Dagitab creatives wants to elevate tourism promotion using film
A group of young creatives wants to elevate tourism promotion in Bohol by using film to showcase the province’s scenic views.
Carl Hinlo of Kabataan for Change talked to members of Dagitab Creatives, which is producing a film festival that highlights Bohol’s tourism attractions.
“Dagitab” means spark, and embodies the group’s goal to promote not just tourism, but also the culture and arts of Bohol.
Marvin, the group leader, laid out the goals and objectives of the group during the review with Hinlo.
He said they want to capitalize on the value of film to entice tourists together visit and learn about Bohol — not just as a tourist destination, but to spread awareness about the province’s culture and arts.
The group has launched a contest where people can express themselves through film.
Participants coming from different universities in Bohol are submitting their entries to the competition.
The participating schools are Holy Name University, Bohol Island State University (BISU) Main, BISU Balilihan, Tagbilaran City College, Mater Dei College, and Colegio de Loboc.
They want to tap the power of film to make an impact on tourists, given that Bohol is the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines.
They want to use creativity as a way to enhance people’s interest in Bohol.
Each participating school has chosen an area to feature as the subject of their masterpiece.
The group said tourism can be sustainable if locals believe in Bohol’s tourism industry.
The outputs of the film festival will be showcased in an exhibition on September 27, 2026.
Tickets are priced at P200 each and will be screened at BQ Cinemas.
Regulation of tricycle rental in Tagbilaran pushed
City Councilor Agustinus “Dodong” Gonzaga pushed for the regulation of rental fees for tricycles in Tagbilaran as a possible step to solve the ongoing complaints of passengers against overcharging.
Gonzaga proposed to regulate the rental of tricycle units after it was learned that some drivers admitted that they were forced to ask for excessive fares due to the expensive rental of the unit they are driving.
According to the City Traffic Management Office, in their investigation of passenger complaints, there were drivers who said that the high rental of tricycles is one of the reasons for their overcharging.
In one incident, a driver admitted that he overcharged because the rental of his tricycle is P1,000 per day, which is difficult for him to recover especially with the continuous increase in petroleum prices.
For Gonzaga, it is possible that the high rental of tricycles is one of the factors that contributed to the problem of overcharging by drivers.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod referred the proposal to the Committee on Energy, Public Utilities and Franchises for further study and review and to recommend appropriate legislative action.
33-year-old high-value drug suspect nabbed in Tagbilaran, P327K shabu confiscated
A 33-year-old reported High-Value Individual (HVI) was arrested in a drug operation conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Team (CDET) of the Tagbilaran City Police Station at around 10:28 in the evening, September 17, 2026, in Purok 1, Brgy. Manga, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The said operation resulted in the successful seizure of two (2) heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu.
It has a total gross weight of 48.2 grams and an estimated value of PhP 327,760 based on the Standard Drug Price (SDP).
The said operation was conducted under the supervision of PLTCOL Joey Mallare Bicoy, OIC of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, and was led by PLT Greg Reyes, the CDET Team Leader, with close coordination with the PDEA.
The arrested person as well as the confiscated evidence are currently in police custody for proper documentation and disposition in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
New tourist and research center of Philippine Tarsier Foundation formally inaugurated in Corella
The new Tourist and Research Center of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. (PTFI) located at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary was formally inaugurated on September 18, 2026.
The said historic event was attended and honored by the presence of H.E. Sarah Hulton OBE, the British Ambassador to the Philippines, together with Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado.
The opening of the said facility is expected to further help in the study and care of the tarsiers which is one of the main attractions of the province.
“Through this facility, we can further strengthen our efforts to protect and preserve our Philippine tarsier, while also developing research and responsible tourism in the sanctuary,” Governor Aumentado stated during the said inauguration.
The governor was also delighted that Ambassador Hulton fully enjoyed her tour of the sanctuary.
The ambassador revealed that King Charles III of Britain himself had personally seen the tarsiers before, which gave special interest to the king.
According to the governor, this is a great pride and a good sign of recognition by other countries of the province of Bohol, especially of its unique culture, natural treasures, and its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
“We will continue to protect our environment and the treasures that we preserve for future generations,” the governor further urged.
OceanJet Fares to increase due to 10% fuel surcharge starting September 21
Due to the continuous increase in crude oil prices, OceanJet has formally announced that they will implement an additional 10 percent (10%) fuel surcharge on fares for all their routes starting this coming September 21, 2026.
