By DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
Two Bohol mayors have mounted a vigorous defense of the original P2.3-billion Regional Cultural Hub during a Dec. 10, 2025 radio interview, challenging what they called unfounded opposition and calling for the national government project to proceed as initially designed rather than be downgraded to a simple viewing deck.
Lila Mayor Atty. Arturo Jed Piollo and Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva told DYTR’s Open Forum host Ardy Araneta Batoy that the facility is a critical investment in Bohol’s creative economy and should not be abandoned because of factors they characterized as lacking scientific basis.
“This is a gift to the Boholanos, especially for the youth,” Piollo said. “It’s a huge honor for Bohol to push the original intent of this facility funded by the national government. The national government noted that Bohol is rich in culture and the arts, but these haven’t been given the proper opportunity. They should be groomed.”
The interview revealed growing tensions between local officials over the controversial project planned for Mt. Banat-i Hill in barangay Bool, with the mayors directly criticizing both the Tagbilaran city government and what they described as the silence of the project’s original proponents.
Both mayors framed the Regional Cultural Hub as essential infrastructure for developing Bohol’s untapped creative potential in an emerging global market.
“We all know that the creative market is an emerging market where the Philippines has been left behind,” Piollo said. “This would make a huge difference to cultivate the creativity of the youth through arts and culture. There’s no other avenue to do that if we don’t put the Regional Cultural Hub in our province.”
Piollo said the facility should function as a comprehensive training institution, not merely a tourist attraction.
“This is not just something we’ll use as decoration. This is a school. It’s where our minds will be molded. It’s actually a big investment for youth that can give them a better future,” he said.
Oliva agreed, saying the facility would provide the province’s first significant platform for young artists to develop their skills and talents.
“It will provide a huge contribution and impact to our youth. They will get a platform where they can develop their creativity, enhance their skills and talents,” Oliva said. “As of now, there is no existing facility where the youth can develop their creativity or any platform where they can develop artistic and cultural skills and talents.”
Piollo revealed the government has already invested heavily in planning and preliminary work for the project.
“The planning stage has been completed. The government even spent P15 million on designs to make clear the study. They turned out to be feasible environmentally,” Piollo said.
He challenged critics to match the scientific rigor of the project’s approval process.
“Why should we give in to people whose fears are unfounded? We have evidence in science that can support why these permits were approved,” Piollo said. “I just wish and hope this will be pursued because if those who oppose this want to challenge it, let them present their facts and then let our scientists debate them. Don’t involve the project.”
The project has received environmental clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) following environmental impact assessments.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran unanimously passed a resolution supporting the project after a public hearing that specifically addressed environmental issues raised by Tagbilaran Baywatch, an environmental watchdog organization.
Despite these approvals, opposition has emerged, with critics proposing that Banat-i Hill be declared a protected geological site and citing issues about potential flooding and geological impacts.
The interview exposed tensions between different levels of government over who is responsible for the proposed downgrade.
Oliva said he exchanged messages with Gov. Aris Aumentado the previous evening and was told the city government was pushing to downgrade the project.
“According to Gov. Aris, it’s the city government that has been wanting to downgrade this program, this project,” Oliva said. “So I told the governor, ‘Let’s continue this, Gov. Let them complain. First of all, it’s not their land. It’s not their project. And the city government hasn’t really done anything for cultural arts.'”
Oliva said he pledged to help Aumentado lobby for funding to complete the project.
“I told the governor, ‘I will help you, Gov. We’re a team on this. Let’s get funding. Let’s call the NCCA and the DPWH so this can be included in the National Program for 2027,'” Oliva said.
The mayor said he also exchanged messages with Rep. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, who suggested calling another meeting to discuss the issue.
“He said it would be better to call a meeting and invite me to that gathering. I said I have no problem with that meeting, but if the city people are just going to use as their basis for downgrading the project without being geotechnical engineers, architects or environmental planners — if we have no background in this and we have no science, we have no proof, but they have proof and documents from residents in the area, then let it be that we don’t continue it,” Oliva said.
Both mayors strongly criticized what they characterized as decisions based on social media pressure rather than scientific evidence.
“But if your only proof is your speculation, your only reference is Facebook posts and messages comparing us to Cebu, maybe your decision is enrolled based on social media. Is that how our governance is now done and shaped just because of what we compare to the celebration of what happened in Cebu?” Oliva said, referring to recent flooding incidents in Cebu province that opponents have cited as cautionary examples.
