CANDIDATES for governor and congressman in Bohol showed varying ideas and measures to extend benefits to other sectors, such as fishers, farmers and entrepreneurs.
Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) invited as resources persons/speakers Dan Neri Lim, Gov. Aris Aumentado and Hardy Leopando during the “Your Voice Our choice” Candidates’ Forum held at MetroCentre Hotel on March 14, 2025.
Lim and Leopando are all vying for governor while Aumentado for reelection on May 12, 2025.
Former City Mayor Atty. Dan Lim said that it’s a “matter of political will.” He said that if given a chance to lead the province, he would propose for a comprehensive plan for all the stakeholders in tourism industry to enjoy.
Incumbent Gov. Aris Aumentado told the forum that his administration is bent to create more program that would benefit the vegetable growers in the province. This is aside from related programs, like providing fishing boats to fishers and seedlings and post-harvest facilities to farmers, in agriculture by the provincial government.
He also pointed out to connect with the academe so to prepare the students in tourism.
Hardy Leopando wanted that if elected as governor, he aims to produce more water for farming so apparently for more harvest. He also proposes for creation of cooperatives thru the provincial government assistance.
The trio were answering the question on how they intend to address tourism that will also benefit other sectors, such as farmers and fishers or entrepreneurs.
The candidates were given limited time, like 4 minutes for them to introduce themselves and three minutes for answering/expounding their respective answers to questions prepared by BCCI.
Engr. Modesto Membreve, a bet for congressman in 2nd district batted for what he called eco-tourism to benefit other sectors. He said if elected as a lawmaker he would give priority to promotion since second district lacks such marketing.
He also said that coordinating with the Department of Agriculture may be in order for farmers to benefit from tourism.
Incumbent Congresswoman Vanvan C. Aumentado was a no-show to the forum. Reports said that it was for a prior engagement.
On the same vein, congressional bet Atty. Jordan Pizarras said that, if elected as solon, he would legislate to include farmers to gain in tourism industry, since tourism is one-sided. He added he would help promote locally-made products, citing Dauis’ famous jewelry-making.
Former City Mayor John Gessnell “Baba” Yap, who is also vying for congressman in 1st district, said if elected he would also help uplift the sad situation of, say, Mag-aso Falls or promote the becoming known red land in barangay Sohoton, Calape. These places lack the attention, hence little development.
Incumbent Congressman Edgardo M. Chatto cited the creation of Tourism infrastructure Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) as source of assistance in new roads for tourism purposes in the province. He also said to push for people’s education apparently to develop new tourism sites for local government units to put up investment.
Lawyer Makdo Castanares, a congressional bet in 3rd district, would like to spread tourism to the farmers and other sectors as his support for farmers once elected as congressman.
Incumbent congresswoman Alexie Besas Tutor was also a no-show. She said thru her trusted lieutenant that she was unable to attend the forum due to prior engagement. (rvo)
