Loon, Bohol
Encyclopedia
Loon is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines
. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 42,441 people. The town has an old church dating from the 1850s.
At Tagbilaran's airport, commercial flights bring in passengers daily from Cebu and Manila.
Loon is accessible by public utility buses, jeepneys and vans-for-hire that frequently ply the north-south route. A provincial road also connects the eastern town of Antequera
to the national highway in Catagbacan where a secondary pier is operational for the daily traffic of cargo and passengers enroute to and from Argao, Cebu
. It is worth noting that a number of local businessmen are operators of buses, jeepneys and vans-for-hire with provincewide franchises.
Inter-barangay accessibility is facilitated by a good network of barangay roads traversed daily by a number of tricycles and “habal-habal” (motorcycles). Also, there is a daily schedule of jeepneys and buses going to and from Sandingan Island through the Tajang causeway. At the Mocpoc wharf in Sandingan motorized outrigger boats ferry passengers to the tourism island of Cabilao in only ten minutes.
The abundance of water in Loon has also encouraged investors to establish water-refilling stations in the town.
Industries that need an abundant supply of water, cheap labor with adequate literacy, skilled tailors and dressmakers, and communication services are expected to thrive in Loon. Contractual tree farming is also feasible as there are available lots and interested private landowners.
Church records, however, show that the first parish priest, also a Jesuit, was installed in 1753. The Recollect priests took over the administration of the local church in the late 1760s, but it was only in around 1855 when the imposing stone church of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak) was completed.
Since 1753, more than 70 priests had served the parish. Today, Loon has five Catholic parishes, the last one (Parish of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) having been established on November 19, 2000.
A 200-year gap exists between the emergence (in historical records) of the community in Napo in 1610 and the installation of Tomas Sevilla in 1810 as Loon’s first town executive. Then addressed as ‘cabeza de barangay’, the municipal mayor was called ‘capitan’ and ‘presidente municipal’ in the ensuing years.
Thirty-two mayors had served the municipality, excluding the incumbent, mayor, Dr. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez. At least three town heads served for more than one term, namely, Vivencio Nazareno (1916–22 and 1928–31); Geronimo Lituañas (appointed, 1946–47 and elected, 1948–51); and Wilfredo Caresosa (1980–86 and 1988–98).
Loon always figures prominently in the political history of the province. Towards the end of the 19th century when the Americans first set foot on Bohol and were met by resistant forces of the local guerrillas opposed to another foreign dominion, Loon was the first town burned by the aggressors in an effort to subdue the reluctant natives.
Just before the century ended, Mariano Sumatra, a.k.a. Mariano “Anoy” Datahan, a native of Barangay Canhangdon Occidental, founded the Eskaya community in Bayabas, Guindulman which later spread to Taytay, Duero. Although not a cultural minority group, the Eskaya has its own system of doing things including the use of an alphabet mostly consisting of symbols representing nature and parts of the human body.
In about 1900, when enmity towards the foreigners subsided, an American engineer visited Loon and described it as a fertile plateau planted with coconut, corn and tobacco, and a progressive town of 16,000 people. He wrote about the imposing structures of the town like the church and convent, stone stairway or Inang-angan, and wharf; children going to school; an affluent community with well-kept environs; and a spring flowing from a cave on the northern edge of the town, after which the name Loon (from ‘nag-loon’, or the merging of freshwater and saltwater) was coined.
In 1903, the first official count of inhabitants was conducted nationwide. Loon’s population was described as fairly large at 18,114 residents. At that time, no other Bohol municipality, including Tagbilaran, registered more than 10,000 residents.
On September 27, 1942, amid the raging US-Japan war, the Moalong River that dissects the municipality into the northern and southern parts, became mute witness to the most successful ambush mounted against the Japanese imperial forces by the Boholano guerrillas led by Vicente T. Cubero, a.k.a. Captain Francisco Salazar. Considered the hero of the Battle of Moalong, Salazar claimed to have his family roots in Barangay Pondol. It was Juan ‘Aning’ Relampagos, a former member of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFE), who brought Salazar to Bohol. Relampagos disguised himself as a trader sailing between Mindanao and the Visayan islands. He met Salazar while plying his goods in the southern towns of Leyte. Relampagos later became municipal mayor and member of the provincial board. The war exploits of Cubero are described in the book entitled "Boholano Guerrillas in Action" that was written by Pio B. Ferandos, former Cebu RTC judge and Loon mayor.
In the years following the Second World War, prominent Loonanons became active participants in charting the development of the province and the country as well. Among them are Natalio P. Castillo, Executive Secretary to Pres. Carlos P. Garcia and member of the House of Representatives; Ramon Lapez, another House member; Ricardo Miranda, governor of the then only Davao province; Fermin Mesina, commercial attaché to Japan and Vietnam; Purisimo R. Castillo, commercial attaché to Spain; Rene Lopez Relampagos, Bohol’s youngest governor; current Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos; and Romulo L. Neri, former Secretary of Economic Planning and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) who is currently the president of the Social Security System (SSS).
September 8, 1597 (unconfirmed) - the image of the Our Lady of Light was reportedly enthroned in a church in Butuan, Agusan del Norte before it was brought to Bohol, away from the marauding Moro bandits.
June 22, 1753 - establishment of Loon as a Spanish mission or "visita"; founding of the Parroquia de la Nuestra Señora de la Luz or Our Lady of Light Parish with Fray Manuel de Elizalde, a Jesuit, as the first parish priest;in 2003, Loon will celebrate its 250th annual fiesta.
1768 - the Jesuits ceded administration of the parish to the Recollects. Years later, the image of the Kasilak was permanently enthroned in the present church of Loon which was completed in around 1855.
1810 - assumption into office of Tomas Sevilla, the first town mayor, then called ‘cabeza de barangay’. He served for 15 years. In 2010, the LGU will be 200 years old.
1855 - completion of the construction of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak) Church
About 1899-1900 - the burning of Loon by the Americans to subdue the alleged remaining members of an anti-American movement in Bohol.
March 14, 1900 - Major H.C. Hale and the B and C companies of the 44th Volunteer Infantry sailed for Bohol from Iloilo aboard the transport Elcano. With them was George Percival Scriven, who was particularly interested in the establishment of a Loon-Argao cable communications linkage, which was later accomplished.
April 2, 1900 - George Percival Scriven, in his diary, wrote that Loon was a fertile plateau planted with coconut, corn and tobacco, and a progressive town of 16,000 people. He took note of the imposing structures of the town like the church and convent, stone stairway or Inang-angan, and wharf; children going to school; an affluent community with well-kept environs; and a spring flowing from a cave on the northern edge of the town, after which the name Loon was coined.
1903 - the first official count of inhabitants was conducted nationwide. Loon’s population was described as fairly large at 18,114 residents. At that time, no other Bohol municipality, including Tagbilaran, registered more than 10,000 residents.
1914 - completion of the construction of the Gabaldon Building, the main structure of Catagbacan Elementary School, now Loon North Central Elementary School.
1915 - completion of the Gabaldon Building of the Loon Central Elementary School, now Loon South Central Elementary School.
1929 - completion of the American-style public plaza that features a monument dedicated to the national hero, the only Rizal monument topped by a replica of the Statue of Liberty; and a fountain that depicts the legend of Tubig-Loon.
June 1942 - arrival of Captain Francisco Salazar in Bohol (Catagbacan) from Mindanao via Leyte.
September 27, 1942 - Battle of Moalong, now jointly commemorated annually, since 2001, with the Municipal Day of Prayer for World Peace.
