Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado is the only
Philippine governor who attended the Conference of Parties (COP) 28, the annual
global climate conference hosted by the United Nations in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates from December 1 to 2, 2023.
Aumentado left Bohol for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on November 30, 2023,
together with some undisclosed names of the members of his entourage.
Aumentado, who leads the Bohol delegation, said he joined the summit to showcase
Bohol’s best practices and initiatives on climate change adaptation and mitigation, as
well as to learn from the experiences and innovations of other countries and
stakeholders.
Bohol is one of the pilot provinces of the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP)
program, which helps local governments integrate climate change concerns into their
development plans and budgets.
Bohol is also pursuing renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and biomass,
to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to lower its greenhouse gas emissions.
Aumentado said that Bohol is committed to contribute to the global efforts to address
the climate crisis, which poses serious threats to the island’s biodiversity, tourism,
agriculture, and coastal communities.
“We are here to share our stories and to learn from others. We are here to join the
world in finding solutions and taking actions for a more sustainable and resilient
future,” Aumentado was quoted as saying before his yet another foreign trip.
Aumentado’s participation in COP28 comes amid criticism from some sectors over
his frequent foreign travels, which they claim are unnecessary and wasteful.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),
Aumentado has made at least 10 foreign trips since he assumed office in 2022,
including visits to China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, Japan, Turkey, Vietnam, South
Korea, United States of America, among others.
Some of his critics have questioned the relevance and impact of his trips to the
development of Bohol, and have urged him to focus more on addressing the local
issues and problems, especially amid crimes and rising prices of basic commodities.
Aumentado, however, defended his travels, saying that they are part of his official
duties and responsibilities as the governor of Bohol, and that they have brought
benefits and opportunities to the province.
He said that his trips are authorized by the DILG and are in compliance with the
existing laws and regulations.
He also said that he always submits reports and updates to the provincial board and
the public on the outcomes and agreements of his trips.
Aumentado is the only Philippine governor who attended COP28, as President
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called off his trip to Dubai due to the hostage
situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea.
Pope Francis, who was also scheduled to attend COP28 and deliver a speech,
cancelled his visit as well due to health reasons.
COP28 is the 28th edition of the UN climate summit, where governments will discuss
how to limit and prepare for future climate change.
The summit is expected to finalize the rules and mechanisms for implementing the
2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to keep the global temperature rise well below
2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Shipyard destroys
Bohol mangroves?
Environmentalists of Bohol have expressed their outrage and opposition to the
construction of a shipyard that allegedly destroyed tens of hectares of mangroves in
the province.
Rosalinda Paredes, the executive director of PROCESS Bohol, Inc., a non-
government organization that advocates for environmental protection and
sustainable development, posted on her Facebook account a photo of the shipyard
project and a statement condemning the destruction of the mangroves.
“Kini Amici Shipyard gui reclaim pod ni siya and gui pa mutol ang mga mangroves.
Kami sa PROCESS Bohol, Inc. mi supak jud. But, we were just like a voice in the
wilderness kay walay mga politico ug celebrities mi anib namo ug wala man jud
maski simbahan, obispo ug kaparian o civil society mitingog adto higayuna nga amo
gui tawag ‘rape of the mangroves!'” she wrote.
She also questioned the difference between the shipyard project and the Tagbilaran
reclamation project that also threatened the mangroves in Bohol.
“Unsa kahay lahi kadto nga proyekto ug karon? Is a puzzlement!” she added.
Paredes’ post has garnered scores of reactions and comments from netizens, who
also expressed their dismay and anger over the shipyard project, saying mangroves
are vital for the ecosystem and the livelihood of the local communities.
The shipyard project is being undertaken by Amici Mercantile Inc., a company that
specializes in water systems and solutions. The project aims to build a facility that
can accommodate the repair and maintenance of various types of vessels, such as
yachts, fishing boats, and barges.
According to the company, the project has secured all the necessary permits and
clearances from the government agencies, such as the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and the
local government units (LGUs).
The company also claimed that the project has complied with the environmental
standards and regulations, and that it has implemented mitigation measures to
minimize the impact of the project on the mangroves and the surrounding areas.
However, the environmentalists of Bohol have challenged the claims of the company
and have called for an independent investigation and assessment of the project.
They have urged the public to join them in their campaign to stop the shipyard
project and to save the mangroves of Bohol.
BLESSING AND INAUGURATION
The first-ever ship-building and ship repair facility in Bohol was officially opened on
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, with a blessing and inauguration ceremony attended by
local officials, business leaders, and stakeholders.
The Artemis Marine and Industrial Construction Inc. (AMICI) shipyard, a project of
the Cebu-based Primary Group of Builders (PGB), is located on a 19-hectare
property in Barangay Cruz, Buenavista town, Bohol. It is the largest shipyard in the
Visayas and Mindanao, capable of accommodating 12 100-meter length ships at one
time for dry-docking and repair services.
The shipyard offers a full range of services, including ship management, hull
preservation, ship conversion, structural fabrication, and ship maintenance of various
systems. It also boasts of advanced features, such as a state-of-the-art 4,000-ton
shiplift, in-house workshops, crew facilities, and a berthing marina.
PGB chief executive officer William Cristopher Liu Jr. said the shipyard is a game-
changer for the maritime industry in the region, as it provides quality and efficient
services to local and foreign clients. He also said the shipyard is a catalyst for
economic development and job creation in Bohol, especially in the host municipality
of Buenavista.
“We don’t only build shipyards, we build careers, we build lives,” Liu said during the
ceremony.
The shipyard currently employs more than 300 workers, 80 percent of whom are
from Buenavista, Bohol.
PGB also established a technical vocational institute called Skills or The School of
Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service in Bohol to train and develop
skilled workers for the shipyard and other industries.
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado lauded PGB’s investment in Bohol,
saying it will open the province to more investment opportunities and boost its
tourism potential. He also invited more Cebuano investors to explore Bohol, as the
island is open to host new businesses and ventures.
AMICI shipyard obtained its Class B ship building and ship repair license from the
Maritime Industry Authority in September 2022. To date, the shipyard has already
serviced 40 vessels through dry-docking.
The blessing and inauguration of the shipyard was also graced by PGB president
William Cristopher Liu Sr., Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo, Vice Mayor Ma. Victoria
Torrefranca, and other local officials. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the
shipyard facilities were also held as part of the event. (with a report from SunStar
Cebu)