By I. Inojales | 10:43 PM October 22, 2026
LOBOC, Bohol — The municipal government of Loboc has defended the riverbank protection project along the Loboc River, saying it is necessary to protect communities from erosion and flooding while maintaining road access for residents.
In an official statement, the municipal government acknowledged concerns over the project’s potential impact on the river’s natural beauty, vegetation, firefly habitats, tourism and local livelihoods.
However, it stressed that the project also seeks to protect homes, businesses and roads that connect residents to workplaces, schools, markets, health facilities and other essential services.
The project, being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7, covers vulnerable riverbanks across 11 barangays.
The municipality identified Barangays Canlasid, Ugpong and Valladolid as among the most affected areas, with a combined 279 households, 324 families and 1,267 individuals.
The local government said erosion and recurring floods have damaged riverbanks and threatened nearby roads, homes and properties.
It warned that further deterioration could make roads impassable, particularly in Canlasid and Ugpong, potentially isolating residents from essential services and disrupting their livelihoods.
“For these residents, a road is more than concrete. It is their connection to work, school, essential services, and the rest of the municipality,” the statement said.
The municipal government said it had coordinated with DPWH-7 and local stakeholders to address concerns and adjust the project to local conditions and community needs.
These consultations resulted in agreed modifications to address concerns raised by local hotel operators while retaining the project’s primary objective of protecting vulnerable riverbanks, it said.
Among the agreed measures is the restoration of greenery along affected riverbanks after the protective works are completed.
The municipality also said it had requested project documents, studies, environmental clearances and technical explanations from DPWH-7 and concerned agencies to address questions about the project’s implementation and possible environmental effects.
It vowed to continue coordinating with the relevant agencies to ensure that environmental concerns are addressed based on verified information and applicable regulations.
The municipal government emphasized that protecting the community and preserving the river should go hand in hand, given the Loboc River’s importance to local identity, tourism and livelihoods.
“Environmental preservation and community safety must guide the project as it moves forward,” the statement said.
The local government ended its statement with the appeal: “Save Loboc River. Safeguard the lives that call its banks home.”
