July inflation at 1.3% Lowest in 5 months
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, (PIA)—Average inflation rate in Bohol sagged to an all-time low of 1.3 percent, a deceleration which the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Bohol noted since March of this year.
According to PSA Bohol chief supervising statistician Jessamyne Anne Alcazaren, July’s 1.3 percent inflation is a further slowing down of the 1.5 percent average inflation in June this year, while the inflation rate in July 2024 was 4.9 percent.
It may be recalled that since March of this year, when the inflation rate peaked at 2.9 percent, it slowed to 2.0 percent in April, to 1.7 percent in May and 1.5 percent in June.
The slow year-on-year movement of the prices of heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages, education services and personal care and miscellaneous goods have been the main sources of the deceleration, Alcazaren said.
For the deceleration of the inflation rate, PSA Alcazaren said the sources of the slowing down include food and non-alcoholic beverages (-2.0 % in June to -2.7%) top-billed by cereals and cereal products at 14.0 to -15.0, fruits and nuts at 5.3% to -2.1% and meat and other parts of slaughtered animals from 11.5% to 9.9% in July.
PSA said another cause of the inflation rate slow-down in July is education services (6.7% in June to 0.7%) specifically on early childhood and primary education (15.5% to 0.0%), secondary education from 9.1% to 1.3 percent in July and tertiary education from 0.3% to 0.0 percent.
Third main source of deceleration is personal care and miscellaneous goods and services which was at 1.8% in June to 1.1% in July billed by other appliances, articles and products for personal care at 1.7% percent to 0.9 percent in July.
Food and non alcoholic beverages own up 65.2% of the inflation share, education services weigh 28.7 % and miscellaneous care and miscellaneous goods and services weight 6.1%, she said.
At that, food inflation in Bohol in July slackened further to -3.0% from -2.2% in June 2025.
This is mainly caused by a lower inflation in meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals which registered an 11.9% in June to 9.9% in July.
Contributing to the deceleration is the faster negative inflation in rice (-16.3% to -17.5%); ready-made food and other food products (-0.9% to -1.6%) and vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses (from -10.3% to -10.4%).
This brought to -2.8 the inflation rate for the bottom 30% income households, which is an improvement of the -2.4 inflation rate in June 2025.
Main sources of the deceleration for the July inflation is food and non-alcoholic beverages from -4.7% to -5.4%, personal care and miscellaneous goods and services for, 1.7% to 0.8% and education services from 5.6 to 1.1%.
Top contributors to the July inflation are rice (-17.1% to -18.5%), vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses (-9.3 to -9.1), fuels, lubricants for personal transport equipment (-8.0 to -6.1), corn (-21.9 to -20.6) and fruits and nuts (4.4 to -3.6). (PIABohol)
Bohol grows at 0.33 % annually, Population now at 1.41M – PSA
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—Population grew by 1.31 percent in the last four years, ballooning at an average of 0.33 percent annually, that, from 1,394,329 on 2020, there are now 1,412,726 Boholanos, according to the latest census by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
According PSA Bohol Chief Supervising statistician Jessamyne Anne Alcazaren, as of July 1, 2024, the data they gathered showed that the 1,412,726 is 18,397 more than the May 1, 2020 data when there were only 1,394,329 Boholanos counted.
At this, Tagbilaran City remains to be the local government unit with the largest population at 106,120, followed by Ubay at 82,179 and then by neighboring town Talibon at 71,450.
Dauis came in strong fourth at 53,864, Carmen at 50,249 and Tubigon at 49,275 in sixth.
Seventh most populous town is Inabanga at 49,133, then Loon at 43,857, Panglao at ninth with 41,760 and then Trinidad at 37,191.
On the other hand, the least populous towns ate Sikatuna with 7,031 as of last count, Corella at 9,889, and San Isidro on third at 10,228.
Fourth is Sevilla with 11,425, fifth is Lila with 11,450 and sixth is Alburquerque at 11,489.
Seventh is Batuan with 14,423 residents, eighth is Antequera at 14,881, ninth is Dimiao at 14,894 and tenth is Loboc at 17,338.
