By June Blanco
The next time President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visits
Bohol, she will still be traveling in style – and in the way she likes it – but not on a borrowed vehicle anymore.
This after the Provincial Government of Bohol recently acquired a 34-seater Mitsubishi Rosa coaster.
Gov. Erico Aumentado instructed the supplier to deliver the unit before October 25 – in time for the use of visiting dignitaries who capped their 6th International Conference for Parliamentarians and Local Authorities at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu with a visit to tourist attractions in Bohol. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) organized the conference.
To note, on land trips, the President wants to travel with members of her Cabinet and their hosts in one big vehicle so that she can consult them on various issues, programs and projects along the way.
Top on the list of tourist attractions the delegates visited Saturday were the Chocolate Hills – Bohol’s candidate to the ongoing worldwide search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the tarsiers in their natural habitat in a sanctuary in Corella town, a cruise up the Loboc River with the added treat of performances by the Loboc Children’s Choir and the Loboc Youth Ambassador Band.
The curious and adventurous also saw the powdery white sand beaches and tried the pristine seawaters in the province, particularly the Bohol Beach Club (BBC) where Aumentado and Rep. Edgar Chatto of Bohol’s 1st District welcomed them. Chatto chairs the House Committee on Tourism.
There, the visitors were also treated to a performance by a cultural group from Pamilacan Island off Baclayon town. The group had wowed the crowd during the Sandugo streetdancing festival in Tagbilaran City last July.
Some of the delegates enjoyed the Mitsubishi Rosa for their transfers.
The province advanced the money to pay for it so that it can be used during the side tour to Bohol.
As instructed, the supplier delivered it before October 25. Fr. James Darunday, Capitol chaplain, officiated at the blessing rites Friday at the Governor’s Mansion.
As early as September however Aumentado already received from Malacañang a letter informing him of the approval of the allocation of funds from the President’s Social Fund (PSF) for release to the province, for the acquisition of a coaster for use by visiting dignitaries and other guests.
In her letter to Aumentado dated September 24, lawyer Erlinda de Leon, special assistant to the president said, “We welcome this opportunity for your province to undertake activities that are consistent with President Arroyo’s programs and projects for the betterment of our people and our country.â€
She enumerated the requirements for the signing of the deed of donation for the vehicle to include a Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) resolution signed by majority of the members authorizing him to sign the deed of donation (DOD). The SP under Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera had approved the required legislation last Tuesday.
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Topic: Bohol Buys Coaster (Read 2938 times)