15 Bohol LGUs unite as guardians of the Loboc River Watershed

BOHOL--For generations, the emerald waters of the Loboc River have served as the pulsing lifeblood of Bohol. Flowing through dense tropical forests, rolling agricultural lands, and vibrant eco-tourism corridors, the river is far more than a scenic attraction—it is the lifeline that sustains the island's water supply, feeds its crops, and fuels the livelihoods of thousands.

Yet, nature does not recognize political boundaries. A mudslide on an upstream hillside in Sierra Bullones or soil erosion in Bilar can ripple miles downstream, muddying the famous turquoise waters in Loboc town, threatening agriculture, and heightening severe flood risks.

Recognizing that no single community could protect the ecosystem alone, leaders from across the province gathered on July 16 at the Panda Tea Garden Suites for a landmark event—the meeting of the 15 mindsets.

In a room filled with community leaders, environmental experts, and government officials, 15 distinct local government units (LGUs), spanning from inland hills to coastal river mouths, came together with a single, shared purpose.

The participating municipalities included Alburquerque, Balilihan, Batuan, Bilar, Carmen, Catigbian, Dimiao, Garcia-Hernandez, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sagbayan, Sevilla, Sierra Bullones, and Sikatuna, with Forester Wilson Henson, Chairperson of the Council and PENR Officer of Bohol presiding over this inaugural organizational gathering of the Loboc River Watershed Management Council (LRWMC).

"The Loboc River Watershed must be managed as one interconnected ecosystem," Henson emphasized, pointing out that upstream human activity directly dictates the health, safety, and prosperity of downstream communities.

The council members confronted pressing climate challenges head-on, from soil erosion and riverbed sedimentation to increasingly unpredictable flood patterns that threaten local communities and tourism operations alike.

To turn shared commitment into actionable protection, the council outlined critical first steps by firstly, formalizing governance through the review of a proposed Executive Order to institutionalize the LRWMC and drafting a comprehensive Manual of Operations.

Second, is to assess risks by analyzing the Climate Change and Disaster Risk (CCDR) assessment report focusing on the Loboc River Tourism System.

Third, targeted Action (2026–2027 Roadmap) by rolling out full Climate and Vulnerability Risk Assessments (CVRA) across the entire watershed while institutionalizing regular council sessions to maintain momentum.

By uniting 15 municipalities alongside national agencies and regional partners, the formation of the LRWMC marks a turning point for Bohol, by harmonizing policies, protecting biodiversity, and guarding against climate vulnerabilities.

This unified coalition aims to ensure that the iconic Loboc River remains clean, resilient, and vibrant for generations to come. (Photos: Google Images/FB posts)

 

Environmental Feature:Caritas sounds alarm as 70% of corals die in Bais Bay following wastewater spill last year

CEBU CITY -- Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of San Carlos have issued an urgent moral and environmental appeal on July 17, following catastrophic scientific reports showing that nearly seven out of every ten surveyed corals in Bais Bay have died after a massive wastewater spill in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) on October 26 last year.

In a formal statement titled "A Cry from Tañon Strait: An Urgent Call to Protect Our Common Home," Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, D.D., President of Caritas Philippines and Bishop of San Carlos, described the underwater devastation as not merely an environmental statistic, but a "profound moral concern."  

The crisis stems from ongoing industrial wastewater contamination in Bais Bay—a critical habitat within the Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. Recent surveys conducted by marine scientists from Silliman University revealed that nearly 69% of the surveyed coral reefs in the bay have died as a result of oxygen depletion and algal blooms caused by toxic wastewater.  

"Coral reefs are among God’s most beautiful and life-giving creations. They nourish fisheries, protect our coastlines, sustain countless marine species, and provide livelihood for thousands of coastal families," Bishop Alminaza stated. "When they die, creation itself cries out, and so do the poor whose lives depend upon healthy seas."  

The church leader expressed deep gratitude to the scientists, marine researchers, fishers, and local advocates monitoring the situation, commending their courage in speaking the truth and emphasizing that sound science is an essential partner in responsible ecological stewardship.  

Call for Government Enforcement and 'Polluter Pays' Principle

Addressing regulatory authorities and local leaders, Caritas Philippines urged government agencies to act with immediate urgency, full transparency, and strict accountability.  

Bishop Alminaza called for comprehensive legal and regulatory intervention to halt ongoing pollution, enforce environmental laws, and mandate habitat restoration under the legal doctrine of the "polluter pays" principle.  

