Favorite destination? Balik sa Bohol

By Leo Udtohan 

Provincial and local officials lead by Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado at the huge replica of "urna" (wooden house shrine for religious icons) during the Philippine Travel Mart held at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Sept. 29-October 2, 2022. Contributed photos

After two-year hiatus, the Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. (Philtoa) returned the longest-running interactive tourism expo, Philippine Travel Mart (PTM). 

At least 60 exhibitors from Bohol province joined the PTM held at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 

For its 33rd edition, the PTM’s theme is “Safe Travels.”  

"Of course, it's safe to travel to Bohol," said Panglao tourism officer Anthony Ceniza who is currently in Manila for the PTM. 

The last time I attended the PTM was in 2001-2005, when Bohol was hailed as number one tourist destination in the country. Familiar faces on past PTMs were Panglao former mayors Benedicto Alcala, Doloreich Dumaluan and Nila Montero, Panglao's First Lady Ma'am Annie Arcay, Rico Guigue, Arthur Bagcat, Roldan Cuevas, Ritchyl Dumaluan-Vallente, Clarita Jorserada and Chai Cruz. 

Attending tourism fairs is a good way for a tour provider to find customers. 

One of this year's exhibitors is Jojo Baritua, 54, proprietor of Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours. He said it took him one week to prepare promotional materials such as flyers and brochures. 

He considered it a big factor to join the  three-day event after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. 

"I'm able to rekindle previous travel agents, connect to network of travel agents and meet new friends. We are able to inform them that Bohol is once again open to tourists," said Baritua in a phone interview. 

Travel Mart, considered the longest-running interactive tourism expo,  has at least 200 exhibitions from local and international participants showcasing exclusive domestic and international travel packages.

The last time Baritua joined the PTM was in 2014. 

His business, which was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, was just back last May this year. 

Although they were several attempts to open the province last year, the shockwaves of COVID-19 still reduced daily visitor numbers to the province. The comeback has been slow, and often painful. 

Baritua said he was hopeful that this year's travel mart could help the economic recovery. 

During the Central Visayas tourism product presentation on Friday, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado led the official launching of "Balik sa Bohol" Marketing Campaign with the launching of its new campaign video. 

Jojo Baritua of Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours, Shieda Lim of Travel Treats Tour Services, Evelyn Banluto of Seaman's World Travel and Tours, Joyce Buhion of Topaz Travel and Tours, and Alma Castanares of One Fine Travel and Tours. Contributed photo

 

 

 

Other officials who joined the opening of the PTM were Reps. Edgar Chatto, Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor, board members Jamie Villamor, Tita Baja and Nathaniel Binlod, Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes, Provincial Tourism Council chairperson Atty. Doi Nunag, provincial administrator Aster Caberte, Benjie Oliva, Lourdes Sultan, Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Remolador- Cabarrus, and other stakeholders. 

Aumentado said the provincial government brings Bohol closer to travelers as its tourism is now steadily recovering from the restrictions imposed for almost two years. 

For the first half of this year alone, the province recorded a 52 percent growth in the number of tourists arriving in the province. 

Aumentado said he has to ensure that Bohol can offer new kinds of experiences that will surely make their visit a memorable one.

"Bohol is more than just the beaches of Panglao Island, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, the historic churches, or the tarsier viewing. We can offer you a lot. As part of our development agenda under our new administration, we want to diversify our tourism offerings. We want to make sure that tourists experience Bohol from many perspectives," Aumentado said. 

He said as eco-tourism destination, the provincial government will also introduce new ones such as sustainable tourism, smart tourism, cultural tourism, and halal tourism. It will also strengthen sports tourism capacity as it plans to hold more sporting events in the province.

"In order to fulfill all of these, we have to guarantee our peace and order situation. We will improve our existing infrastructures and construct new ones. We will strictly enforce safety procedures in every step of the tourism industry," he said.

Villamor, vice chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Tourism, called Boholanos and Filipinos to proudly showcase and promote our culture, identity, arts and attractions. 

"As we envision to accelerate the economic growth of our province and of the country and empower local communities, we are moving forward to working on the strengthening of our tourism industry," said Villamor. 

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Joshua Marapao Lillehagen: 'Always be kind even to those who aren’t'

By Leo Udtohan

Joshua Marapao Lillehagen is Bohol's representative to the "Great Man of the Universe". Photo: Aplaya Multimedia

The first thing that people notice in Joshua Marapao Lillehagen is his towering height, even when he was Sandugo Festival King 2018. 

