Press Release

Bohol tights measures to prevent ASF

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

Tighten borders; ASF nears Bohol

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)

Prov’l. gov’t. commits to support culture and arts programs

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

Boholano young farmer to train in Japan

A Boholano young farmer has been accepted as an intern to partake in the 11–month Young Filipino Farmer Leaders Training Program, in Japan (YFFTLPJ) Batch 23.

Gracia F. Arado, OIC – Training Center Superintendent II, ATI – 7 informed Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado that John Russel A. Jumawan is one among the Young Filipino Farmers to undergo almost a year of training in the different fields of agriculture in Japan.

The YFFLTPJ is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) that aims to develop deserving young Filipino farmers to become farmer leaders and empowered agricultural entrepreneurs.

Arado said that Jumawan is now in ATI Central Office since February 28, 2023, to undergo a Nihongo Class, Japan’s Language and culture training in preparation for his departure for Japan on April 13, 2023.

She said that all expenses to be incurred during all phases of the internship program will be on a cost–sharing basis from among the Local Government Units (LGUs), ATI, JAEC and the interns. The intern has to prepare a P15, 000 as his personal fund to cover the terminal fees, medical examination, formal and sports attire, medicines, and other incidental or miscellaneous fees.

Meanwhile, expenses incurred on land transportation, lodging, monthly allowance per trainee, and medical and life insurance will be covered by the implementing partner. ATI will shoulder the roundtrip ticket from Manila-Japan and Japan-Manila; and the training-related expenses including his food and accommodation, instructional materials, and resource person’s honorarium during his month-long agriculture-related training course, Arado emphasized.

Last February 27, 2023, prior to his departure from ATI Central Office on the following day to undergo a Nihongo Class and culture training, Jumawan went to the Capitol to receive the assistance extended to him. Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas and 4 – H Coordinator Regine April I. Dano introduced Jumawan to the employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) who at the time conducted a monthly assembly.

Arado is hopeful that after the 11-month of internship Jumawan is expected to apply his learnings and share with his co-farmers the learning, skills and attitudes he acquired while in Japan. By Atoy Cosap

Gov. Aumentado assured full
support for Ubi mass production

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado assured the Boholano Ubi growers the full support from his
administration for the development of Ubi industry in Bohol.
In his inspirational message during the opening program of the 5-day 22 nd Ubi Festival last January 26, 2023 at
the Old Tagbilaran City Airport, Gov. Aumentado said that the provincial government is adamant on its quest to
increase Ubi production, thus more interventions and initiatives mast be given to the Ubi growers.
Ubi especially the Kinampay variety makes famous for Bohol as Strawberry for Baguio, Lansones for Camiguin
and Durian for Davao.
Director Joel A. Elumba, OIC-Regional Executive Director, Department of Agriculture (DA) – 7 said that we
need to have mass Ubi production to cope up with the big demand of the crop.
Dir. Elumba explained that considering that Ubi is a seasonal crop that the growers could only plant and harvest
once a year, mass plantation is necessary.
The DA has so many interventions and initiatives geared towards the development of Ubi industry to include the
Ubi tubers dispersal, and most importantly, the technology in planting Ubi.
DA Assistant Secretary for the Visayas Atty. Salvador D. Diputado urged the Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI) to make research or study to come up with a technology making twice a year in planting and harvesting the
Ubi crop.
Atty. Diputado stressed that Ubi and Dragon Fruit almost having similar in nature which are seasonal crops.
But he said that there are places here in the country that the Dragon Fruit growers could double their harvest a
year by putting lights around their Dragon Fruit farm lands and with that the possibility is not remote for Ubi.
Other who expressed strong support for the development of Ubi Industry during the opening program were Vice-
Gov. Dionisio Victor A. Balite, Atty. Abeleon R. Damalerio in lieu of Rep. Edgar M. Chatto and Gracia Punay from
ATI-7.
The 5-day 22 nd Ubi Festival held at the Old City Airport last January 26-30 was participated by 14 Municipal
Local Government Units (MLGUs) namely: Carmen, Pilar, Dauis, Panglao, Sikatuna, Cortes Valencia, Corella, San
Isidro, Talibon, Baclayon, Tagbilaran City, Dimiao and Loon who had sold the 10, 058.50 kilograms (kgs.) total
volume of Ubi tubers with a total sales of P466, 737. 72.
There were different contests with prizes at stake wherein the MLGU Carmen ranked number one of all the 14
participating MLGUS who won five of the 18 Ubi contests to wit: Product Display, Highest Volume of Ubi Tubers
Displayed, Pinaka-Ubi Kinampay, Jingle and OPM Singing Competition Male Category while MLGU Valencia
garnered four: Most Participative LGU, Ubi Kuradang and Pinaka- Ubi Kabus-ok and Ubi Binanag Categories.
Other MLGUs who won of the different contests were: Dauis- Best Booth, Ubi Balak, and OPM Singing
(Female) Categories; Dimiao – Pinaka Ubi Baligonhon and Ubi Binanag; Sikatuna – Pinaka Ubi Iniling and Ubi
Tam-isan; Panglao – Motorcade and Loon who won the Kuradang Contest
The common reason from those municipalities who could not participate the Ubi Fest was due to no
available product after all tubers they harvested at the middle of November and December last year were sold to
local traders of which such crop is demand during the yuletide season.
Along with this, some Ubi growers suggested that the Ubi Festival shall be conducted on every month of
December which is the harvest season.
The provincial government has an approved ordinance mandating the Ubi Festival shall be conducted on
every third week of January. (Atoy Cosap)

