By Helen Castaño | 01:42 PM October 10, 2025
Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado assured Boholanos that the provincial government remains corruption-free and focused on genuine service, as he delivered his 2025 State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Capitol Complex in Tagbilaran City on Friday, Oct. 10.
“There are no ghost projects funded by the Provincial Government of Bohol,” Aumentado declared, underscoring transparency, accountability, and integrity as the pillars of his administration.
Citing Pope Francis’ message that “corruption is paid for by the poor,” the governor said his leadership’s anti-corruption reforms and efficient public spending have yielded visible results.
Record Economic Growth
Aumentado reported that Bohol’s economy continues to surge, posting an 8.82% growth rate in 2024—the fastest in Central Visayas and the 6th fastest in the country. The province’s GDP reached ₱198 billion, with services accounting for 73.4% of economic activity.
“Our impressive growth and lowest-ever poverty level at 14.8% mean that our economic strategies are working for our people,” Aumentado said.
He also highlighted a 7.6% growth in GDP per capita and low inflation rates, with Bohol maintaining stability amid national economic challenges.
Environment and Disaster Resilience
Aumentado reaffirmed Bohol’s distinction as the only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines, saying environmental sustainability remains a central priority.
He announced the establishment of a Unified Command Center for Disasters, a 30% increase in emergency response capacity, and the planting of more than 250,000 seedlings across 253 hectares.
On environmental law enforcement, Aumentado said the province stopped illegal sand and gravel operations, increasing revenue collections to ₱128 million—up from less than ₱10 million annually in previous years.
Agriculture and Food Security
Under the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), Aumentado said Bohol secured ₱1.3 billion in agricultural investments, including ₱408 million worth of farm-to-market roads and livelihood projects completed this year.
He also cited significant gains in rice production, livestock, and fisheries, noting a 90% rice sufficiency rate and 44% growth in corn production.
The Gatas Bol-anon Program provided over one million liters of locally produced milk, supporting school feeding programs and boosting rural livelihoods.
Tourism Revival and Heritage Preservation
Despite challenges, Bohol’s tourism sector remained strong, recording 1.369 million visitors in 2024 and generating ₱22.9 billion in revenues.
Aumentado attributed this success to the province’s UNESCO Global Geopark branding, which introduced new “Geotrails” linking tourism and environmental conservation.
Bohol also received the Best Tourism Destination Award at the Department of Tourism’s inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards, while Panglao ranked among the world’s top trending destinations.
He said SM Mall will begin construction in early 2026, while Aboitiz InfraCapital’s ₱4.53-billion upgrade of the Panglao Airport will boost passenger capacity to 2.5 million annually.
Governance and Infrastructure
Aumentado reported that the Cebu-Bohol 230-kilovolt power interconnection is now fully operational, ensuring energy stability with a 1,200-megawatt capacity.
He said the province completed ₱1.6 billion worth of infrastructure projects under his term, including 84 provincial road projects, hospital upgrades, water desalination systems, and school buildings.
“Never again will Boholanos suffer from power shortages,” he said, noting additional renewable energy projects such as solar farms in Dagohoy, Sikatuna, and Ubay.
Health and Social Services
The governor announced major health upgrades, including the modernization of 10 devolved hospitals and the upcoming soft opening of the Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Cortes, designed to decongest the main Gallares Hospital in Tagbilaran.
He said the province’s health initiatives led to a 52% drop in dengue cases, 15% reduction in malnutrition, and improved access to safe water and sanitation.
Aumentado also cited ₱263 million in assistance to 52,000 crisis-affected Boholanos, ₱9.1 million in cash incentives for centenarians, and ₱621 million in housing aid for Typhoon Odette victims.
Sustained Commitment to Service
In his closing remarks, Aumentado unveiled the Strategic Governance Roadmap 2025–2028, which envisions Bohol as a “globally recognized model of inclusive and sustainable development.”
“Our fight against corruption continues—not through words, but through service,” he said. “Our promise remains: to serve with humility, integrity, and love for the Boholano people.”