1946 - opening of Loon Institute (Rafael Palma College Branch), the town's first secondary school; now University of Bohol - Loon Institute Campus.
1948 - founding of Sacred Heart Academy, first sectarian high school, by Msgr. Felix Zafra.
1952 - establishment of the Loon Municipal Library during the incumbency of Mayor Juan ‘Aning’ M. Relampagos.
January 28, 1958 - Fr. Gorgonio C. Pueblos started serving the Mary Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum) Parish as its first parish priest.
1968 - Typhoon Reming destroyed most houses and damaged agricultural crops and livestock. It also destroyed the old municipal building, then used as Loon Central Annex in Moto Norte.
December 13, 1975 - energization of Loon by the Bohol Electric Cooperative (Boheco I); prior to this electric power was already available from the local power plant established by the municipal government in about 1968.
March 28–29, 1977 - The Loon Youth Team grabbed the grand championship of the first-ever Provincial Kabataang Barangay Sportsfest basketball finals that was participated in by all 47 municipalities previously competing in inter-town elimination rounds.
1979 - Loon hosted the annual National Science and Technology Fair which was participated in by high school students who won in the science fair (investigative projects) and quiz competitions in their respective regions.
February 20, 1988 - Canonical erection of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish. Its first parish priest, Fr. Bernardito T. Getigan officially reported on May 12, 1988.
June 8, 1988 - the Loon Waterworks System received the Gawad Galing Pook for 1997-98.
December 15, 1990 - establishment of the Holy Cross Parish with Fr. Gaudioso C. Zamora as first parish priest.
September 2000 - the SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights was mounted for the first time, with sectoral representatives each bearing a decorated lantern that they floated on the pond below the fountain at the Loon Public Plaza. Sixty-seven teachers, each representing a barangay, also brought beautifully adorned and lighted baskets.
November 19, 2000 - establishment of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in Barangay Cuasi. Fr. Blair Lope M. Sabaricos, a Loonanon, was the first chaplain.
June 22, 2002 - Opening of the Loon South High School in Barangay Cuasi, the seventh secondary school in the town.
2002 - The Province of Bohol was conferred a Gawad Galing Pook for its coastal resource management program that includes the institutionalization of the Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC). At that time, the CLEC of the First District was chaired by Mayor Cesar Tomas "Yul" M. Lopez, MD. Loon's efforts in enhancing heritage, culture and the arts also contributed much to another Galing Pook award received by the Province in recognition of its cultural renaissance program as a means to strengthen local governance.
2003 - Mayor Yul Lopez was conferred the Local Government Leadership Award as Outstanding Municipal Mayor of the Philippines, so far the first and only town mayor awardee from Bohol. The award was conferred on him by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and other reputable institutions on the basis of his exemplary achievements and leadership in local governance.
June 2003 - Opening of the Loon South High School in Barangay Cuasi, the seventh secondary school in the town.
August 30 - September 8, 2005 - PaghiuSadya 2005, first global homecoming of Loonanons.
December 18, 2005 - inauguration of the 11.8-million-peso modular steel bridge on Tajang Pass which was constructed under the President's Bridge Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Austrian government.
January 2007 - diarrhea outbreak in Loon, caused by Shigella flexneri, a water-borne bacterium. The epidemic claimed the lives of at least 11, mostly children.
June 2007 - dengue outbreak that left at least three children dead.
November 22, 2007 - the Commission on Audit conferred on the Local Government Unit the following four recognitions: first Municipality in the entire country to implement the electronic New Government Accounting System (e-NGAS), LGU with the shortest e-NGAS roll-out period; LGU with the most updated budget reports; and LGU with the most updated financial statements.
November 27, 2007 - a storm surge heavily damaged the causeway on Tajang Pass and Tulay, the fish port in Napo.
December 15–16, 2007 - The first Loon Creative Industry Festival was launched. According to Mr. Blair Panong, DTI - Bohol representative, Loon is the first LGU in the entire country to have sponsored an activity of such kind.
February 25–29, 2008 - In celebration of National Arts Month, the Local Government Unit mounted an exhibit on the works of Loonanon artists, particularly in the fields of painting, sculpture, literary arts, mat-weaving, film and television, photography, music, theater, and fashion.
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Badbad Occidental and Badbad Oriental, after a local shrub or tree called “badba-an” which abounds in the area even at present.
Bagacay Kawayan, Bagacay Katipuhan and Bagacay Saong, after “bagakay” or bamboo abundant in the area and utilized by the residents to make various handicrafts. “Kawayan” is the most common local term for bamboo. In Bagacay Kawayan, during the Spanish times, a bamboo thicket grew beside a small pool of mud to where the early inhabitants brought their carabaos to wallow. “Katipuhan” means a place where “tipolo” trees grow in abundance, while “saong” is a tree species whose sap is believed to be similar to that used as paste in the construction of Noah’s Ark.
Bahi, after “bahi” or the hard portion of the trunk of a “pugahan” palm abundant in the place especially during its establishment.
Basac, after “basak” or rice paddy, no longer found in the village but replaced by patches of “palaw” or “paw”, a water-loving plant species belonging to the taro family.
Basdacu, coined from “balas” or “ba’as”, which means sand, and “daku”, which means big, both words referring to the wide shoreline that covers the breadth of the barangay.
Basdio, also from “ba’as” and “diyo” or “diyot”, the opposite of “daku”; thus, a place where there is a little patch of sand on its shoreline.
Biasong, after trees of an orange variety of the same name that grew near a little spring that flows into the Moalong River.
Bongco, after a legendary shining ball called “trabongko” that giant snakes amused themselves with on dark evenings.
Bugho, presumeably after “buho” or hole, in reference to the ravines and gorges that define the topography of the barangay.
Cabacungan, after the plant named “bakong” which the barangay used to have plenty of.
Cabadug, or place belonging to or owned by “Badug”, purportedly the first inhabitant of the barangay.
Cabug, after “kabug”, the nocturnal bats seen hanging from the branches of a big “tipolo” tree in the heart of the barangay.
Calayugan Norte and Calayugan Sur, after the swaying of the coconut trees of the island village which, when viewed from the mainland, allegedly looked like they were engaged in a fighting match or “ga-layug”.
Cambaquiz, after "ba's nga nag-ekis-ekis" or sand that crisscrosses from one side of the Cambaquiz point to the other depending on the direction of the waves. A more popular yet inaccurate tale on the name's origin, is the phrase "come back and kiss (our ladies)".
Campatud, after a spring called “patud” in the middle of a thick forest where hunters would go to.
Candaigan, after a legendary ever-burning stump of a dead tree where people kindle or “daig” their oil lamps.
Canhangdon Occidental and Canhangdon Oriental, after a spring called “kanhangdon”, or after its location vis-à-vis the Moalong River; thus, a place to be “halangdon” or to be looked up.
Canigaan, after “Nigaran” a legendary remote place where big “nigad” trees grew in abundance, and to where a black sheep of a son produced from the marriage between a Marimon and a Labastilla was banished; for being a “turo” or bull, he acquired the moniker “Saturos of Canigaran” or Canigaan.
Canmaag, after “mamag” or tarsius, the smallest primate in the world, which were plenty in the area.
Canmanoc, after the wild chickens or “manok” that used to crisscross its lush hills and roost upon the branches of a large “tipolo” tree.
Cansuaguit, after a spring of the same name from which the villagers get much of their water for household use.
