CRM initiatives in tourism town

HERITAGE STRUCTURES that showcase the deep religiosity and artistry of the people, an island lake that provides shelter to migratory birds, a pristine river that reveals some tidbits of history amid a paradisiacal setting, mangrove gardens that invite gleaners and rowers alike, caverns that evoke mystery and excitement, sylvan surroundings where myriad birds safely fly in wild abandon, a dive site touted to be one of the world's best, and above all, a people nurtured in culture and the arts and whose amiable and pleasant disposition makes them the most gracious of hosts - - all these make Loon a major eco-cultural tourism destination in Bohol.

In fact, the crystal-clear spring water that gushes from the bosom of the earth and blends together with the blue water of the town's rich marine paradise gave Loon, from "tubig nga naglo-on", its name. For indeed, nature's bounty has molded the character and aspirations of some 45,000 people in this westernmost municipality of Bohol.

Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez said that current efforts in resource management focus on empowering the coastal communities in about half of Loon's 67 barangays.

"This is a major direction that the local government unit is pursuing to encourage the people to become active partners in the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of the aforementioned resources," Mayor Lopez stressed.

Such direction is succinctly expressed in the municipality's vision of "a progressive, ecologically-balanced and peaceful agro-industrial town with an empowered people who are proud of their cultural heritage and well-managed resources".

The town executive added that the same focus is also particularly significant for the already established costal tourist destinations and those having great tourism potential.
"Fortunately, efforts towards this end have long been started," Mayor Lopez said stressing that initial steps at providing livelihood opportunities to the fisherfolk have been enhanced by the partnership established by the local government unit (LGU) with government and non-government organizations especially as regards organizing communities to promote environmental awareness and people empowerment.

One of these development partnerships is forged with the World Bank through the CBRMP.

The local sub-project is implemented in nine coastal barangays all of which did not have previous experience in coastal resource management except for some preliminary resource assessment exercises. These include the barangays of Song-on, Tontonan, Cuasi, Tangnan, Pig-ot, Basdacu, Ubayon, Canhangdon Occidental and Pondol.

Mayor Lopez reported that in less than two years, these barangays have witnessed some changes in their landscape. These include fish and seagrass sanctuaries with guardhouses, fisherman's trails, lighted fish ports, and mangrove gardens.

Training on livelihood has been facilitated for all nine barangays. Soon to be launched are some income-generating activities like poultry and livestock (goat and swine) raising, and fish capture projects that involve the use of payaw (fish attracting device), bubo and panggal (fish pots) and amatong ("miracle hole").

"Our constituents in these barangays have gradually realized the importance of working together for the common good," Mayor Lopez said, particularly emphasizing the increasing role of the womenfolk in such tasks as participating in livelihood seminars, planting mangrove propagules in selected sites, and guarding the fish and seagrass sanctuaries while their husbands are at sea.

In general, the communities have also developed a heightened awareness of the importance of coastal environment conservation and protection. In fact, some members of fisherfolk organizations have been trained by the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and deputized as fish wardens.

Auspiciously, having a vice mayor in the person of Atty. Raul Barbarona, an environment advocate who presides over the local legislature and chairs the MFARMC, proves to be an added advantage for the municipality.

The municipal council has been responsible for approving relevant resolutions and ordinances like those that cover boundary delineation for fish and seagrass sanctuaries, establishment of protected areas, and enforcement of fishery laws, among others.

Mayor Lopez currently chairs the Bohol First District Coastal Law Enforcement Council or CLEC I, now considered one of the best practices in local governance.

With the coastal communities becoming active development partners of the LGU, Mayor Lopez foresees a bright future for Loon as great efforts are made to improve its economy while sustaining its attractiveness to investors and natural charm to tourists. (Reigh P. Monreal)