As part of the continuing marathon of Provincial Development Council (PDC) Executive Committee Meetings aimed at strengthening quality governance and delivering responsive public services to the Boholano people, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) sustained its in-depth deliberations on the Economic Development Sector to ensure that proposed programs directly support inclusive and sustainable growth.
The meeting, held on January 29 at the PPDO Conference Room, focused on refining development strategies that will stimulate local industries, enhance agricultural and fisheries productivity, strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expand employment opportunities across the province.
The session, which highlighted the province’s whole-of-government approach to economic planning, was presided over by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, with Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Head Atty. John Titus Vistal, representatives of the three congressional districts, national government agencies, as well as provincial department heads, and key institutional partners.
During the meeting, agencies presented their Proposed Plans, Activities, and Programs (PAPs) for Calendar Year 2027. These included submissions from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO 7), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Provincial Fishery Office (BFAR-PFO), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Specific action points were identified to ensure alignment with the province’s long-term development direction. ATI was advised to conduct further clarifications and convene another meeting to harmonize proposed initiatives with Bohol’s strategic priorities. DOT, BFAR-PFO, CDA, DAR, PCA, DOLE, DOST, and DTI PAPs were endorsed, while DA-RFO 7 was requested to revise its proposed projects prior to endorsement to better reflect local needs and impact targets.
The Proposed PAPs for 2027 were formally presented by OIC Assistant Director and Designate Planning Officer Dr. Merrian Soliva of ATI; Tourism Operations Officer II Mikko Gabriel Langbid of DOT; Coordinating Officer Roman Dabalos of DA-RFO 7; Planning Officer Ana Liza Casquejo of BFAR-PFO; Cooperative Development Specialist Jim Ryan Badayos of CDA; Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Ronald Pumatong of DAR; Division Chief I Jovencio Felisilda of PCA; Senior Labor and Employment Officer Joveline Requinto of DOLE; Supervising Science Research Specialist Meljun Signe of DOST; and SME Development Division Chief Jerome John Gabin of DTI.
All proposed PAPs are set for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC), subject to further refinements, considerations, and adjustments based on the agreements reached during the meeting. The review process aims to ensure that final programs are results-oriented, fiscally sound, and capable of delivering tangible economic benefits to communities across Bohol.
Through sustained inter-agency collaboration and evidence-based planning, the PGBh continues to reinforce its commitment to building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive local economy. This initiative supports the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, particularly under the focus area of governance and service delivery excellence across Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark.(PIMO/JFP)