Cansubayon, after “subay” or “subayon”, the act of walking along or following the banks of creeks until finally reaching one’s destination; or from “subay-subay”, the term used by the early villagers in reference to the act of catching freshwater fish starting from a spring to a bigger body of water.
Cantam-is Bago, probably a combination of the words “tam-is” or sweet and “bago”, which refers to either a vegetable tree called “bago” or the native cassava cake called “binago”.
Cantam-is Baslay, also after “tam-is” or sweet and a spring called “baslay”, an important source of water for the community.
Cantaongon, after the “taongon” tree abundant in the locality.
Cantumocad, after the creek called “sondo” which is located in a “canto” cutting the barangay at its center where one is obliged to “tukad” or take a leap.
Catagbacan Norte, Catagbacan Sur and Catagbacan Handig, from the word “tagbak”, which means to barter or exchange goods produced by upland communities with those harvested from the sea; thus, “katagbacan” means a place where barter takes place. “Handig” was probably named after the location of the place, that is, reclining on the slopes that rise from the plain.
Cogon Norte and Cogon Sur, after the “kogon” grass that doesn’t seem to leave the place despite being burned to open up new areas for agriculture.
Cuasi, after a legend that testifies to the villagers’ propensity to engage in business. A banca filled with merchants was assaulted by strong winds and big waves prompting the elder men to shout “Kawasi!”, an order to disembark or jump overboard to save their merchandise.
Genomoan, after a legend about a carabao left to wallow or “homol” in the river by its owner who had to leave for home because of a stomachache. The farmer’s condition got serious while it was raining hard causing the river to swell. In his delirium, the farmer kept murmuring about his “hinomolan” or the carabao he left to wallow in the river.
Lintuan, after “balintong-balintong” or “tuwang-tuwang”, the changing movement of sand near Lawis Point caused by the blowing of the south and north winds.
Looc, after the curved shape of its coastline, that is “na lo-ok”.
Mocpoc Norte and Mocpoc Sur, after “pok-pok”, the warning sound produced by knocking a drum hung from a big “pagatpat” or mangrove tree every time the Moros would emerge on the sea, their swift vintas poised to attack the barangay and plunder its homes.
Moto Norte and Moto Sur, after “moto” or hill, the location of the place as referred to by the residents of the coastal barangay of Napo, the town’s original settlement.
Nagtuang, after “nagatuwang”, a phenomenon in the place where the flow of water from a spring is absorbed in a much higher elevation.
Napo, after “napolo” or “napo’o”, which means island-like, a description of its location that seems separate from the mainland. “Napo” also means “dapit nga balason” or a sandy place.
Nueva Vida, after the Spanish phrase for “new life”, probably discovered as a new settlement when the population of Catagbacan below it increased.
Pananquilon, after a medicinal herb called “panankilon” that grows abundantly in the locality.
Pantudlan, after “tulod-tulod”, the thrusting action of the waves resulting in the transfer of the sand to the southern side of Baluarte Point when the north wind blows and to the northern side when the south wind blows.
Pig-ot, after “pi-ot”, the narrow stretch of the provincial road that had been widened by blasting the cliffs and boulders, resulting in the fleeing of the monkeys and total wiping out of their population from their habitat in the enchanted place called “Bogo”.
Pondol, after “pundok-pundok”, “pundo-pundo” or “pondol”, a description of the place which has several “lawis” or points jutting out into the sea; or after “tubig nga gapundo”, or pools of stagnant water found in the place.
Quinobcoban, after “kinubkoban”, in reference to several holes dug by the early residents of the village in search of sources of water.
Sondol, after “donsol”, a sea slug species abundant in its seashore.
Song-on, after “so-ongon”, an arch-like rock formation along the shoreline that resembles a cave when viewed from the sea, where one has to stoop or “so-ong” to pass through.
Talisay, after the “talisay” trees growing on cliffs hanging over its shoreline.
Tan-awan, after the same word, which means a place from where one gets a good view of the villages below it, being located on the highest peaks of Loon.
Tangnan, after a cave-like hole called “tangnan” that contains fresh water.
Taytay, after “taytayan” or bridge, a description of the narrow hilltop-located pathway that leads to the center of the village.
Ticugan, after the “tikog” plant whose leaf strips can be woven into mats but whose population in the village had been reduced to zero.
Tiwi, after the “tiwi” trees that once grew on the eastern part of the village.
Tontonan, or “to use a rope”, after “tonton” or rope that the early residents had to use to scale a high mountain in the village.
Tubodacu and Tubodio, after “tubod” (spring), “daku” (big) and “diyot” or “diyo” (small), descriptions of the villagers’ sources of water.
Tubuan, also after “tubod” or “tuburan”, a local spring.
Ubayon, after “nag-ubay sa baybayon” or straddling the shoreline, a description of its location.
Ubojan, after “ulbohan”, a place where there used to be a spring or natural well from where abundant water gushed in spurts or “ga ulbo-ulbo”.
The water from this spring blends together with the blue water of the town’s rich marine paradise and beyond, a fitting depiction of the Loonanon’s proclivity to explore limitless boundaries and venture into business, education and other professions. In the Bisayan dialect, ‘lo-on’ means to merge, coexist or live together.
The town also prides itself of the only natural lake in Bohol, a river that reveals a secret paradise, waterfalls that soothe weary souls, mangrove gardens that invite gleaners and rowers alike, caverns that evoke mystery and excitement, sylvan surroundings where myriad birds fly in wild abandon, and dive sites that compare with the best in the world.
The pristine beauty and bounty of the town’s terrestrial, estuarine and marine resources are complemented by imposing centuries-old structures, rich cultural traditions and warm-hearted people.
For being blessed with all these whose potential for tourism has not been tapped to the fullest, Loon has been aptly called the emerging giant of Bohol’s eco-cultural tourism industry. Some of these attractions are listed below.
Inang-angan. Made of coral stone blocks, this grand stairway of four flights and 174 steps was constructed under the direction of Fr. Antonio Yus, parish priest from 1847 to 1849, to improve contact between Napo (downtown) and Moto (uptown). A fifth flight of 38 steps leads to the convent (now Sacred Heart Academy) at the back of the Our Lady of Light church. The promenade concludes in the old wharf popularly called Tulay where a visitor gets a majestic view of the sea, the mangrove areas and the mountains of Loon and Cebu across the Cebu Strait.
Spanish-Era Mortuary Chapel. This hexagonal two-storey stone structure located across the Our Lady of Light Church is made of coral stone blocks or "tinableya" put together with a mixture of sand, lime and water. In olden times, mass was not celebrated for the remains of a dead person. Instead, they were brought here for final blessing by the parish priest before they would be buried. Originally tile-roofed, it is now used as an office and occasional showroom for special events.
Spanish Colonial Cemetery (1800-1860s). The circular layout of this structure is unique in Bohol. The stone walls called "cota" or "kuta" are built of coral blocks or "tinableya" put together with mortar, a mixture of sand, lime and water. Like those of big churches in the province, the internal layout of the chapel, which has six burial chambers, is cruciform with a transept or pair of arms across the nave. Graves of persons of low status were unmarked in historic times, otherwise wooden ones may have been used, thus nothing remains to identify each grave within the circular perimeter wall.
Sombria Bridge. This stone bridge in Cogon Norte on the national highway has been identified by the Sites and Monuments Division of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council as one of the most imposing and having the highest elevation among colonial bridges in the province.