The management asked for understanding from passengers for the possible effect of this on their travel plans, but they assured that the said increase is only temporary and will be removed immediately once oil prices return to normal.
According to the said change, the new fare for the Cebu-Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran-Siquijor routes will now cost PHP 960 for Tourist/Open Air Accommodation and PHP 1,440 for Business Class.
The fare for Tagbilaran-Dumaguete will now be PHP 1,080 (Tourist) and PHP 1,680 (Business), while Dumaguete-Siquijor is at PHP 420 (Tourist) and PHP 700 (Business).
The fare for Iloilo-Bacolod will cost PHP 660 (Tourist) and PHP 960 (Business), and Cebu-Getafe is at PHP 540 (Tourist) and PHP 960 (Business).
The routes of Cebu-Ormoc and Cebu-Maasin will both reach PHP 1,320 (Tourist) and PHP 1,920 (Business), while Maasin-Surigao will be valued at PHP 960 (Tourist) and PHP 1,440 (Business).
The said notice of increase was officially announced and received by the MARINA Regional Office 7 (MRO7) on September 16, 2026.
OceanJet assured that they will continue to provide safe and reliable service, and the public is encouraged to get information only from their official Facebook page, ticketing offices, and authorized agents.
Bohol tourist arrivals drop by almost 22% in first six months
Tourist arrivals in Bohol decreased by 21.98 percent in the first six months of 2026, totaling 637,288 visitors from January to June.
According to Bohol Tourism Officer Joanne Pinat, based on data from their office as of August 31, this is lower compared to tourist arrivals in the same period in 2025.
The most numerous were domestic tourists who reached 349,651, followed by 287,294 foreign tourists and 343 overseas Filipinos.
South Korea remains the biggest foreign market for Bohol with 87,870 visitors, followed by China, 38,190, and the United States, 16,139.
Other major foreign markets include France with 12,435, Taiwan – 8,925, Germany – 7,423, Australia – 6,364, United Kingdom – 5,828, Russia – 4,753 and Canada 4,366.
26 linked to Captain’s Peak case served with 30 arrest warrants
26 individuals linked to the case related to the controversial Captain’s Peak and Garden Resort in Sagbayan voluntarily surrendered and were served with 30 warrants of arrest in Loay, Bohol, Sept. 16.
According to PLT Jhon Rey Olid, officer-in-charge of the Loay Municipal Police Station, the warrants were issued by the Eighth Judicial Region, Branch 25 in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, against former barangay officials and heads of offices from Sagbayan, Batuan and Carmen.
The cases are related to alleged violation of Section 3(e) and Section 3() of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
PLt. Olid confirmed that the warrants are related to the case that arose from the controversy of Captain’s Peak and Garden Resort, which was built and operated in Sagbayan within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument, a protected area.
The 26 individuals voluntarily surrendered and were informed of their rights and the reason for their arrest.
They were subjected to due process in accordance with the law.
According to the Loay police, the implementation of the warrants was made possible through police-community coordination and intelligence-driven measures to track down individuals with pending cases.
Another online threat incident targeting students and a school in Loay raised by board member
Another incident of online threats targeting students and a school in the town of Loay was raised by Board Member Greg Crispinito Jala.
In his privilege speech during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Jala expressed concern over social media posts containing threats, foul and insulting words.
According to Jala, online threats should be taken seriously to protect students, teachers and other school personnel.
The board member asked for urgent verification, documentation of reports, including appropriate action from school authorities and police.
He also encouraged parents and the community to promote responsible use of social media and strengthen protection for children.
Part of his proposed Bohol Child Online Safety and Responsible Gaming Program, which aims to protect children against threats and dangers, not only in the physical environment but also including the online world.
At the end of his speech, Jala urged the DepEd–Bohol Schools Division Office, PNP–Bohol Provincial Office and concerned school authorities to immediately verify the reported threats and implement appropriate child protection and school security measures.
Some resorts in Bohol forced to lay off employees due to ‘low occupancy’
Due to the continued low occupancy of tourists, some resorts in the province of Bohol were forced to sacrifice their employees by implementing retrenchment or layoffs.
Others, as early as August this year started laying off employees.
According to an employee of a resort who requested not to be named to a media outlet, their livelihood is greatly affected due to the lack of visitors to their place.
Aside from those who were removed from work, the said employee also revealed that the remaining employees are now experiencing double day-off or two days without work per week as a way for resort managements to save costs.
