THE Provincial Government of Bohol, headed by Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” C. Aumentado, commemorated the establishment of the Province of Bohol 168 years ago through a program at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City last Friday, July 22, 2022, Bohol Day.
With the theme “Abante Bohol: Limpyong Panggobyerno, Kalamboan sa Tanang Bol-anon,” the event aims to remember the day that Bohol became a separate politico-military province from Cebu on July 22, 1854, and celebrate the province’s history, culture, tradition, and people. Every year, July 22 is celebrated across the island as a special non-working holiday through Republic Act No. 7683.
Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite opened the program with a welcome message, while Hon. Franklin M. Quijano, Chairperson and CEO of the National Commission of Senior Citizens offered his solidarity message to the entire province over the festivities.
Quijano assured the province of his support for its development, and as the head of the NCSC, also offered the help of our senior citizens in different sectors, especially that they have the necessary skills and experience that can be of use in today’s society.
For his commemorative message, Aumentado said that the province has since come a long way from its establishment in the 19th century but also reminded everyone that even with the peace it is currently enjoying, it is still facing challenges such as graft and corruption and environmental degradation.
“Together we march on towards these new, challenging battlegrounds… Ang usa ka limpyong panggobyerno maoy maghatod kanato og kalamboan alang kanatong tanan. Mao kana ang atong hiniusang pangandoy ug tinguha (A clean government would bring development to all of us. That is our common goal and desire),” the governor said.
Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Z. Duterte also attended the program as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker. In her message, she thanked Boholanos for their wholehearted support during the candidacies of then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte and herself and asked for their support for the current administration.
The vice president also acknowledged Bohol as a “welcoming place and a new home for others” and hoped that the province will blossom in the right direction and achieve its aims.
“Ang pag-abante sa maayong ugma pinaagi sa hiniusang paglantaw usa ka halangdon nga gasa sa atong mga kamot (Moving forward towards a better future through a united perspective is an honorable gift that is in our hands),” Duterte remarked.
She also expressed her continued support for Bohol for its path to progress. It can be remembered that after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, then-Davao City Mayor Duterte sent the city’s Rescue 911 to the province to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
During the event, the guests were treated to presentations by the Holy Name University Diwanag Dance Troupe (including the Sandugo Re-enactment), Loboc Children’s Choir, and Loboc Youth Ambassadors Band. (PR)
