Press Release

The province of Bohol hosted the first ever #OKsaOA (OK sa Organic Agriculture) Information Caravan which was conducted last April 13, 2023, at the Ceremonial Hall, 4^th Floor, Bohol Provincial Capitol, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado in his prepared message being read by Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Piollo said that the current administration of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under its Strategic Change and Development Agenda, calls for the increase of agricultural production while ensuring the protection of our environment.

Gov. Aumentado added that as we move forward toward progress and prosperity, we need to strike a balance between continued development and sustainability of natural resources. This is why the provincial government is looking at organic agriculture as one of the ways in which we can improve the lives of our farmers while making sure that the environment is still being protected, the governor explained.

He said that with the #OKsaOA Information Caravan as a consultative meeting and a platform in which technical discussion on organic agriculture will be tackled among the different stakeholders, he believes that this would be a chance for everyone to look at the opportunities regarding this sector and also determine and develop appropriate interventions and solutions to the challenges that are currently faced by the OA stakeholders.

The governor said that we want a Green Bohol, and for us to achieve this, we need initiatives like the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for us to move forward in the most environmentally-friendly way possible while elevating the way of life across different communities.

Aumentado assured that the provincial government will always support this endeavor.

Meanwhile, Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite in his prepared message being read also by his Chief of Staff Atty. Glenn Rey Anino underscored the role of agriculture as vital and crucial in a country’s economic development. It is considered as the backbone of the state’s economic system. In addition to provide food and raw materials, agriculture also provides employment opportunities to a very large percentage of the population.

Vice-Gov. Balite said the law advocates policy dissemination and information campaign. Further, it shall be responsible for the promotion of awareness on organic agriculture technologies and products through information caravan, social media, quad media (print, broadcast, internet and outdoor) among others, he said.

The vice-governor stressed that as we move forward to celebrate another milestone for our organic agriculture industry, he being the Chairman of the Committee of Agriculture in the province has the highest hope that through this information caravan, through the researchers’ findings and innovations, we could create, discover, and adopt more practices for the benefit of the Boholanos and the environment.

He congratulated the contributions of organic practitioners and innovators in the organic agriculture industry as he also thanked all the participants in the activity especially the organizers, the NOAP- National Program Coordinating Office’s dedicated response to the growing clamor for the promotion of an alternative agricultural system that is environment friendly and supportive of citizen’s health.

On the other hand, NOAP Director Bernadette F. San Juan when she gave the overview of NOAP and discussed the highlights of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) between DILG and DA urged the Local Government Units (LGUs) to allocate big funds for agriculture as she said “put the money where the mouth is”.

Dir. San Juan emphasized that farming must continue and we will not wait that shortages of food may come.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gracia F. Arado, Center Director, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 7 bared that as early as 2007, they already started advocating and promoting OA in the region and in the province of Bohol.

Dr. Arado said that aside from the Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs) as the entry points during those times, they strategized to include high school TLE teachers teaching in agriculture or agricators and they had the Adopt a School Program – garden in school adopting the OA production technologies.

Arado said that this program is aimed at expanding the areas for OA production and as well as including the minds of the youth to embrace agriculture because our farmers are already aging. Besides this, the youth should end up agripreneurs or have knowledge that there is money in agriculture.

The ATI-RTC Director said that ATI is the capacity builder, knowledge bank and catalyst we continuously promote and advocate OA.

Nunila Pinat, Executive Assistant ll to the Governor for Agriculture in her welcome message thanked those who have been promoting OA as she is OA practitioner. Pinat who became an OIC Provincial Agriculturist during the time of Erstwhile Gov. Erico B. Aumentado and became mayor of San Miguel, Bohol cited the importance of organic farming for a healthy lifestyle and sustainable farming.

While former DA Director Engr. Ricardo Oblena who is also the chairman of the Task Force Committee on ISDA Program of the provincial government said that he wanted that Bohol can produce organic Tilapia and Bangus.

