By Onad Munalem
The local government unit (LGU) here observed the 2008 Crime Prevention and Peace Consciousness Month, and the culmination program of the 108th Civil Service Month celebration on September 26 at the President Carlos P. Garcia Multi-Purpose Center (PCPGMC).
With the theme, "Kapit-bisig Kabataan Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Now Na", the LGU joined the whole province in the observance of 2008 Crime Prevention and Peace Consciousness Month.
In a caravan initiated by the provincial government, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), chaired by Governor Erico Aumentado, visited this town to advocate crime prevention and lasting peace.
The event was attended by all fourth year students and teachers of all three secondary schools in the town like the Blessed Trinity College (BTC), Bohol Institute of Technology-International College (BIT-IC) and San Jose National High School (SJNHS).
The short program that was held started with an invocatory dance rendered by selected pupils of Special Education.
Local Government Operations Officer V (LGOO V) Angelo Mahinay took charge of the introduction of the participants and guest, and gave the statement of purpose of the caravan.
Councilor Nomie Valmoria, chair of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Committee on Peace and Order, delivered the welcome address.
Rev. Fr. Chito Lozado, director of Diocesan Social Action Center discussed the meaning of peace.
He said peace is a must in our heart and mind, family, community, town, province and the country as a whole.
"We cannot have peace unless we learn to understand and respect the rights of others. We must understand and respect other people around us. With this, we can achieve a lasting peace- -an instrument for a place to develop and move forward," he said.
Civil Military operations officer, 1Lt. Nelson Boticario of 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army gave a presentation on the Crime Justice System of Bohol province, focusing the discussion on the students who are easy target of the people in the underground movement.
SP02 Narciso Laruga, chief police investigator, discussed the criminal justice system and useful tips in crime prevention.
Jeffrey Bernasor, LGOO V and DILG-Bohol planning officer, led the team who conducted the caravan for peace.
The program clinched with the signing of the Covenant for Peace done by the barangay officials of Poblacion, San Jose, San Francisco and San Isidro, teachers and student of the three high schools, and LGU officials and employees of this town.
Meanwhile, Mayor Juanario Item gave certificates of recognition to 15 local LGU retired employees during the culmination program of the 108th month-long Civil Service Commision celebration held at the President Carlos P. Garcia Multi-Purpose Center of the town.
Vice-Mayor Restituto Auxtero and Acting HRMO Sarah Henson assisted the mayor during the distribution of certificates to the honorees.
A short program was also conducted to kick off the culmination activities of the CSC month-long celebration.
Dr. Julius Credo of Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital (GPMH) led the opening prayer and Remedios Auxtero of the Department of Education led the singing of national and provincial hymns.
Participating barangays in the Barrio Fiesta included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DepEd, GMPH, national agencies and the LGU.
Vice Mayor Auxtero gave his welcome message, while Mayor Item shared his inspirational message.
The distribution of certificates of recognition to LGU was conducted and followed by the awarding of certificates of participation to all provincial and national agencies who participated in the CSC celebration.
Retirees who received their certificates of recognition were Leonides Tubo, SB secretary; Aida Cornelio, HRMO III; Zenaida Deiparine, Anecita Padillo, Virginia Buhay, Felixberta Anzano, midwives; Macrina Mejorada, municipal librarian; and Irenea Ocon. social welfare officer I; and utility workers- -Francisco Lareta, porferiio Getigan Olimpio Autida Jovela Evardo Constancio Millanes, Moises Autida and Alejandro Pantollano.
On the other hand, Mayor Item, assisted by Vice-Mayor Auxtero and Henson, awarded the cash prizes and trophies to the winners of the different events conducted during the CSC celebrations.