Author: Venus Ladaga

New Bohol PNP chief Gornez lauds purok power movement

The newly installed Bohol Police Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Julius Cesar V. Gornez has lauded the continued implementation of the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM) that brings some goods and free services to the barangay folks down to the purok level.

PSSupt. Gornez who is exactly 16 days today of service as Philippine National Police chief in Bohol last Thursday attended the CDP-PPM Medical/Dental Outreach and Agri-Caravan Hand Over and Induction of the Purok Sectoral Working Committees in Behind The Clouds, Batuan, Bohol.

Gornez who is the same with the other PNP provincial directors in Bohol joined the CDP-PPM team and in his message he recalled that somewhere in 2010 he first joined the team to launch the program in President Carlos P. Garcia.

The new PNP head in the province expressed elation that until now the program is still continued and accepted by the Boholanos who have been wanted for the sustainable peace and development.

He described the CDP-PPM a real program that brings the government closer to the people.

PSSupt. Gornez urged the barangay folks of Behind The Clouds to be vigilant in order to sustain the peace and order in their locality.

1Lt. Mark Anthony Cardinoza for and in behalf of Brig. Gen. Ignacio B. Madriaga, AFP, 302^ND Brigade, 31D assured the barangay folks that the Philippine Army (PA) is their partner for peace and development and they are not only designed for war.

1Lt. Cardinoza congratulated the newly organized Sector Working Committees (SWCs) and urged them to apply and develop their knowledge they learned from the Prosperity Team of the CDP-PPM to uplift their lives in the purok.

Executive Officer Renerio Makinano, Office of the Governor, emphasized that the main objective of the CDP-PPM is to empower the people at the purok level to work with the government towards peace and development.

Makinano reiterated that really there is no development if there is no peace.

He said the administration of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto considered peace and order are important ingredients for development.

Makinano said with the opening of the Bohol Panglao International Airport, the number of tourists who would come to Bohol would be doubled that would benefit also to the town of Batuan.

The executive officer from the governor’s office mentioned some accomplishments of Gov. Chatto in his 38 years of service to the Boholanos to include the passage into law the conversion of the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) into Bohol Island State University, one of the principal sponsors of the Agricultural Modernization Act and and author of the New Tourist Act.

He said that the governor is very much thankful to the people of Behind the Clouds and asked for their continued support to the provincial government to build better Bohol with happy Boholanos.

Board Member Jade Bautista, chair, Committee on Health and Sanitation at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol joined the CDPP-PPM Team and said to be the first ever provincial lawmaker who visited the remote barangay of Batuan, the Behind the Clouds.

In her message, Bautista said that was the first time of the coming many times that she will visit the area.

Punong Barangay James B. Diolan, Dr. Joel Espila and Brando Jumawid in lieu of Mayor Antonino M. Jumawid thanked the prov’l. gov.t of bringing goods and free services to the people of Behind the Clouds even that the barangay is located in a remote area.

The barangay was the beneficiary of five heads of swine, six heads of cow, 100 sacks of organic fertilizers, 50 pcs. of bolo, 200 pcs. of coconut seedlings, 500 packs of vegetable seeds and 60 food packs.

Other services given were: feeding, medical, dental, massage, circumcision, haircut and veterinary service. (Atoy Cosap)

PUROK POWER MOVEMENT. Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Julius Cesar V. Gornez (right) lauds the continued implementation of the Countryside Development Program – Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM) of the provincial government during the medical/dental outreach agri-caravan in Behind the Clouds, Batuan last Thursday. While 3^rd Dist. Board Member Jade Bautista (left photo) of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol joins the CDP-PPM Team of bringing goods and free services to the barangay folks of Behind the Clouds. Foto: QUEENIE ATOP/JENJEN BAJA

Ubi kinampay, other varieties showcase at Ubi Festival ‘19

Showcasing the different varieties of ubi especially the “ubi kinampay” and several contests with big prizes at stake would highlight the three-day celebration of the Ubi Festival 2019 on January 29-31, at the Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC) Grounds, Dao, Tagbilaran City.

