By Gil C. Cabacungan

(as published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on May 3, 2014)

In contrast to his vocal displeasure with local officials' plodding efforts to rehabilitate typhoon-ravaged Tacloban City, President Aquino was all praise Friday for his Bohol political allies' role in bringing the province back to its feet six months after it was devastated by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake. “In terms of diligence, it will be difficult to beat this group. If your leadership is this hard-working, I will not be surprised that a bright future awaits Boholanons. They are public servants who will not leave you in your hour of need,” Aquino told the people of Bohol province in a speech in Tagbilaran City. "After the earthquake… Gov. Ed Chatto… instead of fretting to the media, tossing the blame on others and making [himself] look good, laid down a specific plan to meet the problems faced by the province,” he said.

The President was at Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City for the launch of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) Shared Service Facility project, which would provide micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) access to cutting-edge technology in 3D design, such as laser cutters, computer numerical controlled milling machines, print and cut machines, and 3D printers, at video conferencing facilities. Aquino spoke glowingly of how quickly the local government brought back basic services, deployed housing and livelihood programs, and bankrolled the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure to hasten the flow of commerce and transportation under its “build back better” program.

Basic services restored

“It would not be farfetched for this to happen because of the passionate and tireless service of Gov. Ed Chatto. If he has a project or a problem, he calls or texts me three times a day, which practically uses up my cell phone's memory. At times when I am out of coverage, he makes sure that I get any document or problem that I have to know,” he said. The President said the Bohol group was so thorough that Chatto's requests were resent by Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos and former lawmaker Robert Cajes to Cabinet members who had key roles in the rehabilitation efforts. “There are some who choose to dwell on the negative, cast doubts and make the situation look more difficult than it is, while others make the most of their skills and knowledge to take advantage of our improving situation. In your view, who will succeed between the two?” Aquino said.

Progress report

In a press conference presenting updates on Bohol's rehabilitation, the President said all roads, ports and temporary bridges had been reopened to traffic, with permanent bridges to be completed by October this year; the National Housing Authority had given P10,000 to 38,800 to displaced families to buy construction materials to rebuild their homes (with construction completed on more than half of the 8,000 totally damaged houses), and a quarter of the targeted 50,000 temporary employees under a cash-for-work program had been processed. The President said the government's priority in Bohol was to complete the Panglao Circumferential Road this year and bid out the airport project before the end of this month. Chatto said tourism had bounced back. During Holy Week last month, most resorts on the island reported 100-percent occupancy, he said.