THE municipality of Batuan through Mayor Dodo Jumawid and Vice Mayor-elect Zing Bulalaque envisions to make the left-out and neglected town to be among the dominant player in the agri ecotourism industry of Bohol and to improve the socio economic conditions of the people.
The Jumawid- Bulalaque tandem already discussed with the private sector and government partners the development directions of the town. The proposed programs will be enhanced on the coming Executive-Legislative Agenda and revisits of existing development plans.
In the past years, Batuan had no decent public market, its municipal hall, plaza and roads were undeveloped and poorly maintained, its municipal waterworks system serves only some puroks in two barangays only, mechanization program doesn’t exist, it has only one functional ambulance, no fire station and had a very old health station. Some were even asking where Batuan is.
Batuan however is able to gradually improve. It has already a presentable public market and government center, the municipal waterworks can now provide water to all barangays, its plaza has been converted into a presentable people’s plaza with dancing fountain that serves as a recreation area for many residents, it has one on the newest and decent isolation units, several roads are now concreted, most springs are developed as small irrigations, and social services and programs for the farmers are having positive turns.
Batuan has also established the Makapiko Nature Park Restaurant as Phase 1 of its tourism plan. It has several ambulances/rescue vehicles, and farm machineries.
Its medium and long term development programs are expected to transform the economic condition of farmers and marginalized sectors of the untapped and “untouched” town. Good roads and transportation, available water, and good agricultural and tourism programs are factors that will make the vision of the town into a reality
Just recently, Batuan pleads to the Department of Public Works and Higgways (DPWH) and 3rd District Representative Congw Alexi Tutor for development projects that will enable the once neglected town to catch up and be part of the tourism and economic map of Bohol.
The tandem proposed for the funding of major projects particularly concreting of major roads such as Janlud to Quirino to Cantigdas Road, Batuan-Valencia Road, Sta Cruz to Ilaud-Aloja to Behind Road, construction of bridge to connect Batuan proper to Behind the Clouds, concreting of Norte to Quezon, tourism development, water system Phase 3.
The town aims to be a dominant player in the agri ecotourism industry of Bohol and improve the quality of life of its people. The infrastructure projects will help and will compliment the other programs of the town for agriculture and social services that are intended to uplift the socioeconomic condition of the people.
Mayor Jumawid had also a meeting with key officials from Gawad Kalinga, NIA and NHA and is planning to have audience with other partner agencies and individuals to discuss pograms, projects and activities for Batuan.
Good roads and transportation, available water, and good agricultural and tourism programs are factors that will make the vision of the town into a reality. (rvo)