Some contests will be conducted at the opening day to start at 1 p.m. Slated activities include motorcade, ubi eating, highest volume of ubi display and booth contests; while the pinaka (the best ubi harvest) and the literary and musical contests: bugno sa rondalya (farmers only), ubi balak ( farmer and youth), ubi kuradang (farmer and youth), ubi jingle (youth) and Eddie Peregrina voice alike (farmer/youth male only) will be conducted on January 30 to start at 8 a.m. still at the B-APC Grounds.

The Ubi Festival 2019 will kick off with a colorful motorcade at 1 pm (Jan. 19) from Camp Bernido, Purok 4, Tagbilaran City to ICM-Dao Market-J.A. Carin St.- CPG Ave.- Bohol Cultural Center – Tamblot St. – Rizal St. – City Hall to B-APC to be participated by the Local Government Units (LGUs) from the Ubi growing municipalities, Ubi growers, Non-Government Associations (NGAs), People’s Organizations (POs), Academe and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

In the opening program, Governor Edgar M. Chatto would deliver his message while Representative Rene L. Relampagos (1^st district), Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado (2^nd dist.), Rep. Arthur C. Yap (3^rd district), and Dr. Woongo Ha (Country Director, KOPIA Philippines) would give their message of support.

City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap will deliver his welcome address after assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas acknowledges the participants as the awarding of Outstanding Ubi Farmer/Grower will be followed after the acceptance speech of Floriano Gamay – the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) president.

Gov. Chatto and Dr. Ha will lead the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits to be assisted by Balilihan Mayor Maria Puresa V. Chatto, Vice Gov. Dionisio D. Balite, Board Member Abeleon R. Damalerio and all Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and City Mayor Yap.

The closing and awarding program will be held on the 3^rd day (Jan. 31, 2019), 1 p.m. at the Island City Mall Activity Center . The governor will lead in giving awards to all the winners of the Ubi Fest 2019 and the winners of the 2018 Suhid sa mga Malampusong Bol-anon, Gulayan sa Paaralan 2018 and the Bahay Kubo FAITH HOPE CHARITY 2018.

Gov. Chatto and BM Damalerio would also deliver their message while the closing remarks will be given by Remedios Regacho, Fisheries Division Head, OPA and the closing prayer will be led by Helen Q. Igot.

This year’s celebration bears the theme “Ubi, Dungog sa Bohol Padayong Amomahon ug Palamboon sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon,”

Ubi Festival is the annual activity of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the OPA aimed recognizing the Boholano Ubi growers who have excelled in Ubi farming in Bohol. (Atoy Cosap)

WINNING ENTRY. One of the contests to be conducted during the three-day Ubi Festival 2019 is the highest volume of Ubi display. Photo shows the Ubi tubers of San Pascual, Ubay, winning the said category in the 2016 Ubi Fest.

Chinese investors form Bohol-based organization

Aiming to unite all Chinese investors in the province of Bohol to contribute for the socio-economic development, the Bohol Chinese Chamber Association Corporation (BCCAC) was organized.

The officers who took their oath before Governor Edgar M. Chatto last Sunday at the Bohol Cultural Center were Chairman – Yanhu Liang, Director General – Jun Zhon, Secretary General – Yang Yu, Directors: Wang Chen Qin, Liu Lin, Chen Yian, Pin Zhang, Weng Latian, Feng Pan Jun, Ren Jian Cheng, Guan Hua Wei, Zhang Deli and Hang Zhanglian.

In his acceptance speech, Liang who is the investor of a housing project in Alburquerque promised to help for the economic upliftment of Bohol.

Liang thanked the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for helping them in their endeavors in the province.

Consul General Jia Li of the Chinese Embassy who witnessed the oath-taking also promised to bring more investments to Bohol.

Li also thanked the PGBh through Gov. Chatto for the support and hospitality that have been given to the more than 100 families of Chinese investors in the province.

The BCCAC has investments on hotels, dive shops, ready to wear (RTW), agriculture/fishery, travel and tours, housing and condominium.

In Cantaob, Sierra-Bullones there are more than 20 hectares (has.) of land areas developed by the Chinese for vegetable production supplying malls and markets in Bohol.

Gov. Chatto lauded the association of which the group of investors coming from China run their investments here and other parts of the country showing the good relationship between the Philippines and China.

