Author: Venus Ladaga

Governor Edgar M. Chatto has commended the Ubi growers in the province and described them as the unsung heroes for sustaining and strengthening the Ubi industry in Bohol.

This developed after the just concluded Ubi Festival 2019 showed that the volume of Ubi products displayed reached 600,000 kilograms (kgs.) much higher compared to last year that at 400,000 kgs.

The Ubifest was slated last Tuesday to Thursday at the Bohol-Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC), Dao, Tagbilaran City.

Gov. Chatto in his message during the opening program of the festival said the Ubi industry must continue and be strengthened as this would help drop the poverty index in Bohol. He further revealed that poverty index is 52.3% in 2010 to 21.7% in 2018.

Chatto said that Bohol’s economy is stepping up with province growth rate last year at 9.1%, much higher compared to the 6.7% national growth.

The governor cited the three pillars of growth: agro-industrial development, eco-cultural tourism and information communication and technology (ICT).

He expressed thanks and gratitude to Rene Somodobila, Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio and Jane DarundayMaturgo who organized sometime in 1999 the Bohol Ubi Center Foundation, Inc. (BUCFI) an active partner with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA). It was aimed at strengthening the Ubi industry of the known Ubi municipalities such as Albur, Baclayon, Cortes, Corella, Dauis,Panglao,Sikatuna and Tagbilaran (ALBACOCODAPASITA), leading the conduct of the first Ubi Festival in 2000 at Poblacion, Dauis, Bohol.

Gov. Chatto urged the Boholanos especially the youth to regain their interest in farming.

The governor also thanked the Korean government for bringing in their farming technology.

Dr. Woongo Ha, Country Director, KOPIA Philippines in his message said that the Korean government is carrying on its support to agriculture in the Philippines.

Board Member Abeleon R. Damalerio in behalf of Congressman Arthur C. Yap, IsabelitoTongco in lieu of Congressman Rene L. Relampagos and Alvin Alcuzar who represented City Mayor John Geesnell“Baba” Yap underlined the importance of Ubi industry in the province for food sufficiency and the pride of Bohol especially the UbiKinampay.

Bearing the theme “Ubi, Dungogsa Bohol PadayongAmomahonugPalamboonsamga Mag-uumangBol-anon” the three-day activities were culminated last Thursday afternoon through a closing and awarding program at the Island City Mall Activity Center.

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO7) Director Salvador Diputado thanked the provincial government for spearheading the activities and strengthening the Ubi industry in Bohol.

Diputado urged the Boholano farmers to brace the challenges that the agriculture is facing such as: aging farmers, land conversion from agricultural to industrial, climate change and the lack of interest among youth to engage in farming.

The winners by category:

BugnosaRondalya:  1^st prize – Sikatuna, Bohol – P10,000; 2^nd Prize – San Isidro, Bohol – P7,000; 3^rd Prize – Talibon, Bohol – (P5,000); Highest Volume of Ubi Tubers Displayed: 1^st Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P10,000; 2^nd Prize – Ubay, Bohol – P7,0000; 3^rd Prize – Corella, Bohol – P5,000; UbiKuradang Contest (Youth Category): 1^st Prize – Baclayon, Bohol – P5,000; 2^nd Prize – Dauis, Bohol – P4,000; 3^rd Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P3,000; Best Ubi Booth/ Ubi Exhibit Contest: 1^st Prize – Carmen, Bohol –P10,000; 2^nd Prize – Dauis, Bohol – P8,000; 3^rd Prize – Talibon, Bohol – P6,000; 4^th prize-Panglao, Bohol- P4,000; 5^th prize- Sikatuna, Bohol- P2,000;

Pinaka (The Best Quality Ubi Harvest) Kinampay: 1^st Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P3,000; Baligonhon: 1^st Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P3,000; Iniling: 1^st Prize – Baclayon, Bohol – P3,000; Tam-isan: 1^st Prize – Valencia, Bohol – P3,000; Ubi Jingle Contest: 1^st Prize – Corella, Bohol – P3,000; 2^nd Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P2,000; 3^rd Prize – Baclayon, Bohol – P1,000; UbiBalak Contest (Farmer Category) – 1^st Prize – Sikatuna, Bohol – P3,000; 2^nd Prize – Dauis, Bohol – P2,000; 3^rd Prize – Loboc, Bohol – P1,000; UbiBalak Contest (Youth Category): 1^st Prize – Sikatuna, Bohol – P5,000; 2^nd Prize – Panglao, Bohol – P4,000; 3^rd Prize – Corella, Bohol – P3,000; UbiKuradang Contest (Farmers Category): 1^st Prize – Panglao, Bohol – P5,000; 2^nd Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P4,000; 3^rd Prize – Talibon, Bohol – P3,000;

Eddie Peregrina Voice Alike: 1^st Prize – Panglao, Bohol – P3,000; 2^nd Prize – Loboc, Bohol – P2,000; 3^rd Prize – Sikatuna, Bohol –P1,000; Ubi Challenge Eating Contest – 1^st Prize – Baclayon, Bohol – P2,500; 2^nd Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P2,000; 3^rd Prize – Lila, Bohol – P1,5000; Motorcade Contest: 1^st Prize – Carmen, Bohol – P5,000; 2^nd Prize – Corella, Bohol – P3,000; 3^rd Prize – Sikatuna, Bohol – P2,000.

