BOHOL Gov. Erico Aumentado and his wife, the former Peregrina Adlaon-Cabagnot Thursday left for the United States of America as guests of the 13th biennial convention of the Confederation of Boholanos, USA and Canada, Inc. (Conbusac) slated July 2-6 in Seattle, Washington State, and to campaign for attendance to the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) on July 14 to 26 in Tagbilaran City. The governor will be the speaker where he will update the leaders and members of Boholano organizations who will troop to the Bellevue Hyatt Regency for the “Sleepless in Seattle 2009” convention hosted by the Bohol Association of Washington State, Inc. (Boawas) – on projects Conbusac and the provincial government are jointly undertaking. Aumentado, among others, will report on the establishment and equipage of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bohol Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team and the Let's Help Bohol carabao and cattle dispersal cum artificial insemination projects.

To note, Conbusac has sent $15,000 or over half of its commitment of P1 million for the special uniforms, firearms and accessories of the Swat team Sr. Supt. Edgardo Ingking, Bohol police provincial director, said he has ordered 22 sets of special uniforms with multiple pockets for their gears and accessories plus combat boots and cap, eight Ferfrance special operations assault rifles and two M-14 conversion kits with sniper scope – to better equip the team to immediately and properly respond to emergencies like bank robberies and even hostage-taking and other forms of terrorism that might occur in the province. He will also give a video presentation prepared by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) under Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz. Among others, the video will show “the tears of joy a farmer and his wife shed upon receiving their very own carabao – needless to say, a very important farm input that can spell the difference between remaining dirt poor and empowerment – more than compensates for our efforts to implement the Let's Help Bohol program of artificial insemination (AI) and upgrading carabao and cattle stocks.” Under this convergence strategy, AI, made easier and faster with the Conbusac donation of nitrogen tanks for the semen, and motorcycles to bring them to the remotest areas, has made Bohol the top carabao producer in Central Visayas and third nationwide since 2007 – and improving.

Lapiz had reported that Conbusac is now ready with at least another 14 carabaos to give to as many families to start another dispersal packet. “Your going out of your way in your desire to help those you may not even personally know truly inspires one into doing even more,” Aumentado emphasized in his message in the convention souvenir program. Kudos to Conbusac President Carlos Cagaanan, and to the Bohol Association of Washington State (Boawas) – this year's convention host – whose pet project AI has made possible the expansion of carabao and cattle dispersal to four more towns on top of the 19 where the project is ongoing, he added. He said it is most heartwarming to know that despite the global financial crunch and the Conbusac members' hectic individual schedules, the Boholanos in USA and Canada still find time to meet each other, rekindle friendships, strengthen bonds and participate in different activities all designed to raise resources for laudable projects for the less fortunate brethren left back home.

Cagaanan, and Boawas President Nat Calacat and Vice President Mely Forones-Cagaanan have been heading a core group of organizers burning the midnight candle to ensure good attendance, active involvement and participation, and publicity of the event – and above all, raise funds for ongoing and future projects in Bohol . In his reminders to the presidents, key officers and members of the umbrella organization, the confederation president urged the Boholanos to register and join the convention, support a candidate in the Miss Conbusac Pageant thru cash donations, buying and/or selling raffle tickets, placing and/or soliciting donations for the Walk for Bohol event and buying and/or selling dinner and dance tickets for the Family and Gala Nights. Cagaanan who is coming home for the TBTK committed to bring home Boholanos, their families and friends to the triennial gathering in Tagbilaran also. The Aumentado couple will be back in Bohol on the 13th to prepare to host the TBTK Recognition Night at the Bohol Cultural Center on July 26.