Bohol News, Hotels, Travel and Real Estate Property

By Jorge Cabalit Bohol Chronicle Some casual employees of the City Government complained that they were directed to secure the signatures of at least 20 registered voters in their localities. The act of compelling these casual employees to get the signatures of at least 20 registered voters is a violation of the Omnibus Election Code and the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees. Until now, the committee on appropriation and accounts and personnel and reorganization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran, tasked to investigate these complaints, have not come out with the results of their investigation. The gathering of signatures by every casual employee will mean thousands of signatures of registered voters in the hands of the Office of the City Mayor. These signatures can easily be copied during the voting on election day. The gathering of some signatures would lend support to the allegations that some signatures of the voters in the ballots in the previous election...

A homemade grenade exploded as a drug suspect was cornered by CIDG-PNP operatives at his residence at Airport Road, corner Lamdagan Street, early Friday morning. Police Inspector Joe Pacito Yape Jr., chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), identified the suspect as Paul P. Dagamac, 34, of Cogon district, Tagbilaran City, Bohol . In the search warrant issued by RTC Executive Judge Fernando Fuentes, the area raided was pinpointed as a drug den, a venue for the sale of shabu. CIDG agents PO1 Renato Garcia and PO1 Herold Bihag alleged that the suspect was engaged in the distribution of shabu. When operatives surrounded the area, the suspect noticed their presence. It was at this juncture that Dagamac allegedly threatened to release the grenade, and barred the operatives to go near him. Sensing the arrest, he released the grenade. However, a shrapnel strayed upon explosion and hit him. Operatives said that neighbors interviewed confirmed that the suspect is peddli...

The independent composite evaluation team (ICET) dissecting the alleged anomalies in the construction of the new City Hall still cannot proceed its "technical" probe after the city engineer's office on Friday failed to provide the other "crucial documents." However, the legal and auditing aspects of the investigation will commence this week. City Hall sources privy to the multi-million project have described the lacking documents â€" as-built plan of the realized building â€" a "smoking gun" of the controversy. City engineer Pianicita Castolo only provided the blueprint of the "proposed architectural and engineering plans and specifications" but without the as built-plan of the realized building, according to probe team member, architect Socrates Fucanan of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP). Fucanan and engineer Wellington Pilongo of the Federated Parents and Teachers Association (FPTA) told the Chronicle the lackin...

"You will be wondering why the platform of eradication of graft and corruption is our no. 1 platform. This is one important aspect of governance in which the present city administration has miserably failed." With these words, city vice mayor Jorge Cabalit opened his 14-point platform of governance during Friday's mayoralty forum organized by the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and held at the Bohol Tropics Resort . "Efforts of the present administration to reduce if not eradicate graft and corruption in the city government have been superficial and insignificant," stressed Cabalit, sounding hell bent on bringing down something giant. Cabalit, who spoke after Cogon barangay captain and Association of Barangay Captains president Betty Torralba's (wife of city mayor Joe Torralba) turn, said that what the present administration had done so far was creating a new bidding and awards committee. "There are no significant measures to address ...

Two members of the New People's Army were killed during a 45-minute gunbattle with government troops in Sitio Ipo, Barangay Bigtik in Catigbian town about 3 p.m. Friday. The rebels, led by Kumander Domingo Samuya alias Ka Minggoy or Ka Jake, numbering to about 40 were chanced upon by troopers of the 17th Special Forces Company under Capt. Dennis Cuaresma. The armed clash resulted to the evacuation of some 116 families, comprising 528 residents. Intelligence reports revealed suspicion that the rebels were about to hold a conference in the secluded sitio when they were spotted by the government troops. The slain rebels were among those assigned to guard the area. Their bodies were recovered during clearing operations conducted by elements of the 6th Special Forces under Col. Abundio Cases based in Bilar town . Senior Police Officer 3 Modesto Renoblas, Catigbian PNP station commander, told the Chronicle that the suspected leader of the rebels is a resident of Catigbian, a brother ...