Piollo questioned why the project should be abandoned after rigorous studies and substantial investment.
“All the concerns have been addressed. Why do we need to surrender to people carrying unfounded concerns when science can help allay concerns? The same science was used when permits were applied for and approved for the RCH,” he said.
When asked about the silence of the project’s original proponents — particularly architect Niño Guidaben and culture guru Gardy Labad — both mayors expressed frustration.
“That’s also my point in my post. I really called on our artists in culture and arts to speak out because if we don’t speak, we’ll be defeated by our politicians in Bohol who are not oriented in culture and arts,” Oliva said. “So we who are advocates, we’re on the frontline defending these proposals, speaking on the radio, posting about the benefits for our youth.”
Piollo said he shared Oliva’s view and stressed the need for public discussion about the project’s actual content and purpose.
When asked what the Regional Cultural Hub would actually contain, Piollo explained why reducing it to a viewing deck would defeat its purpose.
“Like what Mayor Benji said earlier, if we just make this a viewing deck, it defeats the purpose. That’s not the intention with a viewing deck,” Piollo said. “Let’s continue with it. It can really add to our province in Bohol. We can make a gallery for the artworks of our people and our artists. We can hold their activities where they can be taught and enhance their skills. And especially if you’re an artist, it’s really nice to have a distant view because that’s how your creativity comes out. That’s the real purpose why it is situated there.”
The facility was designed to include exhibition spaces, training facilities, a theater and educational programs for creative and cultural workers.
Proponents have said Bohol currently lacks adequate exhibition spaces where artists can display their work and reach wider audiences.
Oliva noted the urgent timeline for securing funding, noting that the 2027 national budget faces a March deadline.
“We are preparing for the 2027 national budget because there will be a deadline in March. If we delay, we’ll be the reason it doesn’t happen,” Oliva said. “The provincial and city government should call a meeting about this. This is a gift for the advocates of culture and arts.”
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the implementing agency, has indicated it lacks sufficient funds to complete the development, according to environmental watchdog Tagbilaran Baywatch. The project has already spent P135 million on foundation work.
The controversy has ignited questions about consistency in Bohol’s environmental governance.
Critics note that while city officials now champion environmental protection of Banat-i Hill, various infrastructure developments were previously permitted on the site before preservation became a stated priority.
Environmental advocates have pointed to the city’s incomplete Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the recently announced Drainage Masterplan as evidence that environmental protection has not been systematically integrated into city planning.
Critics also cite what they characterize as inconsistent environmental policies, noting the city previously approved a reclamation project in Tagbilaran Bay that was halted only after intense public opposition, and issued permits for cutting century-old acacia trees to accommodate a gas station.
Both mayors said they are prepared to face any consequences for their public stance.
“If I have no fear if we stand on what is right and provide benefits to everyone, I have no hesitation,” Piollo said.
Oliva went further, saying he would welcome legal challenges.
“Well, let them file a case against me first. I’ll file against them first regarding these cultural heritages, these cultural arts,” Oliva said. “We public officials are the ones blocking this, and yet mayors like us keep finding ways to go back and forth to Manila to ask for funding to support culture and tourism. And now this project is here — the NCCA itself initiated it — so we shouldn’t support it?”
The Regional Cultural Hub was jointly proposed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Bohol Arts and Heritage Council (BAHC) during former Gov. Atty. Edgar M. Chatto’s administration.
Implementation commenced during former Gov. Arthur Yap’s term in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The project underwent a thorough approval process involving several national and local government agencies.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by provincial and city officials, with Regional Development Council Chairman Kenneth Kobonpue serving as guest of honor.
However, City Mayor Jane Censor Yap announced opposition to the project following a meeting with Gov. Aumentado, departing from the city council’s previous unanimous support.
First District Rep. Yap, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony as mayor, has claimed he did not request additional funding for the project and that it is not among his current priorities.
The city government is now pursuing measures to declare Banat-i Hill and Eli Hill as protected areas through a provincial ordinance and House Bill, while working to update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The stalled project now awaits decisive action from provincial officials and cultural authorities about whether modifications to the original concept will move forward or whether the facility will be abandoned entirely, leaving the P135 million already invested in foundation work as either a sunk cost or an investment awaiting completion.