THE BEAUTY about being the editor of the Bohol I Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (BOHECO I) coffee table book is reconnecting with my roots! As I read the manuscripts, I reminisced about my childhood and revisited memories of my exposure and encounter with prominent people on account of my parents’ professional involvement, work engagement, or personal relationships.
One of these renowned individuals was the former governor of Bohol, Lino I. Chatto, Sr.
Gov. Lino Chatto who was born on Sept. 23, 1913, in Candasig, Balilihan, Bohol, was the eldest of five children of Aurelio and Eduarda I. Chatto. Educated at Balilihan Central Elementary School and at Bohol Provincial High School, he proceeded to UP Los Baños, Laguna where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1937. He was a genuine product of public education.
Married to the beauteous Teodula Racho, a schoolteacher, the couple raised 6 children: Teolin, Lina, and Teodulo – all three have passed away, Dulce Chatto Glovasa – a city councilor of Tagbilaran and retired banker, Lino, Jr. – retired, and Baby Antoinette Chatto Lofranco – also a retired banker.
His political career started right in his own backyard. He was mayor of Balilihan in 1952-1955, moving a notch higher when he was elected member of the Provincial Board for two terms in 1955-1963. He was appointed vice governor in 1963.
Being vice governor was providential because when Gov. Esteban Bernido was appointed presidential assistant on housing and general manager of the People’s Homesite and Housing Corporation, Vice Gov. Lino found himself assuming the post of Bohol governor in 1967. The following year, 1968, he rightfully won as governor and was reelected in 1972. He served as Bohol governor until 1978. I remember Papa being heavily involved in these campaigns.
Among the hallmarks of his leadership include the establishment of the iconic Bohol Cultural Center – I am certain every Boholano has a story to tell about the Center; the renovation and beautification of Plaza Rizal and the Governors’ Mansion – I remember accompanying my parents to the Mansion for work duties and social events in my young life; the reopening of the Loay Philippine Coconut Authority Experimental Project; and to demonstrate his wide-ranging knowledge and deep-rooted commitment to agriculture, the completion of the Pilar Irrigation Project; the creation of Rice and Corn Demonstration Farms in selected municipalities; the establishment of vegetable nurseries and seed banks; the development of provincial nurseries that grow seedlings for reforestation purposes as well as selected vegetable seedlings for distribution; and the installation of irrigation pumps in most of the municipalities.
It is quite apparent that his education played a big role in his governance. His development orientation was anchored on agriculture while sustainability was foremost in his agenda.
Being editor of BOHECO I’s coffee table book, I find this one remarkably interesting. Gov. Lino was instrumental for the installation of a 900-kilowatt electric generator that provided additional electric supply to Tagbilaran City. He led the countryside electrification of the province starting with the original nine towns by forming the Provincial Electrification Committee Team that eventually conceptualized, organized, and aided the development of BOHECO I.
To honor the greatest Boholano patriot and statesman of all times – Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Gov. Chatto created the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Monument and Park Committee whose recommendations facilitated the construction of the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Park and Monument.
Under then Diosdado Macapagal’s presidency, he organized the planting of thousands of Mahogany seedlings on 857.4 hectares of land in the municipalities of Bilar and Loboc in support of the nationwide reforestation program of the national government. Over the years, the Loboc-Bilar Man-Made Forest has become quite a hit among local and international tourists.
A man who valued history, heritage, and culture and the arts, Chatto opposed the bill filed in Congress dividing Bohol into 2 provinces in 1969. The “daughter” province would have been known as Bohol Oriental and would have comprised the municipalities belonging to the 3rd District of the province. Gov. Lino lobbied strongly against the bill through resolutions and oral arguments. As a result, the planned legislation did not materialize. It was nipped in the bud, so to speak.
As a legacy, Gov. Lino influenced the passage of Resolution No. 497 creating the Bohol Provincial Historical Committee whose positive outputs included the Bohol flag, the Bohol emblem, the Bohol flower, and the Bohol hymn. Truly legendary!
The Bohol flag was first used at the Pres. Garcia Sports Complex on March 2, 1970, during the opening day of the East Visayan athletic meet with the Bohol hymn rendered for the first time by the all-female choir of the College of the Holy Spirit.
A man whose love for the province was influenced by his background, Gov. Lino I. Chatto, Sr. blazed trails and began so many firsts in Bohol’s development, history, and heritage. He was larger than life and left big shoes to fill.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie.
