Congressman Edgar Chatto
This year was productive, Cong. Edgar Chatto said as he recapped highlights of 2023.He cited major developments such as the opening of the Bohol Island State University School of Medicine in August.The medical school had been a brainchild of Chatto to address lack of doctors and advance health care service delivery in the province.In related development, the construction of the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex, the largest hospital investment of the country, was in full swing.Chatto authored Republic Act 11883 that operationalizes the Tagbilaran and Cortes campuses of the Gallares Hospital, the apex referral hospital and training hospital.Super health centers (SHCs) also broke ground this year in Panglao as well as in Antequera with funding for the same in Balilihan and Tagbilaran City.Under the Department of Health – Health Facility Enhancement Program (DOH-HFEP), each SHC will be equipped with birthing services, imaging services like x-ray, ultrasound and dental services which are not available at the municipal health centers.This year also saw major progress in power development with Chatto receiving updates for One Bohol Power as well as the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project completion in 2024.Meanwhile, Chatto, in the exercise of oversight functions, also facilitated the implementation of livelihood assistance well as skills training programs such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Program with the Department of Labor and Employment as well as the Private Education Student Financial Assistance, Training for Work Scholarship and Special Training for Employment Programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.These are in addition to public infrastructure projects as well as social services implemented across the first district.Chatto is looking forward to continued efforts towards sustainable development in the province and the first district in particular.He had stressed that the current progress is a product of planned change with clear vision, passion and commitment to pursue the realization of plans.