A few months ago, the Chronicle posted an editorial query - what scenario will obtain after the 2010 elections?

There is an expected change in the political landscape since at least three top positions will get vacated by last termers like Gov. Erico Aumentado, Rep. Edgar Chatto and Rep. Roberto Cajes. On top of this, 2010 will be a combined presidential and local elections. So, it means, many candidates will be in the race since the presidentiables will be fielding their bets.

This early, the Nacionalista Party under Senator Manny Villar and Liberal Party's Mar Roxas are confirmed vying for the presidential derby. The names of Senator Richard Gordon, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Senator Panfilo Lacson have likewise surfaced. Vice President Noli De Castro is no longer playing coy - he is "prepared," though "not preparing" for the presidency.

Casting the potential political landscape aside, we are really more concerned about the socio-economic development of Bohol. It is obvious that Bohol has been "favored" during the past years when Pres. Arroyo got fascinated on the potentials of Bohol and its top leaders who have remained loyal to the President. Thus, we started to ask - what happens next after Pres. Arroyo will be out and Gov. Aumentado, a known ally of the President will end his nine-year term as governor? Are Bohol "happy days" over?

And the other provinces can now stop salivating?

Begging the Governor's indulgence, our inventory of major concerns for Bohol (after 2010) are: shortage of power, water in Panglao and the need to continue the momentum of development. Doubtless, the same amount of workaholic attitude and energy are needed for the next Governor to push the wheels of progress further.

Perhaps the outgoing Gov. Aumentado could likewise prepare a "check list" for his successor to do.

Undoubtedly, the concreting of the circumferential roads will be a lasting achievement of the provincial executive because roads, unlike other infrastructure hasten the "multiplier effect" (as the economists put it) on other factors of production.

Last Friday, we were glad to hear that at least two mega projects got the full endorsement of the Regional Development Council which will lead their way to the final imprimatur of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). These are the last and final stages of the Bohol Circumferential Road Projects and the upgrading of the Leyte-Bohol interconnection project.

The power concern of the Boholanos can hopefully be addressed with this power interconnection upgrading since we are forecast to have this shortfall of power by 2010. No development comes without adequate power, lest we forget.

We hope that after the Governor has laid down the paper work for these mega projects (with PERT-CPM and time lines to define the target parameters) so that his successor may have the springboard and with no excuse but to diligently execute the projects to the full satisfaction of the people - both in terms of economic necessity and moral transparency. One without the other will no longer stand these days when people are well too aware of the dangers of mega development projects.

The other proposed Panglao Bohol International Airport, a handsome legacy, if realized within the next 2.5 years could be a bonus for the Aumentado regime. Last we heard by May 8, the Project will begin to hum with activity when President GMA visits Bohol and be at the launching pad. However, let us remind ourselves that there is a lot to learn though from other projects that recently have not passed microscopic scrutiny by way of Economic IRR (internal rates of return) and integrity of the cost determination mechanism.

May these remaining mega projects pass the grade with flying colors.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE?

Perhaps, unnoticed by many Boholanos is that there is such an Academy here which takes care of the deaf mutes in the province. Have you not heard of this piece of good news through the grapevine? Well, if you have not, the deaf mutes have.

The laudable Bohol Deaf Academy is to date hosting the first batch of 63 high school deaf students who are blessed to be schooled in an atmosphere that is close to perfect. What is inspiring is that these deaf can already be hired for jobs (after schooling) since included in their curriculum are vocational subjects which include carpentry, pottery making and some art work. The deaf institution, has another more than 200 students who are enrolled in the elementary level.

The elementary school campus is outside the city, but eventually they will come to enjoy the well-appointed campus once they reach high school. The Bohol Deaf Academy in the outskirts of Bo-ol, this city is indeed a site to behold - watching how people are gifted with the skills and the heart to take care of these disadvantaged deaf and mutes.

Every minute one spends inside the campus is a touching moment, thinking that if without the academy here, 300 deaf-mutes will face a dead end in their lives - without a future and a burden to their families. But the Institution brings them that ray of hope - that roar of victory from yonder - though faintly they may hear literally.

And the campus is even a lot better than many public and private schools. The ambiance of their city campus is a better version of Baguio's Teachers Camp, what can you say?

The magic of the story begins when a foreigner (now a true blooded Boholano) from the United States painstakingly started this project some 25 years ago -unknown to many of us. The name is Dennis Drake, a former advertising and salesman who wanted to find meaning in his life and found out that there is this sector of the community who needs to be taken cared of. Aside from the academics and vocational learning they get, these deaf-mutes are getting regular Bible studies to lift up their spirit to a God who they are told - is equally loving and caring for them. No favorites in heaven, you know.

In its daily mission of helping the disabled, the Academy is accepting donations for people whose heart cares for the disabled. It's good thing that modern-day society now has ceased addressing them as "disabled" but "specially abled" people. And one should see the home furnishings they are capable of making. You'll get awed by the sheer quality of workmanship that compares favorably even to branded home and office furnishings.

We noticed that in God's sense of equality and magnanimity, He has gifted many blind people as well with the extra-ordinary talent in music (let's start with Stevie Wonder, Jose Feliciano, our own Onie Oclarit and those wonderful singers that make your heart stop and sing at the city airport terminal, my goodness - don't look too far, boy) and in their extra sense of touch (through a good massage - they are everywhere, boy).

These deaf- mutes, in turn, have fantastic talent in art work. And these talents could just be wasted if no such great institution took care of nurturing their wholistic development as a person even at their tender age.

Bohol should be thankful to this institution behind the Bohol Deaf Academy. This is a piece of Good News that should not be crowded out from our consciousness which is bludgeoned daily by headlines of violence, crime and corruption.

Let us thank the Lord for this one great blessing. And let us support that school with donations coming from the goodness of our hearts, we the "normally-abled" of society. Shall we?

For Comments: email to bingo_dejaresco@boholchronicle.com Or editor@boholchronicle.com