wednesday to spearhead the 14th National Coop Summit at the SMX Convention Center. At least 3,600 cooperators attended the summit. He also met President Rodrigo Duterte last week.

Your VRS asked Benjie if he is really running for Congressman.

“No, I am not running,” he answered.

It was Vice President Leni Robredo who said that she wants Benjie to run for Congress although it was not clarified if she was endorsing him to run for Congress or as a partly-list representative.

In 2016, several parties were convinced that Benjie was “winnable” to run for mayor in Catigbian town but he declined.

Benjie, an agriculturist by profession, is an expert in national budget legislation, agriculture, rural development and youth development.

At 36, he is the youngest person to be named as Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) chairman of the Board of Administrators.

***

It’s sooner than you think. The mid-term elections are seven months away and the filing of candidacy is on Thursday, Oct. 11. However, the deadline is in December yet.

The election campaign is bound to be more exciting, noisier and much more circus-y as the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) on the local level.  .    

So far, confirmed to be running although they still have to make a formal announcement are Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, Jr. against 3rd District Rep. Arthur Yap for governor.

Yap’s running-mate might be 1st District Rep. Rene Relampagos, while senior board member Thomas Abapo might be Evasco’s running-mate.

For Representatives: Gov. Edgar Chatto (1st district), Erico Aristotle Aumentado (2nd district); and Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite, former Carmen Mayor  Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes  and board member Alexie Tutor (3rd district).

For board members (first district), probable candidates are Donald Sevilla,  Leah Tirol-Magno, former Tagbilaran councilor Lucille Lagunay,  Dr. Joahna Celosia Cabalit-Initay and incumbent board member Ricky Masamayor.

 For the 2nd district, board member Agapito Avenido is seeking for reelection and Vierna Boniel-Maglasang.

For the 3rd District, Dionisio Victor Balite, Jade Bautista and Elpidio Jala are up for re-election.  Other interested to run are Moching Torrefranca, former board member Jing Trabajo, Nathan Binlod and Atty. Danilo Palgan.  Four from Candijay town might run for board members: McAldous Castañares, Robert Olaer, Dominic Olaer Villafuerte and former board member Godofreda Olavides-Tirol.

“I’m considering actually,” Villafuerte told VRS. He was elected no.1 Candjay kagawad in 2001 at the age of 21.

For Mayors:  Mayor Dodo Jumawid  versus Delfin Hingpit (Batuan); Eugene Cahiles (Lila),  Mayor Baba Yap (Tagbilaran City), Mayor Pureza Chatto (Balilihan) versus Joemar Unabia and Mark Monton; Poblacion Trinidad Barangay Captain Johnny Orioque (Trinidad); Mayor Danilo Guivencan versus Atty. Nicodemus Tago (Dimiao);  Mayor Juliet Dano versus former Mayor Ernesita Digal (Sevilla); Mayor Marietta Sumaylo (Dauis); and Mayor Pedro Fuertes versus embattled Mayor Leonila Montero and board member Benjie Arcamo.

For  Vice Mayor: Batuan Vice Mayor Yes Dumagan-Baguio will seek reelection.

For councilors: Rammel Cagulada, CPA (Valencia), Atty. Cristifil Baluma (Tagbilaran City); and Karen Digal-Asoy (Sevilla).

Media personalities who might run are:  Lito Responte  (dyTR) for Dauis councilor, Baclayon Councilor Sendoy Guinguing  (dyTR) for reelection, Rey Tutas (dyRD) for Lila councilor, Jagna councilor Anthony Aniscal (dyRD) for reelection , Fred  Amora for board member in the third district of Bohol,  Loay Vice Mayor Tibbs Bullecer (dyRD) for councilor and Barangay Minol Councilor Edgar Tumanda (dyTR)  for councilor in Mabini town.

***

Globaltech is legal---lawyer

The arrest of the five employees of “Peryahan ng Bayan” of Globaltech Mobile Online Corporation for illegal gambling was a form of harassment, according to the company’s lawyer.

Bryan Pelandas, legal counsel of GlobalTech, said that it was purely harassment since the case is still pending before a court.

“The case is still ongoing with the Court of Appeals,” Pelandas told some members of the Bohol media.  

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided the illegal operations of the “Peryahan ng Bayan” outlets in simultaneous operations  conducted by NBI –Bohol in Talibon town on Sept. 27.  Five employees  were arrested, but they posted P80,000 bail each for their temporary release.