Despite this sad and difficult situation, workers remain hopeful that their industry will recover and vacationers who will book their resort will increase again this coming Christmas.
Some of the main reasons seen for the sudden drop in the number of tourists are the continued rise in inflation and the ongoing oil crisis as an effect of the ongoing war in the middle east, causing people to save on their travel budget.
Not only Bohol is experiencing this crisis but the whole Philippines.
Varquez to be installed as 8th bishop of Tagbilaran on Oct. 27
Most Rev. Crispin Barrete Varquez, D.D. will be formally installed as the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on Oct. 27, in a ceremony to be held at 9 in the morning at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine-Parish.
Most Rev. Alberto Uy, D.D., Archbishop of Cebu, will lead the canonical possession and solemn installation, while Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, will deliver the homily.
Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines will also attend.
Varquez, 65-year-old Boholano from Sevilla, will replace as bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran after almost two decades of leading the Diocese of Borongan.
He was ordained as priest of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on April 14, 1989, at the age of 28.
Before he became bishop, he served as formator at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Bohol for four years and at the St. Augustine Major Seminary in Tagaytay for five years.
He also held various positions in the diocese, including as vicar general of Tagbilaran.
In August 2007, he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as bishop of Borongan.
He was ordained as bishop at Tagbilaran Cathedral on Oct. 18, 2007, and installed as bishop of Borongan on Nov. 8 of that year.
For almost two decades, Varquez led the Diocese of Borongan.
In the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), he served two consecutive terms in the Permanent Council from 2013 to 2017 and three terms as chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Women from 2019 to 2025.
His installation in Tagbilaran will bring him back to the diocese where he first served as priest.
Probe into recurring power interruptions in Bohol pushed
Board Member DJ Balite pushed in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol a formal inquiry into the ongoing and recurring power interruptions experienced in various parts of the province.
In his Privilege Speech, Balite revealed that until now recurring brownouts continue, some lasting for several hours and sometimes with little or no clear information about the cause.
According to him, frequent power outages have a major impact on households, businesses, students, workers and even important services.
Not only that, according to him, electricity is no longer a luxury but a basic necessity for economy, education, communication, healthcare and public service.
Balite asked whether the power interruptions are a result of problems in generation, transmission or distribution, as well as maintenance activities, technical problems, system overloads or other reasons affecting the reliability of power supply in Bohol.
Because of this, he requested the SP to invite the concerned power utilities, power-sector agencies and other stakeholders to explain the reason for recurring brownouts, measures already taken, and concrete plans to avoid continued power interruptions.
According to Balite, the inquiry is not only to know why electricity is lost, but to determine what should be done so it will not keep recurring.
In his motion, he requested that the said issue be referred to the Committee of the Whole for appropriate discussion, inquiry and action, where concerned agencies and power stakeholders are invited to give answers and clear commitments.
Provincial Government focuses on Loboc Bulk Water Project in meeting with World Bank
The Provincial Government of Bohol focused on the Loboc Bulk Water Project during a successful meeting with the World Bank Group, headed by Water Practice Manager Michael John Webster.
According to Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado, the project aims to solve the long-standing problem of lack of water supply in eight places in Bohol — Loboc, Sikatuna, Corella, Baclayon, Albur, Dauis, Panglao, and Tagbilaran City.
The project is expected to help ensure a more stable and sufficient water supply for residents in those areas, especially communities that often experience scarce or irregular water flow.
Aumentado also thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their support in developing the said project for Bohol.
The Loboc Bulk Water Project is one of the initiatives being focused on to address the growing demand for water in the province, especially in areas where population and economic activity continue to grow.
Dams in Bohol not overflowing, according to latest report of NIA-7
The latest report confirmed that none of the seven dams in the province of Bohol are overflowing based on monitoring as of 8:00 in the morning, September 14, 2026.
All seven facilities showed “NOT SPILLING” status in their respective reports.
In data obtained, Malinao Dam in Pilar has a current water level of 148.60 meters, which is still far from its 152.0 meters normal/spill elevation.
Bayongan Dam in San Miguel is at 44.25 meters and has not yet reached 52.0 meters spilling level.
Capayas Dam in Ubay which is at 31.72 meters against 36.5 meters spill elevation is also not overflowing.