He also directed an appeal to commercial entities and industrial operators situated near fragile ecosystems:   "Economic activity can never be separated from moral responsibility. Genuine development must always respect the integrity of creation and the dignity of the communities whose lives depend upon it."  

Highlighting the ecological significance of the region, the statement emphasized that the Tañon Strait is a vital marine sanctuary shared between the islands of Negros and Cebu, holding rich biodiversity meant for present and future generations.  

Citing Pope Francis's landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, Bishop Alminaza reminded the public that "everything is connected"—linking the survival of marine ecosystems directly to the welfare of coastal families and national food security.  

"The true measure of our progress is not how much wealth we extract from creation, but how faithfully we safeguard the gift that God has entrusted to us. Future generations will judge us not by our intentions, but by the seas, forests, and communities we leave behind,” the statement concluded.

Key findings on pollution in the TSPS

Based on reports and field assessments from Silliman University Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) and the SU Angelo King Center for Research & Environmental Management, here are the key findings on pollution in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS):

On October 26, 2025, the Universal Robina Corp. (URC) Bais Distillery wastewater lagoon collapsed and some 255,000 cubic meters of untreated molasses ethanol wastewater "spent wash/vinasse" spilled into Bais Bay, Tañon Strait, reportedly killing 12 tons of fish estimated dead. Fish pen and seaweed farm damage reported in Manjuyod.

On Oct 31 to Nov 2, 2025, Silliman University (SU), with DENR-Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local Bantay Dagat. conducted an inter-agency on-site survey plus drone-based GIS mapping, water sampling and biological assessments.

The team found the “spent wash plume” affected between 4,494 and 6,000 hectares of marine and coastal waters of TSPS. Oxygen depletion confirmed in Bais Bay waters. The SU team warned untreated molasses wastewater is “highly polluting and capable of rapidly depleting dissolved oxygen, water discoloration and algal blooms.

Fish pen/seaweed farm operators in Manjuyod reported losses of PHP 1,000 to PHP 1.8 million per operator.  The SU team noted risks to coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and the food chain. The strait has 18,000 hectares of coral reef, 5,000 hectares of mangroves, and 14 species of whales and dolphins.

Silliman University called for urgent repair of the lagoon, transparent water quality monitoring, strict compliance with pollution standards, and “full accountability and comprehensive restoration”. They continue to support DENR-NIR with water quality/biological assessments and rehabilitation plans.

Other Pollution Concerns in TSPS reported by Silliman-linked studies include microplastics.  A PIDS study cited in relation to TSPS, found “relatively high microplastic occurrence” — 0 to 1.5 items per liter in Tañon Strait water. Sources likely from single-use plastics and packaging.

Reports noted weak regulation of industries in protected seascapes. TSPS is a multiple-use area for fishing and tourism; it has 18,000 hectares of coral reef; 5,000 hectares of mangroves and 14 whale/dolphin species. Spill threatens spawning/nursery grounds.

SU team recommendations

The SU team released these recommendations in their official statement and technical advisories to DENR-Negros Island Region (NIR) which included the immediate and urgent repair of URC lagoon to prevent further discharge.

Water quality monitoring must be transparent and continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen, pH, BOD, and other parameters in Bais Bay and downstream areas.  Proper disposal of dead fish to prevent secondary pollution.

For accountability and compliance, the team called URC to be fully accountable, with strict enforcement of pollution standards under the Clean Water Act and TSPS management plan, using SU survey data to guide restoration strategies for TSPS, the country’s largest marine protected area.

Silliman University team continues to support DENR-NIR through technical advisories for science-based rehabilitation and long-term management for affected coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and fisheries, and livelihood support and assistance to affected fishers and seaweed farmers in Manjuyod and Bais.

The inter-agency team is in solidarity with the Silliman assessment team for the continued water quality and biological assessments. SU said this assessment is critical because vinasse "mixes with water and settles in sediment" making it harder to contain than oil.

The damage can be long-term because it affects the base of the food chain in a protected seascape. SU is still doing follow-up assessments as of latest reports.

 

Rama slams “illegal shortcut” as Cebu City’s open dumpsite continues to operate despite CDO

CEBU CITY — Cebu City 2nd District Congressman Eduardo “Edu” Rama slammed “illegal shortcut” as Cebu City’s SRP open dumpsite continues to operate 40 days after the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), saying the temporary site is undermining efforts to build a legal and sustainable waste management system.

Rama, in his Facebook post, called for the closure to force sustainable waste solution, cites health and environmental risks to coastal communities and he criticized what he called the justification that keeping the illegal dumpsite open is “necessary to prevent Cebu City’s garbage situation from getting worse.”

