I ALREADY had a column written as early as Tuesday, this week. However, after engaging Bohol Governor Art Yap in an informative discourse over “Kwentas Klaras” Thursday morning, I could not help but change my topic. After all, I am a Boholano and I co-host the program albeit just recently.
We all know that for several years now, Bohol’s economic driver is tourism. And to the credit (or maybe not) of many leaders past, this was exploited to no end. I should know. All the beaches that used to be virgin, unspoiled, and free, now have entrance fees, haha! And sadly, for several years now, before the pandemic halted tourism, nearly about every spot you visit required a budget for entrance fee.
But going back to this stimulating discussion on the air, Yap highlighted what he envisioned for Bohol as a way to move forward amidst this pandemic. First, he underscored the safety and health of Boholanos, and second, food production and security. Now, who could argue with that?
Yap said that he understands the fear of Boholanos brought about by COVID-19, as he stressed that he, too, has his own fears. However, he assuaged the Boholano listeners by explaining that from March 2020 until at present, there are only (six) 6 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bohol vis-à-vis a population of 1,313,560 (based on 2015 PSA data). “It means to say that we have managed the situation”, Yap stressed.
Yap also plans to put up six (6) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories to cover six (6) gateways for 2020, as he called it. The Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital has 2 units; the province will host a mobile laboratory; 1 laboratory to serve the Talibon-Getafe gateway; 1 for Jagna-Ubay gateway; and 1 for Tubigon gateway.
The idea is to put up PCR laboratories where people arrive in throngs to ensure that the province is always protected and secured which will realize his commitment to keep the province healthy, he added.
He admits that there is pressure to open Bohol to tourists once again to perk up the economy but he argues that he is more open to tourism-related bilateral agreements between Bohol and say for example, another ASEAN member state, with the same health status, like Taiwan, which no longer has any COVID-19 case. This, he said, “will preserve the health of Bohol as a province and as a populace”.
On pushing food production, Yap encourages farmers to form cooperatives, group themselves according to clusters, and come up with holistic plans and programs before they sit down with him and the lending institution to ensure better and bigger yields which in turn will actualize Bohol’s food production and security.
Towards the end of the interview, he expressed his commitment to develop water sources in 200 Barangays in the province, as a start, to ensure that agriculture can pick up. He is realistic to admit that he cannot cover all the 1,109 Barangays in the 47 municipalities of Bohol, but the proposed number of 200 is already a good start.
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Aside from virtual pressers, press briefings, FB postings, info bulletins, and the like, leaders whether elected or not, should also make themselves available for interviews. People need to connect with their leaders. It’s basic. For at the end of the day, communication links people together.
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Condolences: Lifted from Delora Sales-Simbajon’s FB Post: We are shocked and saddened to hear that our cousin, Rev. Dave Lester “Ondoy” Sales Artuza, passed away on June 9, 2020. Our times together may have been limited because of geographical distance but we have fond memories of him nevertheless. His faith and service to the Lord have been an inspiration to us, and, we are sure to many others as well.
We extend our love and prayers to Auntie Grace Sales Artuza and his siblings Aibe, Joy, and Everlyn. Know that despite our inability to be with you now in the midst of the global health crisis, we stand with you.
On behalf of the grandchildren/family of Isabelo Balagot Sales, Sr. and Fermina Quezon Marante-Sales, please accept our love and condolences.
Rest in peace, Lester, you have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Great is your reward! (2 Timothy 4:7-8). We will see you again someday.
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
