Philippine Government In Bohol

Bohol, famed for its chocolate hills, boasts not only countless natural attractions but also maintains the reputation for being hospitable, friendly and peaceful. Trade and industry thrive as rebellions and uprisings are now rare, unlike the previous era where Bohol is noted for several revolts, even the longest revolt in Philippine history that took place during the Spanish regime. Thanks to smooth and proper governance that is of great help to the maintenance of peace and unity of the province.

Derived from Bo-ho or Bo-ol, the island was the seat of the first international treaty of peace and unity as Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the native king, Datu Sikatuna made a blood compact alliance which is known until now as the "Sandugo".

On the other hand, Boholanos enjoyed ultimate freedom for 85 years as Dagohoy defied Spain and declared Bohol a republic, the only republic within a republic, the Republic of the Philippines. This freedom would not be possible without the Champion of Filipino Freedom, Francisco Dagohoy.

Philippines adapted a republic form of government where the country is run by the president and the vice president which is known as the Executive Branch. The lawmakers of the country belong to the Legislative Branch which is subdivided into Upper House or the Senate and the Lower House or the House of Representatives. The third branch is the systems of courts, collectively called as the Judiciary Branch.

The archipelago is divided into 3 major island groups namely: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These were further divided into 17 regions, 80 provinces, 138 cities, 1,496 municipalities and 42,025 barangays as of March 2010.

The Province of Bohol is one of the first-class A province with three Congressional Districts. The 1st District is composed of Tagbilaran City, Alburquerque, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Calape, Catigbian, Corella, Cortes, Dauis, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, Sikatuna and Tubigon. The 2nd District has Bien Unido, Buenavista, Clarin, Dagohoy, Danao, Inabanga, Jetafe, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Isidro, San Miguel, Talibon, Trinidad and Ubay. The remaining towns: Alicia, Anda, Batuan, Bilar, Candijay, Carmen, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Mabini, Pilar, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones and Valencia belong to the third district.

The entire province is run by the Governor and the Vice Governor. Every district is governed by a congressman and its 3 board members.

There are 47 municipalities or towns and each town has its own mayor, the highest ranking position, supported by its Vice Mayor and Councilors.

Barangay or barrio is the smallest administrative division in the country and is headed by Punong Barangay (Barangay Captain), 7 Barangay Counsilors or Kagawads and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). It is mandated by the law that every barangay must have Sangguaniang Kabataan, a local youth program and projects implementation partner of the government. There are 1,109 barangays in Bohol alone.

Elections for President and Vice President are held every 6 years. However, for some other positions, “midterm elections” take place after 3 years, not including the President and the Vice President positions. In parallel to national election, locals may also vote for positions like governor, vice governor and board members for provincial-level and mayor, vice mayor and councilors for city/municipal-level.

Barangays elections are held every three years but usually not on the same date of the national elections. Barangay-level positions are barangay captain, barangay kagawads, the SK and the SK Kagawads.

As of now, Bohol is implementing HEAT Bohol Caravan which stands for Health and Sanitation, Education and Technology, Agriculture and Food Technology and Tourism and Livelihood.

As tourism is strongly promoted for the rare natural, cultural and historical attractions found in Bohol, livelihood and peace and unity are among the top priorities of the government now. Honesty and smooth flow of governance make it all possible.