Pamilacan Island's former whale hunters now turned tour guides on Friday asked the National Ecotourism Office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to stop DOT's "unequal treatment" and to abolish the alleged business monopoly by a travel operator. "We felt (the) DOT has given false promises in their project in Pamilacan as none of the benefits reach the majority members of the local community," read a resolution passed last Friday by the Pamilacan Island Boat Operators and Spotters Association, Inc. (PIBOSAI). PIBOSAI officials complained that Travel Village and Tours, owned and managed by Walter and Lourdes Sultan, allegedly monopolized the dolphin and whale watching enterprise, "to the disadvantage of the other DOT accredited travel agent and tour operators in Bohol ." The officials said it was the Travel Village's complete contact information which was being printed in the posters used in the marketing and promotion of the so-called marine ...

By Bingo P Dejaresco The presidential race took a dramatic turn, per SWS and Pulse Asia surveys, in the middle part of February. For the first time, President Gloria Arroyo is leading the pack. This probably results from two political theorems: " All Philippine politics is local " and "One week is a long time in politics." The local grassroots machinery of an incumbent president (the first one since Marcos) of GMA throughout the nation is telling now. The refusal of FPJ to engage in a debate and the cloud over his citizenship may also have slowed down Da King's march to the Palace. The actual SWS figure results are as follows: GMA (31.8%), FPJ (31.6%), Roco (17%) and Lacson (12%). Last year Roco lead all with 27% at one time. FPJ and GMA also had the most loyal voters with 54% and 51% of them respectively stating they will not change their minds come election time compared to only 49% for Roco and 46% for Lacson. There is a 6% undecided with survey margin of e...

Port Manager Raul Oblenda of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) was assured of a gigantic funding for the development of ports in the province. The port official told the Chronicle that earmarked for release is P223 million, as approved by PPA General Manager Alfonso Cusi at central PPA offices in Manila. The city port will surely become the country's showcase of "tourist port," Oblenda said as further improvement of the Tagbilaran port will continue this year. The modern board walk, complete with lighting facilities will transform the reclaimed portion like "Roxas Boulevard" where coffee shops and restaurants will be put in place. Other projects being pipelined are the construction of the Port Management Office building, 15,000 sq. meter reclamation and fencing of the port. Meanwhile, PPA has recently completed the air-conditioned passenger terminal building at Jagna Port. The transit shed and reclamation of the Tubigon port will follow and the putting ...

Some 2,000 Boholanos will gather this morning at Malacanang Park to initially launch the new kick-off of the Boholano Association of Metro Manila, Inc. (BAMMI). The huge flock of Boholanos will be hosted with a luncheon gathering by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, representing Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Napolcom Director Bernie Calibo, reelected president of BAMMI and realtor-civic leader Purita Soliven, reelected chairperson will lead the Boholanos in today's affair at the park. This activity will preempt the scheduled induction of BAMMI at the Heroe's Hall of Malacañang with Pres. Arroyo as inducting officer. This induction rite is set on March 17. Of the 47 Bohol towns , some 36 municipalities have their respective associations in Metro Manila. The "adopt-a-town" project will be formally launched during today's affair. - 2004 News Archive

The Commission on Elections in Manila has received the three petitions filed by Tubigon mayoralty bet Tony Herrera against the incumbent mayor and the local Comelec chief. Sources at Herrera's camp said the outcome of the petitions may be due before the official start of the campaign trail on March 25. Copies of the three petitions have also been sent to provincial Comelec supervisor lawyer Fe Virginia Odtohan and the same were forwarded to the regional office of the Comelec. The petition filed on Jan. 31 sought the immediate reassignment of duty of Tubigon's Comelec assistant registrar Dolores Moniza-Boligao, a first cousin of Tubigon mayor Paulo Lasco. Ealier, Odtohan, taking action on Herrera's move, had indicated that Boligao would be one of the Comelec officials to be revamped before the start of campaign sorties. Another petition to be reviewed by Comelec Manila is the hiring of three casuals â€" Esterlita Delos Santos, Violeta Falcon and Deodith Cirunay â€...

Bohol Wisdom School, which used to be the premier Chinese school in the province is now a college. The elevation of the school into a college is prime for the institution which has served the Boholanos for over 70 years. The school started as Bohol Chinese School with campuses along Libertad Street (now CPG Avenue). After its student population grew beyond the capacity of the old campus, the institution, later known as the Bohol Wisdom School transferred to its present location in a sprawling lot along CPG North Avenue, across the New Capitol Site. By the coming school year in June, Bohol Wisdom College will be opening Teacher Education offering Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) and subjects on Mathematics, Science, English, Early Childhood Education. Teacher Education is the flagship course of the new college, says board of trustees chair/pres. Mario Uy. The school envisions to produce more globally competitive teachers with professional know-how and communicative compe-tenc...