Pelandas said that they will appropriate cases against the NBI agents and the PCSO staff.

“Ang Globaltech naay plano muhimo og legal action sa NBI operators ug kadtong nagpaila nga staff sa

PCSO. Ang Globaltech nga legal team naay aksyun   gihimo. In the next days naa tay i-file nga appropriate cases batuk sa mga nanakop sa atong mga tellers,” he said.

Pelandas affirmed that Globaltech’s operation of “Peryahan ng Bayan,” which is not only in Bohol but also in some other places in the country, is legal because of the unresolved court cases of the PCSO against the company.

NBI-Bohol head Rennan Augustus Oliva, however, said that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said that “Peryahan ng Bayan” has no authority to operate.

Oliva   said that charges for violation of illegal gambling in relation to cybercrime were filed Friday, Sept. 28, before the Bohol Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the five suspects.

PCSO issued certification from the General Manager terminating the Deed of Authority of Globaltech to operate Peryahan ng Bayan.

On March 2, 2016, PCSO issued a Board Resolution 51 Series of 2016, terminating the Deed of Authority of Globaltech to operation Peryahan ng Bayan and on October 13, 2017, Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 161 denied Globaltech's motion for issuance of a writ of injunction.

PCSO has not authorized any other entity to operate Peryahan ng Bayan and that any operation of  Peryahan ng Bayan is considered unauthorized and illegal.

But Pelandas said that since the case with regard to their status is pending with the Court of Appeals, Globaltech may still operate.

There are 398 kiosks or outlets in 18 towns namely, Alburquerque, Baclayon, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Panglao, Sikatuna, Bien Unido, Garcia Hernandez, San Isidro, President Carlos P. Garcia, Talibon, Bilar, Carmen, Dimiao, Jagna, Lila and Sierra Bullones.

A one peso bet will give the bettor a P500 winning.

 “Ang manayaay dili dapat sila mabalaka nga dakpun sila. Sama sa akong nasulti, ang PCSO ug Globaltech dili sila kontra naa lay pending nga kaso,” said Pelandas.

He said that Globaltech  and STL operators were not enemies.

“Gani kauban sila sa pagsuporta sa atong gobyierno. Kay ang remittance nga ihatag sa Globaltech ug STL muadto mana sa gobyierno ug mubalik sa mga tawo pinaagi sa mga assistance ug pinaagi sa ambulansya nga ihatag sa LGU ug sa katawhan,” Pelandas said.

PCSO said revenues have been adversely affected by the continued operation of illegal gambling which unfairly competes with PCSO’s legal gaming products, particularly the STL.

***

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@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.    

***

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

Bohol farms still drying up due to dry spell

Wake-uppers:

Scene: #HelpNaga. To extend a helping hand to residents of nearby Naga City in Cebu after a horrendous landslide that claimed lives and displaced families, you may give your donations to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Bohol and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Tagbilaran Station at LMP Building, K OF C Drive, Poblacion II, Tagbilaran City. Urgently needed are clothes, mats, blankets and pillows for evacuees. For inquiries, call PIA Bohol: (038) 501-8554/ (038) 412-2292 and PCG-Tagbilaran: 09957212548.

Scene: Some Bohol farmers attended the Saemaul Undong (SMU) lecture on vegetable farming last Thursday, Sept. 20, in Balilihan town. SMU is a celebrated political and social reform initiative introduced by then South Korean President Park Chung-Hee in 1970 to lift his war-torn country out of poverty.

Scene: At least 2,000 farmers from the different parts of the country gathered for the 7th National Rice Technology Forum held in Talibon town, Bohol.

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For those who missed last weekend’s news (and why we are moved, if we are moved):

Jade Bautista seeks reelection

What a lovely time (breakfast at Bautista’s residence in Baclayon town) we spent to celebrate Friday.  Of course,  provincial board member Jade Bautista was around, blooming and smiling.

She has retained "The Face That Refreshes", all sweetness and light, the paradigm of things bright and beautiful even her busy schedule as a nurse and lawmaker.

Media friends in attendance were Chito Visarra (dyRD), Bob Galero (dyTR), Ric Obedencio (Bohol News Today/The Freeman), Dave Responte (dyTR), Rey Tutas (dyRD), Allen Doydora (dyRD), Atoy Cosap (dyRD), Helen Castaño (GMA News/Inquirer assistant), and your VRS.

As expected from the inquisitive media people, Friday’s breakfast with Jade was asked not only about her career and business but also about her future political plans.

