On any given day, Atty. Edgar Chatto would be at Victoria Farm in Sal-ing, Balilihan, showing off harvested eggs, growing chicken, ducks, and tilapia to visitors.
This is apart from appointments with various sectors asking for his advice on specific concerns.
Just this week, he welcomed the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Bohol Council, which he currently chairs, during a meeting held at the farm.
(Boy Scouts of the Philippines Bohol Chapter Council Executive Board Meeting, February 17, 2026)
He also continues to chair the Philippine Red Cross-Bohol Chapter.
(Philippine Red Cross meeting, December 2025)
One could say, the former governor and congressman, kept to his word that public service is a lifetime commitment, contributing to the province’s growth and development, this time as a private citizen.
Certainly, he has come a long way. His leadership spanned decades, beginning as youth leader, serving as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as Kabataang Barangay Provincial Federated President to Balilihan mayor to vice governor, congressman, governor and a second stint as congressman.
(Chatto, youth leader)
Marked by good governance, his excellence in leadership brought Bohol to great heights with plans and programs anchored on Health, Education, Agriculture, Information Technology (HEAT IT).
(HEAT IT Bohol caravan)
His vision for growth and development, dovetailing on initiatives in Healthcare, Education and Poverty Reduction, became his legacies.
The largest investment for health which Chatto initiated, the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center, had its soft opening and has begun catering to heart patients with plans to operationalize lung, liver, as well as cancer services this year.
(Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Cortes)
This is over and above programs modernizing Gallares Tagbilaran and the province’s district hospitals, establishment of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) School of Medicine, strengthening primary health care through the Purok Power Movement and institutionalization of the Telephone and Radio Integrated Emergency Response (TaRSIER117).
(Photo courtesy of BISU SOM/FB)
Among major innovations in education was the creation of BISU as a state university through Republic Act 9722; partnerships with the Department of Education in Turo-Turismo, Eskwela Agrikultura and ICT training schools for Secondary Education; adoption of the Dynamic Learning Program; establishment of the Education Center; expansion of the Special Program for the Employment of Students through Republic Act 9547; Carlos P. Garcia Scholarship and Education Subsidy; and school building and infrastructure support, among others.
(Bohol Island State University)
(Lourdes National High School, Turo-Turismo pilot school)
To bring down poverty, growth industries were identified. These include agriculture, tourism and information technology.
Chatto successfully lobbied for investments in fiber optics connectivity that opened the Business Process Outsourcing sector.
(Opening of Genpact Services at Tagbilaran IT Hub 2, February 2025)
He also relentlessly pursued energy development through the One Bohol Power that enabled land based emergency power as well as the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
(NGCP Interconnection)
(One Bohol Power Land-based backup power)
Throughout his tenure, Bohol hurdled the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, Typhoon Yolanda and the Inabanga Siege, leaving lessons on resilience, ensuring governance systems and processes are in place.
He set up crucial government offices such as the Department of Foreign Affairs Full Consular Office and the Professional Regulation Commission to bring services closer to the people.
In legislation, he authored the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act 9593, which serves as the Bible of Philippine tourism, paved the way for the funding of tourism convergence roads across the country and established the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). He further passed laws operationalizing Climate Change action.
Although he is now away from the public service limelight, big ticket projects he initiated have been game changers as far as the province’s progress. These include the Bohol Panglao International Airport,
Bohol Provincial Capitol,
National Museum-Bohol. Some remain a priority such as the Panglao – Tagbilaran Offshore Bridge Connector Project
and the Hall of Justice Tagbilaran City.
On his 66th birthday, well wishes are aplenty for the well loved and respected leader:
Daddy/Ingks, Happy 66th birthday! You have given more than half of your life, all of 43 years, in the service of the Boholanos and even beyond. Now it’s your time to shine in the serenity of private life! Watching you enjoy the simpler things in life- , going to bed early and rising up late, breathing fresh air in the farm, counting your chickens and your hogs, fishing tilapia, collecting plastic bottles to recycle for your hanging veggies, eating balot from your ducks, tinkering your celfone for some short telenovelas or googling for new tips on farming, having lengthy chats at our dinner table and more- is truly a blessing and simple joys for us, too!
We pray that God will give you good health, protect you from harm, and bless you always with wisdom, energy and passion to still help others even in the comforts of our home!
– Pureza and Trisha
Happy Birthday, Chairman Edgar M. Chatto!
Your steadfast leadership from 2010 to the present has been a guiding light for our Chapter and the people we serve. Through the years, your vision, humility, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service have inspired countless volunteers, staff, and partners to serve with compassion and integrity. You have shown us that true leadership is measured not by position, but by impact—by lives touched, hope restored, and communities made stronger.
On this special day, we celebrate not only your birthday but also the legacy of service you continue to build. May you be blessed with good health, renewed strength, and the same passion that has driven you to lead with heart for many years. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration and hope. Happy Birthday, Chairman!
– Emman Pilayre, Administrator, Philippine Red Cross – Bohol
Warmest birthday greetings to the Council Chairman of the BSP Bohol Council.
Thank you for your steadfast leadership, guidance and unwavering support to the Movement.
May this year bring you continued strength, wisdom, and more opportunities to inspire young leaders. Happy Birthday, Sir!