 The annual Alumni Day of Holy Name University is on March 13. As usual this is a day of homecoming of alumni. The board of directors, through its president Reynald Gatal is calling on all alumni to be present on this occasion at the gymnasium of the Lesage campus. The activities of the day include Holy Mass at 8:30 a.m., lunch, fellowship and election of board members. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. Donations of any amount will be accepted. All alumni are encouraged to participate actively in the election by sending nominations for board membership. Nomination forms are available at the office of alumni affairs and job placement, at Grupo Street (behind Julie's Bakeshop). Deadline for filing of candidacy is March 8. As in the past years, lunch is BYOP although the Alumni Association through its board will serve a common viand. All homecomings in the past had been well attended. It is hoped that this year's homecoming shall be a success. - 2004 News Archive - Bohol Chronicl...

The Federated Sangguniang Kabataan of Tagbilaran City and Safe harbor recently conducted a forum on "Youth and Responsible Sexuality" at the Bohol Cultural Center . More than 600 fourth year high school students from the following schools who attended: Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School; University of Bohol; Mansasa High School; Manga High School; Bohol Institute of Technology; Holy Spirit School; and Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT). The forum was graced by youth leaders and youth welfare and development advocates Betty Torralba, City ABC chair and city councilor Nuevas "Jas" Montes. The discussion was led by a panel of students who spoke on their views and opinions on matters related to sexuality such as virginity, masturbation, pre-marital sex, too early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and rape. The student panelists were Baylani Cabatos and Rotsen Maglajos, CVSCAFT; Jinky Baliog, Man...

The Alturas Job Fair, coordinated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is still going on today at the Bohol Cultural Center with hundreds of vacant positions await the jobseekers. Alturas Group of Companies public relations manager, Loy M. Palapos, said that the job fair, which started last Friday in Mabini, Bohol, will help the thousands of Boholanos joining the rank of jobseekers satisfy their employment needs through the biggest job opening in the province. Palapos, a constant speaker in human resource management who organized and managed the Human Resource Department of Alturas before he was appointed as manager of the PR Department, added that it is no longer necessary for Boholano jobseekers to seek the proverbial greener pasture away from the province as better employment opportunities await the applicants with the expected opening of Island City Mall this year. The Island City Mall is now hiring hundreds of service crew for Chowking and Jollibee, as well as thou...

City vice mayor Jorge D. Cabalit was among the recipients of the Exemplary Public Service Award given by the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines (VMLP) at Heritage Hotel Pasay City, Metro Manila over the weekend. Local Governments Secretary Jose D. Lina, Jr. and VMLP National President Luis I. Bustamante handed the award to Cabalit. Other awardees from the different parts of the country were also given their awards. Cabalit is serving his third consecutive term as vice mayor of Tagbilaran City. He is the regional chair of the VMLP in Central Visayas. He also sits in the Regional Development Council as a non-voting member. He is running for mayor of Tagbilaran City in this year's local election.

Nuevas "Jas" Tirol-Montes modeled for advertisement print artists in the city. She was chosen for her credibility, impact and wholesome personality. Every election, local adprint artists choose their model to rest their skills and expertise in giving concert information to influence people's choice. Jas this time projects the happy, confident upbeat working woman with a nurturing personality as a trusted public servant. Jas said "the final print is too beautiful to be true, but it is true." Design and concept is by Lourd Pocon and Artifacts. Assisting him are local artists and students of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of University of Bohol headed by its Dean, Archt. Eufracio Araneta. Sandra de la Serna-Lee is the set designer. - News Archive 2004 - Bohol Chronicle

Police do not discount the possibility of an inside job following the loss of more than P200,000 of a lady overseas worker. Julieta Cañete Baga, 22, single, of Barangay Casate this town told police probers that when she woke up early Monday dawn, the travelling bag containing her earnings abroad was nowhere to be found. Accordingly, it was placed at her bedside while asleep with some close relatives. Lost were Philippine money worth P75,000; 31 pieces of Japanese Yen bills with exchange value about P158,000; and jewelry worth P15,000. The victim had just arrived from Japan working accordingly as a salesgirl. Police investigator PO2 Luis Rotol said the emptied travelling bag was later recovered early in the morning on the same day along the national highway barely 500 meters away from the victim's residence. Rotol also said they have already established identities of some suspects now under their surveillance. Investigation further disclosed that the suspect gained entrance ...

