Balilihan celebrates SUMAD and remembers Tiyo Kiking’s greatness
The town of Balilihan is celebrating its foundation by way of the Sumad, at the same time, remembering the life and times of one of its great sons, Eladio I. Chatto, fondly called as Tiyo Kiking.
This year, the town holds its 192nd Sumad celebration virtually, according to Mayor Maria Pureza Veloso-Chatto. This is due to the pandemic that tells people to follow protocols to avoid being infected with the virus. The celebration, which is an annual event, runs from Sept. 28 to 29 and is centered on the theme, “Padayon ang kalambuan alang sa lungsod ug katawhan sa Balilihan taliwala sa pandemya”. It will highlight the present achievements and developments of the entire municipality as a result of the efforts of the LGU under the leadership of Mayor Chatto as supported by the town leaders and the good people of Balilihan. This is not to forget the very strong support to the town poured in by First District Represenative, Atty. Edgar M. Chatto, who used to be the local chief of Balilihan before his assumption into higher positions in government as an elected official.
As earlier stated, during the Sumad celebration, the town will pay tribute to one of its illustrious sons, the late Eladio “Kiking” Chatto popularly known as Tiyo Kiking. September 29, is not just the date of the Sumad celebration in Balilihan; this is also the death anniversary of the man known as Tiyo Kiking.
Tiyo Kiking or Eladio Ibarra Chatto’s leadership in Balilihan is carved to greatness for many reasons. He was known for his readiness to help people become better. More than his success and exemplary deeds in government and public service, Tiyo Kiking was a generous and kind person as many people of his generation would say.
Young and old residents of Balilihan call him and still remember him as Tiyo Kiking, out of endearmeant and high respect for the man. He was known to go out of his way just to help others. He was a visionary with a strong sense of commitment and discipline. He style of governance was a true sense of bringing the government closer to the people and bringing more food to the table of the Boholano family.
Born on February 18, 1927 to industrious parents named Aurelio Chatto and Eduarda Ibarra, Eladio was the youngest of a brood of 5 who lived in Del Carmen Weste, Balilihan, Bohol.
He graduated from grade school in Balilihan Central Elem School, and went to Bohol High School in Tagbilaran (now Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School) for his secondary education. He finished his law degree from the Philippine Law School in Manila.
While in school, he was known as a student-leader and actively campaigned for then Presidential Candidate Ramon Magsaysay. He was proud to tell people during his lifetime that he was a working student and that he worked his way up.
He fell in love with a Boholana lass by the name of Victoria Migriño or Inday Vicky. The union was blessed with seven (7) children and six (6) of them are now all successful professionals settled with their respective families in Bohol, Manila and the USA. A child of the couple, Esther Therese, passed away at the age of 8 due to dengue fever.
Kiking’s political career started when he was encouraged by his elder brother, Lino, to run for the seat of Balilihan mayor and won. He went on to serve the town for 25 years and holds the record of having been the longest serving mayor and the longest serving President of the Bohol Mayors League. During his stint as mayor he built roads, schools, water systems, public buildings, health stations and many more.
Likewise, he was elected National President of the Mayors League of the Philippines, the precursor of the present League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
In 1984, the man known as Tiyo Kiking was elected to the Batasang Pambansa as one of the three (3) Assemblymen of Bohol along with David Tirol and Ramon Lapez.
Aside from government service, he also served in various organizations and civic clubs, including the Philippine Coconut Producer Federation where he was National Treasurer.
Tiyo Kiking returned to his creator on Sept 29, 2001, the same day the town of Balilihan celebrates her Foundation Day called Sumad.
The life and deeds of Mayor & Assemblyman Eladio “KIKING” Chatto will always be treasured by the many people whose lives he touched. Every year, the people of Balilihan town continue to honor him as they celebrate Sumad.
September 29 is now a non-working holiday by act of Congress, in Balilihan, which is a special tribute to Tiyo Kiking and the people of the town whom he served and loved dearly.