Provincial OA Focal Person Maricel C. Barloso before she formally closed the program thanked the provincial government for allocating funds for OA this year in the amount of P7,000,500. However, she disclosed that the operation of OA to the different municipalities in Bohol is now slowly moving.

This came when there have been no OA focal persons anymore working in the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) after the incentive in the amount of P3,500 for each one of them per month was stopped this year. She recalled that in 2020 there were 18 focal persons, in 2021 had 21 and last year had 9.

Barloso disclosed that the OA program in Bohol has targeted 5% or 9, 243 hectares (has.) for organic conversion areas from the 184,874 has. total agricultural areas in the province.

She said that as of now, of the 9, 243 has. target only 1, 807 has. or 19% have been identified as organic areas.

In the organic program, Bohol has 1, 496 OA farmers, 24 OA associations identified, 2 Organic Trading Posts, and 46 learning farm sites accredited by ATI. (By Atoy Cosap).

The province of Bohol remains to be rice sufficient and continued to hold its title as “Rice Basket “ in Central Visayas.

This came as the rice harvest season in Bohol is mid-way and the Boholano farmers have registered high yield performance both in hybrid and inbred rice being planted in rain-fed and irrigated areas in the province.

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Provincial Seeds Coordinator Lorebien N. Lagapa bared that the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in partnership with the Irrigators Association, Municipal Local Government Units, and Seeds Companies had already conducted four hybrid rice festivals this dry cropping season in preparation to the Grand Hybrid Rice Festival in the town of Pilar this month.

Lagapa who is also the Rice Section Head, Crops and Productivity Division, OPA said that the four festivals were conducted in Lomangog, Ubay on March 17, 2023; Hambabauran, Ubay (March 21, 2023); Tugas, Candijay (March 24, 2023); and in Gabi, Ubay last March 28, 2023.

The Provincial Seeds Coordinator reported that the results of the crop cut from hybrid rice during the festivals have shown high yield performance that would reach 7.0 metric tons per hectare (ha.).

She disclosed that the activities to be undertaken in the conduct of a festival are the following: rice field walk, Holy Mass, short program, crop cut and then harvesting.

At Gabi Ubay Festival, Executive Assistance for Poverty Reduction Gil Bongato and Jun Flores who represented Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado shared the mandate of the province through OPA which are the following: ensure food sufficiency and security in Bohol; increase productivity and income among Boholano farmers.

They thanked the Irrigators Associations (IAs), seeds companies and the concerned MLGUs who have been helping the agricultural endeavor of the PGBh.

On the other hand, Ubay Municipal Agriculturist Marianito Doydora, and Barangay Captain Rogelio Cagulangan of Gabi, Ubay also expressed thanks and gratitude to the PGBh for the support they have been given to the Boholano farmers such as farm technology and machinery.

The festival in Gabi, Ubay was the most participated activity wherein about 140 farmers from Gabi, Bulilis and Hambabauran (GBH) Irrigators Association in town.

The Grand Hybrid Rice Harvest Festival this month is to be conducted in 100 has. compact rice areas in Pilar tilled by some members of Irrigators Associations. This is different from the harvest festival wherein it only focuses on 1 ha. Technology Demonstration Farm.

Bohol has 57, 783 has. of physical rice areas, of these 3,528 has. were planted by hybrid rice during dry season wherein the towns of Ubay, Pilar and San Miguel represented the big areas.

The LANDBANK team from Bohol has already conducted credit evaluation and approved loans for 16 fishers’ associations, alongside seven fish vendors and trader groups amounting to P162.8 million for the Fish Buy Back Program of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh).

This was the statement issued by LANDBANK PCEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo in her inspirational message during the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the program between the PGBh through Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and LANDBANK through PCEO Borromeo last March 10, 2023, at CPG Hall, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Borromeo said that LANDBANK Is more ready to support the program through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or ACEF, which they jointly implement with the Department of Agriculture (DA), to extend affordable loans to their partners with a very low annual interest rate of only 2%.

