The incumbent provincial leadership under the helm of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto and Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim is bent on giving their all to make sure that core roads in Bohol are given due attention for easier access to tourism sites. Gov. Chatto met with Linda Paredes, provincial coordinator for the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF), and the Urban-Rural Consulting Services (URCS) team headed by Dr. Dayo Montalbo, to discuss on possible avenues which can be explored to ensure the program's success in the province. The URCS team came over to peruse documents of the Provincial Roads Network Development Plan (PRNDP) which is part of its Mid-Term Review of the seven provinces in the country which are included in its program implementation. Dr. Montalbo said that it is their aim to assist local government units (LGUs) involved and help them identify possible improvements which are suitable to their localities.

The Mid-Term Review aims to determine the effectiveness of the PRNDP as a provincial planning tool for local road management, including the possibility of mainstreaming the PRNDP into the (Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP). It was determined that the Provincial Development Council (PDC) could be a big help in the PDPFP so Gov. Chatto gave the URCS team his assurance on the council's coordination with them, giving his word that proper and prompt consultations would be made with all stakeholders, especially and specifically, the Capitol family, as the team expressly requested. Gov. Chatto informed URCS about his meeting with Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez just a few days ago during his trip to Malacanang, both having agreed that since Bohol has already touched base with the Tourism Industry, then the province should give due attention to it as one of its priorities, distinctly, on agri-tourism. The Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have all expressed their support for Bohol's tourism industry and road network, giving emphasis not only on core roads, but also on those frequently used by locals and tourists.

These are those which, even if not classified as major roads, should be given priority by the PRMF for they are frequently and mainly used by people in going to high-end resorts and local tourism sites. All things considered, Gov. Chatto pointed out that "we should come up with a detailed road plan for Panglao, mapping out core, major, secondary and incidental roads especially to tourism sites, making sure that in-depth involvement of stakeholders would produce the most feasible and most practical solutions that will address the most number of concerns as regards to road infra and road safety." Probably, the "Palafox Plan" for Panglao of famous Filipino architect, urban planner and environmentalist, Felino Palafox, Jr., would play a major part in its implemenation. With the upcoming incumbency of all newly-elected public officials, also in Anda, the governor suggested that "it would be best to strike while the iron is hot," referring to these people's eagerness and enthusiasm to serve and the passion that goes with the ardent desire to accomplish things fast to prove their constituents right in voting for them in the recent elections. (jlv/EDCom)