BOHOL GOV VOWS TO LEAD CENTRAL VISAYAS’ RECOVERY FROM PANDEMIC, ‘ODETTE’
TAGBILARAN CITY—Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado on Monday sought the support of his fellow elected officials and partner agencies as he leads the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas.
Among his programs is to ensure Central Visayas’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation caused by Typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai) in December last year.
“With humility, I ask for your full support. Please work with me in ensuring that our beloved region achieves sustainability in the areas of food security, economic progress, inclusive growth, shared prosperity, good governance and better lives for everyone,” he said.
Aumentado was appointed chair of the RDC by President Marcos last month. He would serve for a fixed term of three years.
In his speech after he took his oath of office before Judge Jennifer Chavez-Marcos of the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Bohol on Monday, the governor said he did not expect to be entrusted with another responsibility.
“Having just been given the overwhelming mandate of the Boholano people in the May 2022 elections, I did not expect that I would again be entrusted with another great responsibility,” Aumentado said.
Support
Under his watch, Aumentado said major priority programs and projects in Central Visayas would be given fair support. He was hopeful to unite the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.
“I am 100-percent committed to this responsibility, directing Central Visayas toward becoming an even more progressive and united region against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation of Typhoon Odette,” he said.
In a special meeting on Aug. 22, the RDC passed Resolution No. 44 endorsing Aumentado as its new chair and private sector representative Kenneth Cobonpue, the council’s former chair, as its new cochair.
Aumentado said his late father, former Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, was his inspiration to serve the people and the region.
“My father once served the RDC beyond the call of duty. I, too, will devote all my heart and mind for our beloved province of Bohol and the entire Central Visayas,” he said.