As to most populous barangays, Tagbilaran City owns six of the record: First with Cogon at 15,171, Dao at 10,799, third is Dampas at 9,902, fouth is Booy at 9,471, 6th with Manga at 7,662, seventh is Bool with 7,411.
Fifth in the most populous barangays is Totolan in Dauis at 8,292, eighth is San Jose in Talibon at 7,338, ninth is Danao in Panglao at 7-085 while 10th is San Francisco Talibon at 6,954.
For the least populous barangays, four barangays in Loon are in the list: first with Tiwi owning up 88 as of last count, Tan-awan with 111, 9th with Quinobcoban at 167 and 10th with Bagacay Saong with 168.
Third in the list os Bil-isan in Dimiao at 137, fourth at Malinao Wesr Lila with 139, fifth with Villa Anunciado in Danao with 157 and Boyog Proper in Balilihan at 157.
Seventh in the lsit is Estaca in Garcia Hernandez ay 163, eighth is Kagawasan in Batuan.
DTI Bohol pilots MBSAP For retail entrepreneurs
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—In recognition to the critical role retailers and micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME) play in the local economies, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol, in partnership with local government units bring out customized variety of services in the package of Microbusiness Sustainability and Adaptability Program (MBSAP).
It is designed to empower small-scale entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive market by focusing on sustainability and advancement, this program helps micro-businesses build resilience, foster innovation, and drive growth, according to DTI Bohol Provincial Director Vierna Teresa Ligan.
Through mentorship by experts in the business, networking and suited workshops according to the identified needs of MSMEs, we wish to empower small businesses for brighter future, by boosting their resilience, driving growth, and unlocking their success.
Now piloted in Clarin, Getafe and Loay, the MBSAP was conceptualized because the DTI noted specific need for MSMEs which could not join other DTI assistance programs, bared Carlo Escobilla, DTI trade and industry specialist.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa PIA, Escobilla said years of community work and business assistance has showed the DTI that there has to be special attention given to micro entrepreneurs who make retail available to families in communities.
The people who do not usually join the mainstream clients of DTI also deserve to get the help to make their businesses adapt and sustain, Escobilla said.
From them, we conceptualized an assistance program that, with the partnership of LGUs offer to them the fundamental skills and business sense needed to keep their investments going, he added.
For these people, we have Sari-Saring Programa para sa sarisaring problema sa mga Sari-sari stores, he shared, citing the ease of name recall.
In the program, with LGUS, the DTI and the local investments promotions offices with their business counselors offer free training and capacity building which is comprised of 3 months of lectures and 2 months of implementation of their learning, where the MSMEs get to be introduced to the fundamental concepts of business management, sales, marketing, accounting and human resource management.
Here, participating MSMES learn basic business recording on the ins and outs of money, one of the most critical factors in business sustainability.
The program also allows participating MSMEs to establish business access and market linkages where they can earn the privileges from major distributors and enjoy benefits for wholesale customers.
The partnership also automatically gets their business registered, which legitimizes their small businesses and opens to them access to the government and private sector’s loan programs and grants, he added.
With DTI mentorship, MSMEs can get into product development trainings to make sure their new products come up to the high global standards for usability and aesthetics.
MBSAP also lets the beneficiary some access to financing with the DTI connection through the SB Corporation, he said.
To be handled by the DTI and the local Negosyo Centers and its business counselors with the local investment promotions office, MBSAP also entails the LGU allocating funds for the training requirements of the participants as well as business starting capital after the participant graduates.
Graduates of the MBSAP training component will receive livelihood kits as incentive for completing the program, while LGUs also present their unique way of support through traveling allowances for entrepreneurs in the program, so they can attend the weekly lectures, Escobilla said. (PIABohol)
SARISARI’NG PROGRAMA. DTI, together with LGUS, pilot in three Bohol municipalities a program that serves the distinct needs of micro entrepreneurs through mentoring, network and linkages, product development assistance and financing access. The program is set to make retail businesses sustain and adapt to the times, according to DTI TIDS Carlo Escobilla (PIABohol)
TESDA WCO pools job chances for local, overseas work Aug 27
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, (PIA)—This August 27, alumni from technical vocational and training institutions who still seek for work, and those unemployed or underemployed Boholanos get a chance to shop for jobs during the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) as offered by the country’s technical vocational education and skills training institution.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and with the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO), in celebration of TESDA’s 31st anniversary, brings in a jobs facilitation and linkaging with companies both local and overseas at the Bohol Cultural Center from 8:00-4:00 PM Wednesday.