Napo Ruins. For many years, Loonanons believed that the image of the Birhen sa Kasilak was enthroned on this site in 1610. Reported to have been originally enthroned in Butuan, Agusan del Norte on September 8, 1597, the image was brought to Cebu by concerned Butuanons led by Fr. Pedro Lopez, a Jesuit friar, at the time when Moro bandits were attacking the coastal villages of Mindanao. Allegedly, they eventually dropped anchor near Sandingan Island and brought the image here. On the other hand, recent research proves that the veneration of the Our Lady of Light started in Europe only in the 18th century. The site, however, looks like remnants of a watchtower.
Ferandos House. Owned by the family of the late Pio Ferandos, former Loon mayor and Cebu RTC judge, this fine example of a chalet built during the American period served as a secret meeting place of the Filipino guerrilla leaders during the Second World War. Behind the ancestral house is a vertical cave that has potential for development into an environmental showcase.
Gabaldon Buildings. The main building of Loon South Central Elementary School was completed in 1915. It features an H layout with three rooms in the middle and four rooms on each side. Between the two corner rooms on each side of the facade is a wide stairway that leads to a foyer marked by columns and a high ceiling. All rooms have floors made of wooden planks. Ventilation is provided by the open space below the floors and several holes on the transom-like span above the doors and walls. The rear court, which used to be a garden bounded by the two rooms on each wing, has been transformed into a multipurpose hall, thereby concealing the two stairs that each led to the porch outside these rooms. The steel-pipe railing on the porch has been retained. Toilets have recently been added to all the classrooms. The original GI sheet roof has been replaced with tile-designed GI sheet. The original capiz-panel windows have also been replaced with glass jalousies. Both stairway and foyer have recently been tiled. The other Gabaldon buildings are located in Catagbacan Sur (1914) and Tontonan.
Loon Public Plaza. Completed in 1929, it features an imposing monument dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and a big fountain that depicts the legend of the town. Of particular interest is a miniature Statue of Liberty atop the Rizal monument attesting to the era when it was constructed. Another structure at the plaza is a fountain that features four caryatids forming a column that supports a round structure the side of which is adorned by four gargoyles serving as water spouts. Atop the circular platform are two figures of women, one carrying an urn and the other drinking water from her scooped hand.
Christ the King Monument. This imposing structure on the church plaza features a figure of the Risen Christ atop a three-sided column at the center of an ornate and multi-layered circular base. It is maintained by the family of its designer, the late Zosimo “Iyo Zosing” P. Relampagos.
The Grotto. This other masterpiece of “Iyo Zosing” depicts the scene in Lourdes, France where Mary appeared to a girl named Bernadette. It is a favorite backdrop for the annual reenactment of the Last Supper and many other photo opportunities.
Hugosan. Another Relampagos masterpiece, this four-column platform across the Spanish-era mortuary chapel serves as main gate of the fortress-like church. It is the venue of the annual Easter Sunday rites observed by the local Catholic population
Big Cross. This pilgrimage site marked by a Big Cross on the slopes of Barangay Cabug offers a majestic view of the Cebu Strait. A road leading to the place features replicas of the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Moalong Cliff and River. The river and the bluff overlooking the wide expanse of mangrove are mute witnesses to the most successful ambush staged by the Boholano guerillas against the Japanese aggressors during the Second World War.
Tubig-Loon Spring. An abundant source of spring water north of the nucleus barangay of Napo after which the town’s name was taken. The spring and the nearby fish ponds and mangrove areas are frequented by quite a large number of birds.
Barangay Cantaongon. A major supply camp of the Boholano guerrillas during the Second World War.
Sister Milvida’s House of Prayer. This favorite retreat facility in the middle of a coconut grove in Barangay Moto Sur sits on a promontory overlooking the Lintuan Beach and the Cebu Strait. Also called the House of Peace by its owners, it has a main building, open-air conference room for small groups, duplex house, kitchen, dining area, chapel, gazebo and garden. It has hosted local and international retreats.
Virgen de la Paz Hermitage. This home of the Virgen de la Paz hermit nuns sits on a cliff that overlooks the mangroves and marine sanctuary in Barangay Tangnan and offers an unobstructed view of the sea and the blue mountains of Cebu.
Solar-powered Lighthouse. Located in Punta Baluarte in Barangay Pantudlan, Cabilao Island, this modern lighthouse is a donation of the Spanish government and stands beside the old one that has been retained for its historical value.
Mesina House. The only remaining house of such design. Loon used to have a lot of old houses of the same design. With some families experiencing early the economic boom brought about by success in the retail business, mostly in Leyte, Samar, Negros and Mindanao, and in the practice of their professions, all the other old houses have been replaced with concrete ones with modern designs.
Cabilao Island Lake. Bohol’s only natural lake is found in the middle of the small island of Cabilao. Frequented by migratory birds, enclosed body of water is fringed with trees below slopes of solid rock on whose surfaces are embedded several fossils of marine organisms. Viewing decks have been constructed by an association of local fisherfolk.
Green Footprint Lagoon. A recent discovery, this smaller lake in Looc, locally known as "imbawan", also on Cabilao Island is shaped like a giant's footprint and a habitat of the "latu" seaweed (Caulerpa sp.) and an unidentified red shrimp species.
Cabacongan Fish Sanctuary. This protected area, that is also found on Cabilao Island, is a favorite learning site for fisherfolk associations of Bohol and other provinces. Aside from the rich marine fauna, it offers a majestic view of mainland Bohol across the Sawang Pass, an important navigation channel for boats and catamarans plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.
White Beaches and Sand Bars. Strips of white sand abound in Loon. The more frequented beaches are found in Napo, Basdacu, Basdio (Rock Island Cove), Mocpoc, Pantudlan, Looc and Cambaquiz. In Pantudlan, wave motion created by strong winds gradually transfers the sand bar on one side of Baluarte Point to the other.
Mangrove Gardens. Sandingan, Loon’s other island, can be reached through a man–made causeway that runs through a breathtaking panorama of mangroves on the Tajang Pass which offers an alternative site for boating and swimming as there are at least two picnic huts owned and rented out by nearby Calayugan Norte. In Canigaan, also on Sandingan, a leisure islet for picnic groups has been established by the community beside awe–inspiring mangrove gardens. From the seaside corner of Sandingan High School a visitor to the island also gets a beautiful view of the mangroves and the lofty mountains of Loon. In the other coastal barangays, the mangrove forests also offer livelihood opportunities for the local residents. In September 2005 in Napo, an area where exceedingly tall mangrove species grow on white sand became a location for the ABS-CBN television series "Panday". It is worth knowing that the mangrove areas of Cantumocad and Pondol are inhabited by monkeys.
Caves. Loon is a spelunker’s paradise. Caves of karst origin are found in both highway and island barangays. Recently reported are more than 30 caves in Cantam-is Baslay alone.
Mount Canmanoc. This prominent geological landmark of Loon is a potential tourist destination as it offers a commanding view of the sea, town center and neighboring mountains. On its slopes grow native trees, including the endangered molave, on whose branches birds of different species feed on its fruits and build their nests.
Mount Tan-awan. A visitor to this highest point of Loon gets to see Bohol at all angles as well as nearby Cebu. Most of the major telecommunication companies have installed their transmission towers and cellular sites here.
Moalong River and Antaeg Spring & Lagoon. The sylvan banks of this meandering body of water serve as home to myriad birds and monkeys. Upstream, the river reveals some aspects of the Loonanon culture and showcases how the local government unit was able to tap the abundant water resource for household consumption. Visitors can indulge in the soothing coolness of spring water cascading between rocks and boulders or trapped in lagoons. Some private groups have already visited Moalong and were amazed to see such a pristine environment in this secluded part of Bohol. Student organizations, too, have expressed interest in conducting ecology cruises on the turquoise river and have requested the office of the mayor for tour-guiding assistance.
