City SP okays 2025 budget
The Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) has approved the P1.3 billion city government budget for 2025.
The city councilors approved, on second and third readings, the appropriation ordinance on Nov. 29, 2024 during the council’s regular session.
Reports said that the Committee on Finance and Accounts presented the committee report on the budget following a series of hearings with department heads.
The budget hearing wrapped up on Nov. 20, 2024.
It was not smooth sailing as the house was divided when two opposition councilors opposed the budget.
Councilor Ody Glovasa and Atoy Torralba opposed the budget.
They wanted to fund the materials recovery facility in various barangays in Tagbilaran City.
Butalid said the proposal to fund the materials recovery facility is no longer feasible as the hearings have been concluded.
If the suggestion was raised during the meetings, the approval of the budget may delay the budget’s approval.
The council voted 7-2 to approve the budget.
More than P745 million of the budget will come from the National Tax Allocation and the remainder of the budget will come from local sources.
Infrastructure, education, employment and livelihood are among the priorities of the 2025 budget, said Butalid.
Pork supply in Bohol remains stable
A source from a leading pork producer in Bohol assured the public that pork supply here remains stable
Reports say Arnel Terec of Marcela Farms said that despite the reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) in two towns in Bohol, the supply remains stable, and there is no need to worry among the consumers.
To recall, ASF was detected in barangay San Vicente in San Miguel and early last week, there were ASF cases reported in Poblacion Sur, Batuan.
It was reported that more than 80 pigs were culled in San Miguel as part of the effort to contain the spread of the disease.
He said his firm has been helping to curb the spread of ASF, where they donated sniffing dogs to detect pork or pork products mobbing with passengers passing through ports of entry.
He said it is untrue that his firm would benefit from an ASF outbreak.
Currently, 48,000 Boholanos are hog raisers, most of them are backyard raisers.
They supply 80 percent of the demand in the market
The hog industry in Bohol is valued at P5.6 billion.
P12.2 M worth of alleged drugs seized from former PDL
About P12.2 million worth of alleged drugs were seized from a former person deprived of liberty (PDL) during a buy bust operation in Dec. 1, 2024 at barangay Dao.
The elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Teresito Salinas of barangay Ubujan.
The authorities were able to seize about 1,800 grams of alleged shabu.
Reports say the suspect was incarcerated before as he easily involved in drugs.
Police said more often, the people caught in drug trading are former PDLs.
The police are currently monitoring former PDLs who would return to the trading of drugs.
The suspect was taken into custody and will be facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
More than P700K in alleged drugs in San Isidro district buy bust
The City Drug Enforcement Team arrested on Nov. 30, 2024 a drug suspect at barangay San Isidro, Tagbilaran City.
The suspect was identified as Christian Caberte Anub, a native of Bilar town.
Seized from him were four sachets of alleged shabu with an estimated weight of 105 grams and valued at P714,000.
The city police monitored the suspect to be engaging in alleged illegal drug trade of which the sting operation was conducted.
The suspect was arrested after transacting with a poseur buyer.
The suspect is facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Jala asks LWI to allow inspections on WTP
Loboc mayor Raymond Jala has formally asked permission from Loctob Water Inc., (LWI) to inspect the water treatment plant (WTP) located at barangay Gotozon.
The mayor is asking permission to inspect the facility amid allegations of quarry operations in the area.
The mayor said he received complaints of alleged quarry operations happening inside the WTP.
Jala earlier tapped the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to inspect the area but was unable to do so due to the lack of a court order.
LWI’s legal counsel, Marvin Aceron, has expressed that the firm will allow inspections if there is a lawful court order.
Jala wrote to LWI’s project manager Alfredo Calinawan, the mayor reiterated the need for transparency and to settle the issue once and for all.
Jala said there is a need to address the fears of the public regarding the alleged quarry operations.
Van-van filed a bill creating 2 more schools division in Bohol
Second district Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado
Second district Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado revealed that she filed a bill creating two new school divisions in Bohol,
She recently told reporters that Bohol is eligible to have two more school divisions.
Currently, Bohol has two divisions, the Tagbilaran City division and the Bohol provincial division.
She said that she filed House Bill No. 4449 seeking to create two more school divisions in Bohol.
The bill was approved by the Lower House back in August 2024 and was transmitted to the Senate,
As of the moment, it is uncertain where the two new divisions will be placed.