Also not overflowing are Benliw Dam in Ubay which is at 30.21 meters (spill level: 33.00 m), Zamora Dam in Talibon which remains at 26.71 meters (spill level: 30.00 m), and Ilihan Dam in Tubigon which recorded 44.34 meters against 45.8 meters spilling level.
Meanwhile, even though there is no spilling, it was noticed that Ilaya Dam in Ubay experienced a great decrease in water.
Its current water elevation was recorded at 47.00 meters, which is lower than the set 48 meters “low elevation critical level”. It is also very far from the 60.00 meters spilling level of said dam.
This whole situation experienced by dams in Bohol is due to effect of El Niño where for several weeks Bohol was not visited by rain.
This past weekend, strong downpour of rain was experienced in some parts of Bohol.
New service bus of LGU Panglao, officially turned over to Mayor Arcay
The new LGU Panglao Service Bus was officially turned over to the leadership of Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay on September 14, 2026.
The said vehicle is designed to provide easier, reliable, and better transportation service for all residents of the town of Panglao.
The initiative aims to help with the transportation needs of students, schools, community organizations, barangays, and various activities and programs of the town.
Mayor Arcay stated that good governance is not only about creating infrastructures and programs, but also about ensuring that services and resources of the government are directly felt in the daily lives of the people.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to Vice Mayor Hon. Daisy M. Delambaca, to members of the Sangguniang Bayan, SK Federation, ABC, and leaders of various departments of the municipality for their continued support.
According to him, unity in the local government will continue to address needs for a better future for every Panglaoanon.
Father of Boholano seaman missing in burned ship, hopes son is still alive
The father of a Boholano seaman from Cabilao, town of Loon, who remains missing after the ship he was on caught fire last week while sailing from Manila to Coron, Palawan, has not lost hope.
This was revealed by the father of the missing seaman, Gilbert Salomon, during an interview with Media outlet.
According to the father, they are now in Coron, Palawan hoping to still find his son alive.
He said there are many recovered dead bodies of passengers from M/V June Aster, but they can no longer be identified.
The dead bodies were shown to the relatives through a viewing, and they were told by members of the Philippine Coast Guard that the recovered bodies will be subjected to DNA test to determine their identities.
The said missing seaman is 33 years old, single (no family), and a native of the town of Loon.
The father added, his son has been working in M/V June Aster for five years as an oiler.
The father had someone he talked to who said that at the time the fire broke out, his son was off-duty and was believed to be resting in his cabin at that time.
35-year-old motorist dead after crashing into pick-up in Maribojoc, Bohol
A 35-year-old motorist was declared Dead on Arrival (DOA) after an accident in a curved part of the road in Brgy. San Roque, Maribojoc, Bohol, past 4:30 in the afternoon on September 13, Sunday.
The victim was identified as Jun-jun Salimot, 35 years old, has a live-in partner and child, and resident of Purok 1, Brgy. Guiwanon in the said town.
Maribojoc District Hospital confirmed that the victim arrived dead at the hospital.
According to investigation of Maribojoc Police Station (MPS), the victim came from a cockpit in Antequera and was driving fast.
Upon arrival at the scene, the victim was said to have overtaken another motorist he was following but lost control.
Because of this, the victim crashed into an oncoming Mitsubishi pick-up driven by a woman.
The said woman came from Tagbilaran City and was supposedly going home to Villa Aurora, Antequera.
According to the responding member of Maribojoc Emergency Response Unit (MERU), the victim suffered severe injuries to the body, including head wound and broken knee.
Due to the force of impact, the Honda Click 125 motorcycle (blue and white) of the victim was destroyed after crashing into the bumper of the pick-up.
2 arrested in illegal fuel trading in Talibon; ₱69,761 worth of fuel seized
Two men were arrested in a buy-bust operation due to alleged illegal selling of petroleum products at the beach of Nocnocan Island, Talibon, Bohol, at 6:30 in the morning on Sept. 13.
The operation was conducted by Bohol Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA)-Tubigon Maritime Mobile Team, Talibon Municipal Police Station and Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG).
Arrested were a 39-year-old boat operator and his 25-year-old helper, both residents of Ubay.
The suspects allegedly violated Section 2(a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, in relation to illegal trading of petroleum products and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Seized in the operation were 11 20-liter containers of diesel estimated at ₱37,000 value and 19 20-liter containers of gasoline estimated at ₱30,761.
Also seized was one 20-liter container of diesel worth ₱1,000 and used as subject of the buy-bust operation.