22ND UBI FESTIVAL. Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado delivers his inspirational message during the
opening program of the 22nd Ubi Festival 2023 held at the Old Tagbilaran City Airport last January 26-30, 2023
wherein he assured to the Boholano Ubi growers the all out support of his administration for the development of Ubi
industry in the province.

Ubay town tops Suhid’22 tilt

The nominees from the town of Ubay, Bohol tops the recent result of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang
Bol-anon 2022 vested other 19 municipalities in the province who had entries of the 22 different categories of the
tilt.
The nominees from Ubay which is one of the towns in Second District bagged six out of the 22 categories of
which the winners, prizes and their winning categories are the following: Marianito M. Doydora – Outstanding
Municipal Agriculturist (P5, 000), Leonila B. Kapuno – Outstanding Rural Woman (P5, 000), Carmelita I.
Cadorniga – Outstanding Hybrid Corn Farmer (P5, 000), Rodelito C. Balloca – Outstanding Highest Yielder on
Inbred Rice Farmer (P5, 000), Marenitte C. Avenido – Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5, 000), and Maria
Antonniete Q. Talam – Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5, 000).
The next from Ubay are the nominees from Carmen and San Miguel wherein each town has three winners:
Paulinito A. Malaran – Outstanding Coconut Farmer (P5, 000), Vidal L. Jumawid – Outstanding Cassava Farmer
(P5, 000), and Jon Guillermo M. Mejares – Outstanding Corn Technician from Carmen; and Bartolome R.
Campoamor – Outstanding OPV Corn Category (P5, 000), Nelson R. Tonido – Outstanding Tilapia Culture (P5,
000), and Joachim M. Pinat – Outstanding Young Farmer Practicing Organic Farming (P5, 000) from San Miguel;
while the town of Candijay has two winners namely: Blenda J. Bonayon – Outstanding Bangus Culture (P5, 000),
and Candijay Tugas Irrigators Asssociation – Outstanding Farmers Association Based on the PGBh Implemented
Programs.
Other municipalities which have only one winner: Ubojan, Young Dreamers 4H Club (Sagbayan)- Outstanding
Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization (P20, 000), Auiningnong Pundok sa Yanong Mananagat (CPG) –
Outstanding Fisherfolk Association (P15, 000), Maria Aileme T. Dalagan (Dauis) – Outstanding Fishery Technician
(P5, 000), Evelyn N. Berou (Danao)– Outstanding Organic Technician (P5, 000), Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Toril
(Albur) -Outstanding Organic Practitioner Association (P15, 000), Ismael A. Tumanda (Batuan) – Outstanding
Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner (P10, 000), Sheila H. Balatero (Valencia) – Outstanding Highest Yielder
on Hybrid Rice Farmer (P5, 000), and Edilberto T. Bemil (Getafe)- Outstanding Rice Technician (P5, 000).
The winners of the search will receive their awards and recognition on January 30, 2023 at the Old City Airport,
this city during the culmination program of the 22 nd Ubi Festival 2023.
The Suhid 2022 winners will be the official nominees for Bohol in the Regional Gawad Saka Search Region 7
this coming April 2023.
The Suhid tilt is one of the annual activities of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office
of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) geared towards in awarding and recognizing the efforts of the Boholano
farmers and fisherfolks who have been helping the provincial government in the agri-fishery agriculture endeavours.
(Atoy Cosap)

Ubi Festival opens Thursday

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will once again showcase, award and recognize the efforts of the Boholano Ubi Growers during the 5-day celebration of the Ubi Festival 2023 on Thursday to Monday at the Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City.

Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will lead the Boholanos in this annual event of the provincial government promoting the different varieties of Ubi especially the famous Ubi Kinampay which is the first festival under his administration in the province.

On Thursday, the 22nd Ubi Festival will be kicked – off with a motorcade contest to start at 8:30 in the morning of which the participants will pass through from Capitol Grounds – New Capitol Site Road – Hangos St. – J. A. Clarin – City Hall Grounds – Calceta St. – CPG Avenue – City Airport Road down to the Old City Airport for the opening program.

In the opening program, Gov. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message while Rep. Edgar M. Chatto in the First Congressional District; Rep. Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado (2nd District); Rep. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor (3rd Dist.); Dir. Joel A. Elumba, OIC-Regional Executive Director, DA-7; and Dr. Gracia F. Arado, Center Director, ATI-7 will their messages of support as Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite will deliver his welcome message after Dr. Larry M. Pamugas (Acting Provincial Agriculturist) could acknowledge the guests and participants and give the rationale.

After the Gov. could deliver his inspirational message, he will lead the ceremonial turn-over of Ubi planting materials/fruit seedlings to beneficiaries, ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits for the Ubi Festivals 2023.

In the afternoon on Thursday, the judging of the product display, the highest volume of Ubi tubers displayed, and the best booth will be conducted as Ubi best-processed products showcase, dessert competition, demo and talk and product sampling of Destileria Barako.

The literary-musical contests such as: balak, jingle, OPM male and female singing contests and kuradang will be done on Friday together with the most participative LGU and pinaka contests.

The Ubi production technology updates and cook-off will be done on Saturday while the Ubi processed product showcase product sampling of Destileria Barako will be continued until Monday which is the culmination of the 5-day activities.

On the awarding and recognition day, Aumemtado will also lead in the giving of awards and recognition not only to the winners of the different contests of Ubi fest but also to the winners and their assisting technicians of the 22 categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2022.

Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas is expecting more Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) who will participate in the Ubi Festival 2023 considering that the COVID-19 cases have significantly been lowered.

The Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers had agreed during the final meeting for Ubi fest last week that Ubi Kinampay will be sold at P90-100 per kilo, Baligonhon at P70 while other varieties such as Binanag, Gimnay, Binato, Iniling, Tam-isan, and Kabus-ok can be bought at P60 per kilo. (Atoy Cosap)

Search for Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan starts

The search for the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program (FYFIB) in Taiwan Batch 2023 is on.

Gracia F. Arado, Pn. D., Center Direcor, Agricultural Training Institute relayed this information to Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado early this month as she stated that this is another opportunity for our Boholano youth.

This came after Dr. Arado last January 19, 2023, informed the governor that one John Russel A. Jumawan, 27 years old, a 4-H young farmer from Cantiguib, Alburquerque has been accepted as an intern to partake in the 11-month Young Filipino Farmer Leaders Training Program in Japan Batch 2023.

According to Arado, the FYFIP in Taiwan is a partnership between the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) through a memorandum of Understanding which aims to enhance the relations through the implementation of an internship program for qualified young Filipino farmers..

It consists of the acquisition of skills and knowledge through modern agricultural and fisheries techniques including value chain management, cooperative management, and enhancement of competencies, discipline, and values.

FYFIP Batch 2023 is open to all qualified Filipino farming youth and there are five slots have been allocated for Central Visayas with the following basic qualifications: young Filipino farmer who is an out-of-school youth (OSY); male or female, single, 18-36 years old at the time of application; can be a son or the daughter of a farmer or fisher; can be a son or daughter of a Learning Site for Agriculture or Farm School cooperators; has existing land regardless of size and status of ownership; has no live-in partner or child; high school graduate (senior high school level), undergraduate if college level and technical or vocational graduate; not employed in any job at the time of application; not related to any ATI employee by affinity or consanguinity, until 3^rd degree;

Must have at least one year of accumulated farming experience at the time of application; have no overdue obligations from the ATI at the time of application; has good community standing; has good communication skills and English proficiency; with proof of not having physical deformities; willing to learn Mandarin and new technologies; with a valid Philippine passport for at least two or five years validity; not a recipient of ATI’s other International Exchange Programs; no previous travel to other countries related to the Internship (i.e. Japan and Taiwan);

Passed the following medical examination to be done in diagnostic clinics, hospitals, or laboratories accredited by the Department of Health (DOH): dental examination, chest x-ray for tuberculosis, stool examination for parasites, serological test for syphilis, proof of positive measles and rubella antibody, examination for Hepatitis B and HIV or AIDS, ECG exam, and neuro-psychological tests; and must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of application.

