MikeLigalig.com

      Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) 2009 got off to an auspicious start in Las Vegas two weeks ago, as two visiting Philippine officials signified support to the triennial event which last episode was in July 2006 in Tagbilaran City.

      Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza and Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado told TBTK Chair Elizabeth Veloso-Garcia in a meeting that their respective offices are ready to extend support to ensure the success of the unique event that has gained the interest of Boholano expatriates around the world.

      TBTK is a grand homecoming of immigrant Boholanos from all over the world held every three years in the month of July which coincides the Sandugo province's Sandugo Festival.

      Atienza and Aumentado were the guests of honor of the family night, one of the two-day celebration of the 300 alumni of the defunct Bohol Provincial Hospital School of Nursing who gathered at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Hotel and Resort to celebrate their 31st alumni homecoming.

      In separate meetings, Garcia briefed the two officials on the progress of preparations for TBTK ’09 wherein the theme in next year's Tigum is nature conservancy and its impact on the environment.

      Unsurprisingly, Atienza readily accepted the honorary chairmanship of TBTK '09, saying that its theme is highly appropriate in the face of the looming threat of global warming to our planet.

      "I laud the TBTK for doing its part in dealing with environmental issues facing our world today. I find it apt that an organization of worldwide reach like the TBTK would initiate awareness about the many perils to our environment today. It is an undertaking all organizations should emulate," Atienza said.

      Atienza’s many thrusts in his tenure as DENR secretary include the cleanup of the country's polluted rivers and the restoration of depleted forests.

      Some of the few eco-oriented activities lined up in the green TBTK '09 are massive tree-planting in various municipalities of Bohol and creating mangrove forests along its selected shorelines.

      For his part, Aumentado stressed the economic and cultural impact such events as TBTK '09 could bring to the province as he urged all the Boholano associations in North America and Canada to lend their support to the triennial event.

      "Infrastructure has been consistent in Bohol and with the promise of a new international airport looming, we can expect a heavier influx of tourists from all over the world. I am pleased that events like the TBTK help not only in enhancing our tourism programs, but also in keeping the unique Boholano tradition of homecoming very much alive," Aumentado said.

      He also assured that he will make it the best considering that it's his last term as governor and he will invite President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be the guest of honor of the Bohol day celebration set on July 22, 2009.

      Garcia also made a pitch for TBTK '09 at the well-attended BPHSN reunion at which more than 400 alumni and former staffers, families and friends attended, with some coming from as far as Philippines, Middle East, Turkey, France, London and New Zealand.

      TBTK 09 will unfold on July 16-26 next year in Tagbilaran City. Next year's Tigum promises to be the biggest and most meaningful yet as a big contingent from Europe is expected.

- Sunday Post Publication

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