The chief economic planner in Central Visayas (CV) commended Bohol’s economic progress in the past decade citing the downward trend of poverty incidence in the province during the period.

The pace of poverty reduction in Bohol is an indication of inclusive growth, said CV National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director Efren Carreon during the Provincial Development Council meeting on Wednesday.

Carreon noted that poverty incidence in Bohol steadily dropped by 14 percent from 24.7 percent in 2006 to 14 percent last year outpacing other provinces in the region.

The NEDA official cited tourism as among driving factors of Bohol’s growth as he pointed out that the province is set for further progress in the following years.

According to Carreon, the completion of the New Bohol Airport in Panglao which is among big-ticket projects in Bohol will boost the province’s economy, particularly through the tourism sector.

NEDA had previously projected that tourist arrivals in the province will reach one million two years from now when the new airport starts to cater to international flights.

The airport in Panglao and the new Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Cortes are two major projects that have already been approved by the NEDA Board. (Allen Doydora)