He said the opening of the Bohol Panglao International Airport augurs well for business establishments of Boholanos and Chinese moving Bohol towards economic growth.

In behalf of City Mayor John Geesnell “Baba” L. Yap, City Administrator Edi Borja congratulated BCCAC and stated that the city is doing its best to develop a China town.

In another development, the BCCAC on their initial meeting with Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio proposed a big event to be undertaken which is the Bohol Chinese Friendship Day which is tentatively scheduled on February 20, 2019. This aims to strengthen the relationship between the Chinese investors, Boholano Chinese community and Boholano people.

The organization of the BCCAC was facilitated by the PGBh through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA). (Atoy Cosap)

BCCAC. Governor Edgar M. Chatto (center) with the officers of the Bohol Chinese Chamber Association Corporation headed by chairman Yanhu Liang (right of Gov. Chatto), Consul General Jia Li-Chinese Embassy (left of Gov. Chatto), after the governor administers the oath-taking last Sunday at the Bohol Cultural Center this city.

More barangays benefited by purok power program

The barangays Sohoton in Calape and La Victoria in the town of Carmen were the first and second barangays in Bohol respectively conducted by the HEAT-IT Medical Dental Agri-Caravan and Hand Over this year in line with the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM).

The activities were conducted in Sohoton last January 4, 2019 and in La Victoria last Thursday while other three areas have been scheduled within this month to include Behind The Clouds in Batuan on January 24; Bonifacio, Bilar (Jan.28) and in Dagohoy, Bilar (Jan. 30).

In barangay La Victoria, Renerio Makinano, representative of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto explained that the conduct of HEAT-IT Agri-Caravan showed that the barangay folks are close to the heart of the provincial government that brings services down to the households at the purok levels.

Makinano cited the accomplishments of Gov. Chatto in his 38 years of public service. Chatto was president of the Kabataang Barangay (KB); became mayor, vice-governor, congressman in the first district and governor, public service centered and anchored for the development of the province.

He mentioned some Republic Acts authored by Chatto such as: Tourism Act, Agricultural Modernization Act and an act making Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT) into Bohol Island State University (BISU) among other laws.

Makinano thanked 3^rd District Cong. Arthur Yap, Mayor Ricardo Francisco A. Toribio, Vice Mayor Romeo C. Bigay Jr., Barangay Captain Quirino Aparicio, barangay officials and the barangay folks for their continued support to the provincial government in bringing peace and development in the town of Carmen.

SPO4 Jose Cimafranca, Officer-in-Charge of the Carmen Police Station for and in behalf of Police Senior Supt. Angeles Geñorga and Army Captain Khadaffy Tawan-Tawan in lieu of Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga of the 302^nd Brigade said that they have been very supportive to the CDP-PPM.

They said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are one with the provincial government’s efforts geared towards peace and development.

Barangay Captain Aparicio in his welcome message and Kagawad Jaime Manila in his closing statement thanked the PGBh for bringing the free services and turning over of goods to the barangay.

La Victoria through Captain Aparicio was the recipient of seven carabaos, one unit of hand tractor with trailer and 100 pieces of bolos.

Also given were medical and dental services through the Provincial Health Office; Municiapl Health Office; Medical Outreach Unit (MOU) from the Governor’s Office; haircut and massage (302^nd and 47^th IB); Veterinary Services (Office of the Provincial Veterinarian); distributions of coconut seedlings, Information Education Materials (IEC), and vegetable seeds (Office of the Provincial Veterinarian); distribution of coconut seedlings, Information Education Materials (IEC), and vegetable seeds (Office of the Provincial Agriculturist).

The CDP-PPM implementation that brings goods and free services to the people down to the purok level cannot be stopped.

CDP-PPM Technical Working Group (TWG) chairperson Liza M. Quirog said the program has already been institutionalized and has become a byword of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in delivering goods and services to the people because the approach being used is very effective. (Atoy Cosap)

CDP-PPM FREE SERVICES. Barangay Chairman Quirino Aparicio of La Victoria, Carmen, Bohol (second from left, top photo) last Thursday thank the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for delivering goods and services to his constituents. While Renerio Makinano (extreme left, top photo) for and in behalf of Gov. Edgar Chatto also thank 3^rd District Cong. Arthur Yap, Carmen Mayor Ricardo Francisco A. Toribio, Vice Mayor Romeo C. Bigay, Jr., Captain Quirino Aparicio, barangay officials and constituents for their continued support to the provincial government, citing the accomplishments of Gov. Chatto in his 38 years of service to the people.