Waterfalls and Springs. Local sightseers enjoy the hidden Piong Falls located between Cantaongon and Canmaag. In some upland barangays, water flows from springs that have encouraged the local folks to develop their own bathing and washing areas. Recently discovered are quite a number of majestic waterfalls that flow into the open sea though the Moalong River. One of these is Nagtuang's Kabantian Falls that seems like a water stairway as it drops six times before reaching a lagoon.
Danicop Hidden Valley and Springs. Accessible from the national highway in Basac, this sylvan paradise and nature spa located in Ticugan is cleverly protected by trees growing on cliffs and mountain slopes. Its main features are the rock formations on cliffs, the onrushing waters the locals call "Lungkajab", and springs that flow from the mountainside.
Hanging Gardens. On the shorelines of Napo and Lintuan endemic plants and natural bonsais grow on rocky overhangs that also protect picnickers and shell gleaners from the heat of the sun or a heavy rain.
Endemic Animals. In addition to the hammerhead shark, pygmy seahorse, monkeys and exotic birds mentioned earlier, other animals like the “mamag” (tarsier), “kagwang” (a lemur-like species), “tinggawong” (bearcat) and “tambaloslos” (although believed to be legendary) have been sighted in Loon.
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 42,441 people. The town has an old church dating from the 1850s.
Socioeconomic profile
- Class of municipality: Second
- Average Gross Annual Income: P59.7 million
- Number of barangays:67 (the highest number in Bohol)
- Land Area: 116.2 km2 or 11,884.89 hectares
Location
Twenty-eight kilometers north of Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, is the town proper of Loon, the westernmost municipality of the island province.Demographics
- Population: 42,441 (NSO, 2007)
- Number of males: 18,258 or 49.78% (PDMS*, 2007)
- Number of females: 18,418 or 50.22% (PDMS, 2007)
- Number of registered voters: 25,089 (COMELEC, 2007)
- Population density: 365 per km2 (NSO, 2007)
- Population growth rate: -3.14 percent (NSO, 2007)
- Number of households: 8,487 (PDMS, 2007)
- Average household size: 4.32 (PDMS, 2007)
- Average number of babies born per month: 56
- Birth rate per month: 2.04 percent
- Mortality rate: 5.56 percent (RHU 1 & RHU 2)
Economy
- Land Use:
- agricultural - 11,754.5 hectares
- institutional - 100.84 hectares
- residential - 23.25 hectares
- park and open spaces - 4.32 hectares
- commercial - 1.97 hectares
- timberland - 2,500.58 hectares (21.04%)
- alienable and disposable - 9,384.31 hectares (78.96%)
- Major industries: agriculture, fishery, cottage (ready-to-wear clothes, mats, baskets), transportation, trading, tourism
- Major resources: potable water for households and industries; municipal waters, one of Bohol’s rich fishing grounds; land, underutilized due to the locals’ propensity to find employment elsewhere; human resources: high literacy rate (91.5%), 7th largest population in Bohol
- Ports: one provincial secondary port; six fishing ports
- Public markets: two main public markets; five barangay/feeder markets
- Communication facilities: one landline telephone system, two public calling offices, four internet caféInternet cafeAn Internet café or cybercafé is a place which provides internet access to the public, usually for a fee. These businesses usually provide snacks and drinks, hence the café in the name...
s, cellsites of four telecommunications network, inter-barangay handheld radio system, one cable television network, municipal hall with internet connection, one solar-powered internet café on Cabilao Island (the first and only in the Philippines), Philippine Postal CorporationPhilippine Postal CorporationThe Philippine Postal Corporation, , abbreviated as PhilPost, is a government-owned and controlled corporation responsible for providing postal services in the Philippines. The Philippine Postal Corporation has an estimated 13,800 employees and runs more than 2,000 post offices nationwide...
(local post office), Bohol Law Enforcement Communication System (BLECS)
- More than 800 business establishments and entrepreneurs: more than 300 retail stores; 91 fish vendors; 50 recreation facilities and multi-service shops; 38 garments manufacturers, peddlers and other retailers; more than 25 vegetable vendors and food handlers; 24 food and beverage establishments and distributors; 17 general merchandise, pharmacies, hardware and appliance stores, and motor vehicle distributors; 11 bakeshops; 10 construction materials suppliers; 7 pawnshops, lending institutions and insurance agents; 6 chainsaw operators; 5 rice and corn mills; 3 water refilling stations; 4 beach resorts and dive shops; 3 private banks; 3 gas stations; 2 lodging accommodations
Education
- Public educational institutions: Loon North District - 12 elementary schools; 8 primary schools; 3 secondary schools - Cabilao National High School, Sandingan High School and Cantaongon High School
- Public educational institutions: Loon South District - 10 elementary schools; 9 primary schools; 1 secondary school, Loon South High School
- Private secondary schools: University of BoholUniversity of BoholThe University of Bohol or U.B. is a private non-sectarian co-educational institution of higher learning in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines....
- Loon, Sacred Heart Academy, Saint Teresa Academy
- Preparatory schools: 64 public preparatory schools (day-care centers); University of Bohol - Loon Learning Center; Trinitas Learning Center; Saint Teresa Academy Kindergarten School; Catechetical Learning Center (Cuasi)
Health and safety
- Health services: one provincial district hospital (Cong. Natalio P. Castillo, Sr. Memorial Hospital); two Rural Health Units; 12 Barangay Health Stations; one private dental clinic; two private medical clinics; one LGU emergency response unit ("Alagad" Center)
- Public security: one PNPPhilippine National PoliceThe Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
station; 704th Regional Mobile Group (Catagbacan Norte)
- Potable water supply: LGU-managed Loon Waterworks System serving more than 3,000 subscribers in 42 barangays; Three strategically located Level II water systems serving the upland barangays
Transportation and Accessibility
Loon lies halfway between the city of Tagbilaran and the town of Tubigon, Bohol's major ports of entry, each of which is only forty minutes away by public utility buses, jeepneys and vans-for-hire that frequently ply the North-South route. Noteworthy is the port of Tubigon where about 20 round trips (Tubigon-Cebu) are available.At Tagbilaran's airport, commercial flights bring in passengers daily from Cebu and Manila.
Loon is accessible by public utility buses, jeepneys and vans-for-hire that frequently ply the north-south route. A provincial road also connects the eastern town of Antequera
Antequera, Bohol
Antequera is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 14,357 people.A popular place of interest in Antequera are the Mag-Aso Falls...
to the national highway in Catagbacan where a secondary pier is operational for the daily traffic of cargo and passengers enroute to and from Argao, Cebu
Argao, Cebu
Argao is a 1st class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 62,226 people.-Location:...
. It is worth noting that a number of local businessmen are operators of buses, jeepneys and vans-for-hire with provincewide franchises.
Inter-barangay accessibility is facilitated by a good network of barangay roads traversed daily by a number of tricycles and “habal-habal” (motorcycles). Also, there is a daily schedule of jeepneys and buses going to and from Sandingan Island through the Tajang causeway. At the Mocpoc wharf in Sandingan motorized outrigger boats ferry passengers to the tourism island of Cabilao in only ten minutes.
