At 159, Bohol is poised to take the BIG LEAP towards sustainable development. BIG LEAP stands for Bohol’s Inclusive Growth Leads to Equitable and Accelerated Prosperity. In commemoration of its founding anniversary tomorrow, July 22, Bohol Provincial Officials led by Gov. Edgar M. Chatto highlights achievements in governance, business and enteprise, and the arts. Chatto is set to distinguish achievements of outstanding Boholanos as Rosalinda Paredes in Governance, Dr. Ed Escalona, and Mr. and Mrs. Marianito Alemania in Business and Enterprise, and Guy Custodio in the Arts. Special citations will also be handed out to developers and investors who have greatly contributed to economic growth in the province. Such distinctions will be conferred to Johnny Chan of The Bellevue Hotel, Henry Chusuey of Hennan Resort, Enrilen Joy Benedicto of Enrison Land Inc., Julie Alegrado Vergara of Bluewater Resorts, Richard E. Lim of Eskaya Resort and Spa, and Astoria Bohol Resort.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative to the Philippines Takahiro Sasaki shall be guest of honor and speaker at the commemorative program. JICA is national and provincial government partner in the implementation of the New Bohol Airport Project. The commemorative program also highlights the launching of the Tripartite Partneship between the Provincial Government of Bohol, the City Government of Tagbilaran and the National Information Communications of the Philippines. A memorandum of agreement shall be signed between the Provincial Government and the Philippine Coconut Authority led by Administrator Atty. Euclides Forbes on the Bohol Agri-based Processing Hub Project. The Provincial Government shall also ink an agreement with the Department of education (DepEd), PROCESS Bohol, and the Local Government of Ubay on a project combating child labor in the town of Ubay. Bohol Day sees to the second year milestone of the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM). Maj. Gen. John S. Bonafos of the AFP receives the honor as Adopted Son of Bohol, for being a significant part of the success of the program.

The day's line up of activities commence with a Holy Mass to be officiated by Diocese of Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso, DD at the St. Joseph's Cathedral. Foyer Honors, and Flag Raising and Wreath Laying Ceremonies will be held at the Plaza Rizal after the Agricultural Fair Motorcade which will begin at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist through ICM, JA Clarin, CPG Ave, Palma, Gallares, and end at the Plaza Rizal. The ribbon cutting and opening of the Sandugo Agricultural Fair 2013 will follow. In the afternoon, a cultural exhibit entitled "ASINAN" will be opened at the Bohol Branch of the National Museum. Meanwhile, a simultaneous local and overseas mini jobs fair and PRC mobile service will be held at the BEPO Lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building. (Leah/EDCOM)