In Bohol, P3.5-billion Loboc River project under scrutiny

TAGBILARAN CITY – A P3.5-billion river protection project along the iconic Loboc River in Loboc town, Bohol, is now under scrutiny by provincial lawmakers following concerns that the massive flood control project could adversely affect the environment and one of Bohol’s most important tourism assets.

Members of the Provincial Board’s Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Public Works conducted a site inspection on Saturday to assess the ongoing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project after complaints were raised by tourism stakeholders and local residents.

READ: Starting April, tourists to pay more for Loboc river cruise

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Leading the inspection were board members Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Lucille Lagunay and Greg Jala.

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Representatives from the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office, Bohol Tourism Office, Loboc Association of Hospitality and Accommodation, Loboc People’s Council (LPC) and the municipal government of Loboc also participated.

The investigation was prompted by reports that construction activities may have altered portions of the river’s natural ecosystem, including the removal of nipa vegetation and other riverbank features.

Sensitive habitats

Tourism stakeholders and environmental advocates also expressed concern over the installation of steel sheet piles and other infrastructure, warning that such interventions could affect sensitive habitats, including those of the fireflies that draw thousands of visitors to Loboc each year.

“Stakeholders are not opposed to flood control measures. Their concern lies in the design of the project. They want approaches that address flooding while respecting nature-based solutions and ensuring that development remains Science-driven,” Villamor told the Inquirer.

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She added that transparency is essential to building public trust and ensuring accountability in the implementation of the project.

“We are calling for the full disclosure of environmental compliance documents and project-related studies. We also want concerned agencies, including the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), to participate in an open dialogue so that government officials and the public will be fully informed,” Villamor said.

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Consultation

The Provincial Board is seeking access to the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), environmental permits, technical studies and compliance reports as part of its review.

Lagunay, meanwhile, urged a broader consultation process involving government agencies, technical experts, tourism operators, environmental groups and affected communities.

She said decisions concerning the future of the Loboc River should be based on scientific evidence and long-term sustainability.

The LPC also questioned the project’s transparency.

“There was no master plan presented to the public and there was no public consultation regarding this project,” said LPC president Anter Calipusan.

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Bohol 3rd District Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor also backed calls for transparency, saying public concerns deserve a clear response from the DPWH, which has yet to explain the project’s design, objectives and safeguards. /jpv