The jobs fair participated in by local and overseas placement companies, also packs into it application for free assessment and certification, while participated in by national government agencies, technical vocational training providers and even actual skills demonstrations, shares TESDA Bohol Provincial Director Carlito Quintano.
At the recent Kapihan sa PIA, Quintano and Assessment Officer Razell Pagaran said while the event lets employers and job seekers meet, it also facilitates the competency assessment and certification of workers.
While technical vocational trainings are now handled by accredited training institutes, graduates need to pass the competency certification which earns them the standard national competency, which is a minimum standard for work skill proof.
On the other hand, worker who may not necessarily get the trainings but have gained the skills through years of experience can get the Competency Assessment and Certification for Workers (CACW) which grants documentary proof of competency to present to employers, Pagaran added.
CACW is a program of TESDA designed to assess and certify individuals in specific vocational skills. This certification not only enhances employability but also validates the proficiency of workers in their respective fields.
Those joining the fair however needs to pre-register at the municipal Public Employment and Placement Offices (PESO) or at the Capitol’s BEPO or online at https://bit.ly/pgbh-tesdajobfair2025, to be spared from the long queues which the organizers expect.
After preregistration, TESDA urges potential job applicants to reproduce as much of their employment documents so they can apply for many companies, to get an even higher chance of getting hired. (PIABohol)
PRE REGISTER, says TESDA Bohol Director Carlito Quintano, for job seekers and TVI alumni who would be joining the WCO on Wednesday, August 27 at the Bohol Cultural Center where domestic and overseas placement companies aspire to find local skilled workers to fill in their vacancies. (PIABohol)
Buenavista mayor mulls power crisis declaration amid unstable electricity supply
Residents of Buenavista, Bohol reportedly continue to suffer from frequent brownouts and unstable electricity supply, prompting Mayor Dave Duallo to consider declaring a power crisis.
Duallo confirmed in a radio interview with dyTR News and in a Facebook post on Aug. 17 that he is weighing the move, citing persistent outages and damaging power surges. “Gamay na lang kulang, mo-declare na ta og POWER CRISIS sa Buenavista,” he wrote, a post that has since gained hundreds of reactions, comments and shares.
The mayor said fluctuations in high and low voltage have already damaged household appliances and business equipment.
Frustrated residents took to social media to air their grievances, with one saying their television, speakers and electric fans were destroyed, while another reported a broken air-conditioning unit.
Duallo stressed that the unreliable power supply is disrupting livelihoods and daily activities, calling for immediate action from distributors and government agencies.
Sagbayan mayor disputes Ombudsman dismissal order
Sagbayan Mayor Restituto “JunJun” Suarez III on Wednesday rejected the Office of the Ombudsman’s ruling dismissing him and several other municipal officials from service over alleged grave misconduct.
In an official statement, Suarez denied any wrongdoing, saying grave misconduct requires proof of corruption or willful violation of the law, which he said were absent in his case.
“I have consistently upheld integrity, dedication and transparency in public service,” Suarez said, adding that his reelection without opposition in the last elections showed continued trust from his constituents.
The mayor said he will exhaust all available legal remedies to challenge the Ombudsman’s decision.
He urged his supporters to remain hopeful as he seeks due process and fairness in the proceedings.
Capitol Officials Meet Agencies on Child Protection, Anti-Trafficking Efforts
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado met Tuesday with members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-7 and Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACAT-7 VAWC) to discuss stronger measures against trafficking, gender-based violence, and online sexual exploitation of children.
The Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government presented initiatives, including reports on fishermen lured to distant provinces with false job promises and a case of a foreign national allegedly abusing a minor with parental consent.
Board Member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor, author of the province’s Anti-OSAEC ordinance, urged communities to report abuse, particularly in the tourism sector. Officials also emphasized the need for barangay-level referral systems, accessible education materials on women and child protection laws, and psychosocial support for survivors.
Advocates said local governments and even beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program should be made more aware of laws safeguarding children and women from abuse.
