It's all systems go for the Bohol International Choir Festival and Competition (BICFC) slated this week. Slated on March 18 to 22, Gov. Edgar Chatto urged all provincial government and Tagbilaran City government employees, employees of national agencies, the academic community and private individuals who are involved in various capacities in the different committees formed to fully support and cooperate, are now in its final stages of preparation. The first of its kind here, the South Korean-based company Understanding and Communication Corp. liaised by its adviser Cool Jae Huh is facilitating the international event, with full support from the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through its Executive Management Committee composed of the Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) Head Romulo Tagaan, Consultant Enriqueta Butalid, Liza Flores of the Special Projects Section as Deputy Chair of SEEM Cluster Head Liza Quirog who is the event's overall chairperson, with selected department heads as coordinators in-charge with select functions according to each office's role in the Provincial Government.

Poised to compete are the Sol Act from Vietnam; the Suade, an ensemble from Australia; the Alatau College Music School Choir from Kazakhstan; Jakarta Choral Group from Indonesia; the Busan Choir, the Konging Choral Group, Angelus Domini (All Boys) and the Angelus Domini Children's Choir, all from South Korea; and the Holy Name University Choir, UP Singing Ambassadors and the Chorus Vocales from the Philippines. The BICFC promotes the spirit of international camaraderie, friendship and cultural understanding among the participants and provides each the opportunity to meet with delegations from other countries as well as meet with our own constituents. The event will be an effective vehicle for promoting Bohol in the tourism, culture and arts scene in Asia and the rest of the world. The hosting of the event is also part of the recovery program of the province from the devastating effects of the natural calamities that hit Bohol last year. During their brief stay in the province, the participants will experience the unique Boholano hospitality, savor the local cuisine, see beautiful tourist attractions, explore the famous dive sites, and mingle with the locals, among others.

Annually, Bohol commemorates the famous Blood Compact or Sandugo every month of March between Bool Chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Capt. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain. History recounts that the Blood Compact is the country's first seed of international friendship forged between the locals and people from a foreign land. This March 16th, as Bohol commemorates the 449th anniversary of the Blood Compact, the province's hosting of the BICFC is a fitting tribute to the Boholano spirit of friendship and cooperation. On March 18, the event will kick-off with a parade along CPG Avenue at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, to be immediately followed by an opening ceremony at the CPG Sports Complex where all admission is free.

The Loboc Youth Ambassadors Band would be playing a prelude while delegates and guests are being ushered to their respective assigned seats. A welcome dinner will be served to all participants and guests right after a beautiful fireworks display. Atelier and workshops would be held in the afternoons and evenings from March 19-21 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary; while competitions would be held in the evenings at the Bohol Tropics Resort for two consecutive nights, March 19 and 20. Closing ceremonies would be on the evening of March 21, with everyone invited to witness the event. (jlv/EDCom)