Virgin Island: paradise reborn

By Leo Udtohan 

The Virgin Island is back to its natural beauty. No more food vendors on the sandbar. Photo: Jhelmar Jala

Eyesore no more. 

That's how residents and tourists felt when makeshift food stalls were removed at the famous Virgin Island in Panglao town. 

The new look of the sandbar means it is now restored to its original and pristine beauty. 

Jocelyn Cabatos-Orcullo, a legal researcher, said having no structures at the area fits in the definition of a "Virgin." 

"By the looks of it, the island is Virgin. Can we keep it this way?" said Orcullo of the new face of the sandbar she saw on the social media. 

Romie Darunday-Bullecer, an optometrist, said it was a nice decision to remove the structures. 

"Very beautiful view!! The sandbar can be more appreciated without the disturbing structures. This is a  wise decision by Panglao Mayor. Leave it this way and see that more tourists will appreciate this!! All is well that ends well," she said on Facebook. 

Panglao Mayor Edgardo "Boy" Arcay had prohibited vendors and other tourism activities starting Wednesday after a complaint on pricey food became viral in the social media. 

"Virgin Island is only for sightseeing," he said.

The inter-agency meeting presided by Gov. Aris Aumentado had a unanimous decision to ban the operation of the tourism activities in the Virgin island.

"While LGU of Panglao has the primary jurisdiction over the establishments and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) over the island, the Provincial Government of Bohol, to the extent possible, will step in to ensure that there is a strike of balance and harmony in the enforcement of environment protection laws, tourism standards and the welfare of all stakeholders - including the tourists, vendors and the public in general," said Aumentado. 

"We need to fix this because it's embarassing for our tourists and visitors, " he added. 

Board member Jamie Villamor, chairman on environment and natural resources, said it's about balance of conservation efforts and tourism. 

Villamor, who authored the resolution to create a task force to look into the incident, said the Virgin Island is under the intensified protection of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, Presidential Decree 1081 and other existing laws, rules and regulations. 

She said generally under existing environmental laws, certain regulation on commercial activities is in place such that multiple use resources may be subjected to limited commercial activity. 

"Are vendors in the sandbar and on waters considered as limited commercial activity? Is the Virgin Island classified as multiple use protected area? If yes, was it officially declared? Otherwise, there has to be total prohibition as such is a protected area with strict use," Villamor asked. 

The overpricing controversy became viral  online after a woman posted on Facebook account that her friend's group of 13 who had lunch last July 29 paid a total of P26,100 for the seafood and drinks that they ordered 

However, the food vendors at the Virgin Island denied selling seafood to tourists at exorbitant prices. 

To help the displaced vendors, the 

Panglao Municipal Tourism Council (MPTC)  recommended to the municipal government that they can hold a "food street or night market" at Panglao Plaza where the vendors can sell their products.

"To be fair and just for the affected vendors as well, they shall be able to continuously sell out whatever perishable stock on hand," the MPTC statement said.

The night market will coincide with the celebration of Hudyaka Festival celebration for the annual town fiesta this month.

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Joeper Colubio on the pricey food at Virgin Island: " We have no intention nga daoton sila. Tarung lang unta ilang pricing klaruhon unta nila para walay laing mabiktima. Nice kaayo ang Bohol. I hope tanan maka-experience sa Bohol kay nindot kaayo." 

Fidel Clenista, vendor at Virgin Island: " Wala mi nagpalabi sa among presyo. Ang iyang gibuhat namo mawad-an mig panginabuhian. Daghan mi diri madamay. " 

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Your media people at the Virgin Island last Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Photo: Helen Castaño

Foreign and domestic tourists continue to flood the Virgin Island despite the pricey food controversies. 

"And finally we are back here with Virgin Island.. And its back to its pristine nature and look you can see illegal structures have been dismantled.. .. And so happy this is paradise again, back to its virgin state," said Bohol's seasoned host Raul Gatal who visited the sandbar on Friday. 

Gatal was with other regional and some Bohol media for an ocular visit.

Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte said that vendors had many violations including health and sanitation.

She also said the incident was a wake-up call to the entire tourism industry. 

 "This wake-up call has triggered a lot of action from the long overdue action from the local tourism stakeholders," said Caberte.

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BISU joins Philippine Education Mission in Canada

By Leo Udtohan

Dr. Zina Sayson, BISU Vice President for Research Development, Extension and International Linkages together with University International Relations Officer Dr. Francis Delusa have attended the

High-level Higher Education Partnership Mission last June 26-29, 2022 at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Contributed photos

Taking part in intensifying the Philippine-Canada education system, two personnel from Bohol Island State University (BISU) joined the recently Philippine Higher Education Partnership Mission to Canada to pursue academic exchanges. 

