SINCE the “travel bubble” isn’t getting much traction in Bohol, the local leadership is redirecting their attention to strengthening the economy via agriculture.
In an interview over Kwentas Klaras this week, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap presented what he thought could help Bohol recover from its staggering economic slump, but more importantly, assist Boholanos within the next two years, as they bear the brunt of the economic shrinkage inflicted by the health crisis on the province’s tourism industry.
To summarize, Yap identified the following as the way to move forward: 1) Increase food production; 2) Bring down the cost of food production; and 3) Build food terminals in strategic populous municipalities in the island-province.
He mentioned about directing his agriculture team to consolidate their plans and activities to support the program. The envisioned outcome is affordable food commodity and the expanded economic value of the peso. Now, who can argue with that!
Yap explained further that for this program to succeed, it should be backed by budget appropriations with approval originating from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
I hope all goes well at the SP considering that early this month, there was a privilege speech delivered against the governor on how he allegedly does things on his own without involving the SP. There was even a song dedicated to him in the same privilege speech – ‘Arthur’s Theme’.
Anyhow, I remember Yap served as Congressman of the 3rd district of Bohol for three terms. The municipalities of Alicia, Anda, Batuan, Bilar, Candijay, Carmen, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Mabini, Pilar, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, and Valencia comprise the 3rd district.
I wonder. During his nine-year term, wasn’t he able to see the need to strengthen the agriculture sector in the 3rd district? Is it hindsight for now?
I would like to believe that as Congress representative then, he scanned the environment and with his background as former agriculture secretary no matter how short-lived, he would have thought about supporting agriculture in his district to fortify the province’s economic pillars. What was his priority then?
But I guess that’s water under the bridge now. What’s done is done. We can only move forward and pray that things will be better.
Of course, leadership is tested and sharpened by a crisis. His leadership is subjected through the crucible of fire. And COVID-19 pandemic is no ordinary crisis. Being captain of the ship, so to speak, all eyes are intensely focused on how he will bring Bohol out of its economic plunge. Tall order, true, but that’s the high price of leadership.
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Localized lockdown is real! On August 20th until Monday midnight, Phase 1A of our subdivision in General Santos City was on lockdown to facilitate contact-tracing. Monday this week, Phase 2 of our subdivision was on lockdown for the same purpose.
Well, having experienced the ECQ starting March 16th and the modifications thereafter, I have become accustomed to the erratic changes happening in our midst, no thanks to COVID-19. We have become creative, so to speak. Our survival instincts are honed. We have established our linkages to the basics like water, food, medicines, among others.
It’s like the ECQ and the succeeding quarantine modifications were the drills to prepare us for the real one – when someone in our neighborhood is infected and lockdown is imposed – and we know what to do. Thus, I am still grateful for the initial lockdown with its accompanying angst because it prepared us for what lay ahead.
As of Tuesday, this week, contact-tracing activity has been completed. Everyone necessitating isolation is safety tucked according to local government unit advisory.
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Very soon, it will be ‘September Morn’, to borrow a song’s title, and thereafter Christmas. I wonder how Christmas would look like this year given the present realities. I am sure though that given the bleak situation we’re in, we will still install Christmas lights and the season’s decors.
If you ask me, I am looking forward to the Christmas season! Tradition anchors us in these unpredictable times. There’s nothing like an old-fashioned Christmas spirit amid gloom and despair.
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Writer can be reached at belca.87@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
