THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved Bohol’s proposed ₱15-billion Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2027 as the province confronts rising inflation, mounting agricultural losses, and the looming threat of a potentially severe El Niño phenomenon.
The approval came during the SP’s regular session on October 13, 2026, presided over by Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor, a day after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Bohol reported that the province’s inflation rate had climbed to 8.4 percent in September.
The developments underscore the challenges facing the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) as it seeks to sustain economic growth, strengthen disaster resilience, and protect communities from the effects of rising prices and climate-related disruptions.
₱15-BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN APPROVED
The SP approved the proposed ₱15-billion AIP for calendar year 2027, covering the province’s regular operations and the implementation of priority programs, projects, and activities.
Endorsed by the Provincial Development Council, the investment plan reflects the province’s development priorities, taking into account existing challenges, development gaps, community needs, and emerging opportunities.
These priorities include environmental protection and disaster resilience, climate-smart agriculture and fisheries, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, social equity and human development, citizen engagement, improved public service delivery, and organizational development.
The SP also approved a ₱22-million supplemental budget for ongoing provincial programs.
The investment plan comes at a time when the province is confronting economic pressures and climate-related risks that could affect agriculture, food security, livelihoods, and household purchasing power.
INFLATION
During a monthly press conference on October 12, PSA-Bohol Chief Statistical Specialist Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren reported that Bohol’s year-on-year inflation rate reached 8.4 percent in September 2026.
The figure was lower than Cebu’s 9.2 percent but reflected continuing pressure on the prices of basic goods and services.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages were identified as the major contributors to the acceleration of inflation, while global fuel price increases also pushed up transportation and logistics costs.
The latest inflation figure was comparable to September 2022, when Bohol recorded an 8.3 percent inflation rate amid global supply disruptions.
Despite these pressures, provincial economic indicators continue to show growth.
During his 2026 State of the Province Address, Gov. Aris Aumentado reported that bank deposits in Bohol increased from ₱63 billion in 2022 to ₱92 billion in 2025.
“Our financial sector continues to strengthen, with bank deposits growing from ₱63 billion in 2022 to ₱92 billion in 2025, a 34 percent increase. This means more Boholanos are earning, saving, and investing here in the province, supported by our commitment to good governance and a business-friendly investment environment,” Aumentado said.
Meanwhile, the PSA’s 2025 Provincial Product Accounts showed that Bohol’s per capita Gross Domestic Product increased by 3.8 percent to an estimated ₱147,425 in 2025.
Although still below the Central Visayas regional average, the increase reflects continued economic activity and expansion within the province.
However, the rising inflation rate highlights the continuing challenge of ensuring that economic gains translate into improved purchasing power and affordable basic commodities for Boholano households.
AGRICULTURAL CONCERNS
Adding to the province’s economic challenges is the anticipated intensification of the El Niño phenomenon, prompting the SP to prepare a legislative inquiry into Bohol’s disaster preparedness, response mechanisms, and available financing.
Board Member Fernando Estavilla raised concerns over the province’s vulnerability to prolonged dry spells, particularly the availability of water in island barangays and the need for sustainable climate adaptation measures.
In his privilege speech, Estavilla recalled the severe drought conditions experienced in 2024, when Bohol incurred more than ₱420 million in agricultural and fisheries losses, affecting at least 100,000 farmers.
He warned that the province was already experiencing the effects of the current dry conditions.
“Dili na bag-o kanato ang makasinati ug perteng kainit. And we are no stranger to its impacts. We are already feeling the effects of El Niño. Based on the partial assessment of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Bohol has already incurred around P173 million in agricultural losses and has affected 6,676 farmers in 24 component LGUs,” Estavilla stated.
The planned legislative inquiry seeks to determine the province’s readiness to respond to worsening drought conditions, including the adequacy of emergency measures, water supply interventions, and financial resources.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had earlier warned of the probability of El Niño conditions extending into 2027, with climate projections indicating the possibility of a very strong episode and dry spells affecting Bohol.
The prospect of prolonged drought presents additional challenges to the agricultural sector, particularly as food prices remain a major contributor to inflation.
OTHER LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Aside from approving the investment plan and addressing climate-related concerns, the SP also tackled several legislative measures involving culture, public safety, infrastructure, and government resource management.
Board Member Mutya Kismet Tirol proposed strengthening the Bohol Capitol Band through a ₱1.2-million allocation for new and updated musical instruments.
She emphasized the band’s contribution to provincial ceremonies, commemorations, official functions, and cultural activities.
Board Member Greg Jala, meanwhile, proposed studying and enacting a comprehensive provincial ordinance to establish safeguards for junk shops and scrap-metal dealers.
The proposal followed recent theft incidents, including the reported stealing of a century-old brass bell dating back to 1914 from Saint Peter Parish Church in Loboc.
The proposed regulatory framework seeks to protect legitimate businesses while strengthening accountability and preventing stolen materials from entering the scrap-metal trade.
The SP also approved on first reading a proposed ordinance establishing guidelines for the billing, collection, and reimbursement of electricity and water consumption charges incurred by the provincial government on behalf of lessees using government-registered utility connections.
According to Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, the measure seeks to promote responsible management of public funds and fair allocation of utility expenses in provincial government-owned sports courts and other facilities.
MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
During the same session, the SP authorized partnerships and linkages for several development projects, including the proposed new Hall of Justice in Tagbilaran City and the Bohol Bulk Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Other partnerships cover initiatives involving health, education, geological heritage, culture, and the arts.
The legislative body also adopted committee reports covering education, youth and sports, peace and order, public safety, infrastructure, public accountability, health, and cooperation with civil society organizations.
BALANCING GROWTH AND RESILIENCE
The approval of the ₱15-billion investment plan comes as Bohol navigates the competing demands of economic development, inflation management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.
While increasing bank deposits and per capita economic output point to continued economic activity, rising consumer prices and mounting agricultural losses highlight the vulnerability of households and livelihoods to external economic and climate pressures.
The province’s development priorities place particular emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable tourism, competitive micro, small and medium enterprises, manufacturing, environmental protection, and improved public services.
Under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, the PGBh continues to pursue its Strategic Change Agenda, seeking to sustain economic progress while strengthening community resilience and promoting inclusive development in Bohol, the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MAPI/Office of the SP Secretary/LMS)
