PGMA's March 10 visit can also solve dev't concerns

Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is coming to Bohol on March 10, 2007 to launch two major programs of the youth which will clear a lot of issues and spare her administration from more criticisms against unresolved substantial major issues. Green Philippines and the Barkada Kontra Droga are two programs that are aimed at addressing environment and illegal drugs issues that have long gripped the country. She is tasking the youth for their implementation. That they will be launched in Bohol is again an affirmation of Bohol 's closeness to her heart. Incidentally, March 10 is also Bohol Youth Day. It is a day when about 10,000 of the youth population are expected to converge at the Bohol Sports Complex to express their minds on the issues of the day and sign manifestos to implement activities that will show definite programs and projects in support to the programs of the President.

National Youth Commissioner Benjie Oliva who hails from Bohol is coordinating all the committee works to ensure a successful program. Considering that the election period has begun, it will not be surprising to see some of the candidates of the Unity Ticket for senators tagging along with the President in an effort to win the Boholano votes. The President is expected to be back in April to inaugurate the Bohol Circumferential Road Project Phase II and the Bayaongan Dam that will supply irrigation water to about 5,500 hectares more of land in Ubay, San Miguel and Trinidad . These are two of the mega projects that Gov. Aumentado has worked so hard to realize. Were the project designed to be completed just before the elections? We don't know but perhaps the master politician, Gov. Erico B. Aumentado, can answer that. It's his finest moment. Well since the President is coming during an election period, she will perhaps be more attentive to local issues with national implications and therefore will be more generous in her dispensation of solutions to them. So in case the provincial leadership fails to bring some issues to the President, We are listing a few that she could respond to.

First, the President must be made aware that some of the national government agencies have taken for granted environmental issues that are eating the foundation of a strong eco-cultural tourism program of Bohol . Panglao for example has its white sand beaches as its best asset just like Borakay in Aklan. But this, too, is being destroyed slowly by the wanton violation of the laws and rules that would protect the beaches especially on easement or salvage zone. Some officials have become masters in violating these laws with impunity.

Second, there is a steady increase of tourist arrivals but the need for more trained tourist police has remained a concern. The whole province is now a destination but tourist police are confined to the island of Panglao . And even these are not enough to thwart criminal activities in the island. Perhaps more policemen who can be trained as tourist police can be added to the PNP quota of Bohol .

Third, the dive sites of Bohol are one of the best in the world and are attracting many sea diving enthusiasts. But there is now a growing concern about their safety as the nearest decompression chambers are in Cebu . May be it is time that the President directs DOT or PTA to look at this concern more seriously now.

astly, the land acquisition for the Panglao Bohol Airport Project has been very slow because landowners are not keen on offering their land to the government because of the low valuation approved for their land. The Local Task Force in charge of the acquisition is contemplating a possible expropriation of the affected lands to fast tract acquisition. However, this forceful mode of acquisition can be avoided if the President can authorize the increase in the buying price of the land. It will entail a little more cost on the pat of the government but then the project will also have the support of the landowners.