Zoom out a bit and you notice his good looks that, according to TAN manager Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad, “he is getting more handsome each day,” and then, zoom out some more, his well-kept, well-toned body. “Not to brag but women and pa-women swoon over his goodlooking looks whenever he goes to the malls here and even in Dubai and Australia," adds Khim who has an eye for beauty and brawn. 

Joshua, 19, who hails from Calape town, is Bohol's official representative to the "Great Man of the Universe"-Philippines search which will culminate this November. 

Last week, he had a courtesy call to Gov. Aris Aumentado to seek support for his upcoming participation in the pageant. He was definitely thrilled to have discussed his plans with the young governor. He expressed his gratitude to Aumentado for the warm welcome and manifestation of support. 

Joshua is now in Dubai for a vacation while at the same time undergoing a training program focused on the physical, mental and emotional strength needed for the search. 

He said joining the "Great Man of the Universe" is the smartest thing he has done so far. 

"I think the smartest thing I’ve done so far was joining this pageant, Great Man of the Universe Philippines, and gaining exposure and getting back into modelling, which is a passion of mine ever since 2018 when I first started modelling," Joshua said. 

And what are his preparations for the contest? 

 

"I’m really giving this pageant my all. I’m watching what I eat, making sure I’m not consuming too many carbohydrates. I’m also going to the gym six times a week, doing cardio in the night and in the early morning to lose fat and keep myself in shape," he said. 

"I’m also doing facials at House of Beauty, and taking good care of my skin to reduce the amount of break outs I have. I also went to my dentist, Vertulfo, to get my teeth whitened. And finally, I get my nails done at Nailux so that my hands always look clean," he added. 

A Sagittarius, Joshua stands 6’2”; weighs 176 lbs.; and wears small-size shirt, medium-size briefs and size-13. 5 shoes.

Have you always wanted to join modeling since you were small? "I’ve never actually thought about doing modelling as a kid, however it has always been my dream to get into acting and becoming a big movie star one day. It then became a dream of mine to become an ABS- CBN actor too after watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) with my Lola when I was a kid."

Would you rather be smart but not too handsome or handsome but not too smart? "I would rather be smart but not too handsome because I was told when I was around 15 to 16 years old that looks are temporary, however knowledge is forever, and knowledge is power."

Joshua Marapao Lillehagen: 'I feel like my best asset is how brave and competitive I am. I never back down from a challenge and when I do take up a challenge I will do anything and everything to win.'  Photos: Litrato ni Juan by John Michael Ladura and Aplaya Multimedia

What are you taking up in college?  "I’m currently doing my Bachelor’s degree in media and communications in the University of Wollongong in Dubai. The reason why I chose this specific degree is because when choosing what I wanted to do for university, I wanted to get into acting school, however my parents weren’t going to support me financially with that degree because acting isn’t a certain career path, you need a little bit of luck and connections in order to get into that. So I chose media and communications because that’s the closest thing I could get to acting in front of the camera, I would at least be behind the camera."

What do you think is the biggest decision that you’ve made in your life? "To be honest with you, even though it was the smartest decision I’ve made it was also the hardest decision I’ve made too because I never actually had plans to get back into modelling and this opportunity came out of absolutely nowhere. I know most people would probably take this opportunity in a heartbeat, but in all honesty I wasn’t ready for it. I was out of shape, and I wasn’t taking care of myself and shaping myself for modelling anymore since Covid hit."

What is your motto in life? "My motto in life is to always be kind, even to those who aren’t. I’ve learned throughout the years is that when you leave this earth, nobody cares how well you did in your English test back in grade 7, but people would care about how you helped them study for it, especially if they get a good grade because of you. However long you are in this life for, always try and do good no matter who the person is, because at the end of the day people will care about your heart rather than your mind."

What are your winning traits? "My winning traits are that I’m resilient, I’m trustworthy, I’m loyal and I’m respectful."

What winning tips you get from your trainor/ handler? "Some winning tips I get from my handler is to never give up."

How do you handle bashers?  "I invite them into my life because that’s my sign that I’m making it and I’m close to success."

Do you have secrets sustaining your pogi points?  "Eat, sleep, repeat."

What is your best asset and why? "I feel like my best asset is how brave and competitive I am. I never back down from a challenge and when I do take up a challenge I will do anything and everything to win." 

What advocacy experience do you have? Maybe you have an important message to share ... and being a model would be the venue or forum to start your advocacy. "Some advocacy experience that I have is giving back to my community, especially in Calape. Calape has helped me so much whenever it came to my modelling, whether it was supporting me or even just the wildlife and scenery. Because of this, I enjoy giving back to my community after all the help they have given to me."