“Let’s stop acknowledging a false dilemma — that we either keep this illegal dumpsite at SRP open, or the waste management problem gets worse — propagated by those whose responsibility is to provide legal, sustainable alternatives but have instead opted for an illegal shortcut,” Rama said.

He argued that the city’s Local Chief Executive cannot use the lack of proper infrastructure as leverage to justify breaking environmental laws.

“Worse, tolerating this illegal dumpsite while waiting for a ‘sustainable replacement’ removes the urgency to fix it. Historically, as long as authorities have a place to illegally dump trash—even if they call it temporary—the development of permanent, legal facilities gets endlessly delayed,” he added.

According to Rama, closing the site will “force the hand of policymakers to finally execute the sustainable alternatives they have been promising.”  Rama listed four severe, compounding costs of keeping the open dump in a prime coastal area—marine pollution, air pollution, economic impact and public health.

“Unchecked leachate leaking directly into the Mactan Channel causes marine pollution affecting the food we eat and the immediate marine habitat. Methane emissions and air quality degradation, affecting the very air we breathe; devaluation of a multi-billion-peso commercial district with an illegal garbage mountain and Pests and diseases and the health risk that it poses to the people living along the coastline of Cogon Pardo, Inayawan, Mambaling, and residents of San Remo and Amalfi.”

Status of Cebu City’s waste management program

Cebu City has been grappling with garbage disposal problems since the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill was ordered closed in 2016. Since then, the city has relied on a mix of temporary measures.

Transfer stations and hauling of waste to landfills in Consolacion, Minglanilla, and other towns; material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in barangays, with mixed compliance, and plans for a new sanitary landfill at SRP and waste-to-energy facilities, which have faced delays in funding, bidding, and permitting.

The SRP dumpsite beside Pond A emerged as an interim disposal area. However, environmental groups and now Congressman Rama say its continued operation violates the DENR CDO and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The city government has previously argued that without the SRP site, garbage collection would back up and streets would pile up with waste while long-term facilities are built.

Rama rejected that reasoning.  “Yes, we need sustainable waste management infrastructure. But we cannot give authorities a free pass to actively break environmental laws and lie to the public about it in the meantime. True sustainability starts with transparency, not illegal open dumping.”

As of posting, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office has yet to issue a formal response to the latest expose.  Environmental advocates are urging DENR-7 to enforce the CDO and for the city to fast-track the procurement and construction of a compliant sanitary landfill and waste processing facilities.

For coastal communities in Pardo, Mambaling, and Inayawan, the issue is immediate.  Fisherfolk and residents have long complained of foul odor, flies, and runoff during rains.

 “Closing the illegal site will instead force the hand of policymakers to finally execute the sustainable alternatives they have been promising, and this is the right direction to take.” Rama ended his post with a call for accountability. (Photos: Google Images/FB Posts)

 

 

Baricuatro brings healthcare, infra upgrades, and typhoon relief to Camotes Islands

CAMOTES ISLANDS, Cebu — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led a series of major initiatives across the Camotes Islands on Monday, July 20, delivering millions in financial aid, launching critical infrastructure projects, and providing relief to typhoon-affected families in San Francisco, Tudela, and Poro.

In San Francisco town, Baricuatro spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for an ₱8.48-million Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital. The project aims to ensure proper wastewater treatment in compliance with public health and environmental standards.

The governor highlighted the ongoing healthcare reforms overseen by Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, which have brought upgraded medical equipment, cleaner facilities, and more medical personnel to provincial hospitals.

During a flag-raising ceremony at the San Francisco Municipal Hall, Baricuatro handed over ₱10 million in checks to Mayor Alfredo Arquillano for local road concreting projects, along with 1,000 solar power units for the LGU.  Additional funds totaling ₱450,000 were distributed to Barangays Himensulan, San Isidro, and Cabonga-an for barangay equipment, social-cultural activities, and local procurement.

Concluding her island visit, Baricuatro distributed ₱2.68 million in emergency financial assistance to 268 families impacted by Typhoon Tino in Tudela and Poro towns.  Each beneficiary family received ₱10,000 in cash and 10 kilograms of rice to support house rebuilding and livelihood recovery.

Additionally, the Provincial Veterinary Office delivered essential veterinary supplies, including antibiotics and vitamins, to local governments to support livestock raisers recovering from the disaster.

