Bohol
captures the limelight as the first RP province which has inked formal agreement
with a progressive province in China, thus, gaining recognition from national
governments of both countries. | CHINA
AND BOHOL PACT. Gov. Erico Aumentado together with some provincial kagawads
and the Loboc Children;s Choir talks to media during a press conference held yesterday
immediately upon arrival from the City Airport. Right foto shows the historic
signing of the "Sisterhood Pact" signed by Jiangxi Gov. Huang Zhiquan
and Bohol Gov. Aumenatdo held in Jiangxi, China last Saturday.
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Gov.
Erico Aumen-tado who led a 40-man Bohol delega-tion held five high-level talks
with top Chinese officials led by Jiangxi Gov. Huang Zhiquan who is Jiangxi's
No. 2 citizen.
No
less than Chairman Meng Jian Zhu who is a member of the Central Congress signed
the agreement of friendly exchange and cooperation which highlighted the six-day
visit to China. (Full text of the agreement is printed elsewhere in this issue).
The
significance of the sisterhood pact between Jiangxi and Bohol was recognized by
Chairman Meng who has to fly home from Beijing just to attend the signing ceremony
last Saturday.
The
five-year agreement covers areas in tourism, agriculture, trade, science/ technology,
education, culture and public health.
Jiangxi
which is one of the most progressive provinces in China is known for its excellence
in science and technology making parts of satellites with China being the third
successful nation to send satellites in space. She has a population of 43 million.
The
most significant outcome of the visit is the selection of Bohol to be the site
of a massive TV advertising campaign all over China by Oishi, one of the products
produced by Liwayay International Co. Ltd.
Scenic
spots like the white sand beaches of Panglao, the Chocolate Hills, man-made forest,
Loboc River and centuries-old churches will be highlighted in the TV commercials
which will be aired in six major television channels in China, aside from the
local channels in Jiangxi. The famous Loboc Children's Choir will hum the Oishi
jingle.
This
advertising campaign which will identify Bohol, Philippines as the site of the
footages will be viewed by some 1.2 billion Chinese.
With
the good exposure of Bohol in China through television, Gov. Aumentado is looking
forward for tourists from China on board direct chartered flights once the proposed
Panglao International Airport will be completed within the term of Pres. Arroyo.
The
China agreement was made possible through the influence of Carlos Chan, chairman
of the Liwayway Group who sponsored the trip of the Bohol delegation. Chan who
owns 12 plants in various parts of the world is a highly respected Chinese businessman
who holds influence in the corridors of power in China. With his endorsement,
the Chinese government gave due recognition to the agreement signed between the
two provinces.
Chan
assured to bring Chinese investors during the Bohol Investment Forum in July during
the "Tigum Bol-anon sa Tibook Kalibutan" to be held in the city.
Other
concerns: | • | The
Chinese government likewise assured P2.5 million for the establishment of the
Loboc | | | Children's
Palace which will soon become the training ground for musicians in the province
particularly the famous Loboc Children's Chior. | | • | Technical
assistance on rice production, Jiangxi being China's top rice producer | | • | Support
for geo-textiles from coconut fiber which they use for furniture upholstery | | • | To
buy mangoes grown in Bohol including the possible establishment of processing
plants here | | • | Showed
interest upon learning on the manganese, limestone, silica and fossil oil deposits
in the | | | province | | • | Interested
on student/ teacher exchange program in order to learn English while studying
here | | | and
Mandarin for those who will study in China | | • | Offered
to open sisterhood pact between Tagbilaran City and Jiujiang City | | • | Declaring
the Chocolate Hills as a UNESCO Heritage site while seeing the need to replicate
| | | what
is being developed in Mt. Lushan, Jingaxi's summer capital where villas for Europeans,
Australians and Russians abound on the peak of the 1,400 meters above sea level. |
The
five-year agreement took effect upon signing and will be renewed upon its expiration.
The agreement
mainly aims to promote "understanding and friendship" between the Filipinos
and the Chinese through friendly consultations in accordance with the principle
of equality and mutual benefit.
The
designated liaison offices will be the office of the Bohol governor and the Foreign
Affairs and Overseas-Chinese Affairs office of Jiangxi Provincial People's Government.
Gov.
Aumentado immediately upon arrival yesterday afternoon brought the delegation
to the Governor's Mansion for a press conference which was aired live over dyRD.
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