Ubay, Bohol - A mother of a two-year-old child hanged herself to death Wednesday morning inside the house of her live-in partner in Purok 7, Barangay Gabi, this town. The victim, identified as one Melly Duhaylungsod, 25, of Guindulman town , lived with one Francisco Ulan, 22, single, of said barangay after meeting each other only in September 2003. Her child was born by another man. Dr. Elpidio Bonita, chief of hospital of Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital here, who conducted the post-mortem examination, theorized that the victim may have hanged herself at early dawn and died instantly. The live-in partner Ulan told the Chronicle, that at about 5:30 p.m. the day before, they were going to see a quack therapist (manghihilot) for the victim's child's sprain. Along the way, he asked the victim if she had with her the money to pay for the said services. But the victim, accordingly, retorted and was irked when deciding to forego their purpose and immediately went back home. ...

Bien Unido is one of the recipients in the second district of a new pueri-culture center, courtesy of Culion Foundation, Inc. (CFI). The other beneficiary is the town of San Miguel, located in Barangay Mahayag. Both buildings were simultaneously inaugurated and turned over in simple ceremonies, respectively, last Tuesday. Mayor Felix "Lingging" Garcia expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying it is a worthwhile donation necessary in the delivery of health services in his community. The building alone cost about P750,000 with the lot provided by the local government unit as its counterpart, Garcia said. Lingging, who is eyeing a slot in the provincial board in the second district, added that the new facility also has furnishings worth P100,000, provided by CFI. Furnishings include television set, CD player, tables, swivel chairs, electric fans, electric stove, water dispenser, among others.

The Municipal Health Office here with two rural health units had a resounding performance in the recently conducted Ligtas-Tigdas program. Both units scored over 100 percent responses from parents. The two RHUs are under one health physician, Dr. Edgardo Ladera. RHU I head nurse Basilides M. Pepino told the Chronicle that as of Feb. 27, supposed the last day of the activity, their unit had a 100.53 percent turnout of the estimated target. RHU I has 24 out of 44 barangays in the municipality with a population of 4,735 of the grand total 64,860. Pepino said that of the 21.75 percent target or 8,727 children with ages ranging from nine months to 95 months old (8 years. and 11 months old), 8,773 availed the Philippine Measles Elimination Campaign (PMEC). She added that the percentage will increase as they are still to conduct a door-to-door vaccination. Scheduled for visits are those who failed to avail during the campaign period and also in response to request to include children ag...

"I never expect our church would be burglarized, having someone sleeping nightly in the sacristy, at the back of the main altar." This was the statement of the parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish here during the program, "Ang Katilingban sa Kinatibuk-an" over radio station DYZD in Ubay recently. Said program, aired daily except Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. is sponsored by the Talibon Social Action. Early Friday morning last week, while about to say the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Raymund Estillore and the parishioners noticed that both side altars were already empty. Lost at the left-wing altar were the icons of Sta. Monica and St. Agustin, mother and son, respectively, said Fr. Estillore. Also nowhere at the right side were the images of Sta. Rita and St. Nicolas de Tolentino. All were believed taken by unidentified perpetrators. Later, the footholds of the stolen saints were recovered outside the church. Fr. Estillore further said that the missing items were ...

By Jes Tirol - Bohol Chronicle Proem There is a controversial move to hold a debate between the candidates for President of the Philippines . It is controversial because one candidate, particularly Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) is not inclined to participate. It is said that if FPJ will not participate, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) will not participate also. What is a Debate? A debate is defined as a formal contest in argumentation conducted between persons taking opposite sides of a question. The presentation of arguments in a debate is an art. It requires special training. Among the five presidential candidates, it is Ex-Senator Raul Roco who had that special training and experience in the art of debating. He would be the giant among pygmies. In other words it would be an unequal fight. In 1998 when GMA was a vice-presidential candidate, she did not participate in a debate because she knew that she was no match to Senator Angara. Despite her refusal she still won as Vice Presid...

