It was only summer of last year that we visited Bohol. March of 2012. It left a permanent imprint in my mind of how beautiful this place is. The people, the surroundings, the greenery, the cleanliness, and to top it all is how heritage is so deeply valued in this picturesque island. I loved it so much that I literally wanted to live there. It was exactly the opposite of Manila - whose continued modernization is aiding the destruction of its identity. I hate to say it but in Manila, it seems only the rich progresses further with the poor neglected. Enough about Manila! Hahaha!
After a year and a half or so, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake crushed the picturesque image of Bohol. My heart is broken into pieces. I personally saw how great this place is. The destruction of old churches is not just about the crumbling of heritage structures. Nor the damage the Chocolate Hills sustained are just soil erosion. Bohol heavily relies on tourism and heritage as their source of livelihood. It is their life. So hell yeah! Carlos Celdran is right. Political will should be in place. It is just right to help rebuild these structures. (I just do not know about the Chocolate Hills. Maybe DENR have an expert opinion on its eroded parts?)
The churches of Baclayon, Maribojoc, Loboc, etc... as well as the Chocolate Hills watchtower are not merely structures. They are testaments of their identity, culture, and faith. More importantly, they are what they live for. Their livelihood. I can not imagine Bohol surviving and being progressive without these structures. So hell yeah. Mr President, political will is needed here. This is where you can put your so termed "personal pork barrel" into good use.
For those who can help, do so in your own little way. But for those who can't for whatever reason, just sincerely pray for the eventual rise of Bohol. Pray for Bohol. Pray for Central Visayas. I sincerely have Bohol in my heart and in my mind. Rise Bohol! Rise! To end, I leave you only beautiful images of Bohol.
(all photos taken March 2012 - Baclayon Church and Chocolate Hills)
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