Vision for Bohol is motivating factor and guide of Cong. Edgar Chatto for seeking public office.
This he bared on Friday’s Your Voice, Our Choice candidate’s forum organized by the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chatto, in his bid for last term as representative of the first district, said he intends to complete what has been started in health care and education along with interventions for sustained growth through strategic pillars of agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and information technology.
Chatto said that he wants to expand the breadth of opportunities so that whoever will be next generation of leaders, “we are sure to hit the top because we started right, planned together and worked together and realized dreams.”
Chatto also shared insights on various issues that concern Boholanos.
On the prevalence of red tide at the Tagbilaran City and Dauis bays, he said solutions are being explored to address both environmental concerns and mobility between the areas.
He noted options to expand the length of present bridges for wider opening of water ways with the upcoming third bridge making way for such expansions to be undertaken.
The target timeline for the third bridge now under French Government funding is between 2018-2028.
On waste management, he pointed to the sustainability of implementation, maintenance and operations of the Albur Landfill.
He cited that its construction was a full grant through the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and its operations and maintenance hinge on the meeting of minds of the now 18 LGUs to expand the facility’s lifeline.
On the other hand, a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study on wastewater management may be revisited by the Provincial Government to address sewage treatment needs in Alona and Panglao. This he said was a component of the JICA-assisted Bohol Panglao International Airport project implemented when he was governor.
He also mentioned needing the assistance of the Tagbilaran City Government in the implementation of a wastewater treatment facility that is part of the budgeted and ongoing flood control project in Peñaflor area.
The provincial government during Chatto’s time as governor also passed a provincial ordinance on the water and sanitation code requiring businesses to their own wastewater treatment.
Several concerns were raised for the tourism sector. These include Balicasag Island regulations, whale shark interaction, spreading tourism benefits across sectors, as well as investments.
Chatto emphasized that legislation is being studied to define the management of Balicasag island.
Historically, the island was placed in conservation by the Philippine Navy due to the presence of its watch tower to guide vessels while the island’s territorial jurisdiction is Panglao.
The island has since been under the Philippine Coast Guard.
Chatto said there had been an attempt at harmonizing National Government Agency (NGA) and Local Government Unit (LGU) roles in the island, almost reaching an agreement.
He underscored that carrying capacity is critical alongside livelihood and sustainability of the island through continuous collaboration and education.
In relation to marine resources, Chatto underscored the importance of regulations in whale shark interaction activities.
“Technically interaction for tourism with natural environment is not prohibited,” he stated but emphasized that tourism should not sacrifice environment.
Whale shark interaction activities in Bohol, Oslob and Donsol should be looked into, considering science based restrictions to protect the whale shark along with livelihood aspects.
A uniform policy agreed on by stakeholders including tourism, environment and local government agencies can be the direction to strike a balance with environmental protection and tourism benefits, he added.
Meanwhile, Chatto considers the prevalence of alleged illegal foreign ownership and labor as an enforcement issue.
He emphasized that national government can be supported by local government in this concern.
An example would be the checking of possible violations during business application and renewal processes.
This was also a major factor for putting up national offices such as the Bureau of Immigration and Department of Foreign Affairs here.
He also noted that Congress with its oversight function can look into existing laws that need better implementation or amendment, where agencies can be called upon after proper information is obtained.
Moreover, Chatto stressed that the spread of economic benefits was top of mind when crafting the Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.
The purpose of creating TIEZA was for infrastructure to support linkages, highlighting road development towards tourism sites.
He also said continuous education and training for supply of tourism products is important as well as LGUs’ investment in tourism site development.
Republic Act No. 9446, which Chatto also authored, declaring Bohol as an eco cultural tourism zone combined with RA 9593 can be the basis for lobbying projects relating to tourism development.
Chatto also crafted a legislation creating the BISU Tourism and Sports Institute to develop sports and medical tourism.
In his final statement, Chatto expressed gratitude to BCCI for the opportunity to present himself as well as his plans and priorities that focus on economic growth and development as well as priority areas.