VALENCIA, Bohol – THERE’s no stopping for Valencia town to progress and improve its people’s lot during the present administration after decades of long grip by a political dynasty, according to a resident here, who did not give his name.
“To further develop and promote ecotourism in Valencia, we have established a dedicated Tourism office and designated a Tourism Officer. This ensures focused planning and development of our tourism sector,” the mayor said.
The reaction came after Mayor Dionisio Neil A. Balite, PhD put emphasis on aggressive tourism thrusts under his administration but not putting aside the livelihood and other development programs and projects for the welfare of his constituency.
The tourism program the mayor has mentioned is part of his State of the Municipal Address (SOMA) he delivered at the globular gym of the town attended by almost walks of life, like in the persons of his brother, Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite; Congresswoman Kristine Alexie Besas-Tutor; Board Nathaniel Binlod and others.
Also in attendance were the town’s Sangguniang Bayan which held a session during the SOMA, Municipal Officials and hardworking Municipal Department Heads and employees; representatives from National Government Agencies; members of Civil Society Organizations; Barangay Officials, BARUG Valencia leaders; our beloved teachers from DEPED Valencia District and other valued stakeholders and the mayor’s supportive family, he said.
The mayor said that his dispensation has identified 14 potential tourist sites. These are the Cambabad Hills, Danao Lake, Ugjong Hills, Kabotbot Hills, Genoveva Cave, East Bohol Fault (ground rupture), Kinawa Falls, Binaliwan Spring, Maubo Cave, Ughob Cave, Taculing Cave, Banderahan Peak, Anislag Spring, and Kabjawan Cave. These sites hold immense potential to boost ecotourism efforts and showcase the natural beauty of the locality
Balite also cited the launching of Sang-at Festival. This, in order to promote our cultural and historical heritage while boosting eco-tourism, he said. The event, supported by the DepEd Valencia District, highlights our rich cultural background and is broadcasted on Island Living Channel, reaching airports and seaports nationwide, he added.
Lest the townsfolk forget, Valencia is endowed with Badiang Spring which is, no doubt, has been and still is visited by a throng of bathers or laundry enthusiasts for the ever-flowing water from somewhere.
The mayor revisited the PEPSI (not a softdrink) program which his group during the election campaign committed to the electorates to accomplish during the first term of office. PEPSI, as if to quench the thirst of his people for more development and now the accomplishments he achieved in just a year.
PEPSI is a kind of framework or a guide to achieve what the mayor Balite’s administration envisions. It is Panginabuhian (Livelihood), Edukasyon (Education), Panglawas (Health), Social Services and Inprastraktura (Infrastructure).
PANGINABUHIAN. “I am honored to stand before you today and highlight the remarkable achievements we have accomplished in the area of PANGINABUHIAN (Economy and Livelihood) during our first year in office. Under the PEPSI framework,we have made significant progress in stimulating local and regional economic development and empowering our community. First and foremost, we have embarked on the path of economic transformation through the Local and Regional Economic Development (LRED) Sensitization and Planning of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).”
n EDUKASYON. “I am proud to present to you the remarkable achievements we have made in the realm of education. Firstly, through the issuance of Executive Order No. 25, we have taken a firm stance against unnecessary and extravagant contributions to school activities, fostering a culture of financial responsibility.”
He also mentioned the establishment of Anoyon High School last year and the Anas High School to open this coming August, 2023.
PANGLAWAS. “I am honored to share with you the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved in the field of health. Firstly, through strategic partnerships with private sectors, such as the IPI Foundation – International Pharmaceuticals Inc., TGP Pharmacy, Buhing Inambitay og Tinabangay Foundation, and BIT-IC, we have successfully conducted free medical and dental missions, extending vital healthcare services to those in need. Recognizing the importance of reaching remote areas, we have established a satellite office working schedule for the Rural Health Unit (RHU), ensuring that our services are accessible to even the farthest reaches of our municipality, and the deployment of a Patient Transport Vehicle at the remote barangay of Marawis.”
SOCIAL SERVICES. “Our unwavering dedication to the welfare and development of our community has led to remarkable milestones that deserve recognition. Under the Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Valencia, we have implemented various initiatives to ensure maritime safety and order. Notably, we conducted a five-day Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training, providing essential skills to personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bantay Dagat, and lifeguards of Badiang Spring Resort.”
INFRASTRUKTURA. “It is with great pride and pleasure thatI present to you the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved in the realm of infrastructure development. First and foremost, we initiated the construction of the Valencia Public Market, following the design created by our dedicated team. To ensure smooth implementation, we established the Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) per Executive Order No. 4, overseeing the progress and quality of this essential project. Building upon the projects initiated by the previous administration, we have continued to prioritize infrastructure development.”
All of the above features of PEPSI have been elaborated in detailed fashion for his constituents’ understanding and where and what his administration has been and still is doing. (Please see page 8B for the full text of Mayor Balite’s SOMA)
And one of the most important aspect of his message in SOMA is the finance sector approaches in how to raise funds for the needed funds to bankroll the improvement and development projects.
“Lastly, we will foster a spirit of unity and community engagement. Our success depends on the active participation and cooperation of every citizen. We will encourage dialogue, listen to your concerns, and work collaboratively to address the needs of our municipality,” the mayor said.
The mayor is optimistic, saying that “I am confident that the next years we’ll witness remarkable progress and transformative change in Valencia. Let us embark on this journey together, united by a shared vision of a Better, Affectionate, Responsive, Unified Governance (BARUG) for our municipality. BARUG Valencia.” (rvo)