Mayor Greman Solante of Tudela, Mayor Edgar Rama of Poro, Provincial Administrator Ace Durano, and 5th District Board Members Andre Red Duterte and Mike Villamor joined the governor across the various events, reaffirming the province's commitment to supporting the island municipalities' continuous growth and disaster recovery. (Photos: Capitol PIO)

 

 

 

P-Pop Explosion: G22, VXON, and AJAA Set to Ignite Cebu with 'Gen Z Live' Concert

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The unstoppable rise of Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) is heading south as three of the country’s hottest rising acts prepare to take over the Queen City of the South.

Local concert promoter L-Squared Productions has officially announced Gen Z Live: Cebu, a high-octane musical showcase featuring the powerhouse lineup of G22, VXON, and AJAA. The one-night-only event is scheduled for July 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the prestigious Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

More than just a standard concert, organizers are framing the event as a massive tribute to the powerhouse demographic currently steering the course of Original Pilipino Music (OPM): Generation Z. From driving viral TikTok trends to packing out arenas, Gen Z fans have become the undisputed backbone of the modern P-Pop movement.

"Gen Z today connects deeply with music, live experiences, and fandom culture, and P-Pop naturally became part of that generation," said Ailene Llado, Chief Operating Officer of L-Squared Productions. "Through Gen Z Live, we want to celebrate both the rise of P-Pop and the fans who continue to support Filipino artists in such a passionate way."

A United Front for Regional Fans

For the performing artists, the Cebu leg represents a rare opportunity to unite their distinct fandoms under a single roof. The members of girl group G22 expressed their enthusiasm for the joint venture, noting the unique energy that comes with co-headlining a regional show.

"We’re really excited for Gen Z Live because sharing one stage with VXON makes the experience even more special," G22 shared in a statement. "We know both fandoms, Bullets and Vixies, have been very supportive, and we’re excited to create one unforgettable night together in Cebu."

VXON echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the growing camaraderie within the broader P-Pop landscape. "It feels exciting and meaningful whenever P-Pop artists come together in one show because you can really feel how united the community is becoming," the boy group stated.

Tickets for the highly anticipated event are officially on sale. To cater to different segments of the fandom, L-Squared Productions has rolled out four distinct ticketing tiers: VIP ₱5,500.00; Gold- ₱4,000.00; Silver-₱3,500.00; General Admission-₱1,500.00.

For the ultimate standard of fan access, VIP ticket holders have the exclusive option to purchase a ₱1,999 VIP Upgrade Experience. Due to high demand, slots for this upgrade are strictly limited and will feature: A guaranteed 12:8 group photo opportunity alongside the members of G22, VXON, and AJAA; an exclusive, limited-edition 12-piece photocard set featuring all participating artists.

As Filipino music enjoys an unprecedented wave of domestic and international visibility, Gen Z Live: Cebu stands as a benchmark celebration of youth culture, localized fandom, and the vibrant future of OPM. (Photos: L-Squared Productions)

Good design as strategic engine for Cebu’s sustainable growth

CEBU CITY -- For decades, design was often treated as the final, aesthetic polish on a project—the proverbial "cherry on top” but on Friday, July 17, design excellence and business innovation took center stage as architects, engineers, developers, and entrepreneurs gathered at The Studio in Oakridge Business Park for the third annual Good Design, Good Business Summit 2026 hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) as part of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2026.

Cebu’s business leaders and creative minds gathered at Oakridge Business Park to deliver a sharp counter-narrative that in the modern economy, good design isn't a luxury; it is the engine of survival. The discussion shifted from how things look to how things work.

The summit highlighted how integrated design, digital innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration serve as vital drivers for resilient enterprises and sustainable communities in a rapidly changing global economy.

From the threat of brain drain to the promise of regenerative architecture, here is how Cebu is plotting its blueprint for a highly competitive, future-ready future.

The tone of the summit was set by CCCI President Regan Rex King, who issued a direct challenge to the architects, engineers, and developers in the room. He argued that technical skill alone is no longer enough to survive in a rapidly evolving global market.

"May we challenge ourselves to design beyond appearance, beyond compliance, and beyond the needs of the present. Technical excellence is essential, but our architects, engineers, designers, and creative professionals must also be equipped to build strong and viable enterprises,” King declared.

King’s message was clear for Cebuano businesses to grow, local creatives must stop thinking of themselves merely as technicians or artists, and start thinking like entrepreneurs and strategic leaders.

This year’s summit challenged traditional definitions of design, urging local professionals to look past mere visual appeal and compliance. Industry experts emphasized that modern design must embrace sustainability, systems thinking, and entrepreneurship to remain competitive.