– Hermes Angoy, Boy Scouts of the Philippines Council Executive
From all of us at Kasing Sining, we extend our warm BIRTHDAY greetings and sincere gratitude to one of our cultural champions, whose genuine support for the arts gave many of us the courage and space to create.
Your belief in artists and cultural work made a real difference—not only in our performances, but in the lives of the communities we serve.
– Gardy Labad, Culture and Arts Prime Mover
The teaching and non-teaching personnel of Balilihan District want to extend our warmest birthday wishes to a special person who has greatly supported our learners in obtaining quality education.
Your inspiration, dedication, and commitment have pushed every Balilihanon learner to work harder and achieve their goals with determination and confidence. Your service has created a meaningful and lasting impact on our schools and community.
As you celebrate your special day, we share our heartfelt wishes and prayers for your continued good health, long life, and renewed strength to keep doing valuable work and helping others.
Happy Birthday, Atty. Edgar M. Chatto! May God continue to bless you abundantly.
– PSDS Dr. Clemente Intong, Jr.
To our ever-supportive Atty. Edgar M. Chatto,
Happy, Happy Birthday!
May your special day be filled with love, joy, and celebration. Thank you for your selfless service to our beloved Bohol and for always uplifting Boholano Talents. We’re grateful for leaders like you who make a difference in our community.
Warmest birthday wishes from Koro Seraphim Family
Best birthday wishes, Boss EMC. Thank you so much for the humility, dedication and leadership that has shaped Bohol to what it is now… Happy Birthday to a great mentor!
– Aldner Damalerio, Former Board Member
To you Cong….Happy Birthday, God bless…💖💕 Happy birthday from Barangay Health Workers Federation of the Province of Bohol. God bless always and forever we love you Cong.
– Judith Bonhayag, Former BHW President, Bohol
(Chatto with Barangay Health Workers)
Happiest birthday Cong. Chatto. More years to celebrate. God speed. Amping kanunay Cong.
– Natividad Torevillas, BHW Dauis
Happy happy birthday Cong. Edgar M. Chatto. More years to come and good health always. God bless. Enjoy your special day. Greetings from all Barangay Officials of Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol and all the people of Libjo.
– From ABC and BHW Pres. Eugenia S. Patenio
Happy birthday Cong.Chatto! Enjoy your special day. Greetings from all Barangay Health Workers of Calape.
To you Cong…Happy Birthday, God bless….
– Juliet Coquilla, BHW Antequera
Blessed birthday Cong.Chatto. may the Good Lord shower you with more blessings and good health..Stay strong..God bless.. from: BHWs of Baclayon…
-Blessila Gonzaga Cuajao, BHW President, Baclayon
Happiest birthday Cong. Chatto May the Lord bless you with more healthy years ahead and may He guide and protect you all the time. Wishing you good health always from the BHWs of Loon.
– Margie Cataluna
Boss Edgar,
As you celebrate your birthday, may you marvel at the wonderful journey that you have taken together with the grateful Bol-anons who have witnessed the legacy of your unparalleled brand of leadership.
Excellence. Mentorship. Compassion.
May the cool breeze of a sunny day and the cozy pace of a moonlit night be your reward for a life well-lived in the service of others as we wish you many more blissful years ahead.
Happy birthday Boss Edgar
– Atty. Abel Damalerio, Former Board Member, Former Chief of Staff
Warmest birthday greetings to Atty. Edgar M. Chatto! On your special day, we honor not only your years of dedicated public service in Bohol but also the inspiration you continue to give to the youth. Your leadership as former Governor and First District Congressman has shown young Boholanos that integrity, humility, and hard work remain the true foundations of meaningful success. Through your example, many young people are encouraged to serve, to lead with compassion, and to love their province with pride. May your life continue to guide and empower the next generation to pursue excellence and public service with purpose. Happy Birthday, Ingko!
– Kabataan For Change
Happy Birthday, Boss EMC! From our time working together, I carry your integrity and inspiration – reflecting on great memories and your lasting impact. Here’s to health, peace, and beautiful moments ahead!
– Grace Paña, Former Congress Staff
To a leader who lit the path with wisdom and kindness: happy birthday Boss! Your influence continues to echo in the way I strive and grow. May this year bring you the same greatness you’ve inspired in others.
– Mary Paña, Former Congress Staff
Happy Birthday, Boss EMC! From our time working together, I carry your integrity and inspiration – reflecting on great memories and your lasting impact. Here’s to health, peace, and beautiful moments ahead!
– Grace Noog, Former Congress Staff
Happy birthday, Chair Edgar Chatto!
On behalf of the staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, we extend our heartfelt greetings and sincere appreciation for your remarkable leadership and service as former Chairperson of the Committee on Climate Change.
Your stewardship of the Committee was marked by vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to advancing meaningful climate action. Under your guidance, we were able to pass several measures on 3rd Reading and a law which enabled the Philippines to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board which seeks to provide financial assistance to developing countries that were most affected by the impacts of climate change.
As you celebrate your 66th birthday, may you continue to be blessed with good health, personal fulfillment, and many more years of impactful endeavors.
With highest esteem and warmest regards,
Rommel M. Reyes, House of Representatives Acting Service Director and Committee Secretary
Happy birthday Cong. Chatto, my indefatigable former Chairperson who is always passionate in everything he does and constantly reading the pulse of the nation. More Blessings to you, Sir!
-From Glenda Daco, Acting Committee Secretary, Committee on Land Use