3 major dams’ water elevation at full

There is no reason forBoholano farmers not to plant rice even in the rain-fed areas this dry cropping season.

The province of Bohol has abundant water following the recently concluded cloud seeding operations (CSOs), low-pressure areas and tropical depression Usman.

According to Leon Parac, Jr. of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Engr. Evelyn Putong of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-7) informed the OPA that three of the four major dams in Bohol have full water elevation to wit; Malinao Dam in Pilar at 152 meters (ms.), Capayas in Ubay at 36.5 and Talibon Dam(30mins.).

However, the Bayongan Dam in San Miguel now has an actual water level of 30ms. against 36.5 ms. at full.

He said the water spillage from Malinao Dam has been diverted to Bayongan Dam to augment the supply of water for the service areas.

Parac who is the cloud seeding focal person reported that the 45 hours CSOs sponsored by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) had completed on December 22, 2018 bringing rains to several towns in Bohol.

With the PAG-ASA forecast of an El Niño phenomenon said to hit the country in the early part of this year, the El Niño and La Niña Task Force of the province have already prepared some mitigating measures to include the CSOs.

He said the P2.3M allocation approved by the PGBh for the 42 hours CSOs is now on the bidding process which could be conducted to lessen the impact if the dry spell would strike anew.

The province of Bohol has a rice area of 56, 913.21 hectares (has.) of which 32, 919.53 has. are rain-fed and 23,993.68 has. depends on irrigation facilities.(AtoyCosap)

Ubi festival 2019 kicks off Jan. 29

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will celebrate Ubi Festival on January 29-31, 2019.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said the three-day event, this yearwith tentative venue,is an annual affair that happens every month of January showcasing the different varieties of Ubi such as Kinampay, Baligonhon, Binato, Iniling, Gimnay, Tam-isan, Binugas, Kabus-ok, and Binanag.

He said the working committees are in place with corresponding chairmen and members to prepare the criteria, guidelines, and mechanics of the contests by category. The ground works include invitation committee, program, exhibits, physical arrangement/decoration and after care, secretariat, food, committee on awards and prizes, committee on documentation and agri-info exhibits, finance, contest, and publicity and promotion committees.

The festival features contests with big prizes at stake to wit: Ubi eating, contest, literary and musical contests, pinaka contest, the highest volume of Ubi display, motorcade and booth contests.

Under the literary and musical contests are the following: Ubi rap and jingle (youth category), balak (farmer and youth), rondalla (farmer), kuradang (youth and farmer), and Eddie Peregrina voice alike.

Rosanna G. Lamdagan, chief-Agribusiness Division – OPA that as part of the preparation, the Ubi Festival consultative meeting said will be conducted on January 9, 2018, 9:00 at Café Caloy, F. Rocha St., Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City to be attended by the Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs), Municipal Agricultural Technicians (MATs), representatives from the different agri-related government agencies, chairmen of the different working committees, academe, and other agri-stakeholders.

She said that the mayors, MAOs and MATs were already informed through the Bohol Law Enforcement Communication System (BLECS) messages sent last Friday by Joseph Ygay, section head-Promotion Section-Agribusiness, Division, OPA.

Guest speakers during the opening and closing programs of the Ubi Festival will still be named anytime soon prior the kick off.

However, it would be certain that the winners of the SuhidsaMalampusong Mag-uumangBol-anon, GulayansaPaaralan and Food Always In The Home (FAITH) Herbal Organic Plant Enhancement (HOPE), Chicken Always Ready In The Yard (CHARITY) will be recognized and awarded during the closing program.

