Homecoming of Boholanos from around the world opens

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  – The triennial grand homecoming of Boholanos from around the globe, dubbed as 5th Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) opened yesterday with a program and the Boholano Product Exhibit at Plaza Rizal, this city.

This TBTK edition is set this fiesta month of May to compare what’s the impact of the Boholano homecoming during the Sandugo or Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Gen. Miguel de Legaspi celebration on July, according to City councilor Anne Mariquit Oppus, TBTK organizer.

Registration of participants from other countries has already started, with registration stations strategically placed at the Capitol entrance, fronting Plaza Rizal, where the product exhibit is located.

Oppus said officials and balikbayans view the exhibits of Boholano agricultural products and plants, processed foods and other handicrafts made of local indigenous materials by local producers.

The grand event has spearheaded P-Noy’s declaration of 2011-2016 as Balik Pilipinas campaign, apparently to spur tourists arrivals, which now lags behind neighboring countries.

Several balikbayan Boholanos have started arriving in Manila and some are still due to follow. TBTK president Betty Veloso-Garcia welcomed them there and accompanied them in paying a courtesy call on Malacañang where Sec. Ronald Llamas, presidential adviser for political affairs, received them.

Governor Edgar Chatto, during the opening ceremonies of the event here, said that Boholanos must come home once in a while from their new-found home abroad to see for themselves what their leaders and people have done to the province.

Vice Governor Concepcion Lim opened the program with a welcome message, followed by speeches from DA-Region 7 OIC regional executive director Angel Enriquez, and Reps. Rene Relampagos (1st dist, Bohol), Erico Aumentado (2nd dist) and Arthur Yap (3rd dist).

Oppus said the Searches for Miss Bohol International 2012 and Mrs. Bohol International 2012 were also launched as part of the celebration.

Other TBTK events are Livestock Day today (May 11); 4-H Club (May 13); Fisheries Days (May 14-15); Crops Days (May 15-16); Processors Day (May 18); Product Selling (May 19); and closing rites (May 20). – (FREEMAN)