BISU were represented by Dr. Zina Sayson, BISU Vice President for Research Development, Extension and International Linkages, and Dr. Francis Delusa, University International Relations Officer. 

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin Darilag recently led a High-level Higher Education Partnership Mission last June 26-29, 2022 at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada in behalf of CHED Commissioner Popoy De Vera to expand opportunities to engage in academic and research partnerships on health sciences, renewable energy, agriculture, engineering and technology, data science and disaster risk management, among others. 

Darilag was accompanied by CHED International Affairs Service Atty. Lily Milla, Deputy Executive Director, Trade Commissioner for Education of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines Angel Cachuela, International Relation Officers and officials from 17 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) namely; Benguet State University, Bohol Island State University (BISU), Catanduanes State University, Cavite State University, Central Luzon State University, Eastern Visayas State University, Isabela State University, Leyte Normal University, MAPUA University, Panpacific University, Panpacific University-Tayug Campus, Quirino State University, Romblon State University, Samar State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Unibersidad de Dagupan and University of the Philippines. 

One of the highlights of the said conference was focused on international university rankings —its methodology, scope and engagement, data sets and global visibility. The world university rankings depend on various indicators such as in teaching, research, citation, industry income and international prospect, Therefore, these indicators additionally help in ranking universities as a top university. 

Dr. Daniel Guhr, the managing director of the Illuminate Consulting Group, spoke about the process of university rankings particularly the various indicators or core data used for rankings.  

Sayson and Delusa were able to accomplished the Letter of Intent (LOI) for Academic Cooperation between the 18 Philippine Higher Education Institutions signed by and between British Columbia Council for International Education. 

The parties intend to propose projects and activities on the following but not limited to exchange of undergraduate and /or graduate students on a reciprocal and balanced basis; mobility of faculty members and researchers; cooperative research and joint project development for external funding support; development and /or delivery of course including online courses; join teaching or supervision of graduate students; joint seminars, conferences, and academic meetings; exchange of scientific information materials that are of mutual interests; development of experiential education abroad programs including short-term summer abroad and field; study programs, internships and practicum. 

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Solons from Bohol showcase 'sacred' rootcrop during Sona

By Leo Udtohan 

Lady Representatives from Bohol province Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor proudly wear made in Bohol inspired by a local variety of ubi (yam) during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25. Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

The dress code was barong Filipino for men and Filipiniana dress for women. But some got creative.

Two House representatives from Bohol decided to wear Filipiana inspired by a local variety of ubi (yam) that grows in Bohol soil during the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Marcos Jr last Monday, July 25. 

Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado (2nd district) and Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd district) wore Filipiniana designed by local designers to "wear their culture" and at the same time to support local talents and products. 

Their ubi-inspired Filipiniana was an indication of cultural and provincial pride.

"Bringing Bohol with me to my first Sona as a Congresswoman. Purple is for wisdom, bravery, spirituality, creativity, dignity and pride. This represents one of our province's products- Ube kinampay and the floral applique which is intricately handpainted represents the rich flora and fauna of our beloved province of Bohol," said Cadorna-Aumentado.

Her gown was designed by fellow Boholano fashion designer EJ Relampagos. 

Our Boholano solons- Reps. Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado, Alexie Besas-Tutor and Edgar Chatto during Marcos' first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25. Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

"For so many years I have always been fascinated by the glamour of our heritage and culture. Glamorous Filipiniana gowns paraded at the red carpet of Sona 2022.  It made me more proud not only because our pieces were proudly worn but also because all our other representatives were wearing Boholano designers for supporting our local designers," said Relampagos. 

On the other hand, Tutor wore a banig-ubi inspired Filipiniana designed by homehrown talent  Noel Bompat Estopito. 

"Purplish, ube-colored depicting our ube kinampay of Bohol. Banig-inspired Filipiniana with its intricate work of labor shows as well the intricacies of being a public servant," said Tutor. 

Estopito said the Filipiniana was so far one of the most challenging pieces he had worked with. It took six sketches and hours of conceptualization to come up with a piece that he thought  best represents the province of Bohol and Tutor. 

He said the ensemble was inspired to mimic a freshly cut "ubi kinampay" with its beautiful layers exposed. 

Bohol Reps. Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor  with their husbands- Gov. Aris Aumentado and Candijay Vice Mayor Christopher Tutor during State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25.  Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

Both solons said they are supporting Marcos' economic and development agenda.  They said the Sona of Marcos was filled with so much hope and direction for the Filipinos as the legislators will support his leadership.