The Ubi Festival is spearheaded by the PGBh through the OPA in coordination with the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Academe, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs), Business Sector, Civil Society and other line agencies geared towards the enrichment of the agribusiness environment and the promotion of agri-tourism in the province of Bohol. (AtoyCosap)

2018 SUHID award rites postponed

The awarding ceremony forSuhidsaMalampusong Mag-uumangBol-anon 2018 which was earlier scheduled on December 25, 2018 at JJ’s Seafood Village, K of C Driveway, Poblacion 2, this city was indefinitely postponed due to some technicalities in processing the documents for the awards.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that he already informed the municipal mayors, municipal agriculturists (MAs), municipal agricultural officers (MAOs), agricultural technicians (ATs) of the 17 towns of the provinceregarding the matter through BLECS and telephone brigade where the winners of the different categories of the search came from.
The winners and the corresponding prizes of the SUHID ’18 are RamuelSayson (Tuboran, Bien Unido, Bohol) – Outstanding Fisherman – Fish capture with a prize of P5,000, Irma Villanueva (Bugang Sur, Bilar) – Outstanding Farmer – Fish Culture (P5,000), Bayongan Fishermen’s Association (Bayongan, San Miguel, Bohol) – Outstanding Fishermen’s Association (P15,000).
Maria Luz Alcala (MLGU, Cortes, Bohol) – Outstanding Fishery Technician (P5,000); Melchor P. Yaras, Del Pilar, Pilar, Bohol – Outstanding Rice Farmer (Adopting Integrated Farming) (P10,000) ; Angeles C. Opiala, San Agustin, Talibon – Outstanding Rice Technician (P5,000); Antonio B. Bunayog, San Isidro, Dauis, Bohol – Corn Farmer (Adopting Integrated Farming (P10,000); Anna Luz V. Duhaylungsod, MLGU Dauis, Bohol – Outstanding Corn Technician (P5,000); Karl Nonnan P. Endres, Poblacion Norte, Batuan, Bohol – Small Animal Raiser (Adopting Integrated Farming System (P5,000); Danilo Garcia, Buenasuerte, Pilar, Bohol – Large Animal Raiser (Adopting Integrated Farming System (P5,000);Celso C. Basilad, MLGU Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol – Agricultural Technicial (Livestock) (P5,000); Jonathan Quito, Agape, Loboc, Bohol – Outstanding Young Farmer (P15,000); Manga National High School c/o Mark Vincent Arabejo (4-H Club president) – Outstanding Young Farmer Association/Club (P20,000); Victor Ramos, San Isidro, Sagbayan, Bohol – Farm Family (P10,000);
Balilihan Association of Women’s for Development, Del Carmen Sur, Balilihan, Bohol – Outstanding Agri-Enterprise for Crops (P15,000); PrudencioPolinar, Rosariohan, Batuan, Bohol – High Value Commercial Crop Farmer (P5,000); Oscar Ong, LGU Maribojoc, Bohol – HVCDP Technician (P5,000); AngelitoOroyan, LGU Talibon – Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist/Agricultural Officer (P5,000); MAFC Ubay c/o Rey Boaquin (chairman), LGU Ubay, Ubay, Bohol – Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) (P15,000); Banlasan Rural Improvement Club, Trinidad – Rural Improvement Club (RIC) (P15, 000); Bunga, Ilaya Farmers Association, Jagna, Bohol – Farmers Association (P15, 000).
Pamugas assured that the awarding rites will be done early 2019 as he gave the cellphone number of Rosanna G. Lamdagan, head, Agribusiness Division – Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) at 0999-366-2797 for inquiries and information regarding the search.
He thanked them for their continued support and cooperation given to the provincial government in the quest geared towards agricultural development in securing food sufficiency in Bohol.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the administration of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will once again recognize and give awards to the Boholano farmers who have excelled in the field of agriculture.
Agriculture is one of the developmental frameworks of Gov. Chatto’s administration whom he considered as the backbone of Bohol’s industry that triggers the economic growth of the province.
The PGBh has allocated big budget to the agriculture, thus several interventions have been given to the farmers. (AtoyCosap)