Having more divisions would ease the burden on teachers who need to travel to Tagbilaran City in order to transact with the provincial division office.
It is possible Carmen would host one of the divisions, and the other division will be located in the second district.
PGBh budget okayed in 2nd reading
The budget of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) was approved on Dec. 3, 2024 on second reading.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Finance and Appropriation presented the committee report to the plenary about the budget following the marathon hearings.
Board member Romulo Cepedoza presented the committee report regarding the budget as the proposal was approved in second reading.
The annual budget for 2025 is pegged at around P4.4871billion.
The budget also included the one for the operation of Café Caloy to the tune of around P16 million.
Meanwhile, Board Member Benjie Arcamo congratulated the committee for its effort to finish the hearings in time before the year would end.
Arcamo said that the committee was brave enough to reduce the budget of certain departments, which the committee saw as justified.
The budget will undergo a third and final reading possibly before Christmas Day.
Valencia police nab wanted person
Valencia police arrested a wanted person after a court order was issued
The accused was identified as Angelo Silmaro Benarao, 26, of barangay Omjon, Valencia.
The tracker tram of Valencia police was the one that served the warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court branch 50 based in Loay.
The accused faces charges of violation of the law regarding the use of chainsaws.
The bail was set at P48,000 for his provisional liberty.
SM Tagb eyes groundbreaking by 1st quarter of 2025 says Mayor Yap
Tagbilaran City mayor Jane Yap revealed the plan of the SM group to conduct groundbreaking activity of the future mall in the city by either next month or in February 2025.
Yap was informed about the update after meeting SM Supermall’s CEO and President Steven Tan.
Tan informed the mayor about the update on the construction of the SM mall in Tagbilaran City located near Camp Bernido.
Yap said she has been friends with Tan as the latter has been supportive of the livelihood programs in the city.
To recall, in cooperation with SPARK Philippines, the city has been using recycled materials to manufacture bags made by Tagbilaranons and sold in SM Aura mall.
Yap said the mall construction was delayed as the management had to decide whether to construct two or three floors of mall space.
Meanwhile, reports say that the SM management will be releasing a statement that would belie rumors that former Mayor John Geesnell Yap II allegedly asked for P500 million grease money from the mall operator.
The Yap couple went to Manila recently to meet with mall officials to remedy the situation about the fake news saying the former mayor allegedly asked for grease money, reports say.
The statement will read that there is no truth to the allegation that Baba Yap asked for grease money.
Motorcycle-riding student gets killed after colliding with tourist van in Batuan
A motorcycle-riding student was killed after he collided with a tourist van in an accident at Batuan town on Dec. 1, 2024.
Reports identified the victim as Lester Teves, 24, of barangay Rizal.
The victim is a college student.
The driver of the van was identified as Carlo Arbello, 37, of barangay Lourdes, Panglao.
Police said the incident happened around Sunday afternoon as the victim was on board his motorcycle and made a U-turn in one of the areas on the street.
As he turned, he was not able to detect an oncoming van and the motorcycle collided with the four-wheeled vehicle.
He sustained serious injuries and was brought to a hospital in Tagbilaran City but, he eventually expired.
It was learned that the family of the victim and the driver of the van already talked to settle the issue.
Fire erupts in Guindulman
A fire erupted in Samahang Nayon, barangay Canhaway on Dec. 2, 2024, reports say.
Sources have confirmed the fire and said that initial investigation revealed the fire allegedly started in a home with an unattended stove.
Allegedly, the person cooking at the stove left the area while the cooking was not yet done, sources say.
The source also said that the stove was using wood as fuel, and apparently, it was the source that caused the fire.
At least five homes were impacted by the fire, the source adds.
Fire trucks from Duero and Candijay also helped to extinguish the fire as the incident was raised to second alarm as it took around 15 minutes before the fire was completely placed under control from the time the fire fighters arrived at the scene.
There were no reported casualties following the fire incident as the authorities are still determining the estimated damage as of press time.
NGCP competes energization of CBIP
Reports say that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has completed the energization process of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project (CBIP) costing more than P19 billion.
The CBIP aimed for stabled grid to provide an alternative to the Bohol-Leyte interconnection.
Bohol is dependent on power coming from other provinces and sources much of its power from Leyte’s geothermal plants.
The CBIP has a capacity of 1.200 megawatts and 230 kilovolts; this will be a huge boost in the increasing power demands of Bohol.