- Road network:
- national - 24 kilometres (14.9 mi)
- provincial - 12.8 kilometres (8 mi)
- municipal - 7.995 kilometres (4.968 mi)
- barangay - 144.94 kilometres (90.06 mi)
- Public transportation providers: more than 10 operators of PUBs and PUJs; about 20 operators of vans-for-hire; 126 registered tricycleTricycleA tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle. While tricycles are often associated with the small three-wheeled vehicles used by pre-school-age children, they are also used by adults for a variety of purposes. In the United States and Canada, adult-sized tricycles are used primarily by older persons for...
s, ‘habal-habal’ and motorized boat operators
Credit and Banking Services
There are two private banks - - Rural Bank of Loon (Bohol), Inc. and First Consolidated Bank - - and four pawnshops. Informal credit services are available from several lending institutions and cooperatives or associations put up by farmers and other sectors.Communication Facilities
Loon is served by a landline telephone system and all major telecommunications companies that have established their cellular sites, public calling stations and payphones in the town. Other communication services are provided by the local post office, Telecommunications Office and BLECS. All 67 barangays are interconnected through a network of handheld two-way radios.Potable Water Services
Water is made available to more than 40 barangays principally by the Loon Waterworks System, considered Bohol's best and a national model for many water systems operated by local government units. The LWS has about 3,000 active individual water service connections reaching the northernmost barangay of Pondol, the southernmost barangay of Song-on, all barangays on Sandingan Island, and many hinterland barangays. The rest of the upland barangays are served by Level II communal water systems. The border barangay of Punta Cruz, Maribojoc also avails of water from LWS on certain agreement.The abundance of water in Loon has also encouraged investors to establish water-refilling stations in the town.
Investment Opportunities
Loon has very high potential for eco-cultural tourism. Among the towns of Bohol, Loon stands out as having the most concentration of natural and cultural attractions that are strengthened by its highly accessible and strategic location. Thus, tourist-targeted facilities and services are the most feasible economic enterprises that anyone can invest in.Industries that need an abundant supply of water, cheap labor with adequate literacy, skilled tailors and dressmakers, and communication services are expected to thrive in Loon. Contractual tree farming is also feasible as there are available lots and interested private landowners.
Topography
It is 116.2 km2 of land mass, coastlines and natural waters and has a relatively rolling topography consisting of moderate hills, rolling plains, sparse plateaus interspersed with valleys, and some ravines.History
The year of Loon's founding as a community has not been ascertained due to the dearth of official documents. The earliest year to reckon is 1610 when a nucleus Christian community in the coastal village of Napo allegedly resulted from the ministering activities of the Jesuit friars who came to the Philippines more than 85 years earlier.Church records, however, show that the first parish priest, also a Jesuit, was installed in 1753. The Recollect priests took over the administration of the local church in the late 1760s, but it was only in around 1855 when the imposing stone church of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak) was completed.
Since 1753, more than 70 priests had served the parish. Today, Loon has five Catholic parishes, the last one (Parish of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) having been established on November 19, 2000.
A 200-year gap exists between the emergence (in historical records) of the community in Napo in 1610 and the installation of Tomas Sevilla in 1810 as Loon’s first town executive. Then addressed as ‘cabeza de barangay’, the municipal mayor was called ‘capitan’ and ‘presidente municipal’ in the ensuing years.
Thirty-two mayors had served the municipality, excluding the incumbent, mayor, Dr. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez. At least three town heads served for more than one term, namely, Vivencio Nazareno (1916–22 and 1928–31); Geronimo Lituañas (appointed, 1946–47 and elected, 1948–51); and Wilfredo Caresosa (1980–86 and 1988–98).
Loon always figures prominently in the political history of the province. Towards the end of the 19th century when the Americans first set foot on Bohol and were met by resistant forces of the local guerrillas opposed to another foreign dominion, Loon was the first town burned by the aggressors in an effort to subdue the reluctant natives.
Just before the century ended, Mariano Sumatra, a.k.a. Mariano “Anoy” Datahan, a native of Barangay Canhangdon Occidental, founded the Eskaya community in Bayabas, Guindulman which later spread to Taytay, Duero. Although not a cultural minority group, the Eskaya has its own system of doing things including the use of an alphabet mostly consisting of symbols representing nature and parts of the human body.
In about 1900, when enmity towards the foreigners subsided, an American engineer visited Loon and described it as a fertile plateau planted with coconut, corn and tobacco, and a progressive town of 16,000 people. He wrote about the imposing structures of the town like the church and convent, stone stairway or Inang-angan, and wharf; children going to school; an affluent community with well-kept environs; and a spring flowing from a cave on the northern edge of the town, after which the name Loon (from ‘nag-loon’, or the merging of freshwater and saltwater) was coined.
In 1903, the first official count of inhabitants was conducted nationwide. Loon’s population was described as fairly large at 18,114 residents. At that time, no other Bohol municipality, including Tagbilaran, registered more than 10,000 residents.
On September 27, 1942, amid the raging US-Japan war, the Moalong River that dissects the municipality into the northern and southern parts, became mute witness to the most successful ambush mounted against the Japanese imperial forces by the Boholano guerrillas led by Vicente T. Cubero, a.k.a. Captain Francisco Salazar. Considered the hero of the Battle of Moalong, Salazar claimed to have his family roots in Barangay Pondol. It was Juan ‘Aning’ Relampagos, a former member of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFE), who brought Salazar to Bohol. Relampagos disguised himself as a trader sailing between Mindanao and the Visayan islands. He met Salazar while plying his goods in the southern towns of Leyte. Relampagos later became municipal mayor and member of the provincial board. The war exploits of Cubero are described in the book entitled "Boholano Guerrillas in Action" that was written by Pio B. Ferandos, former Cebu RTC judge and Loon mayor.
In the years following the Second World War, prominent Loonanons became active participants in charting the development of the province and the country as well. Among them are Natalio P. Castillo, Executive Secretary to Pres. Carlos P. Garcia and member of the House of Representatives; Ramon Lapez, another House member; Ricardo Miranda, governor of the then only Davao province; Fermin Mesina, commercial attaché to Japan and Vietnam; Purisimo R. Castillo, commercial attaché to Spain; Rene Lopez Relampagos, Bohol’s youngest governor; current Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos; and Romulo L. Neri, former Secretary of Economic Planning and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) who is currently the president of the Social Security System (SSS).
Historical timeline
1610 (unconfirmed)- arrival from Butuan of the image of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilik) in Napo by Fray Pedro Lopez, SJ and company, patroness of the whole Mindanao; in 2010, the 'Kasilak' will be 400 years in Loon. It was warmly received and enthroned.September 8, 1597 (unconfirmed) - the image of the Our Lady of Light was reportedly enthroned in a church in Butuan, Agusan del Norte before it was brought to Bohol, away from the marauding Moro bandits.
June 22, 1753 - establishment of Loon as a Spanish mission or "visita"; founding of the Parroquia de la Nuestra Señora de la Luz or Our Lady of Light Parish with Fray Manuel de Elizalde, a Jesuit, as the first parish priest;in 2003, Loon will celebrate its 250th annual fiesta.
1768 - the Jesuits ceded administration of the parish to the Recollects. Years later, the image of the Kasilak was permanently enthroned in the present church of Loon which was completed in around 1855.
1810 - assumption into office of Tomas Sevilla, the first town mayor, then called ‘cabeza de barangay’. He served for 15 years. In 2010, the LGU will be 200 years old.
1855 - completion of the construction of the Our Lady of Light (Birhen sa Kasilak) Church
About 1899-1900 - the burning of Loon by the Americans to subdue the alleged remaining members of an anti-American movement in Bohol.