By Danny Reyes - A suspected military asset of this town was found dead in an area believed to be an abadoned campsite of the New People's Army. Local police chief Francisco Alburo identified the victim as Olimpio A. Crame, 50, of sitio Tarahan, barangay Suhoton, Calape Bohol . Crame was last found in his home on Feb. 24 before he was reported missing. Major Jacinto Cesar of Camp Dagohoy intelligence section told the Chronicle that reports bared that the body of the victim was exhumed from the said rebel campsite yesterday morning. A joint team of the Calape PNP and the Regional Mobile Group led by P/Insp. Jacob Crisostomo found the body of Crame. No medical details of the body's condition were released as of newstime as the autopsy is yet scheduled to be done today. Calape Health Officer Dr. Sulpicio Yu will conduct the autopsy to determine the time Crame was killed and to determine if there are wounds in the body.- News Archive 2004

News Archive - After being adjudged the Best Provincial Peace and Order Council in the regional level, the Bohol Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) is now among the finalists for the national competitions. A team of national evaluators composed of Commissioner Linda L. Malenab Ornilla of the National Police Commission, senior state prosecutor Purita Deynata of the Dept. of Justice, Atty. Allan Montano of the Federation of Free Workers and Dir. Verulo Mapanao of the Napolcom Legal Affairs Service were in Bohol since Sunday until yesterday to conduct on-the-spot inspections and validate the report of the Bohol PPOC for 2002. During a special meeting of the PPOC, which Gov. Erico B. Aumentado called for the purpose, the council presented to the evaluators its accomplishments for 2002, the year under review. The meeting also gave the evaluators and opportunity to be clarified on some important aspects of the PPOC that were not discussed in the report submitted as part...

By Angela Sanchez News Archive - The Israeli government has again strengthened its ties with the provincial government when it sponsored the On-the-Spot Course on Integrated Rural Development Planning, Micro-Enterprise and Rural Tourism Development. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Yehoshua Sagi keynoted the opening of the 12-day training, which is running from March 1 to 12, here in Tagbilaran City. Gov. Erico B. Aumentado was on hand to welcome Sagi and his wife, Hanna, upon arrival in the city last Monday. Sagi is the second Israeli envoy to visit Bohol , following his predecessor Amb. Irit Ben-Abba. Two Israeli technical experts are here to lecture on integrated rural development planning, micro-enterprise and rural tourism development to 45 selected participants from the provinces of Bohol, Cotabato and Sarangani. In his keynote speech, Sagi pointed out that development and tourism cannot thrive so long as the government carries the burden of safety in its back. At the s...

Flashback 2004 - Tagbilaran City Hall authorities released last Monday the lacking documents vital to the investigation on the construction of the new City Hall. Lawyer Florendo Columnas, head of the Independent Composite Evaluation Team (ICET) said that, as promised by City Engr. Pianicita Castolo, the documents were released to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. However, Columnas (as of 7 p.m. last night) said that he has to check if all the lacking documents are intact as released last Monday. Columnas said that the probe team will convene at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon for its second meeting at the office of the city lawmaking body. Archt. Soc Fucanan, representing the United Architects Association of the Philippines (UAP) was commissioned by Columnas to conduct an inventory of the documents released last Monday. He said that Archt. Fucanan will be more familiar with the documents since majority of the "missing" documents are technical in nature. The ICET ask...

Flashback 2004 - Tagbilaran City Hall authorities released last Monday the lacking documents vital to the investigation on the construction of the new City Hall. Lawyer Florendo Columnas, head of the Independent Composite Evaluation Team (ICET) said that, as promised by City Engr. Pianicita Castolo, the documents were released to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. However, Columnas (as of 7 p.m. last night) said that he has to check if all the lacking documents are intact as released last Monday. Columnas said that the probe team will convene at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon for its second meeting at the office of the city lawmaking body. Archt. Soc Fucanan, representing the United Architects Association of the Philippines (UAP) was commissioned by Columnas to conduct an inventory of the documents released last Monday. He said that Archt. Fucanan will be more familiar with the documents since majority of the "missing" documents are technical in nature. The ICET ask...

