By I. Inojales | 03:34 PM December 12, 2025
CATIGBIAN, Bohol — Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva voiced his disappointment after the National Commission for Culture and the Arts–National Economic Development Authority (NCCA–NEDA) Regional Cultural Hub in Bohol was downgraded, a move he said undermines a key national government initiative to boost culture and tourism in the province.
Describing the project as a “good and meaningful initiative,” Oliva said it was halted over what he called “minor complaints” and fears “without clear evidence” to support them.
“Local leaders work hard to secure national funding for tourism in Bohol, yet when the national government offers a project that costs nothing locally, there is still opposition,” he posted on Facebook.
The P2.3-billion project, situated on Banat-i Hill in Tagbilaran City, was envisioned as a sprawling cultural complex featuring theaters, museums, and open-air amphitheaters, aimed at elevating Bohol’s arts and tourism profile.
However, the provincial government of Bohol and the Tagbilaran City government agreed to suspend the continuation of the original Regional Cultural Hub project, citing environmental and sustainability concerns. It will be turned into a public viewing and cultural deck or open-air amphitheater.
Oliva, a former commissioner at National Youth Conmission and administrator of Cooperative Development Authority, stressed that decisions by local leaders should prioritize the welfare of the province and its people, even if they are unpopular. While he respects environmental advocacies, he said policies should be based on facts, not assumptions, calling for “fair and balanced” decision-making.
He criticized the downgrade, saying it reflects a misunderstanding of the province’s culture and arts. “If this is the approach, it would be better to cancel the project than to embarrass NEDA and the NCCA,” he said.
The mayor also raised concerns about inconsistencies in local decision-making, citing earlier plans for the Hall of Justice in the same location. “Are we going to embarrass the Supreme Court as well?” he asked, warning that such actions could discourage national agencies from supporting Bohol in the future.
Oliva described the Hall of Justice plan as “one of the most important national projects” and cautioned against short-term decisions that may harm the province in the long run. He urged local leaders to act responsibly, lest they face public backlash for poor governance.
He concluded by calling on artists and cultural advocates to speak up and defend Bohol’s cultural and artistic heritage, stressing that the province cannot progress if leaders continue making decisions that disregard long-term benefits.
