Governor's Mansion (Bohol) Explained

Governor's Mansion
Native Name:Opisyal na Balay Puluy-anan sa Gobernador sa Bohol
Alternate Names:People's Mansion
Building Type:Residence
Owner:Provincial Government of Bohol
Current Tenants:Erico Aristotle Aumentado
Governor of Bohol
Address:CPG Avenue, Cogon District
Location Town:Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Location Country:Philippines
Completion Date:1931
Renovation Date:1967

Bohol Governor's Mansion, otherwise known as the People's Mansion, is the official residence of the governor of Bohol in the Philippines. Since the 2013 Bohol earthquake, it now hosts to the office of the governor, as the century-old Capitol is undergoing repairs and earthquake-proofing.

History

Then Governor (later President) Carlos P. Garcia first conceived the idea of having an official residence under his governorship, who used the facility as his living quarters while in Tagbilaran. As the building was of prominence, it was used by high-ranking officials of the Japanese Imperial Army as their residence during their stay in the province.[1] However, the residence fell into relative disuse after the war, since most governors preferred to commute back to their homes in the capital or hometowns.

However, it was during the administration of Gov. Lino Chatto that the Governor's Mansion gained prominence. He spearheaded the renovation program that added manicured lawns and fountains. After the EDSA People Power Revolution, it was renamed by Gov. David Tirol as the People's Mansion.[1] [2]

Mansion Office

Following the 2013 Bohol earthquake that damaged much of the infrastructures, including the Provincial Capitol with several cracks, the Governor's Office was moved to the residence[3] with the name now reverted Governor's Mansion. Further, Gov. Edgar Chatto kept an office in the residence even after the restoration work at the Capitol.[4] The office gained the name "Mansion Office of the Governor" to distinguish it to the Office of the Governor in the Capitol compound.

Facilities

Bohol Governor's Mansion includes living quarters for the Governor and his family, including his staff and a token police force to guard the facility. It includes a working office, reception hall and a conference room.[5] Presidents of the Philippines also utilize the residence as their own when situated in the province, especially Benigno Aquino III in response to the Bohol earthquake.[6] The mansion and surrounding facilities also house the auxiliary offices attached to the Office of the Governor.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Governor's Mansion. March 3, 2013.
  2. Web site: Chatto cites past governors. July 26, 2015.
  3. Web site: Rising from the rubble, post-quake Bohol to offer 'geoscience tours'. GMA News Online.
  4. Web site: The Bohol Standard Online Edition . 2016-06-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160808100750/http://www.theboholstandard.com/psection.php?issue=176&s1=2998&s2=3001&s3=3005&s4=914&s5=3015&s6=&s7=916&s8=915&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=918&s13=&s14=&s15=3010 . 2016-08-08 . dead .
  5. Web site: Observance of Bonafacio Day . Republic of the Philippines Department of Education . November 26, 2015 .
  6. Web site: Updates: Cebu and Bohol earthquake | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines . 2016-06-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160618050355/http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/updates-cebu-and-bohol-earthquake/ . 2016-06-18 . dead .
  7. Web site: Bohol Sunday Post. www.discoverbohol.com.