March 14, 1900 - Major H.C. Hale and the B and C companies of the 44th Volunteer Infantry sailed for Bohol from Iloilo aboard the transport Elcano. With them was George Percival Scriven, who was particularly interested in the establishment of a Loon-Argao cable communications linkage, which was later accomplished.
April 2, 1900 - George Percival Scriven, in his diary, wrote that Loon was a fertile plateau planted with coconut, corn and tobacco, and a progressive town of 16,000 people. He took note of the imposing structures of the town like the church and convent, stone stairway or Inang-angan, and wharf; children going to school; an affluent community with well-kept environs; and a spring flowing from a cave on the northern edge of the town, after which the name Loon was coined.
1903 - the first official count of inhabitants was conducted nationwide. Loon’s population was described as fairly large at 18,114 residents. At that time, no other Bohol municipality, including Tagbilaran, registered more than 10,000 residents.
1914 - completion of the construction of the Gabaldon Building, the main structure of Catagbacan Elementary School, now Loon North Central Elementary School.
1915 - completion of the Gabaldon Building of the Loon Central Elementary School, now Loon South Central Elementary School.
1929 - completion of the American-style public plaza that features a monument dedicated to the national hero, the only Rizal monument topped by a replica of the Statue of Liberty; and a fountain that depicts the legend of Tubig-Loon.
June 1942 - arrival of Captain Francisco Salazar in Bohol (Catagbacan) from Mindanao via Leyte.
September 27, 1942 - Battle of Moalong, now jointly commemorated annually, since 2001, with the Municipal Day of Prayer for World Peace.
1946 - opening of Loon Institute (Rafael Palma College Branch), the town's first secondary school; now University of Bohol - Loon Institute Campus.
1948 - founding of Sacred Heart Academy, first sectarian high school, by Msgr. Felix Zafra.
1952 - establishment of the Loon Municipal Library during the incumbency of Mayor Juan ‘Aning’ M. Relampagos.
January 28, 1958 - Fr. Gorgonio C. Pueblos started serving the Mary Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum) Parish as its first parish priest.
1968 - Typhoon Reming destroyed most houses and damaged agricultural crops and livestock. It also destroyed the old municipal building, then used as Loon Central Annex in Moto Norte.
December 13, 1975 - energization of Loon by the Bohol Electric Cooperative (Boheco I); prior to this electric power was already available from the local power plant established by the municipal government in about 1968.
March 28–29, 1977 - The Loon Youth Team grabbed the grand championship of the first-ever Provincial Kabataang Barangay Sportsfest basketball finals that was participated in by all 47 municipalities previously competing in inter-town elimination rounds.
1979 - Loon hosted the annual National Science and Technology Fair which was participated in by high school students who won in the science fair (investigative projects) and quiz competitions in their respective regions.
February 20, 1988 - Canonical erection of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish. Its first parish priest, Fr. Bernardito T. Getigan officially reported on May 12, 1988.
June 8, 1988 - the Loon Waterworks System received the Gawad Galing Pook for 1997-98.
December 15, 1990 - establishment of the Holy Cross Parish with Fr. Gaudioso C. Zamora as first parish priest.
September 2000 - the SidlaKasilak or Festival of Lights was mounted for the first time, with sectoral representatives each bearing a decorated lantern that they floated on the pond below the fountain at the Loon Public Plaza. Sixty-seven teachers, each representing a barangay, also brought beautifully adorned and lighted baskets.
November 19, 2000 - establishment of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in Barangay Cuasi. Fr. Blair Lope M. Sabaricos, a Loonanon, was the first chaplain.
June 22, 2002 - Opening of the Loon South High School in Barangay Cuasi, the seventh secondary school in the town.
2002 - The Province of Bohol was conferred a Gawad Galing Pook for its coastal resource management program that includes the institutionalization of the Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC). At that time, the CLEC of the First District was chaired by Mayor Cesar Tomas "Yul" M. Lopez, MD. Loon's efforts in enhancing heritage, culture and the arts also contributed much to another Galing Pook award received by the Province in recognition of its cultural renaissance program as a means to strengthen local governance.
2003 - Mayor Yul Lopez was conferred the Local Government Leadership Award as Outstanding Municipal Mayor of the Philippines, so far the first and only town mayor awardee from Bohol. The award was conferred on him by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and other reputable institutions on the basis of his exemplary achievements and leadership in local governance.
June 2003 - Opening of the Loon South High School in Barangay Cuasi, the seventh secondary school in the town.
August 30 - September 8, 2005 - PaghiuSadya 2005, first global homecoming of Loonanons.
December 18, 2005 - inauguration of the 11.8-million-peso modular steel bridge on Tajang Pass which was constructed under the President's Bridge Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Austrian government.
January 2007 - diarrhea outbreak in Loon, caused by Shigella flexneri, a water-borne bacterium. The epidemic claimed the lives of at least 11, mostly children.
June 2007 - dengue outbreak that left at least three children dead.
November 22, 2007 - the Commission on Audit conferred on the Local Government Unit the following four recognitions: first Municipality in the entire country to implement the electronic New Government Accounting System (e-NGAS), LGU with the shortest e-NGAS roll-out period; LGU with the most updated budget reports; and LGU with the most updated financial statements.
November 27, 2007 - a storm surge heavily damaged the causeway on Tajang Pass and Tulay, the fish port in Napo.
December 15–16, 2007 - The first Loon Creative Industry Festival was launched. According to Mr. Blair Panong, DTI - Bohol representative, Loon is the first LGU in the entire country to have sponsored an activity of such kind.
February 25–29, 2008 - In celebration of National Arts Month, the Local Government Unit mounted an exhibit on the works of Loonanon artists, particularly in the fields of painting, sculpture, literary arts, mat-weaving, film and television, photography, music, theater, and fashion.
Barangays
Loon is politically subdivided into 67 barangayBarangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
s.
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Origin of the barangays' names
Agsoso, after “soso’”, a freshwater shellfish species abundant in a spring that still provides water to the municipal water system.Badbad Occidental and Badbad Oriental, after a local shrub or tree called “badba-an” which abounds in the area even at present.
Bagacay Kawayan, Bagacay Katipuhan and Bagacay Saong, after “bagakay” or bamboo abundant in the area and utilized by the residents to make various handicrafts. “Kawayan” is the most common local term for bamboo. In Bagacay Kawayan, during the Spanish times, a bamboo thicket grew beside a small pool of mud to where the early inhabitants brought their carabaos to wallow. “Katipuhan” means a place where “tipolo” trees grow in abundance, while “saong” is a tree species whose sap is believed to be similar to that used as paste in the construction of Noah’s Ark.
Bahi, after “bahi” or the hard portion of the trunk of a “pugahan” palm abundant in the place especially during its establishment.
Basac, after “basak” or rice paddy, no longer found in the village but replaced by patches of “palaw” or “paw”, a water-loving plant species belonging to the taro family.
Basdacu, coined from “balas” or “ba’as”, which means sand, and “daku”, which means big, both words referring to the wide shoreline that covers the breadth of the barangay.
Basdio, also from “ba’as” and “diyo” or “diyot”, the opposite of “daku”; thus, a place where there is a little patch of sand on its shoreline.
Biasong, after trees of an orange variety of the same name that grew near a little spring that flows into the Moalong River.
Bongco, after a legendary shining ball called “trabongko” that giant snakes amused themselves with on dark evenings.
