Bohol is on center stage as it celebrates Sandugo and Bohol Day, its 152nd this year. This attention heaped on Bohol however, is different from other destinations of the country that attract tourists because of their festivals. Bohol is unique because it is an attraction by itself whether there is Sandugo or not.

Sandugo festival is just an added annual bonanza to visitors and tourists to Bohol because as it is, coming to Bohol is already a complete experience. Talk of the sun, the sand, and the sea or the three S's that attract tourists and they are here. Add to that the cultural and historical heritage, and the natural assets that God has endowed it and one can ask for nothing more. Every July, however, every visitor is treated to special occasions like Sandugo, the festival of friendship that Boholanos would like to model for the world to see. True friendship will necessarily bring peace and development, something that is sorely needed not only in the Philippines but also in many parts of the world today especially in the Middle East .

Yesterday Bohol celebrated its 152nd Foundation Day. The provincial government led by Gov. Erico B. Aumentado opened the day with a thanksgiving mass, then a program followed where outstanding persons, both Boholanos and non-Boholanos were recognized and awarded with the Sikatuna Award and Plaques of Merit for their unselfish commitment and dedication to the development of Bohol . On the national level, the Order of Sikatuna is the highest award that can be conferred upon a foreign dignitary.

A business forum was also conducted for local and foreign investors to invest in Bohol . As we have mentioned in this corner last week, Bohol should be groomed to become the business Mecca in the future. Presentations were made on Bohol being ripe for business leisure parks, information technology (IT), entertainment, and wellness tourism.

Today the traditional Sandugo street dancing will entertain the public at 9 a.m. Featuring 40 participating groups, including the champions of other festivals in a “Showdown of Champions,” the street dancing will start from the City Hall and proceed to the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex. It should be a day full of fun for everyone. Other features of the Sandugo this year are the usual agricultural fair, trade and food fair, the regional product showcase and the TBTK or Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan.

Sandugo represents one side of the Boholano psyche – that which is friendly and docile. From this springs the world renowned Boholanos' warmth and hospitality. This is what makes the Boholano a prize catch whether as friend, object of one's affection, office mate, subordinate, supervisor, host, teacher, student, classmate, or just an associate. The Sandugo in the Boholano explains his fancy for fiesta and religiosity.

The other side of the Boholano, of course, is his innate respect for human rights and self-esteem. It is because of these that Boholanos fought against Spain for 85 years when they could not get justice from the Spaniards. These also explains why it is easy for them to join groups who fight for a cause or cuddle those whom they feel are deprived of their rights or cannot meet their needs.

Other than just a festival and an occasion for merriment, therefore, Sandugo should be viewed and understood in its deeper meaning of achieving something in an atmosphere of friendship. Our Boholano leaders need to consider this when weighing options that would solve problems or address issues that confront the Boholano community, especially in making decisions in our march to development and progress. Let Sandugo be the framework of development.