She said the partner fishers’ associations could use the loans for their fishing equipment and inputs to boost their operations. Meanwhile, their partner trader groups can use the funds to regularly buy fish catch from the associations for commercial distribution.

Aside from providing a sure market for their catch, this buy-back scheme will likewise benefit consumers as we help reduce the consumer price of fish in Bohol.

The LANDBANK PCEO said that they welcome this partnership anew with the PGBh and BFAR, various fishers’ associations and trader groups to advance the local fishing industry in the province.

As they received this proposed collaboration last year, they welcomed it as it was a timely initiative to help fast-track the recovery of local fishers affected by Typhoon Odette, she disclosed.

Borromeo said that they are optimistic that this endeavor would be successful in the four priority municipalities of Getafe which have 7 people organizations, Talibon (4POs), Bien Unido (3 POs) and Buenavista (2POs), including the eventual roll-out of the program in other parts of the province.

On his part, Gov. Aumentado thanked the LANDBANK for this opportunity they have given to the PGBh to reduce the high price of fish and improve the livelihood of fishers’ associations.

However, Gov. Aumentado asked LANDBANK PCEO Borromeo that the annual interest rate of 2% could be lowered to 1.5%.

Aumentado said that his administration is seriously looking into the problem of the high price of fish in the province, thus the fish buy-back program has been established to provide the fisherfolks the needed funds with the low-interest rate for them to repair pump boats/bancas, fish gear and other fishing equipment.

In the program’s rationale, the Chairman of the Task Force Isda Engr. Ricardo Oblena said that since before there is a persistent public clamor that the prices of fish in the province have soared so high as compared to other provinces, thus PGBh has to address this perennial problem.

Oblena said the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) spearheaded the identification of the 16 People’s Organizations and strengthen their organizations.

He stressed that the MOA has bound the collaboration and partnership between the provincial government, LANDBANK, BFAR,16 POs and 10 cooperatives/Fish Traders Groups.

Renato Auxtero, PO president in Talibon in his message of acceptance assured the PGBh and LANDBANK that they handle this program with care as he thanked the LANDBANK and the provincial government through Gov. Aumentado for the program.

Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte in her closing remarks lauded the MOA signing as a manifestation of the genuine efforts of the provincial government to address the problem.

Caberte also thanked the LANDBANK, fisher’s association, and traders to venture into this program as she is hopeful that with this collaborative effort, the goals to increase fish supply and eventually inexpensive the prices would be achieved. By Atoy Cosap

The move to bring down the prices of fish finally sealed an agreement for loans with a two percent interest rate ready to be availed by sectors directly involved in the marketing of fish here.

The LandBank approved the granting of P162.8 million loan for 16 fishers’ associations, fish vendors and traders group under the “Fish Buy Back” program initiated by the Aumentado administration.

This was the statement issued by LandBank PCEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo during the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the program between the PGBh through Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and LandBank through PCEO Borromeo at CPG Hall, New Capitol Building.

Borromeo said that LandBank is more ready to support the program through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or ACEF, which they jointly implement with the Department of Agriculture (DA), to extend affordable loans to their partners with a very low annual interest rate of only 2%.

She said the partner fishers’ associations could use the loans for their fishing equipment and inputs to boost their operations. Meanwhile, their partner trader groups can use the funds to regularly buy fish catch from the associations for commercial distribution.

Aside from providing a sure market for their catch, this buy-back scheme will likewise benefit consumers as the “Buy Back” program will be instrumental in reducing the price of fish in the markets.

The LandBank PCEO said that they welcome this partnership anew with the PGBh and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), various fishers’ associations and trader groups to advance the local fishing industry in the province.

She said the bank welcomed it as it was a timely initiative to help fast track the recovery of local fishers affected by Typhoon Odette.

