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)

 

141 exhibitors from 25 provinces in PH join Bohol Sandugo Trade Expo 2025

 TAGBILARAN CITY – Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo 2025 kicked off on July 15 to 20 at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Bohol Provincial Office in cooperation with the Alturas Group of Companies and Island City Mall with the support from the Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran with 141 exhibitors from Central Visayas and from other regions in the Philippines, showcasing the finest products of Filipino craftsmanship, creativity from the DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen
Program.

DTI-Bohol organizers said, this year’s Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo features around 141 exhibitors from 25 provinces across 10 regions in the Philippines making it one of the most diverse and expansive editions of the event to date, showcasing uniquely curated display of local craftsmanship, culture and commerce.

“This year’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) Trade Expo brings together an exciting mix of local and national exhibitors, all aiming to elevate Filipino-made products to the global stage, made by qualified Micro, Small ad Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and we are expecting about 40,000 daily foot traffic from opening day on July 15 to July 20,” DTI-Bohol Prov’l Director, Vierna Teresa Ligan said.

This year, the Trade Expo displays a diverse range of products from the processed food, wearables and homestyle; health and wellness, and furniture sectors. Exhibitors not only from Central Visayas but from all over the country including NCR, Regions 3, 4A, 4B, 6, 8, 10, 11 and the CARAGA region bring their best products to connect with buyers, partners, and consumers.

The expo has a wide range of products including artisan bags, home décor, native kitchenware, bamboo furniture, organic beverages, cacao-based treats, wellness products, and more—all of which tell stories of tradition, innovation, and community resilience.

Organizers said, the event offers a convergence of talents and traditions giving the visitors a chance to experience not just the soul of Bohol but also the creativity of other regions—from hand-loomed textiles of Mindanao, to Ilocano handwoven baskets, to the modern resin art from Visayas, and specialty food items from Luzon.

“The trade expo isn't just local; it's a national showcase for a global audience.  Each product is a conversation piece—about heritage, material innovation, and the people behind the craft. Visitors can interact with exhibitors, learn the stories behind the items, and even discover how to get involved in the local creative economy,” organizers added.

The Sandugo OTOP Trade Expo is more than just a trade fair, it is a celebration of inclusive enterprise development. It provides exposure and market access for small producers, including agrarian reform communities, women’s groups, indigenous peoples, returning OFWs, and out-of-school youth supported through DTI’s programs.

Keynote message of DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group highlighted the role of innovation, market access, and digital transformation in propelling local products onto a larger stage. She commended the collective efforts of all stakeholders in supporting Filipino entrepreneurs. (Photos: DTI-Bohol)