Arado requested the governor for the Provincial 4H/RBO Coordinator to facilitate the nomination and endorsement of the qualified applicants. She said that the schedules of the recruitment process are as follows: March 20 deadline for application; March 23 – simultaneous provincial examinations and March 24-30 – field validation.

April Regine I. Dano, 4-H Club Provincial Coordinator said that application forms are available at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA). By Atoy Cosap

5-day Ubi Festival to be held this month

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will once again conduct the Ubi Festival on January 26-30, 2023 at the Old City Airport, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

The 5-day fest is the annual activity of the provincial government showcasing the different varieties of Ubi such as: Baligonhon, Binanag, Gimnay, Binato, Iniling, Tam-isan, Kabus-ok, and the famous Kinampay.

Gertrudes S. Fuentes, Chief- Crops and Productivity Division – OPA who is also the focal person of the festival said that the event will be kicked-off with a motorcade contest at 1pm on January 26, 2023 passing through from Capitol Grounds – New Capitol Site Road – Hangos Street – J. A. Clarin St. -City Hall Grounds – Calceta St.- St. Jude Hospital – CPG Avenue – City Airport Road – down to the venue for the opening program.

In the opening program, Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message while the three solons; Representative Edgar M. Chatto (1st District), Rep. Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado (2nd Dist.) and Rep. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor (3rd Dist.), Dir. Joel A. Elumba (OIC-Regional Executive Director, DA-7) and Dr, Gracia F. Arado (OIC-Center Director, ATI-7) will give their messages of support as Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite will deliver his welcome message after Dr. Larry M. Pamugas (Acting Provincial Agriculturist) could acknowledge the guests and participants.

After Gov. Aumentado could deliver his inspirational message, he will lead the turn-over of Ubi planting materials/fruit seedlings to beneficiaries, turn-over of RPC to new partner farmer organization (PIWARDEP), and the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits.

As usual, the festival will be highlighted with the different contests to be participated by participants coming from municipalities who have Ubi display at the booths they will be constructed at the Old City Airport which will be done on the second day (Jan. 27, 2023).

The contests with prizes at stake are the following: Most Participative LGU, Pinaka Contest, Balak Contest, Jingle Contest, OPM Singing Contest (Female Category), OPM Singing Contest (Male Category), Kuradang Contest (Classical not Modern Kuradang), Cook-Off and the Motorcade.

Of all the contests, only the Cook-Off Contest will be done on the third day to be facilitated by Bohol Tourism Office with product sampling from Destileria Barako.

The awarding of winners from the different contests and the recognition of the participating LGUs will be done on the fifth day (Jan. 30) wherein Gov. Aumentado will lead in the activity.

Also in the culmination program of the Ubi Festival, the winners of the 22 different categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2022 and its assisting technicians will receive their awards and recognition.

The 22nd Ubi Festival would be the first festival in the administration of Gov. Aumentado and Vice-Gov. Balite which aims to award and recognize the Boholano farmers and fisherfolks who have been helping in the agricultural endeavour of the provincial government. (Atoy Cosap)

Fish ‘buy-back’ MOA signed

The fish buy-back program of the Provincial Government of Bohol ( PGBh ) will formally kick-off after the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) had finally signed last Wednesday during the simple but fitting program held at 2^nd Floor, Provincial Planning and Development Office, New Capitol Building.

The signing was made and entered into between the Provincial Government of Bohol ( PGBh ) represented by Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, presidents of the 17 Peoples Organizations and 10 traders in the province of Bohol that was witnessed by Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry, Provincial Fishery Officer Candido Samijon, Provincial Cooperative Coordinator Maria Conrada Fuentes and Cecilio Clarete from Land Bank of the Philippines.

Gov. Aumentado in his inspirational message said that the high prices of fish is a great challenge to us which need to be addressed.

Gov. Aumentado bared that aside from addressing other pressing problems in the province, the ( PGBh ) has also focusing now the” Isda Program” which has a strong collaboration with the Peoples Organizations (POs) and local traders.

Executive Assistant for Agriculture Engr. Ricardo Oblena who is also the chairman of the Task Force Isda Program said that he is hopeful that after the signing of MOA , the program could take off.

Oblena said that as of now as initial stage of the program, the POs have displayed and sold fish from the local fish catch, Surigao and Zamboanga at the Old City Airport, and Dampas Public Market while continued to negotiate the city government to secure the areas at the Causeway, Manga and Cogon markets for the said purpose with the prices that are cheaper than those at the wet markets and malls.

