Author: Venus Ladaga

Province anti-poverty program gets DND unrelenting support

The Department of National Defense (DND) continues supporting the endeavors of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) geared towards reducing poverty incidence through food security and achieving genuine and lasting peace.
DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzanain his prepared keynote speech read by DND Undersecretary (Usec) Cardozo M. Luna said the DND relates to the ideas to where this endeavor is founded on environmental protection and poverty alleviation.
Tfhe statement was issued last Tuesday during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-way House for Rebel Returnees at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol.
Secretary Lorenzana underscored the project as he said that the seeding of giant clams in Bohol marine areas aim to increase variety of marine species and biodiversity in the waters, thus increasing the catch of the fishermen.
Lorenzana said the DND through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had the opportunity to take part in the profound cause of which the province has been a partner of the AFP in its environmental protection and conservation programs under the internal peace and security plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
He said in 2013, the AFP provided the facility to the province of Bohol when it transported 240 giant clams from Balinao, Pangisinan.
Lorenzana said that in the past six years, the armed forces were consistent in lending its support to Bohol in its commitment to develop its own giant clams hatchery.
The 47th Infantry Battalion consistently participates in the annual underwater biophysical assessment in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) seeded with giant clams.
He said the DND relies on many facets, including environmental stability and socio-economic growth.
Lorenzana bared the defense department strongly views the importance of sustaining our internal peace and gladly welcome efforts and partnerships such as what had been done last Tuesday which was truly commendable.
The DND Secretary emphasized that in this age of rapidly changing environmental patterns and rise of unprecedented impacts of climate change, it is important that we provide protection to our marine ecosystem.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto expressed thanks and gratitude to the DND who provided facility in transporting the giant clams from Bolinao, Pangasinan to Bohol considering the allotted given time of 11 hours of transporting from the origin to the destination for the clams to survive.
Gov. Chatto said the seeding of giant clams is not an easy work because it faced a lot of challenges.
It can be said that “No Pain No Gain,” the governor clarified that no matter how big the challenges are but at the end of the rope through our concerted efforts the fisherfolks and the people would be benefited, the provincial government would accept the challenges.
Chatto was also grateful to BFAR, Bohol Island State University (BISU) Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Bohol Environmental Management Office (BEMO) and other agri-related government agencies who in one way or another helped for the realization of the project geared towards peace and development.
He asked everyone to help in protecting our giant clams at the MPAs and other marine resources not only for today but for future generation.
Dr. Zina D. Sayson, Vice President for Research Development and Extension, BISU in her message said that as an academic institution it offers fishery courses in BISU Candijay and Clarin Campuses as among the flagships degree programs that they have been motivated to do their share of making their curriculum offerings truly committed in taking active part in the preservation of natural wealth such as the clams and other marine products.
Regional Executive Director (RED) BFAR Alfeo G. Piloton expressed apprehension on the dwindling population of the giant clams because of the climate change, typhoons and illegal fishing.
Dir. Piloton urged the law enforcers and the local government units to intensify the campaign against illegal fishing especially at the purok level.
Piloton said the BFAR has launched the program called “Operation BagongBuhay” giving technical assistance and alternative livelihood to those who were apprehended and freed on illegal fishing.
Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/ MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) in her statement of purpose articulated the main reason to venture this project which is for ensuring food security.
Quirog pointed out that the presence of giant clams in the sea waters increases the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity among others.
She narrated on how difficult to seed the giant clams especially in bringing the clams in the province from Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Quirog urged the Boholanos to help in protecting the clams at the MPAs and at the hatchery as she disclosed that destroying one giant clam has a penalty of P500, 000 and an imprisonment of 12 to 20 years.
In the same occasion that the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees was conducted wherein Gov. Chatto, DND Usec. Luna and the Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director John Joan Mende who inked the agreement.
Also gracing the affair were Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite; Board Member AgapitoAvenido; Ubay Mayor RestitutoAuxtero; Deputy Commander General Elie Alberto, Central Command-AFP; Lt. Col. Joel Malig, 47IB; Lt. Col. Agum; NonitaCabacaba, BFAR Guian Center Director; Col. Caballes-Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO); Maritime Police and Coast Guards. (AtoyCosap)

TWIN ACTIVITIES. Gov. Edgar M. Chatto (top photo) leads the ribbon cutting during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite MOA Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees at BFAR Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol last Tuesday. He was assisted by DND undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna and Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA Provincial Technical Working Group chairperson among others. While the bottom left photo are some of the giant clams at the hatchery for seeding.

