Beneficiaries of the Special Training for Employment Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) receive their starter tool kits during a handover ceremony on March 15, 2024. The trainees completed the Electrical Installation and Maintenance Program with the facilitation of Cong. Edgar Chatto. Under the program, trainees completed the course through the SBR Technical Education Training Center Inc. They were handed the appropriate tool kits to be able to practice their skills and later on earn from providing their services. Kenny June Requeron (2nd from right), focal person from Chatto’s office, led the turnover activity together with Joan Sayon (3rd from right) OIC provincial director of TESDA and Capt. Servando Cantaros (rightmost) SBR Tech managing director. Contributed photo

Cong. Edgar Chatto (seated, middle) meets with top officials of the Gallares-Cortes and Gallares-Tagbilaran Hospitals led by Dr. Laurence Elliot “Eno” R. Tirol (seated 3rd from right). The focus of the discussion was the completion this year of phases 1 and 2 of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi Specialty Medical Complex in Cortes. The inauguration is expected to be held before the end of 2024. As envisioned, the facility aims to make available in Bohol medical care presently provided in DOH specialty hospitals in Manila including the Philippine Heart Center, Kidney Center, Lung Center and others. Phase 3 plans to include the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the Behavioral and Mental Health Center. Earlier, Dr. Mutya T Macuno also briefed Chatto on updates in the Gallares-Tagbilaran upgrading program including specialty services to complement the Gallares-Cortes Campus. Hiring and training of personnel in both facilities are ongoing. Medical and allied medical students from schools in Bohol and outside the province are also trained in these hospitals including those presently enrolled in the newly opened Bohol Island State University School of Medicine. Contributed photo