It is probably not practical nor wise to gauge our province’s bright future, even of our country, in the hands of politicians. Not that politicians are not capable of making great strides to move Bohol or the Philippines forward; they are, except that the system is simply too mired in patronage that it is hard to liberate our people from poverty through political means.

That is why, we look to economics and culture for hope.While Alturas Group’s Marlito Uy has five daughters and a son who are into different kinds of entrepreneurial activities, the eldest daughter, Mae Angelie Uy-Yau, is expected to take the reins of businesses to which she is most comfortable with.From the scion of the Bohol Quality also comes Argie Ong as the leader of its successor generation.

Warren Yap, the young lawyer, is reportedly beginning to take on many of the corporate responsibilities of the Wrenley’s group. You’re probably wondering, too, why RTU (Richard T. Uy) of FCB is increasingly scarce in Bohol’s limelight. We venture to surmise that that’s probably due to the fact that he has given the green light to his daughter, Claire Uy-Evardone, to take the helm of his corporate presidency.

Dalareich Polot is already a shining example of a young Boholana entrepreneur who is making waves, not only locally, but even internationally. We love her world-class chocolate bits and pieces. Belian Hotel and related businesses would surely be in good hands with Shobe Uy ably following the footsteps of her mom and dad. Allen Varquez has made a positive impression in handling the affairs of the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants.

In the cultural scene, the brothers Ryan and Tyrone Tirol are behind the continuing success of Bohol’s pioneering educational institutions, University of Bohol and Cristal e-College. Also making waves, not only in Bohol, but even in Siquijor and Agusan are the branches of the Bohol Institute of Technology now led by the young educator Neil Balite and his siblings.Young woman-leader Doris Dinorog-Obena is also breaking ground in the education sector with her initiatives in establishing the Bohol Northwestern College in Catigbian.

Those of us, too, who are active in the culture and arts scene are now asking pivotal questions: Who will succeed Gardy Labad as Bohol’’s cultural impresario?What about the trailblazing work of the Bernidos of Jagna in science education? Do they have successors already?

And more importantly, can you imagine Bohol without the Bohol Chronicle? Who, then, among the Dejaresco children will take the cudgels and keep the fire burning for DYRD and the Bohol Chronicle?