Giant Clams hatchery to be inaugurated

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Governor-Bohol Environment Management Office (GO-BEMO) in coordination with the member agencies of the Marine Protected Area Provincial Technical Working Group (MPA PTWG) will bless and inaugurate the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR-MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol on Tuesday.

The activity will start with a Holy Mass at 8:30 A.M. and to be followed by a blessing and then the inauguration program at 10:00 a.m.

In the program, the Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana will give his keynote speech and Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will deliver his inspirational message while Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes; Director Alfeo G. Piloton, BFAR 7; and Dr. Reguncivilla A. Pobar, Bohol Island State University (BISU) president will give their messages.

Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA PTWG chairperson will state the statement of purpose after Barangay Captain Jimmy Dabalos of Sinandigan would give his welcome message.

Villa I. Pelindingue, Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Unit Head said the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility is for spawning of the giant clams which are now seeded at the 10 MPAs at 20 clams each since February 20, 2013 namely: Balicasag, Panglao; Bingag, Dauis; Basdio, Guindulman; Badiang, Anda; Lumayag MPA, Baybayon, Mabini; Sinandigan, Ubay; Gaus, Carlos P. Garcia; Cataban, Talibon; Hambungan, Inabanga, and Majingpit, Bonbon, Clarin.

The clam is hermaphrodite in nature which has the capacity to produce egg and sperm cells.

Pelindingue explained that the clams at the MPAs must be pulled-out for spawning at the hatchery facility wherein the egg and sperm cells from the other clams will be fertilized which could hardly happen at the MPAs because the egg and sperm cells would be eaten by fishes at the surrounding.

She said the PGBh had established the MPA Management Council tasked to manage the MPAs as the BEMO has been conducted an annual underwater bio-physical assessment since 2015.

The CRM unit head bared that six giant clams had already pulled-out from Sinandigan MPA and put at the hatchery for spawning.

She underscored the importance of clam in the quest of the PGBh to increase the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, helps to enhance water visibility because it has the ability to filter water, helps to build and shape reef, attracts more fishes because it produces foods for fishes and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity.

Gov. Chatto said this endeavor is one of the PGBh priority projects to ensure sustainable management of MPAs in line with the goal of reducing poverty incidence and ensuring food security to the Boholano communities through collective efforts in the protection and conservation of our marine environment.

Jovencia Ganub, head-BEMO said the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol headed by Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite will also grace the affair. (Atoy Cosap)

CLAMS HATCHERY FACILITY. The P2M worth of Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol will be blessed and inaugurated on Tuesday. This facility serves as the spawning ground of giant clams which have been seeded at the 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the different towns of Bohol. Foto: VILLA I. PELINDINGUE, CRM Unit Head

Agripreneurs’ forum set March 27

Some 3,000 farmers, fishers, farmers’ organizations/cooperatives and growers/processors/entrepreneurs who are producing and processing food for the entire populace in Bohol will gather on March 27, 2019 in an Agripreneurs/Stakeholders Forum to be held at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 covered court, Purok 4, Dao, Tagbilaran City.

Rosanna G. Lamdagan, head-Agribusiness Division – Office of the Provincial agriculturist (OPA) said the forum aims to strengthen agribusiness in order to increase income; to update agri-stakeholders on latest major areas of concern affecting the industry; to identify major issues and concerns affecting operations of different livelihood projects in relation to the stakeholders’ prospective; to formulate immediate solutions to major enterprise problems; to market test newly developed products; and to generate sales.

The expected participants are the farmers/ entrepreneurs for both crops, livestocks, fisheries and all stakeholders which considered as the “backbone of the nation,” the indispensable partners in the national farming venture for economic recovery, that would be parts in dealing with some major issues on concerns and identifying solutions to major enterprise problems.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) entrusted the OPA through the Agribusiness Division in developing Farmers Rural Based Organizations and Cooperatives to be partners in the agribusiness development program in partnership with other line agencies such as; Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in implementing small livelihood projects.

