The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, laid down priorities in health care advancement, gender mainstreaming and cultural preservation.
The session presided over by Vice Gov. Nick Besas approved motions by Board Member Mutya Tirol on ensuring improved health care service delivery in the province-owned district hospitals.
Reporting findings from a Public Accountability Committee meeting, Tirol pushed for the prioritization of the strategic positioning, rational distribution, resource allocation and health service network integration of the Cong. Natalio P. Castillo Memorial Hospital, Catigbian District Hospital, Francisco Dagohoy Municipal Hospital, Cong. Simeon Toribio Memorial Hospital, and Teodoro B. Galagar District Hospital (TBGDH).
In addition, she moved to request the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Region VII to assign doctors to the Post-Residency Deployment Program for TBGDH in Jagna, specifically resident graduates in Anesthesiology, and for Catigbian District Hospital, a resident graduate in Obstetrics and Gynecology, to augment specialized medical services.
Moreover, the SP approved Tirol’s recommendation to authorize and support the proposed initial ten percent (10%) income retention of revenues generated by Province-owned hospitals for the purpose of augmenting operational requirements, including maintenance and other operating expenses.
Resource speakers during the committee meeting agreed that an income retention mechanism would allow greater operational flexibility, significantly improve liquidity and allow faster replenishment for urgent needs.
The SP also authorized an agreement between the provincial government and Ramiro Community Hospital for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program.
Gender and Development Code
Meanwhile, the SP scheduled for deliberation on second reading proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 52-2025, or “The Revised Gender and Development (GAD) Code of Bohol.”
Senior Board Member Tita Baja reported findings of the Committee on Women and Family Welfare.
The measure seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive and gender-responsive policy framework for gender mainstreaming in the Province’s governance, programs, and services. Updating the existing GAD Ordinance will uphold policy consistency and sustain the effectiveness of the Province’s response to emerging gender issues, the committee report read.
It introduces several key components, including gender mainstreaming, generating a GAD database, creation of a GAD focal point system, protection from Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination, Inclusive Participation and Representation, Sector-Specific and intersectional interventions, and Safe Spaces and Decorum.
Eskaya Tribal Museum and Training Center
In the same session, the SP opened discussions on the establishment of an Eskaya Tribal Museum and Training Center.
Board Member Nathaniel Binlod pushed for the discussion of the proposed plan at the Committee on Culture and Arts.
“This supports the comprehensive Eskaya Development Plan and is consistent with Provincial Ordinance No. 2023-013,” Binlod said.
The facility will allow the preservation of the Eskaya culture and will provide opportunities for skills training and livelihood for the community, he added.
Other key legislative actions
The SP also approved, on second reading, amendments to the Anti-Wire Dangling Ordinance.
The measure revises the composition of the Anti-Wire Dangling Ordinance Task Force to designate the Provincial Engineer or duly authorized representative as chairperson; the Committee Chairman on Public Utilities and Franchises of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as vice chair; and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer, Municipal DRRMO, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Heads of Business Permit and Licensing Offices, Heads of Local Traffic Management Offices, Liga ng mga Barangay, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as electric, telecommunications, cable television, and internet/broadband utilities as its members.
The SP further bestowed the highest commendation on the Loon Municipal Police Station, led by Police Captain Thomas Zen Cheung, for being recognized as the Best Municipal Police Station (National Level), Class B Category during the PNP Day Celebration CY 2026 held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (Office of the SP Sec/LMS)