Who’s your role model?" My role model is my father. He has always been the one person I have always looked up to and listened to whenever times got too rough, and when it comes to really big decisions I always ask myself what would my father do."

Any other woman whom you admire? "A strong and powerful woman who I admire is my mother. She’s the person who gave birth to me and raised me when I was a child and taught me what’s right and what’s wrong. Without her I don’t know where I’d be in my life."

How you will convince people here and abroad that it is more fun in Bohol? "It’s all in the saying, Bohol has it all, and it’s all in Bohol. Which is very true, based off of all the tourist attractions and numerous activities you can do on this beautiful island, it truly has no boring days. You can always do something in Bohol any and every day of the week. Bohol has some of the most beautiful scuba diving and free diving sites if you’re into that, but if you’re afraid of the ocean then you can always find something to do at Island City Mall, or visit the world famous Chocolate Hills and climb over 200 steps to go up the mountain. There is always something fun to do in this beautiful island, Bohol."

Bohol's "Great Man of the Universe" Joshua Lillehagen pays a visit to Gov. Aris Aumentado. Also in photo is Lillehagen' s manager Roger Ryan "Khim" Magtagad. Photo: Aplaya Multimedia

What place in Bohol you would like to promote and bring your friends?  "To be honest there isn’t just one place in Bohol I would promote and bring my friends to because the island of Bohol as a whole is a beautiful island and there’s always something to do no matter what province you travel to. You can always travel to the Chocolate Hills and see the beautiful view at the top of one of the mountains you can climb, or you can go into the city of Tagbilaran and experience the night life, or if you’re a daytime person you can go into any of the malls and shop for good quality clothes or delicious food with the friendliest staff. Bohol as a whole is an amazing island, and there’s too many places in Bohol that are a great place to visit that I cannot choose one specific place."

What qualities of the Boholano youth would you highlight? "Their resiliency."

What is your favorite quote? “Don’t waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear.” - Paulo Coelho

Describe yourself in three (3) words:" Resilient. Trustworthy. Spiritual. Resilient - no matter how many times I get knocked down I will get right back on my feet again. Trustworthy - no matter what I will always try and tell the truth in full, even if the truth will hurt.  Spiritual - no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I will always turn to God for help if I’m at a low point in my life, and I will always thank God when I’m at a high point." 

How's your love life? "I don’t have one." 

What do you find sexy in a woman? "Her personality." 

And what turns you off? "Lack of personality."

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Bohol media icon Fred Araneta, 74

By Leo Udtohan

Veteran Boholano broadcast journalist Fred Araneta, one of the most recognizable voices in Bohol airwaves, passed away last Monday, Sept. 12. 

He had been a broadcaster at station dyRD-Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation for 49 years.

At 16, he started his broadcast career with dyML in the 1960. He then transferred to station dyRD where he practiced his craft from 1973 until his death.

He was the anchor of popular radio programs such as "Eveready Newscast", "7 'O Clock News" and "Inyong Alagad" with dyRD.

The "7  O’Clock News" with Araneta has maintained its popularity among radio listeners to this day that it serves as "alarm clock" to residents before going to offices and schools.

"Inyong Alagad" earned the program as one of the nominees as "Most Outstanding Radio Programs in the Philippines"  by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP).

Araneta served as a longtime president of the Bohol Tri-Media Association (BTMA). 

Araneta’s colleagues, friends and listeners were among those who expressed condolences to his bereaved family, saying

morning radio will never be the same.

"Bohol and Tagbilaran lost an icon in broadcast media! Some shoes are just so difficult to replace. You are irreplaceable," said Rosalinda Paredes said Araneta, community oganizer and USAID-Surge project coordinator. 

"My life as a media person will never be the same without you, Fred. I will miss you forever in my life. FOREVER! Rest in peace, Dong," said Araneta’s sister, Ardy Araneta-Batoy, who is also a media practitioner, in a Facebook post.

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Sugar shortage affects Coca-Cola plant in Tagbilaran

By Leo Udtohan

Coca-Cola Philippines has stopped its bottling operation on Tagbilaran City Plant in Bohol on Sept.16, 2022 due to shortage of bottler's grade sugar. Photo: Leo Udtohan

The soda giant said the shortage of bottler's grade sugar is hampering production in its Tagbilaran plant.

Coca-Cola Philippines has stopped the operation of its plant in Tagbilaran City in Bohol due to the shortage of refined sugar in the country.

