The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), presided over by Vice Governor Nick Besas, referred several municipal ordinances, communications, and requests to appropriate committees during its regular session on June 5, 2026, reinforcing its role in reviewing local legislation and addressing provincial concerns.
Through an omnibus motion introduced by Floor Leader Board Member Tita Baja, the SP referred 14 municipal ordinances and budget measures from various local government units to the Committee on Review of Municipal Ordinances and Related Issuances for evaluation and recommendation.
Water Permit Applications Referred
The SP also tackled several communications from the National Water Resources Board concerning water permit applications filed by the municipalities of Inabanga, Antequera, and Balilihan.
During deliberations, Board Member Venzencio Arcamo explained that while similar requests had previously been automatically posted by the SP Secretariat, concerns raised by the provincial government warranted a legal review.
Consequently, the water permit application involving Inabanga was referred to the Provincial Legal Office, while the remaining applications were endorsed to the Committee on Public Utilities and Franchises.
The committee was likewise tasked to review a request from the National Power Corporation regarding the Energy Regulatory Commission’s public consultation for its Photovoltaic Mainstreaming and Solar Home System projects in missionary areas.
Partnerships and Development Initiatives
The SP referred a proposed Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Bohol Association of Non-Government Organizations, Inc. (BANGON) for the implementation of the ASPIRE Project to the Committees on Public Utilities and Franchises and Cooperatives, NGOs, POs and CSOs.
Meanwhile, a request for authority to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government and the National Committee on Geological Sciences was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
Support for Livelihood Assistance Program
The SP approved Committee Report No. 2026-02 and subsequently passed Resolution No. 2026-595, authorizing Governor Erico Aristotle ‘Aris’ C. Aumentado to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with iSupport Bohol Organization, Inc.
The agreement covers livelihood assistance amounting to ₱351,645.95 for a General Merchandise Project intended to provide economic opportunities for HIV volunteers and persons living with HIV in Bohol.
Committee Chairperson Board Member Lucille Lagunay explained that the organization underwent assessment by the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development and that safeguards, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability measures were incorporated into the revised agreement.
PHOTO | Board Member Nanay Lucille Lagunay – FB Page
Study on Mining Impacts Ordered
The SP likewise adopted Committee Report No. 2026-03 and approved Resolution No. 2026-596 directing a comprehensive environmental study on potential hazards arising from mining activities in Garcia Hernandez.
The recommendation stemmed from discussions involving Bohol Limestone Corporation and concerned government agencies regarding the company’s mining operations and the renewal of its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement.
Committee findings showed that the corporation’s renewed permit remains valid and that it is not required to register with the Board of Investments to continue mining operations.
However, members stressed the need for a more thorough assessment of environmental impacts and public safety concerns.
The study will be undertaken by the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Committees on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and Ways and Means.
Local Measures Reviewed
The SP also adopted Committee Report No. 2026-13 of the Committee on Review of Municipal Ordinances and Related Issuances.
The report covered 12 measures from various local government units involving annual and supplemental budgets, job order compensation, fuel subsidy programs, food voucher initiatives, business permit systems, tourism regulations, and assistance for barangay health workers and nutrition scholars.
Following the committee’s recommendations, the SP approved Resolutions Nos. 2026-597 to 2026-606, declaring several ordinances and appropriation measures operative, allowable, or valid.
Two measures were returned to the concerned local government units for further refinement and compliance with legal and administrative requirements.
Supplemental Budget Approved
The SP likewise approved Committee Report No. 2026-05 of the Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, leading to the passage of Appropriation Ordinance No. 2026-012.
The ordinance approves Supplemental Budget No. 4, Series of 2026, amounting to ₱45.517 million to fund priority programs, projects, and services of the Provincial Government of Bohol.
The budget includes allocations for development initiatives, personnel requirements, hospital services, infrastructure support, employment programs, and other provincial priorities.
The SP continues to process local legislation, development initiatives, partnership agreements, and policy measures aimed at strengthening governance, environmental stewardship, sustainable development, and public service delivery across the province, anchored with its Strategic Governance Roadmap.
These efforts support Bohol’s vision of balanced and inclusive growth while helping protect the natural and cultural heritage that underpins its recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MAPI)
