Bohol, BFAR turn over 130 

boats to fisherfolk associations

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The provincial government of Bohol turned over 130 fiberglass boats and a Climate Change Intervention Package to fisherfolk associations across the province.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) led the distribution in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The assistance included 10 non-motorized paddle boats, five 30-foot motorized boats, and 115 motorized boats measuring 22 feet.

The boats were distributed to fisherfolk associations from 33 local government units (LGUs) during a ceremony at the Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology Center (BOATEC) in Barangay Gabi, Ubay, on June 2.

The beneficiary LGUs were Alburquerque, Anda, Baclayon, Bien Unido, Buenavista, Calape, Candijay, Carmen, Clarin, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Duero, Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Getafe, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Mabini, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, San Miguel, Sevilla, Tagbilaran City, Talibon, Tubigon, Ubay, and Valencia.

Jose Juneser Ursos, president of the San Miguel Tilapia Growers Association, described the support as among the fastest responses the group has received from government institutions.

He said the assistance has strengthened both their livelihoods and their contribution to the local food supply.

The association was among the beneficiaries of the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fish cage project and tilapia fingerling stocking initiative at Bayongan Dam in August 2025.

The group has since completed three production cycles.

“Among panghinaut nga ma-sustain. Ikatulo na namo nga cropping karon ug nakita namo ang maayo nga resulta ug impact sa proyekto. Naa nami income, gawas pa nga makatabang pud mi nga matubag ang kamahal sa isda pinaagi sa among production,” Ursos said.

(We hope to sustain it. This is our third cropping season and we have seen good results and impact from the project. We now have income, and our production also helps address the high price of fish.)

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the turnover forms part of the province’s continuing response to long-standing concerns over fish supply and affordability.

“Kabahin kini sa atong mga inisyatiba alang sa food security, pagpaubos sa presyo sa isda, ug pag-empower sa atong fishing communities (This is part of our initiatives for food security, lowering fish prices, and empowering our fishing communities),” Aumentado said.

He said strengthening fisheries production at the community level is crucial to achieving food security and that sustainable food systems begin in local communities where producers are directly supported and empowered.

Aumentado said stronger collaboration between fisherfolk groups and government institutions can help increase local production, improve livelihoods, and contribute to a more stable fish supply across the province.

The provincial effort aligns with the national push to strengthen farmer and fisherfolk organizations.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed readiness to certify as urgent the proposed Agriculture Cooperative Act of 2025, which seeks to help farmers and fisherfolk access financing, markets, technology and government support through cooperatives.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog said collaboration among government agencies is important in strengthening the fisheries sector.

She said partnership between the provincial government and BFAR-7 continues to expand aquaculture opportunities, including in landlocked municipalities. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the distribution of 130 fiberglass boats and a Climate Change Intervention Package to fisherfolk associations from 33 LGUs during a turnover ceremony held at the Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology Center (BOATEC) in Barangay Gabi, Ubay on June 2, 2026. (photo courtesy: Provincial Government of Bohol)

Bohol caps National Heritage 

Month with grand Santacruzan

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — Bohol marked the close of National Heritage Month 2026 with the Bohol Grand Santacruzan on May 30 at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

The event transformed the traditional Flores de Mayo procession into a showcase of Boholano faith, heritage, and creative craftsmanship.

The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD) and the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council Fashion Design Committee, organized the event.

The procession featured 33 Reynas and escorts in couture ensembles inspired by biblical figures, Marian titles, and Filipino heritage, designed by local artists, designers, stylists, artisans, and cultural workers.

BACH Council Fashion Design Committee Chairperson Shanon Pamaong said the event carries significance for younger participants.

“This is a good idea for our youth, especially for our Sagalas and escorts. It is deeply rooted in our religious faith,” Pamaong said.

Supervising Administrative Officer Metodio Maraguinot Jr. read a message from Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado recognizing the contributions of Boholano artists, designers, performers, organizers, and communities to the event.

“Through their hard work, we endeavor to inspire everyone, especially our youth, to value our heritage, embrace creativity, and continue protecting and preserving the rich cultural legacy that makes Bohol truly unique,” Aumentado said.

Also present at the event were Jaime V. Antonio Jr., Philippine Development Specialist for Culture and Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and BCCAD head Emerson Pinos. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Reynas and escorts in heritage-inspired couture take part in the Bohol Grand Santacruzan at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City on May 30, 2026, capping the province’s National Heritage Month observance. The event was organized by the Provincial Government of Bohol through the BCCAD and BACH Council Fashion Design Committee. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Bohol)