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)