Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado on has outlined an ambitious agenda for his second term, prioritizing agricultural reform and food security while addressing mounting environmental problems here.
The 43-year-old governor, who secured a landslide victory in May’s midterm elections, cited agriculture and food security as central themes for his next three years in office.
His inaugural address comes as Bohol continues to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigate controversial development pressures on its natural landmarks.
Aumentado reported certain economic achievements during his first term, including a reduction in the poverty rate from 19% during the pandemic’s peak to 14.8% in 2024.
He said the province also saw inflation decline from 5.1% in May 2024 to 1.7% in May 2025, according to the governor’s office.
The economic improvements occurred despite challenges including Aumentado’s temporary suspension in May 2024 due to the controversial Captain’s Peak resort construction in the protected Chocolate Hills area. The Ombudsman reinstated him to his post in August 2024, with the governor saying the decision proved his innocence.
Central to Aumentado’s second-term agenda is a comprehensive overhaul of agricultural programs.
The governor plans to enhance food production and aquaculture to ensure sufficient food supply despite climate challenges, while expanding the rice buy-back program to make it more inclusive and institutionalizing it through a provincial ordinance to lower fish prices.
His agenda also includes boosting business process outsourcing (BPO) growth through talent development and industry-ready training, alongside improved internet connectivity.
The governor also signed an executive order creating an Executive Planning Committee to review and overhaul existing agricultural plans and programs.
Aumentado outlined plans to maximize the impact of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport to boost tourism while developing the “Metro Bohol” vision for sustainable urban development.
The strategy includes promoting responsible property development and attracting investors while preserving the province’s natural beauty.
The governor wanted spreading Bohol’s brand as a geopark and regenerative island.
The Captain’s Peak resort controversy, which led to the facility’s closure in March 2024 amid public outcry over environmental damage to the protected Chocolate Hills, has clearly influenced Aumentado’s approach to development.
He acknowledged the province faces mounting threats from climate change, pollution, and reckless development.
The local government has since enforced stricter approval processes for new developments, with the Protected Area Management Board taking a more cautious approach, according to industry sources.
Looking ahead, Aumentado signed an executive order creating a Local Organizing Committee to prepare Bohol for hosting the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) in 2028, reflecting ambitions to raise the province’s regional profile.
Aumentado’s landslide victory in the May 2025 elections secured his second consecutive term as governor, providing him with a strong mandate despite the previous year’s controversy.
His wife, Vanessa Aumentado, serves as the province’s second district representative, while his political party, Abante Bohol, has expanded its influence across the province.
The governor cited themes of unity and service in his inaugural address, reflecting on leadership lessons learned during his first term’s challenges.
He stressed the importance of remaining “rooted, focused on service, and connected with the people”.