CEBU CITY – Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado highlighted the province’s robust economy in his State-of-the-Province Address (SOPA) on Saturday, August 31, at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City.
AUMENTADO (FB)
Aumentado said Bohol’s economy “is very positive” after the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the province’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 7.1 percent or an economic production of P171-billion worth of goods and services.
The latest data was “much higher” than the 4.2 percent growth over the previous year, Aumentado said.
“This also means that Bohol was the third largest economy in Region 7, in the overall ranking of Provinces and Highly Urbanized Cities. Of course, things will change with the creation of the Negros Island Region, which leaves Bohol, Cebu, and highly urbanized cities in Region 7,” Aumentado said.
The governor added that even during the administration of his late father, Erico Boyles Aumentado, poverty reduction has always been the province’s top priority for Bohol.
“Our previous lowest level of poverty incidence among families was in 2018 at 15.1 percent. Poverty rose after the pandemic to 19.1 percent. Now, we are very proud to report that the latest PSA data shows that we have succeeded once again in bringing our poverty incidence down to its lowest-ever level, at 14.8 percent,” Aumentado stated.
To further reduce poverty, Aumentado said he has issued marching orders for the whole provincial government workforce to focus on the first 24 towns with the highest poverty incidence and prioritize them for programs and projects.
Aumentado said that from the start of his administration, he has pursued a clear direction and focused development agenda.
“The roadmap highlights nine Strategic Change Agenda, fully supportive of the Philippine Development Plan of His Excellency President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” he said.
Aumentado also talked about environmental sustainability.
“To uphold our unique status as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines, we have created the Bohol Island Geopark Management Council under the Office of the Governor. This initiative links with our Bohol Regenerative Island Project and our Protect Danajon Project,” Aumentado said.
Aumentado has just returned from a preventive suspension over the controversial construction of a resort within the Chocolate Hills.
The governor said that steps are being taken to strengthen the province’s environmental campaign.
“Despite the recent controversy over certain resorts that were initiated before our term, we are committed to continue protecting the environment, and to make sure that no such structures are built in the future. Even as we faced complaints over Captain’s Peak Resort – which, again, was initiated before our term, we also gave assistance in the form of cash and food to the displaced workers of the resort. When I resumed my duty, I directed all mayors with protected areas in their jurisdictions to inventory and monitor all structures and establishments in these critical locations, making sure they have ECCs and other permits,” he said.
On climate-smart agriculture, Aumentado said Bohol remains African Swine Fever (ASF)-free despite outbreaks in many nearby provinces.
“We are still proudly ASF-free. We had a few close calls but they were quickly arrested and contained, thus protecting our P6-billion hog industry. It has been decided that we will again set up strict checkpoints to maintain this status,” he said.
Aumentado also emphasized that Bohol remains one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
“Our outlook for tourism is even better than we expected. We have not only recovered from the post-pandemic slump, but we have achieved a 463 percent increase in tourist arrivals from 2021 to 2023! We are on track to greatly exceed the one million tourist arrivals of last year!” he said.
The province also continues to enjoy a sound peace and order situation.
“Bohol is still a zero-insurgency province as confirmed by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army. Under this administration, 76 former rebels have surrendered, marking a significant step toward our shared goal of lasting peace,” Aumentado said.
For the governor, Bohol continues to be on the upswing and remains a top destination in the country and even a top investment destination.
“The provincial government continues to hold the trust of the people. And I am humbly grateful for it. Bohol is a special province. And through all challenges, Bohol continues to be one of the most beautiful provinces in the country, if not the most beautiful,” he said.