The CBIP is a project hatched by the Bohol Energy Development Advisory Group (BEDAG) during the time of former governor and now Cong. Edgar Chatto.
Bohol at that time was at the mercy of nature when the Leyte-Bohol link was severed due to typhoon Yolanda.
The problem again surfaced during the time of typhoon Odette.
The completion of the CBIP will silence Chatto’s critics, who have been harping that the said project will not be completed as planned.
The plan was to complete the CBIP by end of December 2024.
Arcamo suggests to remove budget for mobile passporting
Board member Benjie Arcamo suggested to remove the budget for mobile passporting sponsored by the Provincial Government.
This comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has opened its consular office in Tagbilaran City on Nov. 29, 2024.
Arcamo noted that the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) included a budget for mobile passporting in next year’s budget.
The BEPO’s budget for 2025 mobile passporting was earmarked at more than P1 million.
Arcamo said that it is high time to remove the budget for mobile passporting as there is now a DFA office in Bohol making the mobile passporting service obsolete.
Modala denies rumors of blocking access to public beach
The management of Modala Beach Resort has denied rumors insinuating that it blocked access to the public beach as such access allegedly violated the resort’s property.
In a report, Rommel Gonzalez, manager of Modala Beach Resort, said the management did not block any access to the public beach as there are pathways provided to the public.
He said the public may use the pathways all the time. But there are guards as the people using the pathway to the public beach will pass by Modala’s property.
He added no one is prevented from entering to use the pathway towards the public beach.
He said divers with scuba tanks are not allowed to enter as it is already an enterprise.
He said that it is the prerogative of the property owner what to do with his own property but insisted that it would provide access to the public beach.
Moreover, Gonzales said Modala complied with the easement zone requirement plus the buffer zones.
Gonzales said they have been compliant with the regulations and as such, they have been issued the permits coming from the local government unit.
RDC -7 okays P162.8 M fund for tomorrow projects, programs in CV
Gov. Aris Aumentado
The Regional Development Council -7 (RDC-7) has approved P162.8 million in funding for various projects and programs in Central Visayas for fiscal year 2025 during the fourth quarter full council meeting in Anda town on Dec. 5, 2024.
The RDC approved the annual investment plan, which corresponds to the earmarked funding.
Gov. Aris Aumentado presided over the said meeting attended by other officials from the regional and national offices.
Also in attendance were sectoral representatives who are members of the said council.
The funding will be for 94 projects and programs in various sectors such as development administration, economic development, infrastructure development, and social development.
The council also endorsed the Panglao-Metro Tagbilaran Septage and Sewerage Project, Free Wi-Fi program, Govnet program, disaster risk reduction and management and the government emergency communication system.
The council okayed the Green Fins approach to strengthen the diving industry in the region.
Moreover, the council supports the enactment of Senate Bill No. 2859 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act where a campus of the Philippine Science High School is eyed at Ubay town.
Low carbon bill hurdles 2 House panels
Cong. Edgar Chatto
Cong. Edgar Chatto revealed on Dec. 6, 2024, that the bill regarding low carbon economy already hurdled two House committees.
Chatto told Ardy Araneta-Batoy over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio program that the Low Carbon Emission Economy Investment Act already passed the Committee on Climate Change and the Committee on Ways and Means.
The measure is now being discussed at the Committee on Appropriations.
After the bill hurdles the last committee, it will then be sent to the plenary for further deliberations.
Chatto is the chairman of the House panel on climate change.
Moreover, Chatto said the purpose of the bill is to reduce the country’s carbon emission, even if the Philippines produces low amount of carbon compared to highly-industrialized countries such as the United States and China.
The Philippines is among the signatories to the Paris accord seeking to lower greenhouse gases by lowering carbon emissions.
The country has been at the forefront of climate change initiatives as it hosts the Loss and Damage Fund that will compensate countries affected by climate change such as the Philippines.
He pointed out that the country is one of the most vulnerable places when it comes to climate change.
He said rich countries need to compensate the vulnerable countries affected by climate change.
Talibon police nabs alleged drug trader
The Municipal Drug Enforcement Team of Talibon arrested a suspected drug trader following a drug buy bust operation on Nov. 27, 2024, belated reports on Dec. 4, 2024 said
The police detected that the suspect was allegedly engaged in illegal drug activities and decided to conduct a sting operation.
