In one of the activities she attended in her town on March 20, 2024, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto (3rd from right) said during her speech: “Food safety is an important concern of Local Government Units. Unta mapanigurado nato nga luwas sa contaminasyon ang atong pagkaon gikan sa farm hangtud sa kan-anan sa atong mga panimalay alang sa maayong panglawas sa katawhan. Kining atong naangkon karon nga refrigerated van daku kaayo kini og ikatabang sa ka presco og limpyo nga karne gikan sa atong slaughterhouse ngadto sa merkado. Pwede pud ni sa atong mga utanon. Daghang salamat, Department of Agriculture! Daghan Salamat, Senator Kiko Pangilinan sa imong suporta!” Contributed photo
On March 21, 2024, the 1st Balilihan Inter-School Fire Olympics 2024 took place. This was participated in by the Balilihan Fire Station personnel led by SFO4 Manuel A. Babera MPA, Officer-in-Charge, under the supervision of Supt. Raul G Bustaliño, JD, DPA, Provincial Fire Marshal. The theme of the activity was “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa”. In this event, four (4) different secondary schools namely; Carmel Academy, Hanopol National High School, San Roque National High School and Cong. Pablo C. Malasarte National High School participated actively honing their skills in dealing with fire-related emergencies. The event featured competitions like Busted Hose replacement, Bucket Relay, Rescue Relay and Transfer, Hose Throwing and Tug of War. Such activities wouldn’t have been feasible without the substantial support of the Local Chief Executive, Hon. Mayor Maria Puresa V. Chatto (in photo, left) and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) led by Mr. Christopher Leonides Racho Jr. who actively graced the celebration, as well as the presence of Insp. Eulalio Q. Gementiza (in photo, right), RN, Provincial Chief Admin, Bureau of Fire Protection-Province of Bohol and the newly installed Chief of Balilihan Police Station, PCPT Girlie Tolop. More than a competition, the event had become an avenue for the students to acquire and hone skills essential for responding to future emergencies. The organizers of the activity said: “To all the coaches, faculty representatives and students of the different schools, BISU-Interns led by Ms. Rhea Joy Escabarte and specially the Local Government Unit of Balilihan, your thoughtful gestures and acts of generosity have truly brightened our event. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple gesture of support, your actions have made a profound impact.” Contributed photo