THE air in Bohol smells of Sandugo relished with the TBTK. Unmistakably, every Boholano who lived in Bohol since 1991 when the Sandugo Festival was formally introduced to commemorate a four century-old blood compact between Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Boholano Chieftain Sikatuna, would notice the change in the atmosphere of Bohol , especially Tagbilaran, come July. The air triggers festive mood and everyone becomes more friendly than usual. This is heightened every four years when Boholanos all over the world come home for the TBTK or Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan.

Sandugo no longer just means blood compact between a foreigner and the native of the place. Sandugo no longer means friendship alone. Sandugo has become a ritual and an occasion for family reunion; a tool and a means for forging unity, cooperation and understanding among Boholanos. It is something Boholanos cannot live without anymore for Sandugo has become the identity of the Boholanos themselves. Look at the leaps and bounds Bohol has made since 1991. Look at the attention that Boholanos have had from their countrymen since 1991, and the world since that fateful day in March of 1565 when friendship was offered and accepted. Whether the blood compact took place in Tagbilaran or Loay does not matter anymore. What is important is that it happened in Bohol. Bohol and the Boholanos could never be what they are today without Sandugo.

As Boholanos again celebrate Sandugo this month with their ‘Sanos from the other part of the world who are coming home for the TBTK, there should only be one consideration for this celebration, and that is that Bohol continue to succeed in its claim for a permanent niche in the roster of more developed provinces in the country and as THE tourist destination of the Philippines. This should not be difficult to do considering that the necessary development framework and infrastructure have been put in place by our leaders in government, business, and the church.

Today's provincial leadership, led by Gov. Erico B. Aumentado who has always been vocal about his policy of building upon the accomplishments of his predecessors, has embarked on an ambitious plan of bringing in the big time investors to Bohol through the Business Forum that will take place beginning late this week. Gov. Aumentado's economic planners are now finalizing the program, which to us could make Bohol the Business Mecca of the country in the few years to come.

There is only one way to develop Bohol and that is to bring in investments. Investments generate jobs for the people. With more people having jobs there will be more money in circulation. More money circulating means more taxes for government. More taxes for government mean more and better services in return.

There is therefore no reason to miss this opportunity to convince investors to come in. Our roads are getting first class. Communication is accessible. Electricity is more than enough. Transportation by land, air and sea is not a problem. There is enough skilled but cheaper labor force trained and produced by two top-caliber universities, four colleges, and three IT Colleges. Peace and order is not the most ideal, but where is it most ideal today? Bohol is more peaceful than Metro Manila or New York City. All the ingredients for a profitable business are already in Bohol . Come to the upcoming business Mecca of the country.