The police arrested a certain Jose Yana, 43, of barangay Bagacay, Talibon.
The suspect allegedly transacted with a poseur buyer where he was arrested following the completion of the transaction.
At least six packets of alleged shabu were confiscated by the police from the suspect with an estimated total weight of 2.80 grams and valued at P19,000.
The suspect is facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Boholano bishop takes helm of Cubao diocese
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr.
Boholano bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. has taken the helm of the Diocese of Cubao following his ordination and installation on Dec. 3, 2024.
Manila archbishop Jose Advincula ordained Ayuban as witnessed by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.
Ayuban replaced Ongtioco as bishop of Cubao after the latter retired.
Ongtioco was the pioneer bishop of Cubao when it was founded 23 years ago.
Also attending the event was Tagbilaran bishop Alberto Uy who served as co-consecrator.
The installation coincided with the feast day of St. Francis Xavier. who is the patron saint of missionaries.
The installation was held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at Lantana street, Cubao, Quezon City.
Other prelates also attended the event at the Cubao cathedral, reports add
Other attendees included Papal Nuncio Charles Brown, and Cardinal-designPablo Virgilio David of the Kalookan diocese and Orlando Cardinal Quevido, the bishop emeritus of Cotabato.
Suspected illegal swertes ushers arrested in Jagna
These alleged illegal gambling ushers were arrested in Jagna town on Nov. 29, 2024.
The suspects were arrested as the police have intensified its efforts against illegal gambling.
A certain Mark Calipay was arrested in barangay Looc, Jagna.
While a certain Aljun Mark Alandria was arrested in barangay Pagina.
A third suspect identified as Celso Avila Jr. was arrested in barangay Cambugason.
Seized from the suspects were alleged illegal gambling paraphernalia.
Also seized were alleged bet money from the said suspects,
The three will face charges of violation of Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Game.
Police arrest suspected drug trafficker in Tubigon
Police authorities have arrested a suspected drug trafficker in a sting operation in the town of Tubigon.
Glen Mark Clarion Mendez, 32, a resident of Barangay Guiwanon, was taken into custody after a buy-bust operation conducted by the Tubigon Municipal Drug Enforcement Team in Barangay Potohan.
Police seized approximately 0.17 grams of suspected shabu, a methamphetamine-based substance, valued at around P1,000 pesos, from the suspect.
According to authorities, Mendez was under surveillance for allegedly engaging in the illicit drug trade, prompting the police to set up the sting operation.
Mendez was apprehended after he sold the suspected shabu to a poseur buyer during the operation.
The suspect is expected to face charges under the Philippines’ Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries severe penalties for those found guilty of drug trafficking.
Boholano athletes shine in Batang Pinoy Games, win 23 medals
Boholano athletes made a strong impression at the recently concluded Batang Pinoy Games in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, bagging a total of 23 medals in the multi-sport competition.
The Batang Pinoy Games, held from November 23 to 28, 2024, is an age-group competition that brings together young athletes from across the Philippines to compete in various sports disciplines.
According to sources, the Bohol delegation, comprising 76 members from Tagbilaran and other towns in the province, won six gold medals, 10 silver medals, and seven bronze medals.
The Boholano athletes excelled in several events, including chess, weightlifting, athletics, and boxing, where they won gold medals. They also participated in other events such as badminton, futsal, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, karate, obstacle course, lawn tennis, and weightlifting.
The Bohol delegation was accompanied by coaches and officials, who played a crucial role in the team’s success.
The Batang Pinoy Games is an annual competition that aims to promote sports development and excellence among young Filipino athletes. The event is organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and is considered a breeding ground for future national athletes.
With their impressive performance, the Boholano athletes have brought pride to their province and have shown great potential for future success in the world of sports, the Capitol said in a statement.
SOCIAL MEDIA FUELS PERCEPTION ON ISSUES: Atty. Dan Lim
Bohol gubernatorial aspirant Dan Neri Lim has said that social media plays an important role in shaping public perception on current issues, including the ongoing feud between the Duterte and Marcos camps.
Lim made the comments during a guest appearance on “Newsmakers ug Uban Pa” hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy, tackling the unregulated nature of social media as a key factor in its influence.
“Unlike mainstream media, social media cannot be controlled,” Lim said, adding that some sectors use propaganda to manipulate mainstream media narratives, often originating from the Palace and the Speaker.
