THE STORY BEHIND UNANG KAPITULO SA KAPITOLYO

It is often heard from the Boholano folks that the time has come to embrace revival. The province of Bohol has decided to install a “bagitong Gobernador” in the political arena, and it turned out a big “tsamba”.

The Bohol province was tagged as “Dato Ang Bohol” because of its high-priced commodities and services, notwithstanding the teeming poverty within. Several key leaders from the past administrations seemed to work hard to achieve a balanced economy, in terms of supply and demand, addressing the need for more jobs, more income, affordable primary needs, good housing, sufficient water supply, and sustainable power. To the frustrations of many, the more the political leaders strived to address the matter, like a quicksand, this living hope was aloof and was buried deep in the sand.

The unfavorable setting was aggravated by the severe calamities and natural disasters in the previous years; the 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake in October 2013, Bagyong Yolanda in November 2013, the Pandemic in 2019, and the Bagyong Odette in 2021, to name a few.

During these tragedies, the Boholanos longed for affection from a leader who may comfort them from their indescribable situations and may extend immediate support for their needs.

Almost a week after Bagyong Odette, some Boholanos reacted over a leader’s call addressed to National orities, urging for support in feeding the hungry typhoon victims. In an interview with a Veteran Broadcaster of a renowned TV station dated December 22, 2021, he appealed for peacekeeping officers, and more troops of the PNP Army because according to him, there were already isolated cases of looting, and more Boholanos may engage in this incident that he could not allow happening. Group of Boholanos here and abroad were fuming mad, because of the understatements. It generated adverse comments and reactions because a genuine Boholano public servant would have known that Boholanos are passionate and resilient even in the most trying times. While this leader was trying to find solutions to the dangers at hand, according to some Boholanos, it was a very shameful image the province of Bohol could ever have that need not be publicly disclosed by a leader himself, especially during the most challenging state. Out of frustration, Boholanos were eyeing a leader who heartily understands and believes in the virtue of a Boholano. Since then the search for a “ Tinuod Nga Bol-anon” leader surfaced.

The name, Aris Aumentado became so popular in all corners of the province. His name became so sweet in the tongues of Boholanos and stayed afloat in their hearts. His resemblance with his father also added valor in wanting a tremendous change.

At the first glance, it raised incoherent views. Antagonists foretold that a neophyte, unlearned and stupid brat has nothing to do with the politics in Bohol. Aris Aumentado may do well in some other political aspirations but not in the governorship. They underestimated his capabilities and his track record being a representative in the 17th and 18th Congress. Dogmatic spectators barely acknowledged that a successor of Hon. Erico Boyles Aumentado, the Great Boholano Leader is imminent.

Aumentado’s positioning was not that polished considering the absence of good numbers in allies, budget, and machinery. But he found favor in the sight of the Sovereign Most High. Heavens opened the windows of opportunities, for him to advance with his political opponents. His charisma was so encompassing that it changed even the dogmatic mind of an opponent’s loyalist. And that was the headstart.

The actual battle was like entering a needle’s eye. Some of his political mentors and analysts passed away during the peak of the massive campaign. The Abante Bohol Team ran out of budget. They seldom received donations from supporters. They had those diligent volunteers working unconditionally for him but they didn’t even have an idea how to feed them because they did not have enough funds. Volunteers attested their testimonies, that when Gob. Aris had some in his pocket, he would knock at the volunteers’ room and bring midnight snacks for them in the middle of the night when they were so busy with their assigned tasks. The rough roads in Aumentado’s political career tested his toughest faith, momentarily, no one was there to lighten his load but this man did not show a single tint of despair. He and his wife Vanvan who was also a candidate for the second district representative knelt in prayers and claimed that if it is the will of the Sovereign, everything is possible. Their budget was tight so Aris himself brought with him his own “balon” in some campaign schedules, to exercise cost-cutting measures. Political analysts commented that it was quite an alarming financial stand. The trolls also were actively grabbing the chance to devour any weakest link, implying a blurry image of Abante Bohol’s slate during their hard times, the worst-case scenario. Amidst everything happening his way, Aris fought a good fight.

Came to the election and Aris won a landslide victory with 449,335 votes over his opponent who garnered 267,034 votes. His tandem aspiring vice governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite and the majority of the Abante Bohol slate also did it.

His first assumption in the office signified victory over a million foes. The governor was naturally soft-hearted and opposite to the expectations of others, there was no scrutiny or transfer of the capitol’s employees. He welcomed everyone in the capitol regardless of their political color. He requested everyone to support the present administration. He persuaded them to unite among themselves for the common good.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado was straightforward and energetic in the exercise of his office being the governor. He was so inspired in serving his constituents that he was working 24/7. The transition from the previous administration to Abante Bohol was tough but the inauguration was soothing to the heart and encompassing. The first day of his office outshone the transpired negativities and the Bohol Provincial Capitol were filled with smiles and happy faces.

THE ONE HUNDRED DAYS of the Governor commenced. Everyone in the Capitol, in the Old Mansion, and some attached Agencies of the Province were so occupied in performing their respective tasks. Every supportive employee kept an eye on the big event of the 100th day.

Governor Aris gained a high percentage of approval from all walks of life. Different investors are coming in to venture into the province of Bohol. Tourism was bouncing back. Agriculture sectors were kicking and the full blow of key projects was in the making.

While the builders were busy, the destroyers were seeking opportunities to ruin the big plan for a successful Fifteen Point Development Agenda. Governor Aumentado was so decisive to fulfill his pledge to the Almighty and to his people that no one could stop him from his strong determination to serve.

On October 7, 2022, came the celebration of the UNANG KAPITULO SA KAPITOLYO, where the accomplishments of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado about his 100 days of service were reported to the public. It has been simple but promising.

During the ceremony, he ended his speech by saying, Abante Bohol. The said tagline is not a plain signal to move forward but a living testament that every “kaliwat ni Dagohoy” shall uphold the same pledge to serve the people by heart. Amidst all forms of difficulties, “to retreat” is never an option. 

Once again it was proven, that it is not always intelligence that counts, being a good public servant. A heart that has compassion for people, matters most. A situation in which two possibilities are equally likely: It was a toss-up who would win, right to the end of a game.