Included in evidence are ₱1,000 buy-bust money and a white and blue motorized banca powered by 12-horsepower Yamaha diesel engine, estimated at ₱50,000 value.
The suspects, petroleum products and banca were brought to Bohol MARPSTA-Tubigon MMT for documentation, inventory and proper disposition.
Verification of their DOE permit or authority, source of petroleum products and other documents as support for filing of case is also awaited.
Barangay tanod who is high-value drug suspect arrested in Panglao; ₱79,560 worth of shabu, weapon seized
A 42-year-old barangay tanod identified as a high-value drug suspect was arrested by police in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Danao, Panglao, Bohol on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The suspect, a resident of Barangay Tawala, Panglao, was arrested past 11:30 in the morning in Purok 6, Barangay Danao.
The operation was conducted by personnel of Police Intelligence Unit/Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PIU/PDEU) and Panglao Municipal Police Station, led by PLT Noubell Padernal and PLT Dave Surio under supervision of PLTCOL Joemar Pomarejos, chief of PIU/PDEU, in accordance with directive of Bohol Police Provincial Office Director PCol. Patricio Degay Jr.
Recovered from the suspect were 11.7 grams of suspected shabu estimated to have street value of ₱79,560, including buy-bust money, cellphone and motorcycle allegedly used in his illegal drug activity.
Also seized was a .38-caliber revolver with two live bullets.
The suspect is now in custody at Panglao MPS lock-up jail, while seized evidence was submitted to Bohol Forensics Unit for examination and custody.
The suspect will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
Free medical services and equipment, handed over by DOH during ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ in Bohol
About 42 assistive devices were formally handed over by officials of Department of Health (DOH), together with Governor Erico Aris Aumentado, during the “Handog ng Pangulo” held on September 14, 2026, at CPG Plaza, Provincial Capitol in Bohol.
The said equipment distributed consists of 20 wheelchairs, 10 crutches, 10 quad cane standard base, and two walkers intended to help Boholanos in need who have difficulty moving.
Aside from distributing equipment, DOH also offered various free services for health of those who attended the event.
Included in those conducted were medical consultation, physical therapy services, and diagnostic tests such as random blood sugar testing, cholesterol testing, and uric acid test.
There were also free medicines distributed for patients with proper prescription.
In addition to this, the agency also conducted a limited vaccination drive.
This included vaccination of 100 doses of Pneumococcal vaccine and another 100 doses of MR-TD vaccine to further protect people against infectious diseases.
US-based lawyer believes Cayetano sibling’s trip not unusual
Glen Hubahib, the Boholano US-based lawyer, believes the trip made by the Cayetano siblings was not unusual and should not pose any issues.
He said that the incident cannot be seen as something suspicious.
It is just that the incident happened in the middle of the impeachment trial.
He said that the siblings can always monitor the proceedings even if they are away.
On the issue about who can vote on the impeachment trial, the Constitution is clear that all members of the Senate will vote either to convict or otherwise find the vice president innocent of the charges.
There has been talk about moving the denominator to consider the absence of some senators.
The Constitution clearly states that in order to convict the vote should be two-thirds of all the members of the Senate.
Diesel may rise by P11, gasoline by P5 per liter
Boholano drivers and motorists should once again prepare for a possible big increase in petroleum prices next week due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Diesel may increase by up to P11 per liter, while gasoline may increase by P4.50 up to P5 per liter.
According to the DOE, the possible increase in petroleum prices is due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East that has affected the price of crude oil in the global market.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said that the conflict in the region is not yet seen to end soon.
According to the DOE, the price of Dubai crude oil has exceeded $100 per barrel from August 13 to Sept. 11.
Under the law, Dubai crude oil must average $80 per barrel for the suspension of excise tax to be implemented.
Another big increase in petroleum prices is also expected in the following week if the crisis in the Middle East continues.
P48.8M Aid to 4,884 Odette Victims in Catigbian
A total amount of P48,840,000 worth of financial assistance was successfully distributed by National Housing Authority (NHA) to 4,884 beneficiaries in the town of Catigbian, on September 14, 2026 at CPG Park in Provincial Capitol of Bohol.
Officials of NHA and Governor Erico Aris Aumentado did the turn-over.
During the “Handog ng Pangulo”, each family who was a victim of damage left by Typhoon Odette received 10,000 pesos cash assistance through Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) of the agency.
The said distribution of aid is part of simultaneous and nationwide activity of government aimed on birthday of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., where various agencies united to deliver basic services and livelihood to communities.