Lim’s remarks come amid a war of words between Vice President Sara Duterte and the Marcos camp, sparked by Duterte’s revelation that she had given instructions for retaliation in the event of her assassination, targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lim described Duterte’s statements as “serious” and warned that they should not be taken lightly, given her position as vice president.
“The world will be alarmed because of the situation,” he said, emphasizing the global implications of Duterte’s words.
RTC ISSUES TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST LOBOC LGU IN WATER PROJECT DISPUTE
A Regional Trial Court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the municipality of Loboc and its officials, ordering them to desist from further disrupting the construction of a water treatment plant by Loctob Waters Inc.
According to the order issued by RTC Branch 50, the court found merit in the prayer for a TRO filed by the plaintiff, Loctob Waters Inc.
The company cited extreme need and urgency in its request for the court to intervene.
The court has set a hearing for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction on December 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hall of Justice in Loay, Bohol.
The order directs the defendants, which include Loboc Mayor Raymond G. Jala and all persons acting under his authority or orders, to refrain from further disrupting the water project, provided that all regulatory requirements have been complied with.
The court order states that a copy of the order must be furnished and served to the parties, and that summons be issued and served on the defendants along with a copy of the order and the complaint.
The order was signed on December 4, 2024 by Executive Presiding Judge Samuel A. Biliran.
Comelec starts ACM roadshow here
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started its roadshow for its information and education campaign for the familiarization of the automated counting machines (ACM) that will be used to count votes in next year’s elections.
The roadshow started on Dec. 2, 2024 and will end on Jan. 31, 2025, according to Comelec provincial election officer Eliseo Labaria.
The Comelec central office sent around 53 ACMs here in Bohol which arrived on Dec. 1, 2024 and were distributed to various localities in the province.
Labaria said the Comelec provincial office retained five ACMs and will be used in the roadshow.
During the first day of the roadshow, people from barangay Taloto participated in the event.
According to Comelec Tagbilaran election officer Rocco Lamanilao, the new ACMs have bigger screens compared to the old machines made by Smartmatic.
Moreover, the scanning of ballots is faster compared to the old machine.
It takes 20 seconds for the ACM to scan the ballot.
The new machines are made by South Korean firm Miru Systems.
Lamanilao also said the machines are more transparent as voters have a way to check if the machine indeed correctly read the ballot.
The ACMs have independent power using batteries, Lamanilao said.
Public warned of new modus re reclamation
Tagbilaranons should be wary of a new modus operandi where people would go around to ask for signatures on a petition against reclamation.
Reports say that it is possible that the people who are asking for signatures may be surveying a potential target for robbers and other kinds of criminals.
As such, the police are now doing surveillance against these people who disguise their real motives by letting the people sign on a petition that has been no longer an issue.
The issue on reclamation has been long settled as Mayor Jane Yap already decided that such moves are inimical to the interests of the majority of Tagbilaranons.
Last year, Yap declared that she will no longer support the move to reclaim Tagbilaran Bay.
As such, the people allegedly roaming and asking people to sign a petition may not be out to protect the environment but to cause trouble and crimes.
As of the moment, law enforcers are looking to stop these people from causing crime in the city, reports say.
Man dies in a road accident in Catigbian
A man died after he figured in a road accident along the national highway at barangay Candumayao, Catigbian town on Dec. 2, 2024.
The victim was identified as Rodolfo Rama, 35, of barangay Candumayao.
Initial investigation revealed that a certain Benjie Jamil, 20, of barangay Kauswagan Norte, Catigbian was on board his motorcycle and was traveling along the highway at barangay Candumayao as the victim, allegedly, all of a sudden crossed the street.
Jamil’s motorcycle hit Rama as the victim sustained injuries and was brought to a nearby hospital. The driver also sustained injuries as well.
However, Rama was declared dead on arrival while Jamil is in stable condition and has been placed under the custody of Catigbian police.
Lad killed in a collision in Loay
A 22-year old lad was killed in a road collision at barangay Las Salinas, Loay town on Dec. 1, 2024, reports say.
It was reported that the lad was on board his motorcycle and collided with an incoming motorella.
The motorcycle driver who was identified as a certain Mark Jay Moro of barangay Taug, Lila allegedly collided with a motorella driven by a certain Jaime Rubio Sr., 36, of barangay Tubod Norte.
Initial investigation revealed that Moro overtook a vehicle ahead of him but was unable to evade the incoming motorella driven by Rubio and the former collided with the latter.
