More than 300 barangay officials from Tubigon, Dauis, and Tagbilaran City gathered at the Ceremonial Hall of the Capitol on June 2, 2026, for a capacity development program.
The activity aimed at strengthening agricultural development, food security, livelihood opportunities, and community-based services at the grassroots level.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) convened 305 participants composed of barangay captains, barangay councilors, chairmen of the committee on agriculture, and Barangay Agricultural and Livelihood Assistants (BALAs).
Sangguniang Bayan committee on agriculture chairpersons, Municipal Agriculture Officers, and presidents of farmers’ and fisherfolk associations were also present at the event.
The training also sought to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of local leaders in supporting agricultural productivity, fisheries development, livestock production, public health initiatives, and livelihood programs within their respective communities.
Among the topics discussed was the Climate-Smart Agriculture for Food Security Program, presented by Ramil Rodela of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Marjoe Rey Labonite of OPA discussed fisheries and freshwater aquaculture development initiatives, while representatives from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and the Department of Agriculture Region VII, Melane and Angelou Calope, shared insights on livestock and poultry-based livelihood opportunities.
The participants also received updates on the Bantay Rabies sa Barangay program from Provincial Legal Office (PLO) head Atty. Handel Lagunay and representative John Mark Paparon.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Villeno of the Provincial Cooperative Development Office presented the provincial government’s livelihood assistance programs.
In her message, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte highlighted the various programs available to farmers, particularly those intended for coconut farmers.
She encouraged eligible beneficiaries to register so they could access government support and services.
Caberte emphasized that the capacity development activity serves as an important venue for disseminating information that barangay officials can relay to their constituents, ensuring that more farmers and fisherfolk benefit from available government programs.
Vice Governor Nick Besas underscored the vital role of local communities in achieving sustainable progress.
“True development starts anhi jud magsugod sa grassroots, dinhi jud sa atong mga barangay,” Besas said, stressing the importance of empowering local leaders through knowledge and capacity-building initiatives.
Board Member Lucille Lagunay also discussed agricultural support programs and emphasized the significance of registration among coconut farmers to access government assistance and benefits.
She likewise shared practical farming tips and encouraged greater participation in agricultural development initiatives.
Also present during the activity were Stephen Rances, focal person for Local Government Affairs, and Executive Assistant Nunila Pinat.
The capacity development program forms part of the PGBh’s continuing efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve rural livelihoods, and support food security across Bohol.
As home to the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol is advancing sustainable development by empowering local communities and ensuring government programs reach the grassroots level. (PIMO/MAPI)
