Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan in Bohol

The idea first materialized during the 6th biennial convention of the Confederation of Boholanos, United States and Canada, Inc. (CONBUSAC) in Houston, Texas. Why not hold conventions right in their hometown—Tagbilaran, Bohol, in the Philippines? Thus, the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan was born.

The Boholano term (tigum bol-anon tibuok kalibutan) means literally a big meeting of all migrant Boholanos. The idea is to invite Boholanos from all over the world for homecoming and reunion. In 1999 it was agreed upon that Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan should push through—and with the backing of Boholanos from the US. This would be a great way of promoting Bohol abroad and luring the long lost sons and daughters of Bohol to re-visit the province and refresh their origin connections.

After much planning and preparation Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan finally materialized in 2003. Everything was spearheaded by a steering committee named after the project—the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan (TBTK) committee. It was a first in the history of Bohol—Boholanos from around the country and the globe trekking back to their hometown to attend a week-long event and for a common purpose.

A second Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan had to be made. The target date was July 21-30, 2006. After 3 years Bohol again witnessed a grand union of Boholanos from far and near. It coincided with the celebration of the Blood Compact which sealed Bohol’s first contact with world—the Sandugo festivity in 2006. It was a joint effort of the CONBUSAC and Bohol Association of Metro Manila, Inc. (BMMI), among others. Local government and religious agencies hosted it.

A new Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan is scheduled for 2009. Boholanos are anticipating another successful grand gathering and return of their expatriate province mates for fun, reminisces, and community services together. They see the future development of Bohol through this event where Boholanos are strongly united for a common goal.

Community services include medical and surgical missions. Aside from this, Bohol is also benefitted in terms of exposure and promotion. This is not to mention the influx of dollars to the locality, the boost in tourism and commerce, and perhaps future plans for some small business ventures in the area. Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok kalibutan is indeed a harbinger of hope.

Homecomings to Filipinos, no matter what region of the country they come from, always mean new hope. These special gatherings often result to a solidarity that translates to periodic prosperity. We hope Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan makes it for good.