An alliance of small fishermen is appealing the Australian government to stop offshore mining firm NorAsian Energy Ltd. from pursuing its oil exploration in the Bohol-Cebu Strait . In a letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia last Friday, the small fisherfolks organization Pamalakaya, said the Australian government should issue a cease and desist order to NorAsian to stop its oil and gas exploration here as it will have a "devastating impact" on fish production not only in Bohol and Cebu but other provinces who are dependent on the abundant fish supply of the Visayan basin. According to Pamalakaya data, there are about 100,000 small fishermen to be affected by the oil and gas exploration in Bohol, Cebu and Leyte. These fishermen also have 500,000 dependents. Bohol and Cebu harvests some 205,000 metric tons of fish a year which will be affected with the scheduled drilling this year off the Cabilao and Argao prospects. A seismic survey will also be undertak...

Mayor Dan Lim yesterday paid tribute to city residents after the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) picked Tagbilaran as one of the best places in the country to live in. Aside from Tagbilaran which emerged on top in the small cities category, the others cited by AIM were Makati for metropolitan cities and Cabanatuan for mid-sized cities. The three cities were among the top 25 performers in the institute's 2007 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Program. "This honor is in recognition of the efforts of our city to uplift the quality of life among its residents," the mayor added. In the AIM survey, quality of life takes into account social welfare, peace and order, the quality of the living environment and amenities. He said the recognition is an opportunity for the people to reflect in the light of the prevailing crisis in the country. The mayor noted that the recognition is a message to big business on the lookout for investments. "Coming from a...

Congress has approved a bill regulating the operation of habal-habal, a two-wheel means of transportation in Bohol and many other provinces that is most practical in traveling to rural areas. Also known as motorcycle-for-hire, habal-habal has been regarded as the "king of barrio road" since it can get to areas no longer negotiable or passable to four-wheel vehicles. House Bill 3726, passed by the House of Representatives on third and final reading, grants autonomous authority to the local government units (LGUs) like towns and cities to regulate and control habal-habal operation. Thousands of poor Boholanos drive such type of passenger unit despite their illegal operation just to earn and sustain the daily needs of their families. Rep. Edgar Chatto said legitimizing habal-habal operation is one approach countering poverty since as many families not just in this part of the country have survived from it. The bill, hoped to get a parallel Senate enactment, is a co...

By Kit Bagaipo - Bohol Chronicle Authorities and church leaders are appealing to Boholanos to help spread the official pronouncement that the much talked about prediction of an 8.1 magnitude earthquake which will reportedly hit the country on Friday is a big hoax. This was the categorical statement issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) last Friday. "There is no basic science behind it," Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, Jr said in an interview with Manila media following the series of mild tremors which rocked several portions of Luzon last week. There is no science organization that could determine or predict an earthquake - its exact magnitude and date. Solidum said that before the public started to panic and believe on the widely circulated e-mail, it was best to check the authenticity of the source of said prediction. "It must be proven whether this person is real or not," he said The strong tremor was predicted b...

Carlos P. Garcia (b. Nov. 4, 1896, Talibon , Phil.--d. June 14, 1971, Quezon City), fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines. After graduating from law school in 1923, he became, successively, a schoolteacher, representative in the Philippine Congress, governor of his province Bohol , and then (1941-53) senator. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Garcia was active in the resistance movement. He was elected vice president on the ticket of the Nacionalista Party in 1953 and was also minister of foreign affairs (1953-57). He became president of the Philippines in March 1957, upon the death of Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, and was elected to a full four-year term the same year. He maintained the strong traditional ties with the United States and sought closer relations with non-Communist Asian countries. In the election of November 1961 he was defeated by Vice Pres. Diosdado Macapagal. - source: Angel Fire

Miss Catigbian Joy Marie Maglajos won the most-coveted Miss Bohol Sandugo 2008 crown during pageant and coronation Friday night at the HNU gymnasium. Sangguniang Kabataan bet Chandrina Elluiska Naldoza Schreurs of Garcia-Hernandez town was first runner-up, followed by Miss Talibon Mischelle Latras, second runner-up. Miss ICM Donna Maricel Cardino and Trinidad town candidate Ma. Cielo Angelli Cajes emerged third and fourth runners-up respectively. Maglajos also grabbed the Best in Gown Design award. Miss Tagbilaran Mary Lovely Ligones was adjudged as Miss Photogenic and Miss Trinidad (Cajes) as Best in Talent. Other minor awards went to Schreurs. She was adjudged as Best in Festival Attire, and awards from Aldea Photo, HBC, Dunkin' Donuts and Miss Pepsi Smile. Miss Talibon also settled for Best in Gown and Best in Swimsuit. Best in Production Number was grabbed by Miss Cherry de la Cruz of Shopper's Mart. The board of judges was composed of labor regional direc...