The EHAP program of NHA is designed to help families who lost or had houses damaged due to calamities.
Even though several years have passed since Super Typhoon Odette hit in December 2021, government is still firmly continuing to release delayed funds to ensure that affected residents in Central Visayas can recover.
P26.7M TESDA scholarship, support fund released in Bohol
The “Handog ng Pangulo” program was held on September 14, 2026, at CPG Plaza located at Provincial Capitol in Bohol.
In said activity, Certificates of Scholarship Grant Commitment were formally given to four Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) amounting to ₱26,276,027.00 for 791 beneficiaries in whole province.
One of the main highlights of the said event was distribution of Training Support Fund (TSF) for scholars of Caregiving NC II.
Each of 49 beneficiaries from St. Martha Skills Training and Assessment Center Inc. received ₱9,504, bringing a total amount of ₱465,696.00 to support their training.
Aside from financial assistance and scholarship, TESDA and provincial leadership also offered various direct services for walk-in clients.
This included career profiling, processing of TESDA Skills Passport, and answering inquiries about TESDA Scholarship Program and Competency Assessment.
909 Boholanos receive P5,400 TUPAD payout during ‘Handog ng Pangulo’
A total of 909 beneficiaries from various towns in Bohol happily received their aid during the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) payout which is part of the “Handog ng Pangulo” program, held at CPG Plaza at Provincial Capitol of Bohol today, September 14, 2026.
Under said activity, each individual received P5,400.00 salary as financial assistance for affected workers in the province.
The total amount handed over is P1,603,800.00 given to 297 beneficiaries from LGU Sevilla.
It was followed by P1,393,200.00 distributed to 258 beneficiaries from combined count of LGU Lila, Sikatuna, and Loay.
Aside from this, both towns of Mabini and Sierra Bullones received P453,600.00 allocation with 84 beneficiaries each.
Included also in said distribution were 86 beneficiaries from LGU San Miguel who received total amount of P464,400.00.
In addition to this, both LGU Garcia Hernandez and BLGU Pagina in town of Jagna were allocated P270,000.00 each for their 50 beneficiaries each.
DSWD funds UPLIFT financial aid for low-income SSS members
Financial aid distributed to low-income Social Security System members comes directly from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and not from member contributions, an SSS official clarified.
SSS Vice President Maria Belinda San Jose addressed the payouts during the SSS Pensioners Day on Sept. 21, 2026 at JJ Seafoods Village, emphasizing that the funds are provided by the national government through the DSWD budget.
Under the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) project, SSS members with the lowest monthly salary credits receive a monthly subsidy of 2,000 pesos from July to December.
Self-employed members are excluded from this specific payout.
UPLIFT was established to help vulnerable sectors cope with the economic impact of rising fuel prices and global conflicts in the Middle East and Russia.
The program originally targeted Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and non-4Ps poor identified through the Community-Based Monitoring System before recently expanding to include low-income SSS members.
To expedite the distribution of the aid, San Jose said the SSS simply provided the government with a list of qualified members.
Nearly 1.5 million low-income SSS members are currently covered by the subsidy program, according to the SSS.
Tarsier, helmet orchid declared flagship species for protection
Two of Bohol’s most distinctive wildlife species — the Bohol tarsier, or mawmag (Carlito syrichta fraterculus), and the Bohol helmet orchid (Corybas boholensis) — have been declared Provincial Flagship Species, kicking off efforts to protect and sustain them.
Gov. Aris Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 37 on Aug. 4, declaring the two species as flagship species. The order said the move aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which hold that well-managed forests can curb extinction, prevent land degradation and slow biodiversity loss.
The declaration also draws on the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, which recognizes flagship species designations as a way to protect and maintain an ecosystem’s natural diversity, particularly species with distinct features that help sustain human life and development for future generations.
Experts consider flagship species indicators of an ecosystem’s overall health. Because local governments are responsible for managing and maintaining ecological balance in their jurisdictions, the order said, the designation was issued.
