CEBU CITY – Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and 11 other local officials have expressed their “solid and unwavering support” to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

They signed a manifesto where they committed to support the program of the Marcos administration.

“We, the undersigned, on behalf of the 1.3 million Boholanos, and the local governments and leagues we represent, hereby pledge our solid and unwavering support to His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, and to his Bagong Pilipinas vision of national honor and prosperity, inclusive development, and love of country,” they said.

Aumentado assured that he will support the President the way he supported him in the 2022 elections.

“I pledge to the President of our Republic my continuing support to him, as I mobilized my constituents during the last presidential election to see him at the helm of his victory. I have seen how his policies and programs are doing good for the country and he can count on me to do my part in my sphere of influence to help see things through and done,” said Aumentado, who is serving a six-month suspension that the Ombudsman enforced against him and other officials over the controversial construction of structures within the Chocolate Hills.

The manifesto of support was issued when Marcos visited Bohol on June 28. During the visit, the President distributed various government aid to farmers, fishermen, and families in the province who were affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

Aumentado said the distribution of assistance could not have come at a better time. “President BBM’s visit was very timely because the distribution of financial assistance to our farmers, fishermen, their families, and other beneficiaries surely would alleviate their plight and suffering because Bohol is one of those severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon,” said Aumentado.

Through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families, 7,634 fishermen and farmers received P10,000 each.

Marcos turned over P50 million in cash to Balite and Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia.

Aumentado thanked Marcos for also leading the turnover of machinery and equipment to different farmer groups in the province. “Thank you very much for keeping Bohol close to your heart,” Aumentado said.

Aumentado said the province will continue to take the needed interventions to assist those affected by the dry  season.

“The ongoing cloud seeding operations with the assistance from the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, and other national government agencies is a big help to our farmers especially that many of our towns still do not have enough rain, despite the onset of the wet season,” said Aumentado.

Aside from Aumentado, among those who signed the manifesto were acting Gov. Victor Balite, Bohol Reps. Maria Vanessa Aumentado, Edgardo Chato, and Kristine Alexie Tutor, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, Fernando Estavilla, president of the League of the Municipalities-Bohol Chapter; Romulo Cepedoza, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Bohol Chapter; Nicanor Besas, president of the Philippine Councilors League of the Philippines-Bohol Chapter; Lawrence Xavier Ancla, president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Bohol, and Jiselle Rae Villamor, president of the National Movement of Young Legislators-Bohol Chapter.