SCIENCE and technology initiatives, sports infrastructure, road connectivity, and wastewater management projects are among the priority programs and proposals endorsed by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) Executive Committee for regional consideration and possible funding.
The council endorsed these projects during its meeting on November 3, 2026, at the Provincial Planning and Development Office Conference Room, presided over by PDC Chairperson Gov. Aris Aumentado.
Present were Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, with Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Atty. John Titus Vistal, along with private-sector representatives and officials from national government agencies and provincial government offices.
The meeting covered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) proposed programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) for fiscal year 2028, as well as priority infrastructure and environmental proposals from the local government units of Tubigon, Inabanga, and Tagbilaran City.
DOST Provincial Director Dir. Vina Antopina, represented by Supervising Science Research Specialist Meljun Signe, presented programs on technology transfer and commercialization, science and technology services, networking and linkages, scholarship opportunities, and special projects.
These include the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program–Innovation Enabling Fund, which provides technology infusion, training, product development, packaging and labeling, consultancy, and other technical services to help enterprises improve their operations and competitiveness.
The presentation also covered science and technology scholarships for secondary and tertiary students.
Meanwhile, Tubigon Municipal Mayor Marlon Amila, JD, presented the proposed construction of the Tubigon Sports Complex and its request for national government funding support.
Envisioned as a shared sports and development facility for Tubigon and Northwestern Bohol, the project seeks to provide a venue for various sporting activities while promoting health, youth empowerment, economic growth, and disaster resilience.
The committee approved its endorsement and also referred it to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for consideration.
Inabanga Municipal Mayor Dexter Muneses Ancla presented the proposed feasibility study for the construction of a diversion road and a second bridge connecting Lutao and Cagay-an in the municipality.
The study seeks to assess the proposed infrastructure development and its potential to improve road connectivity and accessibility in the area.
For wastewater management, Executive Assistant III Loucille Alcala-Dahbi of the Office of the City Mayor presented the proposed feasibility study for the National Sewerage and Septage Management Plan (NSSMP), which covers the establishment of three wastewater treatment facilities in selected areas of Tagbilaran City.
The study will determine the appropriate treatment technologies, facility capacities, wastewater collection arrangements, project costs, and long-term operational requirements.
It also addresses concerns over untreated wastewater discharge and illegal connections to waterways, which pose risks to coastal ecosystems, public health, fisheries, and community livelihoods.
The endorsed science and technology initiatives, sports infrastructure, road connectivity, and wastewater management project proposals will be elevated to the RDC for further review and consideration for possible funding.
These initiatives support the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap by promoting innovation, improving public infrastructure, expanding opportunities for communities, and advancing sustainable development across the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/ARB)