Borromeo said that they are optimistic that this endeavor would be successful in the four priority municipalities of Getafe which have seven people organizations, Talibon (4 POs), Bien Unido (3 POs) and Buenavista (2 POs), including the eventual roll-out of the program in other parts of the province.

On his part, Gov. Aumentado thanked the LandBank for this opportunity they have given to the PGBh to
reduce the high price of fish and improve the livelihood of fishers’ associations.

Gov. Aumentado asked LandBank PCEO Borromeo that the annual interest rate of 2% could be
lowered to 1.5%.

Aumentado said that his administration is seriously looking into the problem of the high price of fish in the
province, thus the fish buy-back program has been established to provide the fisherfolk the needed funds with the low-interest rate for them to repair pump boats/bancas, fish gear and other fishing equipment.

Chairman of the Task Force Isda Engr. Ricardo Oblena said that since before there is a persistent public clamor that the prices of fish in the province have soared so high as compared to other provinces, thus PGBh has to address this perennial problem.

Oblena said the Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) and BFAR spearheaded the identification of the 16 People’s Organizations and strengthened their organizations.

He stressed that the MOA has bound the collaboration and partnership between the provincial government, LandBank, BFAR, 16 POs and 10 cooperatives/Fish Traders Groups.

Renato Auxtero, PO president in Talibon PO assured the PGBh and LandBank that they will handle this program with care as he thanked the LandBank and the provincial government through Gov. Aumentado for the program.

Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte lauded the MOA signing as a manifestation of the genuine efforts of the provincial government to address the problem.

Caberte also thanked the LandBank, fisher’s association, and traders to venture into this program as she is hopeful that with this collaborative effort, the goals to increase fish supply and eventually inexpensive prices would be achieved. (with reports from Atoy Cosap)

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has tightened its measures to prevent the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF) that already hit in Cebu.

During the Capitol Reports last Friday at the Ceremonial Hall, 4^th Floor, New Capitol Building, Prov’l. Veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz said that the Bohol ASF Interagency Task Force ensuring the strict implementation of all measures being drawn to protect the hog industries among 48, 000 backyard hog raisers in the province who contribute P5.6 billion of Bohol’s economy.

Dr. Lapiz said the measures are the strictly implement ports and airport bio-security to include the putting up of foot baths, using sniffing dogs, and spraying vehicles; and the farm bio-security by imposing the segregation of hogs, regular cleaning and disinfection.

Lapiz disclosed that they found effective the services of the 13 dogs of which three of these are from the Alturas Group of Companies wherein two have been deployed at the Bohol Panglao International Airport and one at the Jagna Port.

She said that they considered the island barangays in Bohol near and facing Cebu as high risk, thus they have also given equal priority.

The Provincial Veterinarian stressed that they have done everything but she surely said that they are not perfect that’s why they continuously asked the help and support from all Boholanos.

She said that this is our fight and not only the fight on the government side to protect the hog industry in the province as this campaign needs a collective effort.

Lapiz asked the travelers or visitors who came to Bohol whose “ pasalubong” is made from processed meat coming from the ASF-infected areas were seized to understand and be patient enough.

The Prov’l. Veterinarian also disclosed that the registration of the hog raisers for insurance to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has been ongoing.

Last Friday was the second time that Dr. Lapiz appeared as a guest during the Capitol Reports after March 3 talking about ASF and again she will be one of the guests on March 31, 2023, in the First Full Council Meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) at the Ceremonial Hall, 1pm to give the status on the preparation for ASF.

Dr. Lapiz said the Bohol ASF Task Force strongly believes that in this campaign “Duna Kay Mahimo, Duna Koy Mahimo, ug Duna Kitay Mahimo”. By Atoy Cosap

Strict enforcement on the entry of processed meat from Cebu, much more live pigs, will be tightened as the feared Asian Swine Fever (ASF) has hit certain places in Cebu.

Director Paul Limson of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI- Manila) will be arriving in Cebu City tomorrow to personally bring the results of the laboratory test indicating an ASF contamination from the blood samples taken from more than 100 pigs in Carcar City and Lapu-Lapu City.