"This Coca Cola plant has suspended bottling operations due to the lack of supply of bottlers grade sugar, as a result of the ongoing sugar crisis," the signage reads.

No further statement has been issued yet by the bottling company as to when will they going to resume their operations.

Several Coca-Cola plants in the country were forced to close operations due to unavailability of refined sugar used in making cola. 

A reliable source said that employees are worried about the ongoing sugar shortage that cause the suspension of operation in Tagbilaran which has some 100 workers. 

Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Incorporated-Tagbilaran Branch, has long been a landmark in Tagbilaran City. It was established in December 1953.

The Coca-Cola building continues to catch attention as a sign of economic progress in the province. Even its regular siren has become an alarm for residents. 

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Aris inducts BMPC board of directors, officers

By Leo Udtohan

Gov. Aris Aumentado inducts BMPC board of directors and officers.

Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado administered the oath of office to the newly-elected members of the board of directors (BOD) and officers of the Bol-anon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (formerly TACECCO) on Thursday night, Sept. 15, at Shang Palace.

The presence of Aumentado manifested a strong sense of support for cooperatives as economic drivers that promote growth and economic viability of local communities. 

He also informed the BMPC cooperators that the provincial government of Bohol is preparing to roll out assistance to interested coops in the province. 

The BMPC chair is Samuel Belderol. 

Others who took their oath before Aumentado were Mardonio Roxas, vice-chair; Jose  Pamaong, Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, Felito Francisco, and Brenda Sarte as BOD members starting their new term, as well as the newly-appointed officers of the different committees.

It may be remembered that the BMPC is one of the 122 civil society organizations that were awarded  certificates of accreditation by the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice-Mayor Adam Relson Jala, as part of the initiatives of the City Government to strengthen the CSOs and empower the Tagbilaran City People’s Council (TCPC).

Belderol was also elected treasurer of the TCPC during the meeting at JJ’s Seafoods on Thursday. 

The BMPC is managed by Edita Lapac.

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

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo on no funds for typhoon Odette victims in Bohol:  "Ito ay walang bolahan. Ang pera na lang po ng DSWD  para sa medical, burial, transportation less than P1 billion na lang." 

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor during the organizational meeting of the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation to address injustice and to gradually reduce numbers of contractuals and job order personnel in government: "We need a master plan that addresses this injustice over the next five years. I am hopeful Chairman Karlo Nograles will be up to this challenge."

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Bohol expected to be declared Unesco Global Geopark by 2022

By Leo Udtohan 

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE... Your media friends (l-r) Joshua Fullido (dyTR), Elvie Bongosia (PIA), Helen Castaño (Bohol Island News), Rey Tutas (dyRD) and Dave Responte (dyTR) at the Chocolate Hills Complex.  Photo: Leo Udtohan 

For the first time in two years, since the onslaught of the pandemic, I was able to enter the complex last Thursday during the Social Welfare and Development Sec. Erwin Tulfo. 

Tulfo was in Bohol to attend the turnover of classroom buildings and isolation center in Pilar town and livelihood assistance payout in Carmen town.

Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes invited Tulfo, DSWD staff and volunteers for a "merienda" at the complex. 

"The hills are alive, still beautiful," I gushed when I saw the mounds closer and clearer. 

The beautiful natural scenery at the chocolate hills would weep away sorrows and difficulties in the journey to discover new things, hard but extremely meaningful.

Mayor Che bared she has plans for the chocolate hills to make it a world-class destination. 

Some members of the Bohol media with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyed and board member Nathaniel Binlod at the Chocolate Hills Complex.

Speaking of chocolate hills, a geological wonder, the  island- province of Bohol is expected to be declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Global Geopark site by 2022.

The Unesco website said that Bohol is one of the seven considered geoparks being nominated by the Global Geoparks Council of the Unesco.

The other six are: Ijen, Indonesia;  Maros Pangkep, Indonesia; Aras, Iran; Waitaki Whitestone, New Zealand; Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Khorat, Thailand.

Should the Unesco Executive Board approve the outcome of the Council during its spring 2023 session, Bohol would become the first Unesco Global Geopark in the Philippines.

The Council will meet again in December 2022, to examine the applications that are currently undergoing evaluation and revalidation missions.  

Gov. Aris Aumentado said that the nomination being the only in the country encourages new motivation with geological heritage values.

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World reacts to passing of Queen Elizabeth II

By Leo Udtohan

People in Britain and around the world are mourning Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch and one of the most enduring royal personalities the world has known. 

