By PR | 09:33 PM June 14, 2024
Bohol’s ties with Indonesia are strengthened with the visit of the Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo.
The ambassador was guest of honor at the opening of the agri-industrial fair of Catigbian on June 14.
He was joined on this trip by his wife Ranny Moerni Cahyani, Fairuz Alhamdi, adjutant, Mila Miranda Tarigan, Social and Cultural Affairs First Secretary and Chot Reyes, Social and Cultural Affairs staff.
Widjojo expressed gratitude and appreciation to LGU Catigbian for the invitation and warm welcome.
He said Indonesia is open to strengthening people-to-people relations and enhancing collaborations in agriculture and the creative industry.
Bohol and Indonesia also share close links in culture and heritage in the designation as UNESCO Global Geoparks.
While Bohol is the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark Island Province in the Philippines, Indonesia boasts of 10 UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Recently, the province also hosted the third visit of Mohamad Farid Zaini, chairperson of the Indonesian Geoparks Network.
Acting Governor Dionisio Victor Balite graced the event and underscored the significance of the presence of Widjojo in the shared links of Indonesia and the Philippines.
He also conveyed the commitment of the Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, to support the initiatives of Catigbian towards growth and prosperity.
According to him, the goal of a smart, resilient, and inclusive province can only be achieved through collective effort.
Doris Obena, municipal tourism officer, shared that Widjojo’s visit stemmed from a planned comparative study visit of LGU Catigbian to Bali, Indonesia, facilitated by Mayor Elizabeth Mandin-Pace with Benjie Oliva, former administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority.
Widjojo also led the unveiling of the Haligi ng Dangal marker at the Catigbian Municipal Hall along with Balite, Angilan, Atty. Abel Damalerio, representative of Cong. Edgar Chatto, Joanne Pinat, officer in charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office, and Architect Niño Guidaben.
The Catigbian municipal town center, completed through the Bohol Earthquake Assistance fund, was recognized as the People’s Choice awardee of the 2022 Haligi ng Dangal for the creative integration of local architecture that exemplifies the sense of place and pride of identity.
Guests and officials also witnessed the Carabao parade of all 22 barangays of Catigbian prior to the opening of the agri fair.
The activities were part of the celebration of the 75th founding anniversary of Catigbian and the 19th celebration of the Katigbawan Festival, which showcases the tourism and investment potential of the town. (PIMO/LMS)