The BAI top official will be meeting with the local government units, particularly with  Carcar City Mayor Mercedita R. Apura  and Lapulapu City Mayor Junard Chan to discuss immediate measures to abort the spread of this dreaded virus that could place the hog industry in the entire Visayas in crisis. It may be noted that ASF has already hit several areas in Maninao.

A highly placed source told the Chronicle that out of the 149 samples tested at the regional laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, 58 were detected to be positive for the virus.

The Chronicle reported last Sunday the feared contamination of the ASF virus from among Cebu hog raisers following the reported deaths of some 3,600 pigs in Minglanilla, Cebu last December.   However, agriculture authorities in Cebu denied this report.

Regional Technical Director for Operations Joel Alumbre of the Department of Agriculture-7 said he will await the arrival of the laboratory results tomorrow in order to make the declaration official.

URGENT NEED TO SEAL ENTRY POINTS

The province of Bohol is still free from the dreaded hog disease, the African Swine Fever (ASF) that has already hit other neighboring provinces in the Visayas Region.

During the “Capitol Reports” last Friday, Prov’l Veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie D. Lapiz; Dr. Marielle Abisado, Veterinary Quarantine Officer- Bureau of Animal Industry; and Alturas Group President Marlito Uy said that we are not laggards on this situation because the hog industry in Bohol is endangered considering that there are cases of ASF in some Cebu towns.

They stressed that ASF is a serious disease for pigs because there is no vaccine being developed to stop the spread of the virus.

Lapiz disclosed that based on ASF history, the disease was started in Kenya, Africa sometime in 1910 that spread to Europe that would last for about 36 years. In 2016, it hit China and in July 2019, the first case was recorded in the Philippines.

In 2020, Rizal Province was hit by ASF that spread to almost all areas in Luzon. The same year that the disease hit in Mindanao; 2021 in Leyte; middle of 2022 in Camiguin and before the end of 2022 in Ilo-Ilo. The reported death of thousands of pigs in Cebu is still being verified now on what are the causes, Lapiz said.

They stressed that ASF would spread through food waste from pork meat and processed pork products or “pasaw” and fomites.

They asked the barangay officials, youth, the media, and all Boholanos, in particular, to help in this drive so as to protect the 5.6 billion pesos total economic value of the local hog industry in Bohol from 48, 000 Boholano backyard raisers who ensure now the 251% of pork supply sufficiency level.

They added that the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor Balite has strengthened all measures to prevent the spread of ASF here in the province.

Gov. Aumentado issued last February 22, 2023, issued an Executive Order No. 7 as an addendum to Executive Order No.45 series of 2022 Providing Supplementary Guidelines in the Entry of Live Hogs from African Swine Fever Provinces into the province of Bohol.

Under  Article 13, section 25-A mandates that all live breeder animals and their genetic materials transported into the province of Bohol coming from Region VII shall, individually, undergo an ASF Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody ELIZA Test to be taken, examined, and results submitted within 21 days prior to the shipment of the said hogs.

Businessman Uy said that they felt panicky about the situation now considering that some neighboring provinces in the Visayas and almost all pigs in Mindanao have been infected with ASF.

Uy said that first in history that Bohol or the Visayas supplied live hogs in Mindanao which is the biggest agricultural region in the Philippines.

He said that his friend- a businessman in Mindanao who had a piggery bigger than Marcela Farms was hit by ASF which until now has not yet recovered.

Dr. Abisado asked the travelers or the passengers to bear with the measures being drawn by the government as prevention such as:  stepping down on the foot mats with disinfectant provided at the airport and seaports, spraying their vehicles with disinfectant, actual inspection on their hand carry bags with the help of the snipping dogs.

Abisado admitted that they need additional dogs from the eight they have been using now in the Panglao Bohol International Airport, Tagbilaran, Jagna and Ubay Seaports at two dogs each. There have been no dogs in the seaports of Getafe, Talibon and Tubigon.

