By: Joe Sprite

Jagna lifestyle has slowed down. The closing of the wharf for repairs displaced several industries the municipality had been trying hard to mitigate the effects. In fact, they had asked help from higher authorities but local interests must give way to national interests. The construction must go on. Two fronts had been sorely affected, arrastre and portering. Without ships docking, there can be no activity. Without ships, there is no work. How they can get gainfully employed while the situation lasts is a problem, both to the affected and the municipal authorities. Since the town authorities could not give them temporary employment, they have to fend for themselves.

Shipping agents could still operate by issuing tickets to passengers who will take the Mindanao route via Tagbilaran. Perhaps local passengers may avail of the convenience but those out of town may prefer to buy their tickets at the point of departure to assure themselves of facilities like cots to be used on the voyage.

The calamay industry slowed down. There are some who still make a living by chasing buses. Those whose wares are well known may wait for buyers at their stores. Those are the people who will not be affected. The mitigating factor of the situation is that only those with quality goods will be able to sell since they had been known.

The local tourist trade had slowed down. Cafes and restaurants may experience a slump. Passengers will go direct to Tagbilaran or other points out of Bohol . They will no longer stop and wait for ships here until the construction is finished. Support industries like green grocers, wet market vendors will feel the pinch since the main industries are slowing down.

Had the construction been done on any other year, the municipal authorities would really appreciate it. A study had been made and it was found out that passenger season of Jagna is during the months of April, May and June. It slumps a little in July up to the end of November, picks up slightly on December to January. Slumps again until it picks up in the middle of March. Hence August to November would be the best time to undertake tee construction.

However, this year Jagna will celebrate the 375th anniversary of it's founding. A big bash is prepared and a lot of expats are expected. Those coming from Mindanao and there are many of them have to pass either Ubay or Tagbilaran. That means the welcoming band would be either in Alejawan or Canuba. The rest will come from Tagbilaran.

Closure of the pier area cannot be helped. It is the municipal interests against national interests. When the Philippines tried to obtain soft loans from funding countries for the improvement of her ports and harbors, the lenders made a stipulation that an agency would be created to handle all ports and harbors activities from construction to maintenance to income generation.