She died Thursday at the age of 96. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the queen had passed away at Balmoral Castle, her official summer residence in Scotland.

With the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, Prince Charles has finally become king of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms, ending a wait of more than 70 years - the longest by an heir in British history.

When I visited the United Kingdom in 2017, I didn't meet Her Majesty at her official residences at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Even our Boholano friends-- Panglao’s First Lady Annie Arcay in August 2015, and Andy Digal Doria in March  2018-- who visited Buckingham Palace didn’t meet Queen Elizabeth.

I wished to have seen her in person even from afar.  I love watching and reading stories of her life and other royals. It was still amazing to have seen her (my closest encounter with The Queen) in post boxes and stamps, and of course, their pound sterling. 

The Queen was also known for her words of comforting wisdom, her stalwart approach to tough times, and ability to laugh through joyful ones. Her  speeches and quotes throughout the seven decades of her reign have provided guidance, support and happiness to an entire nation and beyond. 

Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities, of impetuous and wayward youngsters and of disagreements. - The Queen's speech to heads of state aboard the royal yacht Britannia, October 1989

 

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different. This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal. We will succeed - and that success will belong to every one of us. - Televised address on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19

 

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again. - Televised address on April 5, 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19

 

While we’re remembering Her Majesty, provincial board member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor also shares an anecdote about The Queen: 

 

Layo ang United Kingdom, pero I feel the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on a personal level. Imagine having to rule a kingdom and lead Commonwealth of Nations at a young age of 25. Through stagnation and prosperity, I admire her ability to maintain a dignified monarchy. 

 

I have studied and learned about the Queen and her long reign. I read and watched the United Kingdom’s history, HERstory. Always been a follower since my teenage years. Always fascinated by her sense of duty, of service, steadfast leadership, well-thought of strategic decisions since at a young age of 25 as Queen, her diplomatic achievements. Worth mentioning, the Queen’s strong and enduring relationship with Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the World War II. And of course, her enduring and lasting marriage with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. And yes, mag kilig-kilig pa gani ko nila. 

 

She was also an adorable grandmom. I’ve been telling Lola Grenie, “mura jud ka si Queen Elizabeth. Kay cute kaayo.”

 

Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

 

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Remembering Ruth, 21 years since 

On Sept. 9, 2001, my sister Ruth or "Neneng" to her friends, left us at a very young age - sweet seventeen. It was the saddest moment that we were overwhelmed with grief at that time.

Words couldn't entirely describe the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss from her passing. 

Sometimes, we asked ourselves if she was alive, how many children would she have? She would probably be a fashion designer or with our other cousins abroad. 

Her nephews and nieces have not seen her as their "Tita" nor heard her voice.

Twenty-one years may have passed, but still, we have not forgotten her. 

Indeed, there is no time limit on coping with grief and loss. 

The family's belief in Jesus Christ and the afterlife for those who believe in Him has helped the process easily. 

 

Being a Torah observant, Jewish tradition encompasses all of life, day and night, light and dark. Even in the most difficult of situations--the imminent and then actual loss of a loved one--the Torah is there to strengthen, guide, and help us grow and see beyond our loss.

Slowly, we've overcome the pain, emptiness, and feelings of loss. 

What is death? This is best answered with another question: What is life?

May her memory be a blessing. 

 

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

 

Gov. Aris Aumentado on the construction of SM Supermall in Bohol:  The deal is done in our meeting. Within four to five years, we will experience the services of the new mall. More big businesses will come. The economy will boom.

 

Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls senior vice president for mall operations, on the construction of an SM Supermall branch in Bohol:  We are welcome here in Bohol. We felt Bohol is business- friendly. That is important to us.

 

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap on "PinasLakas" booster vaccination drive in Bohol: This is to continue our economic recovery. Now, there are many investors who are interested in Tagbilaran City and Bohol. Please, get boosted.

 

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, director of the Department of Health-Central Visayas during  "PinasLakas" booster vaccination drive in Bohol: Ayaw nato hulata nga ang bakuna mapildi na unya sa COVID, kinahanglan ang atong bakuna maoy makapildi sa COVID ug kana makab-ot kung atong paspasan nga macover kitang tanan para walay kabalhinan ug  kapuy-an ang kagaw.

 

Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor of Bohol’s third district on the new face mask policy against COVID-19: Again, DOH and IATF seem to be slow. The United States is already rolling out the boosters against the old and new variants of COVID. Will the Philippines be late again? The burden of proof is on DOH and IATF. They must show that the failures of 2020 and 2021 will not repeat now or ever again.

 

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