OPEN ARMS. Presidentiable Noynoy Aquino is seen warmly welcomed by Provincial Administrator Tommy Abapo and lawyer Jun Amora at the Capitol.

Senator Benigno “NoyNoy” C. Aquino, the presidential timber for Liberal Party, has practically stormed the province in a quick visit here Thursday where he fielded and tackled queries on various issues and concerns of different sectors.

His visit was spearheaded by Movement of Volunteers to Elect NoyNoy for President (MOVE NoyNoy). The organizers launched the movement on Sept 21, 2009, which they considered “historical” because it falls on Martial Law anniversary with the presence of his sisters Ballsy Aquino Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abellana.

But his visit was not complete since Senator Mar Roxas, his running-mate in 2010 polls, was not with him contrary to the report last week. Roxas was said to be indisposed.

Aquino, in his first visit in the province since he announced his candidacy for President, was accompanied by former Dept. of Agrarian Reform secretary Butz Abad and former Bukidnon Congressman Nereus Acosta.

When he arrived at the city airport at almost ten o’clock AM, Aquino was welcomed by a throng of active members of mostly the civil society, people’s organizations and non-government organizations, said Move Noynoy organizer Engr. Vicente Loquellano and Atty. Raul Barbarona of the Change Politics Movement or CPM.

Some politicians then identified with the administration party and other parties also took participation in a convoy and courtesy visits of officials here prior to proceeding to Jjs Seafood Restaurant to meet different sectors in a forum here.

Aquino made his first stop during his courtesy call to Bishop Leonardo Medroso, who was ably represented by Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, parish priest in this city of the diocese of Tagbilaran and Bo-ol parish priest Msgr. Feliciano Nalzaro. The senator and the clergy exchanged views on the controversial reproductive health bill in congress.

After almost an hour of huddle with the Church leaders, Aquino and company dropped by the provincial Capitol for a few minutes wherein he was welcomed by acting governor Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera and provincial administrator Atty. Tomas Abapo, Jr.

Also Aquino and company met with the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in a luncheon meeting at Metro Center Hotel and restaurant and visits schools to meeting with youth and students at mostly private schools and universities here prior to leaving (back) for Cebu at past 4 PM.

Aquino is expected to return to Bohol on Saturday (October 17, 2009) to induct the new recruits of the Liberal Party, according to his itinerary. (RVO)