Strengthening collaborative planning for inclusive social services, the Provincial Development Council (PDC) Executive Committee for the Social Development Sector convened its first meeting in line with the preparation of proposed social sector programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 on January 30, 2026, at the Atty. Juanito Cambangay Conference Room, Capitol Building. The meeting underscored the province’s focus on people-centered governance and responsive service delivery under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado.
The session brought together key officials and representatives from the provincial government, national government agencies, state universities, and the private sector to deliberate on priority programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) addressing pressing social development concerns in the province.
Presided over by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, with Provincial Planning and Development Office Head Atty. John Titus Vistal, the committee reviewed and endorsed the proposed PAPs presented by various agencies. These included the Department of Health, presented by Dr. Van Philip Baton; the Commission on Higher Education, represented by Planning Officer Dr. Joji Rivamonte; the Commission on Population and Development, led by Regional Director Atty. Bruce Ragas; and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, represented by Planning Officer Anthony Arsenal.
Also presenting their respective programs were the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), represented by Admin Officer V Leo Oclarit; BISU, through Director for Planning and Strategic Foresight Bona Dea Padron; the Department of Education–Tagbilaran City Division, represented by Junicel Mancha; the DepEd–Bohol Division through Dr. Josephine Eronico; the National Housing Authority, represented by OIC Genesis Caesar Manalili; the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, through Emilou Gonzaga; and the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol, represented by Rachelle Lacea.
Provincial Training Center–Jagna Administrator Apolinar Cadeliña presented the proposed establishment of the TESDA Regional TVET Innovation Center in Jagna, Bohol, under the Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System Project. The proposed facility is intended to strengthen technical skills development, foster innovation, and enhance workforce competitiveness in the province.
All proposed PAPs were thoroughly deliberated upon and subsequently approved for endorsement to the Regional Development Council (RDC), following constructive discussions and inter-agency coordination.
During the deliberations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development raised concerns regarding the shortage of social work graduates while commending the Provincial Government of Bohol for its effective response during recent natural disasters. Health sector concerns were also discussed, particularly the implementation of the Zero Billing policy. Dr. Baton clarified that Zero Billing is currently implemented at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center–Tagbilaran and the Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital, while guidelines for LGU- and province-run hospitals are still being finalized.
The issue of overcapacity at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center–Tagbilaran was likewise addressed, with proposed measures including the utilization of the GCGMMC facility in Cortes for general medicine cases to help decongest the main hospital.
The meeting emphasized the importance of ensuring that all proposed social sector initiatives for FY 2027 are aligned with the province’s development goals and responsive to the needs and welfare of the people as envisioned in the Strategic Governance Roadmap, reflecting Bohol’s commitment as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient local development.(PIMO/MAPI)