The same executive order also proposed nine additional species for evaluation as potential flagship species:
- Philippine red-vented cockatoo, or abukay (Cacatua haematuropygia)
- Southern rufous hornbill, or kalaw (Buceros mindanensis)
- Bohol sunbird, or tamsi (Aethopyga decorosa)
- Philippine flying lemur, or kagwang (Cynocephalus volans)
- Golden-crowned flying fox, or kabog (Acerodon jubatus)
- Gapas-gapas (Camptotemon philippinensis)
- Quisumbing’s guisok tree (Hopea quisumbingiana)
- Visayan broadbill, or antipara (Sarcophanops samarensis)
- Antingaw (Lithoredo abatanica)
- Ginat snapping shrimp, or takla (Alpheus takla)
The order also created a Flagship Species Technical Working Group, which will study and evaluate the proposed species and launch programs to protect, manage and sustain the province’s flagship species.
Grandmother injured after dozing off, crashing into coconut tree
An elderly woman was injured after she reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a coconut tree in Purok 7, Barangay Candabong, in Anda, Bohol, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at about 3 p.m.
The victim was identified only as Brigida, 63.
According to a report, Brigida was driving a Toyota Avanza from Jagna, where she had bought maintenance medication, when the crash occurred.
She reportedly dozed off and accidentally hit a coconut tree.
She sustained injuries and bruises and was rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City.
Her vehicle was damaged in the crash.
Anti-venom supply expected to arrive this week
Anti-venom supplies ordered for hospitals in Bohol are expected to arrive this week, according to provincial officials.
Board Member Mutya Tirol Macuno said the anti-venom needed for patients bitten by snakes, including the banakon (Philippine cobra), could be delivered within the week.
The supplies will be distributed to district hospitals in the towns of Loon, Catigbian, Carmen and Jagna.
The order was placed to ensure hospitals have an adequate supply for emergencies, particularly in treating patients bitten by venomous snakes.
Ship passenger jumps overboard off Bohol
A passenger aboard a Trans-Asia Shipping Lines vessel jumped into the sea while the ship was sailing off the coast of Panglao, Bohol, past 11 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, authorities said.
The passenger was identified as John Bartney Genosas, 25, of Barangay Kitobo, Kitaotao town, Bukidnon province.
Genosas had boarded the vessel in Cebu City and was on his way home to Cagayan de Oro when he suddenly jumped overboard as the ship passed through waters off Panglao, according to a report.
He was rescued after a fisherman spotted him in the water and helped pull him out, then alerted authorities to the incident.
Genosas was brought to Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City for treatment. Authorities are still investigating why he jumped.
Sine Bohol workshop builds filmmaking skills on Day 2 of ‘Story to Screen’
The provincial government is strengthening local filmmaking through the Sine Bohol 2026 “Story to Screen” workshop, a skills-development program for Boholano creatives.
The workshop, held Sept. 11-13 at Panda Tea Garden, is led by filmmaker and film educator Nick DeOcampo and brings together local storytellers and filmmakers to build their craft.
Day 2 focused on a writing masterclass covering screenplay fundamentals, including story, subject and structure; character development; script form; and crafting a cinematic screenplay.
Participants also explored the nature and forms of documentary filmmaking, a discussion set to continue on Day 3 alongside a session on directing.
The workshop will conclude on Day 4 with a pitching session, giving participants a chance to present and refine their film concepts.
Film production is scheduled for Sept. 19-20, when participants will apply what they’ve learned to their own projects. The program will culminate in the second Sine Bohol Roadshow and Community Screenings, Gala and Awards, set for Oct. 6-31, 2026.
P205.6-M in national infra projects turned over in Jagna, Bohol
Nationally funded infrastructure projects worth P205.6 million were turned over to Barangays Buyog, Cantuyoc, Tejero and Cantagay in Jagna on Sept. 11, 2026.
The projects — multipurpose buildings, roads, solar lighting, water systems, a super health center and covered courts — were funded through the General Appropriations Act, the offices of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Rep. Alexie Tutor, the Bagong Henerasyon party list through Rep. Bernadette Herrera, and the provincial government.
Buyog received a ₱10 million multipurpose building and a ₱100 million road project with solar lighting. Cantuyoc got a ₱10 million super health center, a ₱5 million covered court, a ₱5 million barangay hall, and a ₱600,000 water system upgrade from the province. Tejero received a new multipurpose building and a rehabilitated covered court worth ₱50 million. Cantagay got a ₱5 million covered court, plus ₱10 million each for road concreting and building rehabilitation.
Vice Gov. Nick Besas pledged continued provincial support for local infrastructure, education, health and livelihood projects. Tutor, Bohol’s third district representative, also vowed continued backing for Jagna.
Provincial, municipal and barangay officials attended the turnover ceremonies, which support Bohol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap 2028.