He emphasized that the program aims to penetrate in the entire province so that the Boholano fish buying public may feel the efforts of the provincial government under the Gov. Aumentado and Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite administration in answering the problem on high prices of fish here in Bohol.

Oblena explained that under this program, the POs will supply fish to the traders and the traders will sell it to the identified areas with a mark -up of only P20/kilo.

Provincial Fishery Officer Samijon for and in behalf of Dr. Allan L, Poquita, BFAR-7 Regional Director said that this program would greatly help the fisherfolks and lessen the marketing layer in selling of fish in the markets.

Samijon said that it is sad to note that the price of fish from the fisherfolks can be bought at only one hundred pesos per kilo but when it arrives at the wet markets, the price will double.

He said that they strongly support this program, in fact they offer their reefer van to be used in freezing the unsold fish.

Argeo Melisimo, Committee Member, Task Force Isda Program, on the other hand cited the important of media in this program.

Melisimo believed that this project would create a big impact to the Boholanos as he excited to wait the result and thankful to the provincial government, POs and traders to come up with this program.

Renato Auxtero, PO president from Talibon was very thankful to the program which enable them to borrow money at the Land Bank of the Philippines with the lowest interest rate to purchase fishing paraphernalia for their livelihood.

Auxtero thanked the provincial government in having this program.

Clarete said that the Land Bank of the Philippines which is the second largest commercial bank in the Philippines serving the Filipinos for about 60 years and already 32 years of operations in Bohol would not hesitate to finance loans to the POs with only 2% interest per annum because they know the good intention of the project.

He said that hopefully in the future if the operations of the program would be smooth and successful, there might be a possibility that they will offer a grant to the POs for this project.

THE 17 PEOPLES ORGANIZATIONS

The 17 POs proposed to have an initial loan in the amount of P18,000,000.00 broken down into the following: Bien Unido Poblacion Small Fishermen’s Association ( P1,000,000.00), Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Puerto San Pedro (P1, 000,000.00), Nagkahiusang Gamay’ng Mananagat sa Pinamgo ( P1,000,000.00), Berhin sa Kalooy Fishermen’s Association ( P1, 250, 000.00 ), Tabon Seaweeds Farnmers Association ( P1, 250, 000.00 ), Cataban Fisherfolks Development Association ( P1, 250, 000.00 ), Busalian Crab Pickers Association ( p1, 250, 000.00 ), Eastern Cabul-an Fisherfolks Association ( P3, 000.000.00 ), Western Cabul-an Fisheries Association ( P2, 000, 000.00 ),

Getafe Fisherfolk Marketing Cooperative (P800, 000.00), Kahugpongan sa mga Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Jandayan Sur ( P 880, 000.00 ), Banacon Growers of Seaweeds and Mangrove Association ( P 1, 000. 000.00), Pandanon Mananagat Association (P500, 000.00), Purok 1-Pandanon Marginalized Fishermen Association ( P500, 000.00 ), Great Women’s Association of Pandanon ( P700, 000.00 ) and Managhiusang Mananagat sa Pandanon ( P620, 000.00 ).

THE 10 TRADERS

The 10 traders who will buy the fish catch from the fishermen’s associations and cooperatives are namely: Edgardo Bag-ao (Chairman-Poblacion Norte, Bicao, Katipunan, Guadalupe, Buenavista Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Carmen ), Eufemio Abaniel ( Chairman-Carmen Samahang Nayon, Poblacion Sur, Carmen ), Melchor R. Daniel, Sr.( Chairman – Bohol Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Poblacion, Loay ), Maria Regielou C. Café (VP/External Affairs Officer, Tubigon Fresh Fish Vendor’s Association, Inc., Poblacion, Tubigon ), Pablo M. Chiong ( Chairman- Tawala Fishers Association, Tawala , Panglao ), Bonifacio Bermoy ( Chairman- Bayanihan, Poblacion, Talibon ), Ammon Dennis R. Tirol ( Chairman- Bohol Fish Producers Cooperative, BFAR, Dao, Tagbilaran City ), John Cyrus V. Salaga ( Chairman, Buon Pastore Agriculture Cooperative of Loboc, Pob. Sawang, Loboc, Bohol ), Marvin C. Bihag ( Chairman- Bohol United Small Entrepreneurs Organization (BUSEO), Catarman, Dauis ), and Salvio I. Makinano ( Chairman- Bohol Diversified Development Service Volunteers, Inc., Purok 3, Looc, Jagna ). (Atoy Cosap)