Bohol is the largest producer of ubi where  different varieties of ubi grow in the soil. However, the "ubi kinampay" variety, the most aromatic, is prized by locals as of the best and highest ubi quality. It is the type of ubi that is usually made into ice cream or ube jam.

The rootcrop is even sacred. According to a tradition, ubi saved Boholanos during the famine and war as alternative to rice since its shelf life is long. Considered as a gift from God, they kiss it when it falls to the ground. 

Newsmakers- lawyer Jamie Aumentado Villamor, Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine and Crisiolo Langamen Jr.

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Provincial board member Jamie Aumentado Villamor on the establishment

of specialty hospitals in the region: "Establishment of specialized medical centers such as children, lung and heart hospitals in the Visayas is of strategic importance. We should bring the state of the art services closer to the Boholanos and people in the Visayas. With this, we will be given access to specialized services without burden of added costs such as transportation and logistics. Dako kaayo na tabang natong mga Bol-anon. Our present specialized hospitals mostly sit at Quezon City Metro Manila. I have had the occasions to assist patients from Bohol and all concerns point to the added expenses outside of the hospital bills." 

Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine on swimming the Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America:  "The purpose of the swim is to promote marine conservation in the Philippines and a healthy lifestyle. "

Crisiolo Macas Langamen Jr as 8th placer  

in Criminology Licensure Examination. "It's mindset, prayer and sacrifice. Stop saying I wish, start saying I will."

 

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Tutor condems killing of LGBTQIA+ member

 By Leo Udtohan

This past Pride Month witnessed a slew of violent anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) hate crimes. 

For some LGBTQIA+ members, daily experiences of bias are not unusual. Many people who experience hate crimes do not report the incidents to law enforcement, for various reasons.

The recent hate crime has become a cause célèbre in Bohol province. 

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor of Bohol’s third district

 condemned the killing of John Engelbert Liao. 

Photo: Rep. Alexie Tutor 

More individuals joined appeals to law enforcers to identify and arrest the perpetrators in killing a local leader of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor of Bohol’s third district condemned the killing of John Engelbert Liao, who was shot while driving his motorcycle in Guindulman town last Wednesday night, June 29.

“This time, I am asking all Guindulmanons that we unite, stand up, not be afraid and help all of us to speed up the investigation of the case. What you saw and observed at the time, we will release that information. We will not agree that we cannot do justice to the incident. We don’t harvest Guindulmanon! The tersero district is not harvested!” said Tutor.

Liao was rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City where he underwent surgery for serious gunshot wounds on his chest and shoulder. But the victim died on Monday morning, July 4.

Patrolman Alchito Felecia, desk officer of Guindulman Police Station, said that investigation was still ongoing.

Liao was the founder of 3gb, an LGBTQIA+ community in Guindulman. She and her team were heavily involved in outreach programs.

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Mabini celebrates 118th founding anniversary

By Leo Udtohan

The town of Mabini celebrates its 118th Founding Anniversary on July 23, 2022. Photos: Leo Udtohan

 

 

The 118th founding anniversary of Mabini  was a day to remember as citizens were treated to various events and activities prepared by the local government on Saturday, July 23. 

Prior to July 23, the local government prepared activities as early as Wednesday, July 13, in anticipation of Mabini Day. 

Days before the founding anniversary, the local government held colorful festivities such as music and dance contests, motocross, Mabini Got Talent and parades to pay tribute to the town’s rich culture and heritage.

Seniors also received their birthday cash gifts. 

Mayor Ongie Grace Bernales-Lim and Vice Mayor Vice-Mayor Myra Fostanes Colis shared the town’s accomplishments over the years and their plans, programs, and projects for the next three years.

On July 23, the municipality honored  those who have contributed to the progress and development of the town such as barangay tanods (village watchmen), health workers, village chiefs and volunteers. 

 

The awarding ceremony was held at the municipal gymnasium attended by former 

assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and now provincial administrator Aster Caberte, 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor, board member Tita Baja and former Mabini Mayor Stephen Rances.

To cap off the day’s celebration, Mabini citizens rocked out to CenterStage, one of Bohol's most sought-after party bands,  

which graced the stage in a concert held at the gymnasium at 8 p.m. 

This is the first Mabini Day celebration of Mayor Lim, 39, the youngest mayor of Mabini town has ever produced. 

Mabini was founded on July 23, 1904 through a resolution approved by then Governor General of the Philippines, the town of Mabini was initially composed of the three large barangays of Libas or Ubayon from Candijay, Batuanan (now Alicia), and Cabulao from Ubay.

Capitan Canuto Bernales, General Pedro Samsom and Atty. Gabino Sepulveda established the town when the Philippines Governor General issued a directive to organize large barangays into towns.

