Major activities marked the 196th founding anniversary or Sumad of Balilihan town.
On September 29, Balilihan municipal officials led by Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto and Vice Mayor Trisha Chatto, joined by Cong. Edgar Chatto along with townsfolk graced the Holy Mass with Fr. Agerio Paña and Fr. Linuel Cañizares as officiating priests.
Mayor Chatto said the Holy Mass was offered for all the blessings that Balilihan has received and in thanksgiving for guidance and protection as the town and her people pursue their hopes and dreams for a more developed, more progressive and more peaceful Balilihan.
A commemorative program followed with Department of Education (DepEd) Usec. Trygve Olaivar as guest, representing DepED Secretary Sonny Angara. He was joined by his wife, Candijay Mayor Thamar Olaivar.
The local government recognized graduates with Latin Honors, board passers, achievers who brought honor and pride to the town.
Best performing puroks in every barangay were also awarded.
The traditional Fiesta Sa Nayon was also held to culminate the celebration.
A highlight of Sumad was the groundbreaking rites for the Bohol Island State University (BISU) Tourism and Sports Institute at the Balilihan Campus.
This was attended by Usec. Olaivar, Cong. Chatto, BISU President Dr. Anthony Penaso, BISU Balilihan Campus Director Dr. Jean Nebrea, Bilar Campus Director Dr. Proceso Castil, DPWH 1st District Engr. John Gascon, Executive Assistant Office of the Provincial Governor Bebot Sumampong, Board Members Aldner Damalerio and Benjie Arcamo, Balilihan District Supervisor Dr. Clemente Intong, and Balilihan officials.
In the days leading up to the 196th Sumad, the Painit Festival and Food Bazaar was held at the Balilihan Municipal Complex on September 21-29. Local performers showcased their talent and entertained the crowd throughout the 9-day food fair.
Meanwhile, the Balilihan Agro Fair 2024 that displayed agricultural products from 31 barangays was held on September 28-29.
Carmel Academy and Balilihan Central Elementary School added color and festivity to the occasion through streetdancing and field demonstration.
Barangay Tagustusan King and Queen were hailed Balilihan Agro Fair Festival King and Queen 2024. The festival kings and queens donned costumes showcasing designs made out of fruits, vegetables and other indigenous materials that depict their respective barangay’s uniqueness.
The Balilihan Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation also organized Larong Pinoy as well as a one-day Sepak Takraw league.
Moreover, festivities also saw through the championship of the Mayor’s Cup 2024
Women’s Volleyball.
Brgy. Datag Norte dominated the women’s volleyball league with Brgy. Maslog placing 2nd, Brgy. Cogon at 3rd and Brgy. Del Carmen Sur in 4th place.
The first ever Cong. Edgar M. Chatto SK Basketball League of the First District, in partnership with the SK Provincial Federation headed by Board Member Lawrence Ancla, also concluded with SK Tagbilaran City emerging as champions during the games held at the Balilihan Municipal Gym.
SK Tubigon came in 2nd followed by SK Balilihan and SK Dauis in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
Hailed Most Valuable Players (MVP) were Edward Adonis Hibaya as Season MVP and Jared Bolos as Finals MVP.
Mayor Chatto expressed gratitude to fellow LGU officials, heads of office and employees, Barangay Officials led by the Barangay Captains, DepEd Balilihan District, BISU, PNP Balilihan, BFP Balilihan and Provincial Government of Bohol for making this year’s Sumad truly successful.
Mayor Chatto also thanked Cong. Chatto as well Board Members Ancla, Damalerio and Arcamo for their support.
She likewise relayed her thanks to food concessionaires, local talents, Parish Priests Fr. Paña , Parish Vicar Bryan dela Concepcion of Carmel Parish, Fr. Cañizares and Parish Priest Fr. Lito Sumud-ong of Sto Niño Parish in Hanopol.
Republic Act No. 9706 declares September 29 of every year as a special nonworking public holiday in the Municipality of Balilihan, Province of Bohol to commemorate its Sumad Day or Foundation Anniversary.
This coincides with the death anniversary of Balilihan son Assemblyman Eladio I. Chatto.