The LGUs and the different organizations participated and displayed Ubi tubers were: Carmen, Dauis, Talibon, Panglao, Sikatuna, Corella, Loboc, Valencia, San Isidro, Maribojoc, Jagna, Baclayon, Pilar, Antequera, Balilihan, Ubay, KapunungansaBol-anongOrganikong Mag-uuma (KBoOM), Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA), Loon, Lila, Bohol Mushroom Farmers Association, Association of Individuals Moving (A.I.M) for Progress, Bohol MADe.

They were acknowledged by Dr. Larry M. Pamugas, Officer in Charge, OPA who also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the growers whoparticipated the three-day activities.(AtoyCosap )

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will hold Ubi Festival 2019. The celebration will run from Tuesday to Thursday at the Bohol-Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC), Dao District, Tagbilaran City.

Bearing the theme “Ubi, Dungog sa Bohol Padayong Amomahon ug Palamboon sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon,” the three-day activity will showcase varieties of Ubi such as: Kinampay, Baligonhon, Kabus-ok, Binanag, Ginnay, Binato, Iniling, and Tam-isan.

The Ubi Fest ’19 will highlight contests with big prizes at stake namely: bugno sa rondalya (1^st prize-P10,000, 2^nd-7,000, 3^rd-5,000 and a consolation of P1,000 each), highest volume of Ubi tubers displayed (1^st – P10,000, 2^nd –P7,000, 3^rd –P5,000), Ubi Kuradang farmer’s category (1^st-P5,000, 2^nd-P4,000, 3^rd-P3,000), Ubi Kuradang Youth category (1^st-P5,000, 2^nd-P4,000, 3^rd-P3,000 and a consolation of P1,000 each), best Ubi booth/Ubi exhibit (1^st-P10,000, 2^nd– P8,000, 3^rd – P6,000, 4^th – P4,000, 5^th – P2,000 and a consolation of P1,000 each).

The Pinaka or the biggest Ubi harvested at P3,000 each of the varities of Kinampay, Baligonhon, Kabus-ok, Binanag, Gimnay, Binato, Iniling and Tam-isan and a consolation of P300 each; Ubi jingle (1^st-P3,000, 2^nd-P2,000, 3^rd-P1,000 and a consolation of P500 each); Ubi balak farmer’s category (1^st-P3,000, 2^nd-P2,000, 3^rd-P1,000 and a consolation of P500 each); Ubi balak youth category (1^st-P5,000, 2^nd-P4,000, 3^rd-P3,000 and a consolation prize of P500 each); Eddie Peregrina voice alike farmer and male only category (1^st-P3,000, 2^nd-P2,000, 3^rd-P1,000 and a consolation of P500 each);

Ubi eating (1^st-P2,500, 2^nd-P2,000, 3^rd-P1,500) and the motorcade of which the first prize winner would receive P5,000, while the P3,000 for the second prize and P2,000 fot the 3^rd prize and a consolation prize of P500 each.

The bugno sa rondalya, Ubi balak, Ubi Kuradang, Eddie Perigrina voice alike, Ubi jingle, and Pinaka contests would be conducted on Wednesday while the Ubi eating, booth, highest volume of Ubi display and of course the motorcade contests would be done in the afternoon on Tuesday at the B-APC grounds.

The Ubi Fest ’19 will be kicked-off with a colorful motorcade to start at 1 p.m. on Tuesday from the assembly  area at Camp Bernido, Purok 4, Dao, Tagbilaran City – ICM-Dampas Tagbilaran City Public Market – J.A. Clarin St. – Capitol – CPG Ave. – Bohol Cultural Center – Tamblot St. – Rizal St. – City Hall – BAPC to be participated by the participating Local Government Units (LGUs), Ubi growers, Non-Government Associations (NGAs), People Organizations (POs), Academe, and the employees of the OPA.

The opening program at the BAPC grounds will follow right after the motorcade.

In the opening program, Governor Edgar M. Chatto will 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), Board Member Abeleon R. Damalerio, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chair, Committee on Agriculture and Dr. Woongo Ha (Country Director, KOPIA Philippines) will give their message of support. (Atoy Cosap)

‘PINAKA’ or the biggest Ubi tuber is among the contests that will highlight Ubi Festival 2019. The event is set from Tuesday to Thursday at the Bohol-Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC), recognizing anew the fruits of the toils and sweat of Boholano Ubi growers who can still prove themselves in sustaining the Ubi industry in the province despite their dwindling number.

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

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.

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.