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VP Sara Duterte a crowd-magnet as she visits Bohol

By Leo Udtohan 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was the honored guest during the 168th Bohol Day last Friday, July 22. 

Her visit was first in Bohol since winning by a landslide in the island province with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  Political analysts and observers said their victories were menaingful and impressive considering that both did not visit Bohol during the campaign period. 

Duterte's last visit to Bohol was in 2019 when she campaigned for some senators and former Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco Jr. 

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte 

graces the 168th Bohol Day on July 22, 2022. Photos: Ric Obedencio 

Duterte went first to Clarin town to visit the schools ravaged by Typhoon Odette (international name "Rai") last year.

She met with local officials and the Department of Education (DepEd) personnel to talk about the repair, reconstruction, and renovation of classroom buildings destroyed by the typhoon. 

After Clarin, she went to the Bohol Cultural Center for the Bohol Day program where she was treated to the reenactment of  "Sanduguan" (Blood Compact) between  Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna in March 1565. 

"The last time siguro I was taught about Sandugo was in high school in Philippine History pa. And it's good to be reminded of our history as a country," she told at least 200 crowd of local chief executives and heads of different agencies. 

She urged Boholanos to support the new administration to improve Filipinos’ condition.

“Let us keep one another in friendship, prayer, and pride as we take the next steps of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. I ask the Boholanos’ support as the new administration makes decisions in our best interest,” she said.

Duterte said that Boholanos were fiercely protective of their place and territory.  She cited the 2017 clashes with members of Abu Sayaff group.

A band of bandits landed on the island on April 10, 2017 from their stronghold in Basilan province on a kidnapping mission, but they were thwarted as alert residents tipped off the authorities on their presence in Inabanga town.

Duterte hoped that Bohol’s collective harmony and faith would overcome challenges and spread across the country.

“Bohol is always a welcoming place, a new home for others, and home of the finest spots in the global lieu, glistening in its continued motivation, culture and tradition and faith. The entire Bohol will blossom, blossom again, blossom more…,” she said.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado said, “Boholanos are ruled by a spirit of never dies.”

“Treat a Boholano with respect and kindness, and he will open his humble home for you as a long, long lost brother… And you will enjoy the hospitality of Si Katuna,” said Aumentado

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte signs the "Sara All 2022" hoodie and t-shirt of Hannah Tessa Obedencio and mediaman Cesar Capangangan on July 22, 2022. Photo: Ric Obedencio

After her speech, Duterte went to Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant for an exclusive "meet and greet" with Alyansang Bol-anon Alang sa Kausaban (Abaka) members. 

Duterte was mobbed by excited Abaka members, officials and supporters who wanted to have their autographs signed by the vice president.  She willingly obliged requests for photographs and autographs, but her escorts and security aides whisked her out to the stage for a short program. 

Bohol became a separate politico-military province from Cebu on July 22, 1854.

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Atty. Jamie at your service

By Leo Udtohan

Lawyer Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor with her husband Vince Tan who witnessed the inaugural session where she delivered her inaugural address as provincial board member of Bohol. Photo: Jamie Villamor MAO

 

It seems only yesterday when Ate Razel was seen bringing along in her meetings and social events a tot named Jamie, who looked so shy and was seen in the corner doing her own thing, reading something. 

That tot is now a provincial lawmaker- Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor-Tan.  

In her high school and college days, she was an active participant in student politics, campus journalism and leadership caucuses. 

As a lawmaker,  Atty. Jamie said she seeks to craft major legislative measures to improve the lives of her fellow Boholanos.

"It is my vision to have stronger Bohol through my major legislative agenda which is to accelerate the economic growth of our province," said  Villamor  the inaugural session of the 29th Bohol Legislature.

The neophyte lawmaker said it can be done by strengthening the communities to have a stronger economy through multi sectoral approach and sustainable support to farmers, fisherfolks, local entrepreneurs and indigenous groups.

She urged her colleagues to craft legislative measures that will boost productivity, raise earning power and competitiveness. She believes that it is about time that Bohol identify potential industries and diversify investments for economic development.

Before becoming a lawmaker, Villamor was a legislative consultant of the House of the Representatives, head of Policy and Legislative Department of the League of Cities of the Philippines, and Corporate Board Secretary of the National Irrigation Administration.

"As a public servant working behind the scenes in the halls of power in the national government for considerable years, it is my unwavering commitment that I offer no less the excellence and honor which our fellow Boholanos expect of us - my knowledge, skills, training and experience I've had working," she said.

" And as a neophyte provincial legislator, I consider this a privilege to be working with esteemed, and seasoned politicians who I look forward to learn more from, and work with," said the pro-bono lawyer.

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