THE Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) began coordinating preparations for the 29th ASEAN Regional Forum of Heads of Defense, Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting (ARFHDUCIM), scheduled for September 2027.
This followed a courtesy visit by representatives of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) to the Bohol Provincial Capitol on September 28, 2026.
Governor Aris Aumentado welcomed the NDCP delegation, joined by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog, and Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Head Joanne Pinat.
The NDCP, the country’s premier defense education institution, will host the 29th ARFHDUCIM.
The meeting is expected to bring together representatives from 28 defense universities, colleges, and institutions representing the 28 member countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
The visit formed part of the Advance Coordination (ADVON) for the event.
Discussions focused on Bohol’s role as host, including the proposed itinerary, activity arrangements, venue inspections, and a simulation of the proposed cultural tour for delegates.
Governor Aumentado expressed Bohol’s readiness to support the gathering, citing the province’s experience in hosting major national and international events, including ASEAN-related engagements.
He also assured the NDCP delegation that PGBh protocol managers would assist and guide the organizers throughout the planning and implementation of the forum.
Pinat assured Bohol’s preparations to ensure the safety and welfare of the delegates, including the province’s medical response teams, safety protocols, and security measures.
The coordination activities are intended to facilitate the smooth and efficient implementation of the 2027 forum while highlighting Bohol’s tourism, culture, and capacity to host high-level regional engagements.
The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase Bohol, the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, as a prepared and welcoming destination for international delegates and a province committed to advancing its tourism and Strategic Governance Roadmap development priorities. (PIMO/RJG)
