The inauguration of the new Bohol Capitol Building and Governor Edgar Chatto’s last State of the Province Address (SOPA) in his third and final term as the province’s highest ranking government official are set on Thursday.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 7 director Efren Carreon and University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus Jose Abueva of the UP Advisory Council, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways 7 are expected to attend the inauguration.

The launching of the P700-million Capitol will start with a Mass at 3 p.m. and followed by a ribbon-cutting to signify the opening of the facility, said to be the largest government buildings in Central Visayas.

Prior to the event, Chatto will deliver his last SOPA at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City during a special session of the Sannguniang Panlalawigan at 10 a.m.

Chatto is expected to highlight the achievements of his administration in the past nine years including completion of major infrastructure projects such as the Bohol Panglao International Airport and the lowering of crime incidence.

Reports on the decrease of poverty and employment rates and progress in tourism, agriculture, education, communications and technology are also to be discussed.

Officials of the Chinese Consulate in Cebu City, representatives from the private sector, mayors, vice mayors and other government officials are expected to attend the SOPA. (rt)