THE second batch of barangay officials from the first district municipalities gathered for the Capacity Development Program held on May 26, 2026, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol.
This was after the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, sustained an initiative to enhance local capacities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock production, livelihood development, and climate-resilient governance.
Through the Local Government Affairs (LGA), headed by Executive Assistant Stephen Rances, the second capacity development program skills were attended by officials from Cortes, Maribojoc, Panglao, and Sandingan and Cabilao Islands of Loon.
Highlighting the event were sessions featuring the Climate-smart Agriculture for Food Security Program, and Fisheries and Freshwater Aquaculture Development, presented by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Resource speakers from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) and agencies from the Department of Agriculture (DA) also presented on Livestock and Poultry-based Livelihood.
The Provincial Legal Office (PLO) also tackled Bantay Rabies sa Barangay, while the Provincial Cooperative and Development Office discussed the Livelihood Assistance Program.
Vice Gov. Nick Besas delivered a message of support to the event, recognizing the efforts and the responsibilities of barangay officials.
“Kamo ang mga frontliners of governance. Kamo ang naka-experience the joys and challenges of our people for every single day,” Besas said.
“Akong hangyo ninyo nga maghiusa ta kay sa pagkatinuod dili mulambo ang atong barangay kung walay panaghiusa,” he added.
In her message, Committee on Agriculture and 1st District Board Member Lucille Lagunay shared with the participants to prioritize agriculture.
“Growing our own food is like printing our own money. Lahi gyud ang atong feeling kung kita mismo ang gapa-grow sa atong gikaon,” Lagunay said.
Meanwhile, Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay—Bohol President Romulo Cepedoza also expressed support for the activity, emphasizing the importance of consultation on the implementation of programs, projects, and initiatives that will directly address the needs of the Boholano people.
He further shared that under the leadership of Gov. Aumentado, half of the overall budget of the provincial government was allocated to the needs of every barangay in Bohol.
Also present at the event was Executive Assistant Bebot Sumampong.
The activity, spearheaded by OPA and OPV, emphasized climate resilience, sustainable food systems, and stronger coordination between provincial offices and barangay units in addressing emerging challenges in agriculture and food security.
It also reinforces the commitment to empowering barangay officials, strengthening local governance, and building resilient and food-secure communities across the province, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PR)