In a meeting called by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas together with the heads of the different divisions of the OPA and Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) last Tuesday in his office, they identified the three major issues and concerns to be taken up in a whole day activity: Rice Tarrification Law; African Swine – Fever and DA-Credit Programs.

Provincial Veterinarian Stella Marie D. Lapez said the African Swine -Fever is a big threat to swine industry due to its 100% mortality because there is no treatment or no preventive vaccination available if affected.

According to Dr. Lapez this fever that long time affected the swine industry and already contained in Africa is now affecting the 15 countries worldwide to include Mongolia, Vietnam and China of which the latter has been greatly affected that poses danger the swine industry in the country.

She said the Philippines ranked no. 8 worldwide in terms of volume of meat products while China is ranked number 1.

Dr. Lapez said the DA is now implementing the ban for importation of live animals and pork-based meat products from those affected countries.

Although no importation of live animals and raw meat from China but the DA has been very careful about the entry of processed meat that would possibly bring by the travelling tourists and likewise through the travelling tourists if not sanitized well their shoes through the foot baths at the ports.

She said this fever wouldn’t affect human health but would greatly affect swine industry because of the virus’ high survival for about 300 days.

Lapez said that the farmers must aware and familiarize the natural symptoms of the fever which are almost the same with the classical hog cholera.

Pamugas on the other hand said that in the forum the farmers must know about the nature of the Rice Tarrification Law and how it would affect to them being entrepreneurs in the implementation of the law.

He also emphasized that the DA-Credit Programs must also be properly disseminated and explained to the farme- entrepreneurs on how it can be useful in their business.

To take up these major issues and concerns are the resource persons from the Bureau of Animal Industry 7, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-Regional Field Office 7, Pamugas added.

In the opening program, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will lead the provincial officials to deliver the messages, while Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog will give the rationale of the activity after Dr. Pamugas acknowledges the participants. (AtoyCosap)

Vegetables and fruit crops productions to increase

The productions of high value vegetables and fruit crops in the province of Bohol are expected to increase following the completion of the 155 participants to undergo the two months “Season Long Technology Transfer Training under Protective Culture and Open Field Techno Demo on High Value Vegetables and Fruit Crops last February 26 to April 25, 2019.
Gertrudes Fuentes, Chief – Crops and Productivity Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said the participants were trained in three separate venues of which of the 155 participants, 64 were from Ubay and trained in Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOA Tech) in Gabi, Ubay every Tuesday; 56 (Tubigon) and trained in Maca-as, Tubigon Nursery every Thursday and the 35 participants from Dagohoy who were trained in Candelaria, Dagohoy every Wednesday by the trainors/facilitators from the Harvest Agribusiness Corporation.
In the graduation program held at BOATech last Friday, Leonard A. Mirador, Central Visayas – Marketing Manager, Harvest Agribusiness Corporation presented the candidates for graduation and confirmed by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas.
Pamugas is optimistic that the productions of vegetables and fruit crops would increase as he encouraged the newly-trained to put into practice on what they have learned of the new technology in the training to grow vegetables and fruit crops through greenhouse or protective culture and open field.
He said the Boholano farmers are facing some challenges for the increase of vegetables, fruits and flowers productions.
However, he said that Bohol’s vegetable production has been increasing due to the 44 hectares (has.) of vegetable areas in Cantaob, Sierra-Bullones and the three of the 23 has. fully developed in Taytay, Duero.
Glenn Doloritos, chief-General Services Office (GSO) thanked and congratulated the participants who have just undergone the trainings.
Doloritos said the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through Gov. Edgar M. Chatto has kept on giving some interventions or technology to Boholano farmers for them to uplift their way of living.
The Harvest Agribusiness Corporation was the winning bidder to construct the greenhouses in Candelaria, Dagohoy, BOATech Gabi, Ubay and Mcaas Nursery, Macaas Tubigon and to teach the participants regarding the new technology in growing high value vegetables such as; eggplant, cucumber, bitter gourd, tomato, chili, squash, and fruit crops such as; water melon, honey dew melon, musk mellow among others.
In the program, Marcial Odarve head-Facilities Section OPA gave the welcome remarks, as Rufa S. Ugay, head-HVCDP Section – OPA acknowledged the guests and participants, while Avita A. Perez, head, Corn Section – OPA delivered the closing remarks. (Atoy Cosap)

INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGY ON VEGETABLES & FRUIT CROPS . Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas (right) and Dr. Glenn Doloritos (left) who represented Gov. Edgar M. Chatto urged the graduates of the “Season Long Technology Transfer Training under Protective Culture and Open Field Techno on High Value Vegetables and Fruit Crops during the graduation held at BOA Tech, Gabi, Ubay last Friday to apply the knowledge they learned to uplift their lives.

Prov’l gov’t.to conduct cloud seeding if no heavy rains until May

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has planned to conduct another round of Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in May after the standing crops would be completely harvested and the rainfall conditions in the province have continued to be below normal to ensure that all Boholano farmers could plant rice during the next dry cropping season on May and June.

This developed during the El Niño Task Force meeting called by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his office at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) last February 18, 2019 when Engr. Evelyn Putong from National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 reported that the water levels of Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam (San Miguel), Capayas Dam (Ubay) and Talibon Dam (Talibon) could only enough to be used for the standing crops now and could no longer supply the needed water for the next cropping season of rice.

Leonard Samar from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) also reported that the El Niño Phenomenon is now likely to come at the end of the month of February or in March.

The El Niño Task Force is tasked by the PGBh to assess the rainfall conditions so that the provincial government could make mitigating measures to lessen the impact to agriculture if there is drought or dry spell.

Leon Parac, Jr. CSOs focal person said the task force whose members are coming from the PAG-ASA, NIA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO)-DA 7, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), OPA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Bohol Water, Federated Irrigators Association president, and Board Member Abeleon R. Damalerio – chair Committee on Agriculture of the SangguniangPanlalawigan agreed to conduct the CSOs to save not only rice but also all crops and livestocks.

Paracbared that the PGBh has a standby fund in the amount of P2.3M intended for CSOs which was already allocated last year aside from the P2.5M from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 and is scheduled for bidding this month.

He said that last Thursday he attended the pre-bidding conference held at the DA-RFO7 Conference Room in Cebu as one of the purchase requests needed for the conduct of CSOs in the province of Bohol.

It maybe recalled that last November 8-27, 2018, the PGBh, DA-RFO7, Philippine Air Force (PAF) and PAG-ASA had sponsored the 45 hours CSOs that greatly helped to elevate the water levels of Malinao, Bayongan, Capayas and Talibon Dams saving the vegetative stage of planted rice, all other planted crops and livestocks.

Bohol has 56,913 hectares (has) of rice fields of which the 23,993.68 has. are irrigated and the 32,919.53 are rainfed. (AtoyCosap)

3 more barangays to be beneficiaries of CDP-PPM

In a bid to deliver the goods and free services from the provincial government through the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM), three more barangays in one town would be the beneficiaries of the program within this week.

Liza M. Quirog, chairperson, CDP-PPM Technical Working Group (TWG) has linedup the schedules for HEAT-IT Medical/Dental and Agri-Caravan and Hand Over and Oath Taking Ceremonies of Sectoral Working Committee (SWC) Volunteers in Calingaan, Sevilla tomorrow, and in barangays Calinginan Sur and Calinginan Norte still in Sevilla on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.

The Prosperity Team of the CDP-PPM will deliver to each barangay seven heads of carabaos, 150 sacks of organic fertilizers, 2 units knapsack sprayers, 50 units bolos, 3 units plastic tables.

Other services given were medical and dental services through the Provincial Health Office; Municipal 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.

Quirog said the program has already been institutionalized and has become a by word 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.

