THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved, on the third and final reading, a breakthrough ordinance addressing mental health concerns, especially for students and learners.
In its regular session on Tuesday, October 29, 2026, presided over by Vice Gov. Nick Besas, the SP approved the passage of an ordinance “Establishing the Bohol Students’ and Learners’ Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Resilience, and Safe Schools Support Program, Providing for Mental Health Promotion, Resilience-Building, Early Identification and Referral, Crisis Response, Parental Engagement, Bullying and Violence Prevention, and other Support Mechanisms; and Providing Funds Therefor.”
Authored and sponsored by Board Member Mutya Kismet Tirol, the measure recognizes the realities that young people face today—anxiety, bullying, rejection, family problems, academic pressure, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts and threats of violence.
It strengthens early identification, referral, suicide prevention, crisis response, anti-bullying measures, and appropriate action against credible threats and risks of violence in Tirol, in her speech said.
“That is the balance we seek: mental health, resilience, accountability, and safety,” Tirol stressed.
P5.5 Billion 2027 Budget
Meanwhile, the SP is set to tackle the 2027 Annual Budget of the provincial government for 2027.
This covers the total local expenditure program under the General Fund amounting to Five Billion Five Hundred Seventy-Seven Million Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand Four Hundred Seven Pesos and Twenty Centavos (₱5,577,894,407.20), and the operation of Local Economic Enterprise- Café Caloy of Ten Million Seven Hundred Seventy-one Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Nine Pesos (₱10,771,699.00). The proposed 2027 budget for next year 2027 is pegged at Five Billion Five Hundred Eighty-Eight Million Six Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand One Hundred Six Pesos and Twenty Centavos (₱5,588,666,106.20).
The Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, chaired by Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, is set to deliberate on the budgetary items in the next weeks.
Renaming of TaRSIER117.
In the same session, the SP approved on first reading the proposed amendment of Provincial Ordinance No. 2013-006 to rename the Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Response (TaRSIER 117) as TARSIER 911 throughout the ordinance and in all official references.
The amendment will also authorize and direct the immediate interconnection and integration of TaRSIER 911 with the Unified 911 national emergency system, including the necessary technical, call-routing, dispatch, telecommunications, and operational arrangements with the DILG, telecommunications providers, and other concerned agencies.
Aside from retaining all other provisions, mandates, functions, organizational arrangements, and authorities, the revision further allows the modification of the official seal or logo accordingly, replacing 117 with 911 while substantially preserving TaRSIER117’s established visual identity.
Bohol Integrated Cancer Prevention, Risk Assessment, Early Detection, Patient Navigation, and Support Ordinance
The SP likewise approved on first reading the proposed Bohol Integrated Cancer Prevention, Risk Assessment, Early Detection, Patient Navigation, and Support Ordinance.
Tirol explained that the ordinance seeks to strengthen cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, patient navigation, survivorship, psychosocial support, and palliative care.
“Earlier detection, clearer pathways, and no Boholano left to navigate cancer alone,” Tirol emphasized.
SineBohol
Moreover, the SP commended and congratulated SineBohol for establishing a creative platform that showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and stories of Boholano communities through filmmaking.
Board Member Lawrence Ancla underscored the importance of SineBohol as an opportunity to provide opportunities for local talents and storytellers to express their creativity, highlight the unique identities of Boholano communities, and contribute to the growth of the local film and creative industries.
Improved Internet Service
In addition, the SP is seeking an inquiry into concerns on slow internet speeds, frequent disconnections, prolonged service interruptions, delayed technical assistance, and unresponsive customer service.
Board Member Greg Jala lamented the various issues such as unreliable connections, delayed repairs, inadequate customer support, and billing disputes experienced by many customers.
“We want to encourage better service, fair treatment of consumers, and stronger cooperation between the private sector and the provincial government. If Bohol is to advance its digital transformation, strengthen tourism, support local enterprises, and improve public services, reliable internet connectivity must be part of that development,” he stated.
Other approvals
The SP also approved the proposed full turnover of the management and operation of the Bohol District Jail to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) effective January 1, 2027.
It approved the Deed of Usufruct for the establishment of the new Clarin Community Hospital site under the World Bank-funded Health System Resilience Project.
The body also approved the accreditation of the Abatan-Lincod (Maribojoc) Mangrove-Nipa Growers Association, Inc., Abucayan Norte (Calape) Farmers and Fishermen’s Association (ABNFFA), and the Causwagan Sur Farmers Association in San Isidro, Bohol.
The Committee on Cooperatives, NGOs, POs & CSOs, through a report by Board Member Lucille Lagunay, recommended their accreditation.
The SP also acted upon local legislation recommended by the Committee on Review of Municipal Ordinances & Related Issuances through a report by Board Member Joahna Cabalit-Initay. (Office of the SP Sec/LMS)
