GOV. Erico Aumentado sticks by the chronicle of world-renowned historian, Dr. Gregorio Zaide, that the blood compact of Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish colonizer Capt. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi was on March 16, 1565 in Bool, Tagbilaran City and not March 25, 1565 in Hinawanan, Loay, Bohol.

As such, he lauded Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim who chairs the Bohol Sandugo Foundation, Inc. (BSFI) for spearheading the 2006 Sandugo season at the Atrium of the City Hall. “If the officialdom of Loay celebrates the Blood Compact on March 25, that is the Loayanons' right because the National Historical Institute (NHI) decided that the Blood Compact site is in Hinawanan. But that is not the law,” Aumentado said. “Republic Act 9093 declares every March 15 as Blood Compact Day in Tagbilaran City and Bohol , and therefore, a special non-working holiday,” he explained.

The governor said he would stand by “Zaide's history” rather some modern-day historians' say-so or the NHI decision that came out only lately. Besides, he said, as author of RA 9093 signed into law on April 8, 2001 , he gave NHI a copy of which it did not object or negative comments to. At the same time, Aumentado wished Lim good luck and expressed hope that this year's Sandugo celebration will equal, if not, surpass previous celebrations. The governor turned over the chairmanship of the BSFI to Lim early last year.

While the Blood Compact falls on March 16, the street dancing, the search for Ms. Sandugo and other activities are traditionally held in July. Early BSFI deliberations pointed out that March is graduation or closing of the school year time. This makes teachers, trainers and the students engrossed in preparing for their final examinations, projects and other requirements.

Besides, the Holy Week sometimes falls in March, making revelry in Lenten season inappropriate. July won over March and other months as it is still in the early part of the school year. This means the teachers and students have the luxury of time to do extra-curricular activities without sacrificing academics.

Besides, July is lean tourism period. Creating an activity during this period will perk up one of Bohol 's prime economic drivers, redounding to the benefit of the tourism sector – with a trickle down effect on other sectors and the province's economy in general, the BSFI members noted then. The province also commemorates Bohol Day on July 22, hence the more reason to celebrate.