The internal revenue allotment (IRA) will decrease in the last six months this year, and has caused concern among local government units (LGUs) on hampered delivery of basic services. An allocation from the national government, IRA is the biggest source of fund that determines the yearly budget of the LGU. There are fears that constituents may misperceive the reduction as an indication of a government getting out of fiscal control in the wake of crisis that has admittedly sown discontent among the people. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Director Carmela Fernan timely explained in a consultative conference in Balilihan on Tuesday the causes of the adjustment. She said the decrease in IRA starting this month until December is caused by the bigger releases from January to June. The releases in the first half of this year already exceeded half of the entire IRA for 2008, the budget official said in the meeting attended by five other regional directors, provin...

More cheap National Food Authority (NFA) rice and ready Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension claims, both necessities in crisis time, are top concerns that regional and Bohol officials will address in the coming days. Serious evaluation of local government spending, upgrading of police capability and execution of impact infrastructure works are also marked with preference. Their need to be prioritized was made clear in a consultative conference in Balilihan on Tuesday jointly initiated by Reps. Edgar Chatto , Roberto Cajes and Adam Relson Jala , who all agreed on more collaboration in service areas that matter most to people. NFA Regional Director Danilo Bonabon said his agency is prepared to flood cheap rice in Bohol by a volume that can go even higher by 50% of its present supply to accredited market dealers, parish outlets and other designated distributors. This is hoped to neutralize the spiraling prices of commercial rice and even corn. The NFA is curre...

As part of its commitment to add more color to this year's celebration of the Sandugo Festival, Globe Telecom Inc. in cooperation with the Bohol Sandugo Foundation Inc. brings Rivermaya live in concert this coming Sunday at the CPG Sports Complex 7 p.m., right after the Sandugo reenactment. For free admission, just reload worth P30, enroll in everybody text 20, and get a free GHP Starter Sim and a free concert ticket. Get your load from any authorized roving agents. Rivermaya, has released their first full-length studio album in five years, entitled "Buhay". The album spotlights two intriguing must-listens - the songwriting skills of Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar and Japs Sergio as well as the vocals of brand-new, 18-year old member Jayson Fernandez who was plucked out of a field of 500 hopefuls to become the newest brother in the Rivermaya family. Jayson joins Mark, Mike, and Japs in delivering compelling vocals to a fresh Rivermaya sound. - press release ...

Media men attended the double treat by Pizza Hut for the launch of Cheesy Pops N' Dip pizza. The event featured a back to back movie and TV commercial screening for Pizza Hut's latest masterpiece. Pizza Hut wanted to add a playful element to the whole pizza dining experience. This brought about the birth of one of its great successes. Taking things a step further from the ingenious Stuffed Crust, Pizza Hut caused everybody to rave about the 'pullable' outer crust made of an explosive mix of three cheeses. All the fun entailed from eating it made it a favorite among families and friends. Continuing its legacy in pioneering product innovations, Pizza Hut took surefire hit for a spin and created another showstopper - the Pizza Hut Cheesy Pops N' Dip. With a new twist, there's more to the 'pullable' cheese-filled pops made of mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar cheeses that is currently enjoyed. With a new twist, Pizza Hut adds more to the fun by offering th...

The Division of Bohol headed by Dr. Elpidio M. Jala gave recognition to Dr. Joseph Irwin A. Lagura, officer in charge of the newly created City Division of Guihulngan of Oriental Negros. Lagura served as Assistant Superintendent of Bohol prior to his present position. In the same celebration, top ranking officials of the department from the three Educational Service Areas (ESA) were officially installed after its reorganization and reshuffling. The event, held at the Bohol Tropics Resort Grand Ballroom last July 4, was graced by congressmen Edgar M. Chatto , Adam Relson L. Jala and Cong. Roberto C. Cajes . As tribute to the honoree, a plaque of recognition was presented by Jala together with the invited guest. In his farewell message, Lagura was thankful for the wonderful experiences he had in his stint as assistant superintendent of Bohol. Dr. Jala, in his challenging message to the newly installed officials, gave importance on the initiatives he implemented to suppo...