Due to the impact of the collision, the motorella was dislodged from its lane.
Reports say that there were seven people who were in the motorella.
Moreover, Moro flung off from his motorcycle and sustained serious injuries and was brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The passengers of the motorella were also brought to the hospital and were given medical treatment.
It was reported that the families of the motorella victims and the driver of the motorcycle met in order to settle the issue.
2 persons arrested for drugs in Baclayon
Two persons were arrested following a drug buy bust operation on Dec. 2, 2024 by the Baclayon Municipal Drug Enforcement Team at barangay Laya.
Jonathan Baldon of Valencia town and Romeo Velasco of Baclayon were arrested following a buy bust operation.
The police detected the two who were allegedly engaged in alleged drug trade. Thus, the authorities decided to conduct a drug buy bust operation.
Seized from them were alleged shabu weighing around 2.4 grams and valued at P16,320.
The suspects are facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Illegal grambing suspects nabbed in Getafe, Calape
At least two persons were arrested for illeged illegal gambling in separate instances in Getafe and Calape on Dec. 2, 2024.
A certain Jesus Torreon was arrested in Getafe of barangay Banacon, Getafe allegedly for illegal gambling.
Seized from him were bet stubs following a sting operation where a poseur bettor engaged with the suspect.
Also confiscated were alleged bet money and alleged illegal gambling paraphernalia.
Meanwhile, at barangay Bentig, Calape, an illegal gambling suspect was arrested. The suspect was identified as Francis Sanchez who is also a resident of the said barangay.
Calape police also conducted a sting operation where the suspect allegedly transacted with a poseur bettor that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Taken from the suspect were alleged bet money and alleged illegal numbers game paraphernalia.
Both suspects will be facing charges of violation of the anti-illegal gambling law.
Cebu Pacific starts Panglao-Iloilo flights
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air started its Panglao-Iloilo air route on Dec. 1, 2024.
The latest route has made Western Visayas accessible for Boholanos.
The trip from Panglao to Iloilo takes off at 3:20 pm. and the frequency of flight is daily.
Observers say that the new routes can also draw more domestic tourists to and from Bohol.
Other routes opened by the budget carrier from Iloilo are Iloilo-Legazpi – three flights per week starting Dec.2, 2024 – Iloilo-Dumaguete – three flights per week starting Dec. 3, 2024.
This comes after CEB’s relaunch of its direct flights between Iloilo and Hong Kong last October 27, as well as the upcoming resumption of the Iloilo-Singapore route on November 26. Both routes were cancelled during the Covid pandemic, and it took some time before operations resumed.
Cebu Pacific is now the sole airline with an international flight coming from Iloilo.
In an article by Panay News, Iloilo International Airport manager Manuela Luisa Palma explained that Gate 3 of the terminal is designated for international flights.
It can accommodate 150 passengers, and can be configured with more chairs if necessary.
178 blood samples negative for ASF
About 178 blood samples taken from pigs located in neighboring barangays of barangay San Vicente, San Miguel town tested negative for African Swine Fever (ASF), according to sources from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.
The source added that the samples came from barangay Cambangay, Bayongan, Poblacion, and San Isidro.
To recall, there were reports of swine dying in barangay San Vicente as tests proved the presence of ASF back in November 2024.
As of November 30, 2024, about 306 were culled to prevent the spread of ASF.
San Miguel’s status as green zone for ASF will not be revolved if no new cases nearby will be reported on or after December 10, 2024.
The provincial government has launched programs to help those affected with ASF including the owners of the swine that were culled.
The financial aid to those affected is being processed, sources say.
SP panel reduced budgets of 5 depts.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Finance and Appropriation reported that the budgets of five provincial government departments were reduced.
In a committee report, Board Member Romulo Cepedoza reported during the regular session on Dec. 3, 2024 that the budgets of five departments were reduced.
Among the departments whose budgets were reduced are Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, Provincial Cooperative Development Office, Provincial Information and Media Office, Provincial Youth and Development Office, and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
The SP budget for purchasing new vehicles was also scrapped, the report says.
Moreover, the travel budget for foreign trips was increased from P1.2 million to P2.8 million.
Overall, about P19.7 million were removed from the budget proposal for next year, reports add and these came from the said five departments.
The SP has been racing to complete the approval of the budget for 2025 as the year is about to end.