Why is Everyone Going to Bohol?

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In a recent meeting my colleagues in development reform noted that many ODA-supported projects are either planning to go to Bohol or already there. Some were wondering, when would Bohol reach a point where it would not need ODA technical assistance anymore?

I think they’re missing the point. It’s not that Bohol needs ODA, although they clearly benefit from it. I suspect it’s the other way around - ODA projects need, or at least prefer, to be in Bohol.

Bohol’s got a lot going for it. There’s an interesting rural-urban mix. Beaches and resorts. Interesting spots. Cooperation among different political parties, after election. And a dynamic Governor.

But you can also find these in other places. 

What makes Bohol different and attracts ODA are local officials who can carry out the Governor’s decisions and agreements with partners. From Department Heads to front-line workers, Bohol Provincial Government has a deep bench of employees who are both technically competent and socially/politically savvy. 

An example comes from my personal experience with the CR+ID project in Bohol, in which the Bohol Chamber worked with the Provincial Planning Office to get Municipal Planners to complete a road network map. The Planning Office has a highly competent GIS unit headed by Willy Bueno, who coached, taught and helped Municipal officials complete their maps.  His efforts were complemented by PPDO John Vistal’s political support-building; Mr Vistal convinced Mayors to support their Planning Officers with equipment, personnel and vehicles. The result? A complete GIS road network map of the entire Province.

Effective change agents like John Vistal and Willy Bueno make the Provincial Government more effective. Sometimes much more so than any national or local policies because policies don’t implement themselves - human agents do. While policies can be formulated and adopted nationwide, implementation is still very much up to local actors. 

ODA project managers need to find project sites where there are insiders who can make things happen. We call these change agents “Development Intrapreneurs” - employees who employ entrepreneurial attitudes and approaches in pursuing change, reforms, and projects within their organizations. Because there are many Development Intrapreneurs in Bohol, they are able to implement ODA projects more effectively - and that, I think is why everyone is going to Bohol.

If you’re working with an institution - local government, national government, etc - look for the Development Intrapreneur. S/he can help you pursue your agenda if and when she agrees with it. And if you’re working with an institution, you should also look for Development Intrapreneurs in your midst, nurture and support them. Not only will they be powerful allies in your advocacy, they also tend to attract the attention of likeminded reformists from outside.




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