By PR | 09:34 PM June 05, 2024
Various towns in Bohol participated in a simultaneous prayer rally in support of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and 68 other suspended local officials over the Chocolate Hills resort fiasco.
Acting Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite led the prayer vigil on Monday, June 3, at the Capitol grounds attended by employees and supporters.
On Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado’s official Facebook page, several local government units, including Alicia, Bien Unido, Candijay, Catigbian, Guindulman, Loay, Pilar, Sagbayan, Sikatuna, Lila and Ubay, participated in the prayer rally.
Other towns that also displayed support were Anda, Antequera, Balilihan, Buenavista, Calape, Clarin, Corella, Cortes, Danao, Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Loboc, San Isidro, San Miguel, Talibon, Tagbilaran City, Trinidad, Tubigon, and Valencia.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte led the rosary which commenced with a candle-lighting ceremony in the presence of other provincial officials.
In a special prayer for the province, Balite emphasized the importance of unity, understanding, and cooperation among leaders and citizens to achieve progress, peace, and mutual respect for the benefit of the community as a whole.
“Enlighten our minds, nga pirmi namong pangitaon ang kalamboan sa tanan, ug ipadayon ang kaayohan sa matag Boholano. May we be inspired by Your wisdom to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and may we always be guided by a deep sense of justice and compassion,” he said during the prayer.
The acting governor also hoped for everyone to strengthen their support and cooperation with the suspended officials during the challenging times.
“May we maintain calmness, rationality, and respect for the rule of law, in the face of uncertainty, help us to remain steadfast and courageous, trusting in Your divine plan and guidance,” he added.
The six-month suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman, effective on May 28, covered previous and present provincial officials, mayors whose jurisdiction includes the Chocolate Hills, barangay captains, and regional directors of various government agencies.
The decision was based on a recent investigation regarding the construction of The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Barangay Canmano, Sagbayan – a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 and Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 and a natural monument through Presidential Proclamation No. 1037 in 1997.
Sagbayan is one of the seven towns that houses the Chocolate Hills, a recognized World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Chocolate Hills is also one of the 17 geosites in the UNESCO Global Geopark Island province, the first and only geopark in the Philippines which was declared in 2023. (PiMO/JSS)
