The Province of Bohol has conferred honor upon former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as an “adopted daughter of Bohol” during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s (SP) regular session on Tuesday afternoon.

In conferring the title, the SP adopted a resolution recognizing Arroyo for her “unwavering support” for the development of Bohol during the session led by SP presiding officer Vice Governor Rene Relampagos at the Capitol.

“She has been giving her time and resources towards uplifting and further development of the province of Bohol,” said Relampagos, who now sits as acting governor after Governor Arthur Yap departed for China Wednesday for a weeklong official business trip.

According to Relampagos, Arroyo is set to arrive in Bohol on September 13 for a two-day visit.

He did not specify the reason for the former president’s visit, but it has earlier been reported that all of the councilors of Bohol will be gathered on September 13 for the Philippine Councilors’ League-Bohol elections.  

Arroyo, who was then House of Representatives Speaker, was last in the province in March to lead the orientation on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10969 or the Free Irrigation Services Act, a measure which was introduced at the lower house by Yap.

Yap is a known staunch ally of Arroyo. He was her Agriculture secretary when she was President and one of her Deputy Speakers when she was Speaker of the House.

The realization of the long-planned Bohol Panglao International Airport first gained ground during the Presidency of Arroyo.

Several large infrastructure projects in Bohol were also completed during her nine-year reign including port expansions and construction of the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project, which improved access to lesser known tourist sites of the province.

During her term as President, the governor of Bohol was the late Erico Aumentado who was also a known strong ally of Arroyo. (R. Tutas)