Tackling the Crucial Issues

The day-long summit at The Studio in Oakridge Business Park didn't shy away from complex, systemic challenges. Four key themes dominated the stage. The Paradox of Filipino talent retention is one of the most pressing panels focused on a quiet crisis facing the local creative industry -- brain drain.

While Filipino designers and architects are celebrated globally for their world-class talent, keeping that talent in Cebu remains a massive hurdle. Panelists debated how to structure local businesses to offer competitive compensation, creative freedom, and sustainable career paths to prevent Cebu's best minds from taking their skills overseas.

Moving away from the architectural cliché of "form follows function," speakers introduced the concept of Form Follows System. In a world defined by climate change and digital transformation, buildings and products can no longer exist in isolation.

They must be designed as part of larger, interconnected digital and physical systems—optimizing energy use, structural resilience, and community impact.

The summit pushed the envelope on green building, moving past basic "sustainability" (which merely seeks to do less harm) toward regenerative design. Speakers showcased how landscape architecture can actively restore local biodiversity, manage water systems naturally, and heal urban environments.

Ultimately, the summit proved that investing in thoughtful, systemic design is directly tied to a company’s bottom line. Whether it is a product package that extends shelf life, an office building designed to lower energy costs, or a business model designed to retain top-tier talent, good design translates to resilient cash flows.

As CBM 2026 organizers concluded, the event solidified a new mantra for the local economy: good design creates better business, and better business builds a stronger Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman)

PH MSMEs tap new ASEAN circular tool to fight waste and skyrocketing costs

MANILA, Philippines — Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines are getting a major sustainability upgrade in a bid to turn lofty “green goals” into hard-nosed business survival strategies.

"Many MSMEs recognize the growing importance of sustainability but still lack practical tools to turn commitments into measurable action. The circular economy provides a practical framework for MSMEs to demonstrate commitment and action,” said Jay Yuvallos, Chairman of the East Asia Business Council (EABC).

Yuvallos said that local MSMEs are joining a regional pilot of the Circular Business Check—a self-assessment tool designed to help small businesses slash waste, boost efficiency, and survive increasingly strict global market demands.

The initiative, backed by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme, places the Philippines alongside Indonesia and Thailand in testing the digital tool ahead of a broader regional rollout across ASEAN in September 2026.

While multi-billion-dollar conglomerates have dedicated teams to navigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, small neighborhood businesses and local manufacturers often find themselves left out in the cold.  To bridge this gap, the Circular Business Check acts as an entry-level digital diagnostic.

Yuvallos bared that the Circular Business Check allows business owners to assess their readiness to adopt circular economy practices such as reusing, recycling, and reducing raw materials; measure the effectiveness of their current eco-friendly initiatives and receive concrete, tailored recommendations on what practical steps to take next.

Why this matter for the Philippine economy?

In the Philippines, according to Yuvallos, MSMEs aren't just a market segment, they are the economic backbone. Citing data from the BSP Research Academy, it showed that MSMEs comprised 99.6 percent of all business establishments in the country with an employment rate of 67 percent, contributing some 40 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and an export revenue of 25 percent for the economy.

Yet, these very engines of growth are facing immense pressures. High utility costs, supply chain disruptions, rising labor costs, and bureaucratic red tape often threaten their daily operations. Transitioning to a circular model is no longer just about "saving the planet"—it’s about saving the bottom line, Yuvallos added.

"Circular practices can help address these pressures by improving resource efficiency, reducing input waste, cutting avoidable operating costs, and helping owners make better pricing, investment, and financing decisions," noted John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

By eliminating waste and reusing materials, small businesses can open up entirely new revenue streams while building resilience against unpredictable global supply chains. Furthermore, meeting these standards unlocks access to green financing and export opportunities, as international buyers increasingly refuse to work with high-emission, wasteful suppliers, noted Yuvallos.

Part of a larger regional push is the pilot program that was borne out of the East Asia Circularity Agenda, which was formalized during the 66th EABC Meeting in Tokyo under the co-chairmanship of the Philippines and Japan.

To solidify the initiative, Yuvallos signed a strategic cooperation charter alongside Thomas Thomas, President of the ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA), and Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah of ARAIBA Sdn. Bhd.

By simplifying sustainability into bite-sized, actionable steps, local business leaders hope the tool will strip away the intimidating corporate jargon surrounding ESG and empower the average Filipino entrepreneur to thrive in a rapidly greening global market. (Photos: Google Images)