Man Arrested in Clarin, Bohol Buy-Bust Operation
Police arrested a 35-year-old man in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bacani on Aug. 15, 2025, authorities said.
The suspect was identified as Jomar Cequiña, a resident of Barangay Centro, Clarin.
Police said Cequiña sold suspected shabu worth 500 pesos to an undercover officer around 3 p.m.
When searched, Cequiña was found with two additional sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 0.16 grams and valued at 1,088 pesos based on the standard drug price, police said.
He is facing charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Two of Region’s Most Wanted Arrested in Separate Operations
Authorities have arrested two of the region’s most wanted individuals in separate operations last week.
Police served a warrant on Aug. 15 against Miguel Platino, 38, of Alicia, Bohol, the region’s fourth most wanted person, on multiple counts of statutory rape and lascivious conduct under Republic Act 7610.
The court denied him bail for statutory rape, while recommending bail of P200,000 for each count of lascivious conduct and P120,000 for statutory rape by sexual assault.
In another operation on Aug. 18, tracker teams arrested the region’s third most wanted person, a woman facing syndicated estafa charges under the Revised Penal Code and Presidential Decree 1689.
She was found inside the Davao City Jail’s female dormitory and remains in BJMP custody without bail.
Bohol governor’s office awaits Ombudsman decision on Captains Peak case
The Bohol provincial government has yet to receive an official copy of the Ombudsman’s ruling on the controversial Captains Peak issue in Sagbayan, Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay said.
In a radio interview with DYTR, Lagunay confirmed that the Office of the Governor has not been formally furnished a copy of the Ombudsman’s decision but has received information that several officials were charged, dismissed from service, or cleared in relation to the case.
Reports indicate that Sagbayan Mayor Restituto Suarez III and two municipal employees were dismissed, along with 14 officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who were found liable for gross neglect of duty.
Lagunay said the province is waiting for the official decision and is following up with the Ombudsman’s office.
High-value drug suspect arrested in Ubay buy-bust
Police in Ubay arrested a high-value drug suspect in a buy-bust operation last week, seizing more than P1.1 million worth of suspected shabu.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jay Aris Palmero, 30, of Barangay Poblacion, Ubay.
He was apprehended in Barangay Fatima during a sting operation led by Capt. Amelito Melloria and the municipal drug enforcement team.
Police said they recovered about 170 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P1,156,000.
Palmero faces charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
No cloud seeding request filed yet in Bohol despite drought worries
The Bohol provincial government has yet to receive any formal request from farmer irrigators for cloud seeding operations despite reports of cracked rice fields and declining water levels in irrigation dams.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas said in a DyTR News interview that cloud seeding can only be pursued if farmer irrigator associations formally request it through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
“So far, no such request has been filed,” he said.
Farmers in several towns have reported cracks in their fields due to the dry spell, worsened by below-normal water levels at Malinao Dam in Pilar.
However, Pamugas noted that some rice growers also observed light rains this week.
While cloud seeding remains off the table, the provincial government is expanding support programs to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
Under its Vegetable Corridor Project, the towns of Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Sierra Bullones, Valencia and Garcia Hernandez have received aid such as water supply systems, seeds, fertilizers and marketing support.
A Food Innovation Center, established in partnership with Bohol Island State University, is also helping farmers turn surplus vegetables into processed goods to generate additional income after harvest.
Ubay remains the province’s top rice producer, while Bilar, Calape and Sierra Bullones lead in vegetable production.
Provincial officials said these programs are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Bohol’s agriculture and fisheries sector remains resilient, competitive and able to supply food for future generations.
Youth group in Bohol lauds young people’s role in social change
A youth organization in Bohol praised young people for their continued social involvement as the world marked International Youth Day.
Kabataan for Change (KFC) said many young Filipinos remain committed to driving change in their communities and supporting efforts toward social progress.
“The youth are the strength and the hope of the country,” the group said in a statement, adding that unity and collective action can help achieve a just and brighter future.
KFC cited the role of young people as a vital force in bringing positive change and vowed to continue programs promoting volunteerism, leadership and youth empowerment.
International Youth Day, spearheaded by the United Nations, recognizes the contributions of youth in advancing social progress.