Gov Aris to Boholanos: Take Jose Rizal’s
example as Bohol marks his 126th year

Gov. Aris Aumentado and Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite lead the wreath-laying at Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument at Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City. (rvo)

“TOGETHER we must follow Jose Rizal as an example in our own humble ways and simple service as we seek to achieve a better and brighter future for the Boholano people and the whole province,” Gov Aumentado said.

The Provincial Government of Bohol holds a commemorative ceremony for Dr. Jose Rizal’s 126th death anniversary on Friday, Dec. 30, at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

The program opened with a singing of hymns and a wreath-laying led by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado at the Rizal statue in the plaza, accompanied by Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite.

Along with them are the members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, Knights of Columbus, The Order of Demolay- Dagohoy Chapter, and the Dagohoy Masonic Lodge # 84. The Diwanag Dance Theater and Cultural Troupe of Holy Name University also performed two dance presentations in the ceremony.

Vice Gov. Balite welcomed the guests who attended the program, with a message about the life of Rizal and his activism that helped spark a revolution against Spanish colonization in the country through his literary works.

“Sa iyang kamatayon, didto namugna o didto na tawo ang atong kagawasnan sa colonial imperialism,” vice gov Balite said.

He encouraged Boholanos to continue Rizal’s work by fighting graft and corruption in Bohol, which he says is still an occurring problem in the province.

Gov. Aumentado gave a commemorative message about Rizal’s martyrdom and honored essential workers who dedicated their time serving the Boholano communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic’s peak and Typhoon Odette’s aftermath.

The Philippines celebrates Dec 30 as “Rizal Day,” a national holiday commemorating Rizal’s execution at Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta Park, in Manila on Dec 30, 1896.

For this year’s celebration, the Center for Culture and Arts Development organized the ceremony with the theme “Rizal: Alaalang Iningatian, Yaman ngayon ng Bayan” to remember Rizal’s political activism that ignited a revolution to overthrow the Spanish colonial government.

Meanwhile, the newly-elected ICT Council Bohol officers take oath during Bohol’s Rizal day celebration as the provincial government aims to optimize Bohol’s economy through Information, Communication and Technology.

Held on Dec 30 at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado officiated the oath-taking as they are tasked to oversee ICT’s future in the province and how it can help provide more employment for Boholanos. As part of PGBh’s economic roadmap, the provincial government aims to incorporate IT-BPM services into the local economy, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, Ambisyon Natin 2040, and the Regional Development Plans.

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) forecasted that the Philippines’ IT-BPM industry targets to hit a 59 billion dollar revenue and 2.5 million full-time employees by 2028.

PGBh hopes to create more employment opportunities for Boholanos through the IT-BPM industry investing in local talents.

Listed below are the newly-elected officers of the Bohol ICT Council.

President: Dalia Melda Tirol-Magno; Vice President- Academe: Jovito Danilo C. Nazareno; Vice President- Start-Up/ Small & Micro IT Enterprises: Jay Paul Aying; Vice President- Information Technology Associations: Engr. Darius Demar Apale; Vice President- Business Process: Kent Dioneth Bagolot; Secretary: Maria Celia Z. Ligason; Treasurer: Engr. Albert M. Uy; Auditor: Elena Libadisos; and  Public Relations Officer: Jerome P. Manatad. (PiMO/rvo/GC)