Bohol breaks ground on P100-Million 

government center Cortes

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)--A P100-million, two-story multi-purpose building will soon rise in Cortes town after the Provincial Government of Bohol recently broke ground on the new Provincial Government Center in Barangay Malayo Sur, Cortes town.

The new center is designed to centralize key government offices, address the growing demand for office space, and improve the efficiency and accessibility of frontline services.

Once completed, the facility is expected to streamline transactions and create a more convenient service hub for residents within and beyond Tagbilaran City.

“The Provincial Government has pushed for projects like this because we believe that development must be planned, purposeful, and people-centered,” Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said.

Beyond improving service delivery, Aumentado highlighted the broader vision of expanding growth areas within Tagbilaran City by establishing government offices in Cortes.

The governor said the province aims to decongest the city center, open new economic opportunities, attract investments and stimulate local economic activity in neighboring municipalities.

For Cortes Mayor Rodrigo Dennis Uy, the government center represents a long-envisioned milestone for the town.

“Dugay na gyud nako nga damgo isip mayor nga madala nato ang mga national offices dinhi mismo sa lungsod sa Cortes,” Uy said.

(It has been my dream for a long time as mayor that we can bring the national offices right here in the town of Cortes).

Uy pointed out that the project will speed up transactions, improve efficiency, and strengthen coordination between national and local government offices.

Representing First District Rep. John Geesnell Yap II, Eliezer Borja emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, saying the project builds not only infrastructure but also a stronger foundation for unity and progress.

The Department of Public Works and Highways will serve as the lead implementing agency, with construction targeted for completion within one year. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

In a move to strengthen public infrastructure and bring government services closer to the people, the Provincial Government of Bohol headed by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (center) broke ground the ₱100-M, new Provincial Government Center in Barangay Malayo Sur, Cortes on March 3, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Bohol)

30 agri workers in C. Visayas 

complete extension training

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)--Thirty agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) technicians from Central Visayas completed a six-day training designed to improve how they plan, implement, and monitor extension activities for high value crops farmers.

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Central Visayas conducted the training February 22–27, 2026, to strengthen the skills of frontline agricultural workers through its Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for HVCDP coordinators.

The HVCDP plays a key role in increasing productivity, improving market competitiveness and raising farmers’ income.

By equipping HVCDP staff with stronger extension skills, ATI-7 helps ensure program interventions are more responsive, inclusive and results-oriented.

According to ATI-7, about 180 HVCDP technicians are actively implementing programs across Region 7’s municipalities. However, records show only 13 have completed the BAEC, meaning most have not received formal training in agricultural extension.

ATI-7 said that since HVCDP coordinators and technicians serve as the link between national policies and farmers in the field, strengthening their extension skills is essential. The training addresses that gap and ensures they are better prepared to support farmers.

Marilyn L. Gaterin, a fishery technician from Corella’s local government, said the training provided specific topics, real examples and answered her questions.

“It is a valuable training experience that gives us practical skills and knowledge in dealing with our future partners and stakeholders,” Gaterin said.

Learning the basics and beyond

The BAEC is one of ATI’s core training programs for extension workers, providing a strong foundation in agricultural extension principles and approaches.

Participants reflected on their strengths and areas for improvement, reviewed agricultural extension basics, studied different extension approaches and methods through case discussions, practiced communication skills during community activities and learned how to engage and facilitate communities using participatory approaches.

The sessions combined lectures, workshops and practical exercises, allowing participants to apply what they learned in realistic situations. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The 30 frontline agricultural workers with ATI-7 personnel after undergoing training on Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Coordinators conducted on February 22–27, 2026, at ATI-Regional Training Center in Barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City. (photo courtesy of ATI-7)