Cloud seeding on going; Dams still need water

Despite the 13 seeding flights of the ongoing Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) over different areas of Bohol most specifically watershed areas, the actual water elevations of the four major dams have not reachedtheir full or normal water levels.
Engr. Evelina P. Putong, section chief, Operations – National Irrigation Administration, Regional Office No. 7 reported that as of Dec. 11, 2018, the water elevations of Malinao Dam in Pilar was 150.80 meters (ms.) against 152 ms. at full, Bayongan Dam (San Miguel) at 46.10ms. at par with the normal water level of 52 ms., Capayas Dam (Ubay) at 36.35 ms. against 36.50 ms. and Talibon Dam (Talibon) at 27.39 ms. against the 30 ms. spill elevation.
Based on the data, three of the four dams had recorded decrease on its November 21, 2018 water elevations compared to its levels recorded last Dec. 11, 2018 wherein the Malinao Dam from 151.78 ms. down to 150.80 ms.,Capayas Dam at 36.50 ms. decreased to 36.35 ms. and the Talibon Dam from 27.51ms. to 27.39ms. last December 11, 2018.
Leon Parac, Jr., Cloud Seeding focal person said that of the 45-hour contract CSOs sponsored by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) there are still about 24 hours remaining after the 21 hours were consumed in the 13 sorties of operations.
Parac said that since the CSOs started last November 8, 2018 until last Tuesday, almost all towns in the province of Bohol had experienced light to moderate rains such as Duero, G-Hernandez, Albur, Corella, Baclayon, Tagbilaran City, Cortes, Dauis, Panglao, Lila, Dimiao, Loboc, Sikatuna, Loay, Ubay, Carlos P. Garcia, Bien Unido, Talibon, Getafe, Buenavista, Trinidad, Danao, Mabini, Candijay, Inabanga, Sagbayan, Clarin, Calape, San Isidro, Tubigon, Catigbian, Loon, Maribojoc, Antequera, and Calape.
However, Paracexpressed dismay over the policy being implemented at the Bohol Panglao International Airport.They were not allowed to stock the salt and aviation gasoline within the perimeter of the airport,causing delay in the operations.
He said the aviation gas has been stocked at the vacated Tagbilaran City Airport while the sacks of salt are deposited at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Capitol Annex Building, Dao, Tagbilaran City that need to travel for about 15 kilometers before it could be loaded to an aircraft for another sorty.
Parac said they were ward off by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) guards when they took shelter at the terminal building amid rainfall.
He said that he was disappointed on the treatment given to them by one of the government agencies considering also that they are working in the government discharging services for the good of the public.
The cloud seeding focal person disclosed that after the 45 hours CSOs being conducted, another 42 hours CSOs funded by the PGBh will commence immediatelyto have more supply of water in the dams to ensure that all Boholano farmers could plant rice this dry cropping season.
Bohol has the total rice area of 56,913.21 hectares (has.) of which 32,919.53 has. are rain-fed and 23,993.68 has. are irrigated. (AtoyCosap)

CLOUD SEEDING ON GOING. An aircraft is loaded with vacuum dried salt and aviation gasolineat the Bohol Panglao International Airportready for another seeding flight over the different parts of Bohol especially the watershed areas in order to produce artificial rain for the major dams in Bohol to ensure that all Boholano farmers could plant rice this dry cropping season. Foto: JUN PARAC

OPA 2019 budget ensures food sufficiency

Ensuring the sufficiency of foods on the table among the Boholanos and the tourists is the main objective of every year’s target programs of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in the province of Bohol.
This was explained by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas when he led the Year-End Assessment and 2019 Operational Plan Workshops of the six divisions of OPA last Thursday held at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club this city.
Dr. Pamugas appreciated very much the administration of Gov. Edgar M.Chatto who have been allocated big budget to the agriculture compared to the other previous leaders in the province.
For the next year, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has budgeted the (OPA) in the tune of P28,050,000.
This amount has been allocated for the different programs of the OPA such as; rice, corn, High Value Commercial Development Program (HVCDP), Bahay Kubo FAITH HOPE, coconut, fishery, special project for barangays; hatchery at BISU, Candijay; fish bagsakan, organic agriculture.
World Food Day celebration, Sandugo Agri-Fair celebration, Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon, Ubi Festival celebration, Nutrition and Barangay Nutrition Scholar Program including honorarium.
In the 2019 OPA budget, the rice program has allocated a big share to ensure that more interventions must be given to the Boholano farmers.
The chiefs of the six divisions of the OPA: Gertrudes Fuentes of the Crops and Productivity Division, Remedios Regacho (Fisheries Division), Marjoe Labonite of the Research and Agri-Support Services (RASS), Gemma Encabo (Administration Division), Evelyn Maligsa (Planning Division), and Rosanna G. Lamdagan in the Agribusiness Division had reported the 2018 accomplishments and the operational plan for 2019.
Pamugas urged the OPA employees to make it sure that the targets must be attainable.
He said that the opening of the Bohol Panglao International Airport would create a big challenge to the OPA and Boholano farmers to produce more agricultural products in the province to cater the needs of the increasing numbers of population due to the influx of tourists. (Atoy Cosap)

