By I. Inojales | 10:29 AM July 26, , 2025
PRESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA, BOHOL — Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, together with Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) officials, formally turned over two new homes under the Balay sa Paglaum housing program to beneficiaries in President Carlos P. Garcia (formerly Pitogo Island) on Thursday, July 24.
The ceremonial turnover marked the 78th and 79th houses completed under the joint Balay sa Paglaum and Libreng Alagad ug Balay initiative.
The recipients of the new homes were Richard Escasinas and Margie Montalbo, parents of five children from Barangay Bonbonon, and Mr. and Mrs. Juvie Cuyam of Barangay Lipata.
Aumentado explained that the Balay sa Paglaum is a personal advocacy shared with his wife, 2nd District Representative Van-van Aumentado, aimed at assisting residents who remain without decent housing following the devastation of Typhoon Odette. Many of the beneficiaries lack the financial means to rebuild their homes.
Each house costs a minimum of ₱80,000, personally funded by the Aumentado couple. These funds are channeled to the BPPO, whose officers construct the houses free of charge under their Libreng Alagad ug Balay community service program.
To date, 79 houses have been completed and turned over to families across Bohol’s three districts, with 31 more currently under construction. Some of these are expected to be handed over in the coming days.
Aumentado also announced the allocation of additional funds for more homes, while encouraging barangay officials to support the program. Barangays that actively participate will receive P200,000 in project funds from the Provincial Government.
Launched in 2023, the joint housing project was conceived after former BPPO Provincial Director Lorenzo Batuan approached Congressman Van-van and Governor Aumentado, along with Lt. Col. Norman Nuez, chief of Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit, seeking support for a housing program that would also involve the police force.
Construction of each house is led by the police chief of the recipient municipality, with the BPPO responsible for selecting beneficiaries based on police screening and criteria.
The Aumentado couple’s advocacy has gained traction on social media, attracting financial support from various sponsors.
Both the Escasinas and Cuyam families expressed deep gratitude, noting they would not have been able to own a home without such assistance.
Aumentado emphasized the importance of responsible family planning and education, saying that freedom from poverty begins with access to quality education.
He also extended thanks to the program’s sponsors and supporters for trusting in the mission of Balay sa Paglaum, which he said has significantly changed lives for the better.
Nuez, for his part, thanked the governor for his unwavering support to the BPPO and announced that the partnership between the Aumentados and the BPPO will be formally strengthened during an event scheduled on July 30.
