Bohol has now become a middle class province that continues to develop to perhaps becoming one of the richest provinces nationwide. It is now hailed as the model province for peace and tourism growth. A far cry in 2001 when it was identified as one of the top 10 poorest provinces in the country.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said this during Bohol’s 155th Foundation Day celebration where she was the guest of honor. Arroyo said when she first came into power in 2001, Bohol was one of the top 10 poorest provinces nationwide primarily due to the problem of insurgency that has prevented the province from making economic headway.
The President then cited Gov. Erico Aumentado’s efforts to ensure that basic services trickle down to the grassroots level in order to cut the chain of poverty and rebellion that have haunted the province for decades.
In 2005, the province of Bohol has been freed from the problem of insurgency and peace followed immediately after that led to the steady growth of progress which up to now continues to spread, according to Pres. Arroyo.
The President also said Bohol is the role model of peace and development as programs implemented by the Kalayaan Barangay Programs (KBP) in conflict areas is patterned after the peace advocacy programs of Bohol. (PIA/FCR)