OPA YEAR-END ASSESSMENT AND 2019 OPERATIONAL PLAN. Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas (right) leads the Year-End Assessment and 2019 Operational Plan of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) last Thursday at the Bohol Tropics Resorts Club this city of which he emphasizes that the main objective of the plans and programs is to ensure the sufficiency of foods of the Boholanos and the tourists on the table.

Closure of city airport causes delay in the resumption of cloud seeding

The closure of the Tagbilaran City Airport had caused a delay in the resumption of the Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in the province of Bohol.
This surfaced after the aircraft being used in the seeding flight operation must be based at the Bohol Panglao International Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) won’t allow that the vacuum dried salt and the aviation gasoline could be stocked within the perimeter of the airport.
Leon Parac, Jr. cloud seeding focal person said that stocking the salt and aviation gas outside the perimeter of the airport could really cause the delay in the operations considering the distance that could hamper the smooth operations.
Parac said that Gov. Edgar M. Chatto had already sent a formal letter to CAAP Central Office through Atty. Rafael A.Tatlonghari CAAP/Airport Manager, Bohol Panglao International Airport requesting the said office to provide space for free at the airport for the command center in the operations and for the salt stocking.
He said that the cloud seeding operation that was started last November 8, 2018, has caused rains to several towns in the province.
Engr. Donesa Autida from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) reported on their weekly monitoring of the four major dams in Bohol and they have noticed an increase in water level elevations.
She said that on Nov. 5 monitoring, the water elevation of Bayongan Dam in San Miguel was registered at 45.02 meters (ms.), Malinao Dam in Pilar (151.88 ms.), Capayas Dam in Ubay (35.71ms.), Talibon Dam in Talibon (27.2 ms.). While on Nov. 12, the Bayongan registered at 46.65 ms., Malinao (151.72ms.), Capayas (35.71 ms.) and Talibon (27.36 ms.).
And on Nov. 18, 2018 monitoring, the actual water elevation of Bayongan was 46.40 ms., Malinao (151.37), Capayas (35.89 ms.), and Talibon (27.51 ms.).
The registered a decrease of the water level of the Malinao Dam happened because the irrigation water was diverted to Bayongan Dam and consequently released to the service areas for land preparation.
However, the Technical Working Group (TWG) on El Niño and La Niña Task Force said that even though the province lately experienced rainfall brought about by Low-Pressure Area and Tropical Depression, Bohol still needs the CSOs so that the water elevations of the four major dams would reach to spill elevations.
Based on the Nov. 21 monitoring after the Tropical Depression Samuel, the actual water elevation of Bayongan was 42.42ms at par with the spill elevation of 52 ms., Malinao at 151.78ms. against 152 ms., Talibon at 27.51 ms. against the 30 ms. spill elevation, except for Capayas Dam where the water level is full at 36.50 ms.
Dr. Pamugas instructed the PAF personnel who accompanied the two pilots in the operations to dispense salt over the seedable clouds in any areas in Bohol and not to be selective only over the watershed areas as long as it would produce artificial rain that pours in the land areas in Bohol to ensure that the Boholano farmers could plant rice, corn and other agricultural products.
The 45-hour CSOs will be conducted in two rounds. The first round ran from Nov. 8, 2018, and supposed to end on Nov. 18; while the second round should have been conducted from Nov. 19 to Nov. 27, 2018. Another set of 42-hour CSOs sponsored mainly by the PGBh is set to start soon. (Atoy Cosap)