Vice Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) joined the Boholanos in commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Bohol’s most illustrious son Carlos P. Garcia on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021:
This year’s celebration had the theme, “CPG @ 125: Strength in Unity Shining Through Adversity.”
The commemorative event started with flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia monument in the morning. It was followed by the opening and blessing of the Bohol Showcase Center situated at the lower portion of the CPG Park. A commemorative program was likewise held at the Ceremonial Hall in the Provincial Capitol.
In the afternoon, a groundbreaking ceremony of the Central Visayas Regional Cultural Hub was done at Mt. Banat-I in barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City.
The whole day celebration ended with a CPG Short Film Showing entitled “Ang Desisyon.”
In his welcome message during the commemorative program, Relampagos said it is just fitting to give honor to Carlos P. Garcia because of his huge contributions as the former President of the Philippines and the pride he has given to all Boholanos. The vice governor added that he is reminded that during his time as the governor of Bohol, he made sure to create programs that will give honor and recognition to the former president of the Republic.
One of these is the CPG scholarship program that provides valuable financial assistance for the studies of poor but deserving Boholano students.
He is very happy that the scholarship program continues to thrive up to the present. He added that he is also glad that under the Yap-Relampagos administration, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has established a scholarship program for medical students and recognized the need of producing Boholano doctors here in the province.
Moreover, Relampagos emphasized that if CPG is still around today, his priorities would include helping the Boholanos to further succeed and prosper.
“During my time as Governor with then Vice Gov. Edgar Chatto, it was our great challenge on how we could uplift Bohol. How? We have to succeed in enticing investors provide and create job opportunities and livelihood for the people,” Relampagos said in a statement.
Relampagos stressed that one of the strategies in order to further improve Bohol’s economy is to strengthen the tourism and the agriculture industries, and at the same time make sure that Bohol’s environment is likewise protected which are part of the vision of the PGBh.
“The biggest challenge today is to look at the situation of the agriculture sector. Sila ang tabangunon, nag need ug mga interventions. Mao nga si Gov. Art Yap anang dapita, naa sya’y dakong bias nga gipadak-an niya ang mga programa kabahin sa agriculture. I’m pretty sure og kuyog pa si Carlos P. Garcia nato karon, mahimuot siya sa mga programa nga atong gihimo karun sa pagsuporta sa agriculture sector,” VG Relampagos further added.
Meanwhile, Cong. Edgar Chatto hopes that the legacy of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia will inspire all youths.
The late President is known for many things as he contributed a lot to the development of the Philippines as a country.
President Garcia established the “Filipino First Policy” which aims to stimulate the growth of the economy of the Philippines by favoring Filipino businesses over foreigner investors. He also established austerity measures because he believed that public funds should be strictly spent only when necessary and should not be wasted.