by btpo | Jun 29, 2009 | Headlines
An ordinance that governs, regulates tourism development and promotion programs including the accreditation and supervision of the operations of tourism-related establishments and services in the province was finally approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). On its third and final reading the Provincial Ordinance C-003-2008, known as the Tourism Code of Bohol was finally approved. The approval was after a yearlong series of consultations with stakeholders in the tourism industry, according to Provincial Board Member Corazon Galbreath, chairperson of the SP committee on tourism. Under the ordinance, tourism is acknowledged as “the main economic driver” in the province that can provide more jobs and increase the financial resources of the provincial government. Sponsored and authored by Board Member Galbreath, the Tourism Code sets penalties for tourism-related establishments that do not comply with standards for accreditation of the Department of Tourism and the World Tourism Organization. The measure also provides tax incentives to investors and the ease to secure permits and licenses to operate.
by btpo | Jun 23, 2009 | Headlines
THERE is a danger more disastrous than swine flu and about 141 Boholano children have it. Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez bared that about 141 Boholanos children are having tuberculosis. Dr. Lopez said there is an urgent need to help these children who are under intensive treatment. Dr. Lopez, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Health Committee Chair urged Bohol mayors during a bi-monthly meeting of the mayors’ league to extent help. Lopez added that an average treatment regimen covers 6 to 8 months and patients need to spend more or less P10,300 each to get the treatment.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mostly affects the lungs. While now considered curable, tuberculosis treatment regimen would need supervised full course of correct anti-TB medicines to assure continued regular, uninterrupted treatment. Meanwhile, the United States Government, through a project called Linking Initiatives and Networking to Control Tuberculosis (TB LINC), is partnering with Bohol through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the governor, LMP and US ambassador Christie Kenney years back.
by btpo | Jun 23, 2009 | Headlines
Police regional office 7 (PRO 7) proposed converting Bohol tourist areas into ultimate gun-free zones. Bohol as one of the super-regions’ hot tourist destinations, should further elevate its status into a wholesome family destination, according PSSupt. Louie Oppus. SSupt. Col. Oppus showed graphs of the crime trend in the Central Visayas in the last 5 years, and was quick to add that the success is largely due to the mayors efforts. However, Col Oppus hinted that the achievement seems not enough in a major tourism destination. The Camp Sergio Osmena-based police operations officer reiterated to the mayors gathered during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol Chapter meeting of the plan for a zero tolerance for guns in designated areas.
Col. Oppus, who spoke for Police Regional Director Lane-o Neres added that the overall peace and order showing for Bohol is appealing, pointing out crimes decreasing rate. Among the mentioned proposed plans are for peacekeeping authorities to deny entry or armed bodyguards of public officials and escorts of very important persons. And only police officers in uniform are allowed to carry firearms in designated tourist areas.
Col Oppus added that even persons with permits to carry fire-arms outside residence should deposit their firearms at the tourist police desks or they would be denied entry. The police official also pointed out that most crimes in involve good number of unaccounted loose firearms. Col. Oppus asked local chief executives to help in recovering loose firearms and lead its registrations.
by btpo | Jun 3, 2009 | Headlines
Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK)is not only for Boholanos living abroad but fairly for those living within the country and those had been all through, in the province. In a casual conversation on-air over DYRD AM “Sangonan Program” with Ms. Liklik Gallares-Schroeder of Sacramento, CA who is the over-all coordinator of TBTK 2009 and the anchorwoman of “Sangonan” Tita BJ, Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) was said to be now in full swing. Ms. Schroeder a Tagbilaranon for many years and to the present resides in Sacramento, CA is in the city to coordinate with the local organizers making the grand reunion a success. The triennial 2009 Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) is slated July 14 to 26, according to Ms. Liklik Gallares Schroeder. She positively says basing from text messages she received from different individuals, Boholanos all over the world now look forward to the reunion season: meeting with family and relatives, schoolmates and friends in their native island, Bohol.
Registration Forms to the triennial 2009 Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK), Schroeder said are already sent to varied Boholano groups in the Philippines and abroad. Moreover, she called on all members of the different schools alumni to join the big affair. Ms. Schroeder requested intent participation of all Holy Name University Alumni members since she, herself, is an alumnus of the said school. She added that she is too excited to meet schoolmates, classmates and friends from where she formerly attended her school years. Overwhelmed to have remembered the now University of Bohol, which as far as she can recall, called the school Rafael Palma College (the University’s former name) members of the alumni to also be interested to attend and be present in all the activities.
Ms. Liklik Gallares Schroeder during “Sangonan Program” cited availability of a registration package that includes: Lifetime Membership (preparatory to becoming a Voting Member), Event Registration and Program Kit, Admission to TBTK Gala, Admission to Mrs. Bohol International, Admission to Miss Bohol International, Admission to TOBAW Awards, Admission to Recognition Night, sponsored events and for the incoming Boholanos, is a Malacanang Palace visit and other receptions.
Those who do not choose the entire package may register for the event in general and buy special tickets to a particular or may be several activities.
To highlight the events that everybody from all walks can attend or participate are: religious activities, Sandugo Street Dancing, cockfighting derby, youth activities, tours and pilgrimages, school reunions, medical mission, TBTK meeting, TBTK election of officers (for voting members only), cultural shows and exhibits, and many others.
For more details and registrations, interested parties may contact Cora A. Simsiman of New Jersey (973-893-0392) or Rose Soy, Airport Compound, Tagbilaran City (0919-924-3161) or Pureza Chatto, M. Parras Extension Tagbilaran City (0920-904-9575).
by btpo | Jun 3, 2009 | Headlines
Senator Manuel Villar Jr. is confident that he will be vindicated despite the pieces of evidence presented against him by Sen. Ma. Ana Consuelo Madrigal in connection with his ethics case. Villar snubbed Monday’s hearing of the committee of the whole, saying that he does not recognize the body. Villar spent enourmous cash for a weekend in Bohol organizing his political comrades composing half of the province political leaders. Twenty Five Mayors in the province of Bohol from the Lakas political party sworn on Sunday, 31st of May 2009, to the newly re-organized Nationalista Party of Senator Manny Villar a presidential aspirant for 2010 elections. In a grand ceremony at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club hosted by Villar, the 25 Mayors from the different municipalities in the province bade goodbye to their party, Lakas, one of the two strong and biggest political parties in the country. In an interview with Carmen Town Mayor Manuel Molina, he said a short ceremony took place during the gathering, wherein, 24 new party members and 8 other municipal mayors, several vice mayors and councilors took oath and signified their intent support to Villar.
Villar the former Senate president is accused of allegedly making an insertion of P200 million in the Republic Act 9498 or the General Appropriations Act of 2008 for the construction of the C5 extension from South Luzon Expressway to Sucat Road, including the right of way when such project is already covered in the same law with the same amount. He, however, said he is elated that instead of further nailing him to the controversy, the evidence presented by Madrigal even backed his earlier claim that there were two road projects. Senator Villar reiterated that he did not commit any wrongdoing with regards to the project. He also denied that he and his company received P400 million for the C5 project.