Chito told Jade about the latest political development in Bohol.  Ric seconded Chito, saying the 2019 elections would be colorful as usual.

Everyone asked, is she or isn’t she? Running in 2019, that is.

Since Jade’ track record is so squeaky clean, politicians and other people are said to have invited her to run as mayor in Bilar town in 2019. But Jade has not even thought about taking that another big leap.

She said she will run again for board member for the third district of Bohol.

“I will stay to serve the people of the third district,” said Jade, the chairperson of the Committee on Health and Public Sanitation.

As for her, Jade wants to hear fellow Boholanos say, “She has served us well” at the end of her term as board member. 

By 2019,  Edgar Chatto will be retiring as governor, having served for three consecutive terms (9 years). But it does not mean he’s really retiring from public service…or from leading a fruitful private life.

Last week in Balilihan town, Gov. Chatto said he will run for Congressman in the first district of Bohol.

“The direction is bringing the voice again of the first district. Of course, mag-agad na sa Ginoo ug sa katawhan,” he said.

Incumbent Jagna Councilor Anthony Aniscal said he is seeking reelection.  The broadcaster turned lawmaker has sponsored not less than 20 legislations at SB Jagna—and counting.

“The people are my inspirations for faithfully doing the job,” he said.

Incidentally, Jagna is celebrating its 387th founding anniversary and fiesta on Sept. 29.  The St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church has its newly-renovated/restored Sanctuario.

***

Fuertes is Panglao Mayor- DILG

Last Monday, Sept. 17, seven hours after Pedro Fuertes and Leonila Montero – who both claimed being the legitimate mayor of the town – attended the municipality’s flag raising ceremony, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) put to rest the nine-day standoff and recognized Fuertes as the lawful local chief executive of Panglao.

DILG Regional Director Leocado Trovela issued the directive favoring Fuertes last September 14.

DILG Provincial Director Johnjoan Mende and municipal local government operations officer Sofronio Abing, Jr. arrived at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the town hall to give the order.

However, Montero was not at her office when DILG personnel arrived. It was her municipal administrator Alejandro Arbotante who faced the personnel. The order was served at 3:30 p.m.

DILG ends nine-day standoff at the Panglao Municipal Hall as it recognized 

Pedro Fuertes as the town’s rightful mayor on Monday, September 17, 2018.

   /Photo by Leo Udtohan

According to Mende, the directive would end the confusion as to who was the mayor, as well as conclude the impasse and avert any possible violence at the town hall.

“We cannot have two mayors. Mayor Pedro Fuertes is still recognized as mayor,” Mende said.

In the five-page decision, the DILG said Montero’s move was premature.

“Per record and report, this Office was informed that respondent Mayor Montero re-assumed office as Mayor of Panglao, Bohol on Sept. 10, 2018 and continues to discharge her functions. Thus, such re-assumption to office is premature,” the DILG order and directive stated.

“Accordingly, respondent Montero should continue serving the penalty of dismissal with all its accessory penalties imposed in Ombudsman Joint Order dated 19 Jan. 2018 relative to OMB-V -A -15-2084, unless directed otherwise by a competent court,” it added.

“I am still the full-fledged mayor of Panglao,” Fuertes said.

Vice Mayor Briccio Velasco, meanwhile, was ordered to continue his function as vice mayor.

Tension was felt during Monday’s flag raising ceremony at the municipal hall as Fuertes and Montero attended the event.

Both even gave their speeches before the employees.

Montero told employees that her comeback was based on facts.

“The fact is I am the duly reelected mayor of Panglao,” she said. “I have already served my legal predicaments.”

She said the DILG’s decision was based on opinion and a not a valid law.

On the other hand, Fuertes just told employees that he would wait for the DILG order.

“I am just waiting for the DILG for whatever decision,” Fuertes said.

It was only in Panglao town where two mayors, two municipal administrators, and one municipal vice mayor took office in one town hall.

Employees have not received their salary last September 15 because of the confusion.

However, Montero said she cannot be removed as mayor without cause. 

***

Ricefields are still drying up due to dry spell

Farmer Orcesio Amoy was waiting for the rains to be brought by supertyphoon “Ompong” to finally bring relief to the drought-stricken small farm near the famous Chocolate Hills.

While the storm triggered rains in some parts of the province and devastated farmlands in Northern Luzon, not a single rain dropped in Carmen.

The lack of rain caused his palay planted in a 8,000-square meter farm lot in Sitio Camanayon, Barangay Buenos Aires to wilt.

