If total booth sales could speak for the success that was the Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) this fiesta month of May, then P1.6-M in earnings proved that the 5 th TBTK celebration was an instant hit. Chatto was optimistic that government and private sector partnership in the province proves a winning formula for success as he announced total booth sales pegged at P1.6-M during recognition rites for participants of the Boholano product showcase at Plaza Rizal on Friday. The exhibit spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture featured Boholano products from fresh vegetables and fruits, processed food products, and handicrafts from municipalities throughout the province. When the showcase was opened about a week ago, guest of honor Department of Agriculture Regional Director Angel Enriquez said the product showcase not only displayed the best Boholano products but also demonstrated the hard work of Boholano farmers and the wealth of Boholano soil. Enriquez expressed support for local government emphasis on agriculture with Bohol’s thrust on ecotourism during the TBTK festivities, stating achievement of food security and self-sufficiency will feed the Boholanos and both domestic and international tourists.

The festivities may have come to an end but the advocacy to make Bohol a prime eco-cultural destination and a balanced agro-industrial province continues, said Gov. Chatto as what has been a truly grand homecoming of Boholanos across the globe drew to a close. In an interview, newly elected TBTK president Dr. Neil Bonje said holding the homecoming this fiesta month of May certainly had its advantages, as the Boholano’s attachment to home is deeply rooted in the fiesta tradition of honoring patron saints. Bonje also spoke in behalf of fellow balikbayans who immensely enjoyed their homecoming, attending family and class reunions, and the TBTK-organized events as well. Chatto for his part said it is but fitting to give recognition to returning Boholanos who in their quest to achieve dreams for their respective families have greatly contributed to the development of the province. He likewise thanked Boholanos, particularly those working with the provincial government for their support to the TBTK during the convocation program at the Capitol grounds last Monday. The homecoming truly unites as all, he stressed. The festivities which kicked off with a visit to Malacanang Palace and the launching of the province’s tourism tagline, Bohol: hearts of the islands, truly Philippines were all well attended by Boholano balikbayans.

This year’s Mrs. Bohol International also raised a good sum to benefit the Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC). Crowned Miss Bohol International 2012 Mary Ebone Cimafranca from Dauis, meanwhile captured the essence of the homecoming tradition, describing the TBTK trademark of attachment to home and the economic value of coming to visit the province, besting 11 other candidates who vied for the crown. As a tribute, Bohol also honored the Ten Outstanding Boholanos around the World in an awards night on Sunday. Named TOBAW awardees were: Dr. Manuel Logrono (Agriculture), Fr. Arnold Zamora (Arts-Music), Vicky Sandidge (business/entreprenuership), Lutgardo Labad (Culture and Heritage), Dr. Primitva Veloso (education), Engr. Artemio Enerio (engineering), Atty. Norman Cimafranca, (law), Ps Supt Louie Oppus (military service), Atty. Frank Cimafranca (public service), and Dr. Arnold Cagulada (science and medicine).   The Provincial Government also honored partnerships with the different Boholano Associations around the world. The Confederation of Boholanos in the United States and Canada (CONBUSAC), Bohol Association of Washington State, Inc (BOAWAS), Bohol Association of Texas, Inc (BATI), Tapok Tapok Bol-anon, Home Reach Foundation, and Edmonton Boholano Cultural Association (EBCA) were recognized in a simple plaque ceremony during the 2012 Ms. Bohol International pageant.

These partnerships continue to grow with the improvement of the CPG Park, opening a new playground donated by CONBUSAC with provincial government installing lighting and new restrooms in the area. BATI also awarded scholarships to valedictorians in 6 public high schools in the province. Special citation went to the TBTK organization led by outgoing president Betty Veloso-Garcia for their continued support to the BCIC and for the success of this year’s celebration. A global convention of Boholano balikbayans, the TBTK traces its roots from the sixth biennial CONBUSAC convention, held in Houston, Texas in 1999, when then Governor and current First District Rep. Rene Relampagos as an invited guest, took the opportunity to invite the CONBUSAC to hold its Seventh Biennial Convention in Tagbilaran City. This year’s TBTK done for the first time in the fiesta month of May carried on the tradition of providing a venue for Boholano expatriates, overseas workers and other Boholanos living outside the province to rediscover their homeland in a  grand reunion, allowing local government, educational institutions, business and religious sectors to highlight current developments within the province, while promoting projects that will enhance economic growth, increase investments, support educational and spiritual advancement, transfer of technology, and sharing of knowledge and skills. (Leah/EDCom)