Dr. Lapiz bared that the PGBh is in a hurry to acquire another sniffing dog to help this drive to protect the livelihood among 48, 000 hog backyard raisers.

Uy said the Alturas Group of Companies since the ASF hit the country, acquired dogs being used at the Panglao Airport and allocated P45,000 monthly as maintenance sustenance.

      They asked the barangay officials to include in the agenda during the synchronized barangay assembly and the media to help in the information dissemination in the drive against ASF. (reports from Atoy Cosap)

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) is committed to supporting the arts and ensuring that artists have access to the resources, opportunities, and recognition they deserve.

This was the statement of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado in his prepared message of support read by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte during the 32^nd National Arts Month Closing Ceremony last Tuesday morning at the Ceremonial Hall, 4^th Floor, New Capitol Building as the governor was in an official trip to Israel.

Gov. Aumentado said that we will work with you to promote the arts, preserve our cultural heritage, and foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community because it is a living extension of us as a people. It is our pride of place and people.

Aumentado extended his warmest support and admiration for the dedication and hard work of all the artists and art lovers. The governor emphasized that their contribution to the arts is invaluable, and he is proud of their achievements.

He said that we recognize the challenges they face and we are to provide them with the necessary support and resources to help them pursue their dreams and passion in the new regions of the creative industry.

The governor stressed that throughout this month, they have witnessed the vast and immense talent and creativity of Boholano artists from different disciplines. Their artworks have inspired us, and their passion for the craft has reminded us of the power of art to uplift our spirits, bring us together, celebrate our shared humanity, and play a vital role in shaping up our society, Gov. Aumentado added.

Gov. Aumentado also acknowledged the very valuable and inspiring composition of Lyndon Boiser an employee of the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), the song entitled “God’s Answer” interpreted by the Madrigal Singers and Dennis Gregory which according to him an inspiration to all Boholano artists.

Junjie Daguplo for and in behalf of Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite thanked and congratulated all Boholano artists for showcasing their talents that bring Bohol in the limelight through arts.

Daguplo said that the Vice-Gov through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is in all-out support for the development of the culture and arts program in the province.

Sherwin Sapong, Arts Section Head, Bohol Arts and Culture Heritage (BACH) Council in his inspirational message described art as one of the inevitable proofs that we are separated from other creations. Sapong justified by saying “

Imagine taking away art from humanity, we would not be any different from a cow who lives, eventually dies and not leaving a mark, much less give glory to the creator.

Sapong disclosed that during the pandemic, they were not only suffering from physical diseases brought about by the virus but also mental challenges as the effect of the quarantine. Their movements were limited, making them prisoners in their own homes; the anxiety it brings whenever they got colds or when a family member was sent to the hospital. Arts were a means for healing even with restricted social gatherings.

He urged the Boholanos to use our talents and our creativity to honor the ultimate artist which is God. And let us never forget that we are all part of a greater creative force, one that transcends time and space and connects us all, Sapong concluded.

Emerson A. Pinos, Officer-in-Charge, Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) in the provincial government thanked the leadership of Gov. Aumentado and Vice-Gov. Balite for always emphasizing the importance of culture and arts in the creative industries.

Pinos said yearly, various festivities happen to promote the local culture and arts to recognize our local talents that contribute to the richness of the Boholano culture and promote local culture and arts such as music, dance, visual arts, architecture, film, photography, and literature.

He encouraged everyone to be participative, passionate, and more unified artists as talent and skills can create a ripple effect in our local economy.     

Argeo Melisimo, Chairperson-BACH Council said that culture and arts should be the front and center of the provincial government programs.

Melisimo stressed that this would create a new direction and with that, we are promoting one solid product which is marketable not only in Panglao but in other destinations.

He said that within this month they will start to revisit the tourism programs in the province. Together we can level up, Melisimo concluded. By Atoy Cosap