“We were happy that rain would finally come with Typhoon “Ompong” but the downpour occurred in other towns. What we got here was just a drizzle,” said Amoy, 63.

“The drizzle failed to penetrate the soil,” he added.

Amoy said he had accepted that he would no longer be able to recover the P20,000 he invested in farm inputs this crop season.

His rice paddies had cracked due to lack of water while the palay had turned yellow as these started to wilt.

To meet the needs of his family, Amoy had been selling watermelons which were most resistant to drought.

He was able to harvest watermelons last week from his other piece of land which he sold at P28 per kilo in a makeshift tent along the national highway going to the Chocolate Hills.

Another farmer, Temio Balocoy, 45, said his palay was also wilting but hanging on.

But if not a single rain would drop, he said he would lose his crops like Amoy.

During the previous harvest season in September last year, Balocoy said he got a decent harvest.

But this year, he was expecting to get a huge financial lost.

“The soil in our farm had cracked because of lack of water,” he said.

Ricefields are drying up due to dry spell in Candijay
 town, Bohol, that farmers need rain to save the crops.
In order to save the thousand hectares of standing crops
at the rain-fed areas in the province, acting provincial
agriculturist Larry Pamugas said cloud seeding
operations will be conducted next week.
/Photo by Leo Udtohan

“If only we had a stable irrigation system, we would not have any problem with water supply during the dry spell,” he added.

Bohol is considered the rice bowl of Central Visayas.

In 2016, a state of calamity was declared in the province due to drought.

Farmlands in the towns of Corella, Calape, Loon, San Isidro, Sagbayan and Tubigon had been left unused even if these had been plowed because of the drought.

But agricultural officials said Ompong brought some rains in other parts of the province which brought relief to the parched farmlands.

The provincial agriculturist, however, said that rains was not enough.

“What we need is a long period of soaking rain to fill our dams, replenish all our waterways and moisten the soil,” he said.

Acting provincial agriculturist Larry Pamugas said more than 47,000 hectares of rice land had dried up due to the dry spell.

Of the 47,000 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.

As of this season, only 800 hectares of rice farmlands had been harvested in the towns of Lila, Bilar and some parts of Batuan in September.

“Rice plants in our rain-fed areas are not just yellowish, they are turning brown, which means there is not enough water,” he said.

Water elevations in Bohol’s four major dams were already near critical levels.

These were Bayongan Dam in San Miguel town, Malinao Dam in Pilar town, Capayas Dam in Ubay town and the Talibon Dam in Talibon town.

The sporadic rains didn’t bring up the water levels of these dams.

Pamugas said the remaining water in dams could not suffice for land preparation in next the cropping season in November.

Unfortunately, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) was anticipating the El Niño phenomenon, or prolonged dry spell, toward the last quarter of 2018.

“If there is no intervention by the provincial government to produce artificial rains, farmers in most rain-fed areas in Bohol could not plant rice in the next cropping by November,” he said.

Pamugas said they planned to hold cloud seeding operations to create artificial rain and send relief to the farmlands.

In the meantime, Boholano farmers continued to wait for rain – either natural or man-made – just to save their crops.

***

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

People confused on who mayor of Panglao is

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Onlookers watched in awe as giant waves pounded the Baclayon coastline on Friday (Sept. 14) afternoon. They braved the inclement weather and gathered at the town’s Baluarte as massive swell hammered the sea wall.   The spectacular sight, which was believed to have started at around 1 p.m., was

Onlookers watched in awe as giant w
aves pounded the Baclayon coastline on Friday
(Sept. 14). Leo Udtohan

caused by strong winds caused by typhoon Ompong (International name: “Mungkhat”) which whipped the water into a frenzy and caused waves to crash into the beach. Christian Cañete, 15, said: “Ganahan lang ko magtan-aw sa dagko nga bawd (I like watching gigantic waves).” Some students took photos of the waves.  “It's really quite spectacular - you can see how it touches the sea wall,” Jason said.  While some students found the waves awe-inspiring, fishermen in this town and neighboring coastal towns found the huge waves fearsome sights. They put their pumpboats offshore to prevent it from wind damage.  Classes in all levels, in public and private schools, were suspended in the towns of Jagna, Valencia, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman and Carlos P. Garcia Island as Typhoon “Ompong” threatens Luzon.