According to RufaUgay, head of the CDP-PPM secretariat, there are already close to 200 barangays benefiting the program.Barangay folks, barangay and municipal officials have lauded the programs that they have really felt that the government is getting closer to the people. (AtoyCosap)

CDP-PPM SERVICES GIVEN.These are some of the activities to be rendered by the Prosperity Team of the CDP-PPM during the conduct of the HEAT-IT Medical/Dental and Agri-Caravan and Hand Over and Oath Taking ceremonies of Sectoral Working Committee Volunteers to the barangay beneficiaries.

BOATech in Ubay remains a place for endemic crops, etc.

The Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATech) in Gabi, Ubay, Bohol remains to be the place of endemic crops, experimental site, source of planting materials, and training center for farming especially organic inputs production.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Larry M. Pamugas who led the employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) who conducted the CIVAC activity at BOATech last Wednesday said the endemic root crops such as balyacag, cot and bot that saved the Boholanos during famine when long drought occurred in the Philippines in the 1970s and 1980s, which are threatened now have been planted in BOATech.

Pamugas said BOATech is one of the facilities of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) with an areas of 15 hectares (has.) also planted with rice, corn, cassava, coconut, superior and native cardava banana.

He added that BOATech is the only approved source of scion groves for lanzones especially longkong variety and rambutan and a good source of planting materials for the newly established scion groves of durian, pomelo and mangosteen.

Moreover, it is the motor pool of farm machineries of the province wherein some structures had been established such as Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) Building, NFTS Fermentation. Building, BIO-Nitrogen Lab, Trichoderma Lab, Vermicompost, Staff House, Copra Dryer, and Elevated Water Tank.

Annually, the OPA has been conducting team building to develop camaraderie, and good relationship among the employees.

In BOATech, they facilitated the working of the specific tasks: preparing and mixing of soil media, bagging of soil media, and fertilizer application at greenhouse (vegetable plants) area.

This facility of the PGBh is situated adjacent to the 100 has. of land owned by the Department of Agriculture (DA) wherein the Bohol Experimental Station (BES) is located.

BOATech is an income generating facility of which the sales of the agricultural production would go directly to the coffers of the PGBh through the OPA.

Gov. Edgar M. Chatto lauded the OPA in maintaining the status of the BOATech as Training Center for farming especially organic inputs production and also experimental site for mushrooms, rice, corn, ubi, cassava, camote and other root crops. (Atoy Cosap)

OPA TEAM BUILDING. The employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) led by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Larry M. Pamugas during a team building activity at Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATECH) Center, Gabi, Ubay, Bohol last Wednesday. Also facilitated were the working of preparing and mixing of soil media, bagging of soil media, and fertilizer application at Greenhouse (vegetable plants) area.

Bohol participates 3rd regional corn congress

Some 30 participants composed of nine selected corn/cassava farmers and 21 municipal corn technician coming from different municipalities in Bohol had attended and participated the 3^rd Regional Corn Congress last January 23-25, 2019 at Hagnaya Beach Resort, San Remigio, Cebu.

Highlights the activities were the different corn related contests of which some Boholanos won such as corn husk utilization demo contest (first prize), corn jingle singing contest (first prize), best folk media presentation (second prize), best booth contest (second prize).

Outstanding Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) corn technician (third prize), corn eating contest (corn technician) – third prize, cassava kakanin (dessert) demo contest (third prize), and dish meal (mais with sud-an) demo contest (third prize).

Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO7) with a theme “Kahimsog ug Kalig-on sa Lawas Maangkon; Pagkaon sa Mais Ipadayon,” the activity aims to update the corn farmers in the region about the new technologies in corn production, marketing strategies and give inputs on how a corn farmer will be upgraded into a farm tourism area.

The province of Bohol has more than 16,000 hectares (has.) of corn areas scattered in the municipalities of Carmen, Ubay, Sierra-Bullones, Valencia, Danao, Dagohoy, San Miguel and other towns in the province.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has an existing ordinance banning the entry of the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) corn in Bohol. (Abita A. Perez-Agri II/corn coordinator)

Prov’l. gov’t. celebrates Provincial Day of Peace tom’row

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) will once again celebrate the “2019 Provincial Day of Peace” tomorrow at the Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City.

The activity will kick off with a Eucharistic celebration at the St. Joseph Cathedral, Tagbilaran City and it will be followed by an orientation on peace and order and a commemorative program at the Bohol Cultural Center.

Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Julius Cesar V. Gornez, Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director of Bohol will be the keynote speaker, while Gov. Edgar M. Chatto, Election Supervisor Atty. Eddie Aba; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Director John Joan A. Mende and Brigader General Ignacio Madriaga, Commander, 302^nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army will give their messages.

Carmelita M. Tecson, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer will do the Galing Purok Awarding and Turn-over Ceremony (Livelihood Assistance to Kauban sa Reforma); while Susan Villora, National Intelligence Coordination Agency will give the countering violent extremism and counter terrorist group (CTG) orientation.

Bearing the theme “Towards a Peaceful and Honest May 2019 Elections, this would be the 6^th celebration since 2014 that aims to sustain peace and order in the province of Bohol.

First District Board Member Ricky U. Masamayor, chairman, Peace & Order & Public Utility at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will do the welcome message and give the rationale, while Third District Board Member Jade A. Bautista will give the closing message. (Atoy Cosap)

Purok power spirit continues to pour in goods and free services

The turning over of goods and rendering of free services to the barangay folks have been continued to pour through the Countryside Development Program – Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM) of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh).

Last week, the barangays of Camias in Calape and Canlaas in Antequera were the latest beneficiaries of the program last Wednesday and Friday respectively.

The barangay folks of Camias through their Barangay Captain Christopher Siceban last Wednesday received the seven heads of carabaos, 60 pieces of coconut seedlings, one unit of mud boat/floating tiller, 50 pcs. bolos, one unit knapsack sprayer, 3 units of plastic tables and 500 sachets of assorted vegetable seeds.

While in Canlaas, the barangay also received through Barangay Captain Henry Ajero seven heads of carabaos, 50 pcs. bolos, one unit knapsack sprayer, 100 sacks of organic fertilizers, three units of plastic tables, food packs and 500 sachets of assorted vegetable seeds.

In Camias and in Canlaas, Isabelito “Billy” Tongco, from the Office of the Governor for and in behalf of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto led the turned over of the free goods.

In his message, Tongco said that the PGBh has always looking for the development of Bohol.

He informed the barangay folks that on June Gov. Chatto will end his three terms as governor in the province and hopefully could continue to serve the Boholanos in another capacity as governor has been running for congress in the first district this coming May 13, 2019 midterm election.

Tongco also mentioned in his message the other officials who would end their terms on June and will run another positions in the government service such as 3^rd district Cong. Arthur Yap who runs for governor and 1^st dist. Congressman Rene L. Relampagos who will seek vice gubernatorial post in Bohol.

He likewise informed the people of Camias, Calape of throwing his hat again into the political arena for first district provincial lawmaker together with Board Member Ricky Masamayor and Aldner Damalerio.

The conduct of the CDP-PPM medical/dental mini-agri caravan to the barangays is a way of giving a real meaning of the good and effective governance that services must be brought to the people down to the purok level, Tongco remarked.

Other free services given to all barangay beneficiaries were: dental, medical, veterinary, circumcision, haircut, massage, agriculture and feeding services.

Mayor Jose Mario Pahang of Antequera, Mayor Nelson Yu of Calape ang Barangay Captains Siseban and Ajero were very thankful to the provincial government through Gov. Chatto for bringing some goods and free services to their areas.

Rufa Ugay, head-secretariat, CDP-PPM said there were more than 200 barangays had already benefited mostly situated in the remote areas in Bohol.

Another barangays are expected to be benefited of the programs in the coming days as the municipal and barangay officials of the beneficiary areas have been very thankful of the provincial government while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are also very supportive to the program. (Atoy Cosap)

MORE GOODS AND FREE SERVICES GIVEN. The turning over of goods and rendering free services to the barangay folks in line with the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CPD-PPM) have continued to be appreciated by the municipal and barangay officials in the beneficiary areas. Mayor Jose Mario Pahang of Antequera, Mayor Nelson Yu of Calape, Punong Barangay Henry Ajero of Canlaas, Antequera; Executive Officer to the Office of the Governor Isabelito Tongco and Punong Barangay Christopher Siceban (above photo L to R) underline the importance of the CDP-PPM.