Scene: The office of the provincial agriculturist conducted JADAM Ultra low cost natural farming training to members of the Eskaya Tribe in Taytay, Duero town, last Sept. 13. The purpose of the training was to capacitate them to produce more vegetables naturally at very low cost since they are one of the suppliers in Bohol of highland vegetables.

Scene: Sean Rey Garsuta Tupaz (College of Engineering and Technology) and Margarett Requillo (College of Nursing) were crowned as 2018 Mr. and Miss University of Bohol (UB) Personality during the grand coronation night last Friday, Sept. 14.  Tupaz is a budding model, while Requillo was crowned Mutya sa Tagbilaran 2018 4^th runner-up. The Mr and Ms. UB Personality, one of the highlights of the UB Days and Intramurals, is considered the most popular campus pageant in Bohol.

***

 It’s business as usual in Panglao town even as the people are confused on who is the municipality’s chief executive.

Both Leonila Paredes-Montero and Pedro Fuertes were claiming to be the rightful mayor of the town, which is known for its white sand beach and clear blue waters.

But Sofronio Abing Jr., municipal local government operations officer, said Fuertes was still recognized as the municipal chief executive.

He said an incident report has been submitted to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Office on the “reassumption” of Montero.

He said the Municipal Local Government Operations Office has observed a status quo in the absence of a DILG order reinstating Montero.

The DILG installed Fuertes, the town’s vice mayor, as acting mayor after the Ombudsman ordered a three-month suspension on Montero on Oct. 24, 2017, for simple misconduct for appointing four defeated candidates less than a year after losing in the elections –violating the one-year ban on the appointment of a candidate who lost in the election.

But even before completing the three-month suspension, the anti-graft office upgraded the charge to grave misconduct and ordered her dismissal from service on Jan. 19, 2018.

Montero sought relief from the Court of Appeals which later issued an order on June 28 that affirmed her three-month suspension and set aside her dismissal from service.

Since she had served her suspension, Montero said she could already resume her functions as mayor.

On Monday, she showed up during the regular session of the municipal council and asked the councilors to recognize her return to the office and restore her as a signatory of all bank transactions of the municipality.

“I’m just claiming back my crown as a public servant,” Montero told your VRS.   “I am back to service.”

The council passed a resolution in mass motion, affirming her reinstatement as mayor despite the absence of a DILG order.

“I would like to request this august body to pass a resolution acknowledging and confirming my assumption and reinstituting me as one of the signatories of all bank and other official transactions for all intents and purposes to this municipality,” Montero said in her privilege speech.

But Montero said her statement was valid under Section 46 of the Local Government Code.

The code’s section 46b provides that the temporary incapacity of a local chief executive could be terminated upon submission to the appropriate sanggunian of a written declaration that he has reported back to the office.

“In cases where the temporary incapacity is due to legal causes, the local chief executive concerned shall also submit necessary documents showing that said legal causes no longer exist,” the provision said.

“I am still the full-fledged mayor of Panglao,” asserted Fuertes.

He, however, refused to step down in the absence of an order from DILG, describing the council’s resolution as “ultra vires” which means “beyond one’s legal authority or power.”

“It is not their jobs as legislators to reinstate a mayor,” he stressed.

Fuertes holds office on the second floor of the municipal hall, while Montero occupies her original office on the ground floor.

Sean Rey Garsuta Tupaz and Margarett Requillo were crowned
Mr. and Miss UB Personality 2018. In photo is Miss UB Personality 2017
 Isabel Iris Garsuta who passed on her crown to Requillo.  Courtesy: Iris Garsuta 

Last Monday, Sept. 14, Montero issued a memorandum to all heads, barangay captains and employees to inform them about her re-assumption of office.

She also called a meeting last Tuesday, Sept. 15, morning with the stakeholders for a meeting about the demolition of the illegal structures on Alona Beach in Panglao town.

Last March, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu wanted the illegal structures demolished within six months.

Despite the deadline set by Cimatu, the local government of Panglao had yet to issue a demolition order.

But Fuertes said people should not believe her reassumption.

“It’s not true. I asked that you ignore Montero’s memorandum. It should not be followed. I am still the (rightful) municipal mayor,” he said.

Augustin Cloribel, who filed the complaint against Montero, said he was surprised by Montero’s “extreme eagerness” to return to office.

He stressed that the decision of the appellate court on the case was not yet final since the Court of Appeals had not decided on his motion for reconsideration that he filed on July 18.

Montero’s petition for review of the Ombudsman’s decision was pending at the CA’s Special 12th Division.

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