Bugho, presumeably after “buho” or hole, in reference to the ravines and gorges that define the topography of the barangay.
Cabacungan, after the plant named “bakong” which the barangay used to have plenty of.
Cabadug, or place belonging to or owned by “Badug”, purportedly the first inhabitant of the barangay.
Cabug, after “kabug”, the nocturnal bats seen hanging from the branches of a big “tipolo” tree in the heart of the barangay.
Calayugan Norte and Calayugan Sur, after the swaying of the coconut trees of the island village which, when viewed from the mainland, allegedly looked like they were engaged in a fighting match or “ga-layug”.
Cambaquiz, after "ba's nga nag-ekis-ekis" or sand that crisscrosses from one side of the Cambaquiz point to the other depending on the direction of the waves. A more popular yet inaccurate tale on the name's origin, is the phrase "come back and kiss (our ladies)".
Campatud, after a spring called “patud” in the middle of a thick forest where hunters would go to.
Candaigan, after a legendary ever-burning stump of a dead tree where people kindle or “daig” their oil lamps.
Canhangdon Occidental and Canhangdon Oriental, after a spring called “kanhangdon”, or after its location vis-à-vis the Moalong River; thus, a place to be “halangdon” or to be looked up.
Canigaan, after “Nigaran” a legendary remote place where big “nigad” trees grew in abundance, and to where a black sheep of a son produced from the marriage between a Marimon and a Labastilla was banished; for being a “turo” or bull, he acquired the moniker “Saturos of Canigaran” or Canigaan.
Canmaag, after “mamag” or tarsius, the smallest primate in the world, which were plenty in the area.
Canmanoc, after the wild chickens or “manok” that used to crisscross its lush hills and roost upon the branches of a large “tipolo” tree.
Cansuaguit, after a spring of the same name from which the villagers get much of their water for household use.
Cansubayon, after “subay” or “subayon”, the act of walking along or following the banks of creeks until finally reaching one’s destination; or from “subay-subay”, the term used by the early villagers in reference to the act of catching freshwater fish starting from a spring to a bigger body of water.
Cantam-is Bago, probably a combination of the words “tam-is” or sweet and “bago”, which refers to either a vegetable tree called “bago” or the native cassava cake called “binago”.
Cantam-is Baslay, also after “tam-is” or sweet and a spring called “baslay”, an important source of water for the community.
Cantaongon, after the “taongon” tree abundant in the locality.
Cantumocad, after the creek called “sondo” which is located in a “canto” cutting the barangay at its center where one is obliged to “tukad” or take a leap.
Catagbacan Norte, Catagbacan Sur and Catagbacan Handig, from the word “tagbak”, which means to barter or exchange goods produced by upland communities with those harvested from the sea; thus, “katagbacan” means a place where barter takes place. “Handig” was probably named after the location of the place, that is, reclining on the slopes that rise from the plain.
Cogon Norte and Cogon Sur, after the “kogon” grass that doesn’t seem to leave the place despite being burned to open up new areas for agriculture.
Cuasi, after a legend that testifies to the villagers’ propensity to engage in business. A banca filled with merchants was assaulted by strong winds and big waves prompting the elder men to shout “Kawasi!”, an order to disembark or jump overboard to save their merchandise.
Genomoan, after a legend about a carabao left to wallow or “homol” in the river by its owner who had to leave for home because of a stomachache. The farmer’s condition got serious while it was raining hard causing the river to swell. In his delirium, the farmer kept murmuring about his “hinomolan” or the carabao he left to wallow in the river.
Lintuan, after “balintong-balintong” or “tuwang-tuwang”, the changing movement of sand near Lawis Point caused by the blowing of the south and north winds.
Looc, after the curved shape of its coastline, that is “na lo-ok”.
Mocpoc Norte and Mocpoc Sur, after “pok-pok”, the warning sound produced by knocking a drum hung from a big “pagatpat” or mangrove tree every time the Moros would emerge on the sea, their swift vintas poised to attack the barangay and plunder its homes.
Moto Norte and Moto Sur, after “moto” or hill, the location of the place as referred to by the residents of the coastal barangay of Napo, the town’s original settlement.
Nagtuang, after “nagatuwang”, a phenomenon in the place where the flow of water from a spring is absorbed in a much higher elevation.
Napo, after “napolo” or “napo’o”, which means island-like, a description of its location that seems separate from the mainland. “Napo” also means “dapit nga balason” or a sandy place.
Nueva Vida, after the Spanish phrase for “new life”, probably discovered as a new settlement when the population of Catagbacan below it increased.
Pananquilon, after a medicinal herb called “panankilon” that grows abundantly in the locality.
Pantudlan, after “tulod-tulod”, the thrusting action of the waves resulting in the transfer of the sand to the southern side of Baluarte Point when the north wind blows and to the northern side when the south wind blows.
Pig-ot, after “pi-ot”, the narrow stretch of the provincial road that had been widened by blasting the cliffs and boulders, resulting in the fleeing of the monkeys and total wiping out of their population from their habitat in the enchanted place called “Bogo”.
Pondol, after “pundok-pundok”, “pundo-pundo” or “pondol”, a description of the place which has several “lawis” or points jutting out into the sea; or after “tubig nga gapundo”, or pools of stagnant water found in the place.
Quinobcoban, after “kinubkoban”, in reference to several holes dug by the early residents of the village in search of sources of water.
Sondol, after “donsol”, a sea slug species abundant in its seashore.
Song-on, after “so-ongon”, an arch-like rock formation along the shoreline that resembles a cave when viewed from the sea, where one has to stoop or “so-ong” to pass through.
Talisay, after the “talisay” trees growing on cliffs hanging over its shoreline.
Tan-awan, after the same word, which means a place from where one gets a good view of the villages below it, being located on the highest peaks of Loon.
Tangnan, after a cave-like hole called “tangnan” that contains fresh water.
Taytay, after “taytayan” or bridge, a description of the narrow hilltop-located pathway that leads to the center of the village.
Ticugan, after the “tikog” plant whose leaf strips can be woven into mats but whose population in the village had been reduced to zero.
Tiwi, after the “tiwi” trees that once grew on the eastern part of the village.
Tontonan, or “to use a rope”, after “tonton” or rope that the early residents had to use to scale a high mountain in the village.
Tubodacu and Tubodio, after “tubod” (spring), “daku” (big) and “diyot” or “diyo” (small), descriptions of the villagers’ sources of water.
Tubuan, also after “tubod” or “tuburan”, a local spring.
Ubayon, after “nag-ubay sa baybayon” or straddling the shoreline, a description of its location.
Ubojan, after “ulbohan”, a place where there used to be a spring or natural well from where abundant water gushed in spurts or “ga ulbo-ulbo”.
Tourism
Loon has a wealth of natural resources and a rich cultural heritage. It is named after water, specifically “Tubig-Loon” or “Tubig nga nag-loon”, a crystal-clear spring that gushes from a crevice underneath boulders found north of the coastal village of Napo, Loon’s nucleus community.The water from this spring blends together with the blue water of the town’s rich marine paradise and beyond, a fitting depiction of the Loonanon’s proclivity to explore limitless boundaries and venture into business, education and other professions. In the Bisayan dialect, ‘lo-on’ means to merge, coexist or live together.
The town also prides itself of the only natural lake in Bohol, a river that reveals a secret paradise, waterfalls that soothe weary souls, mangrove gardens that invite gleaners and rowers alike, caverns that evoke mystery and excitement, sylvan surroundings where myriad birds fly in wild abandon, and dive sites that compare with the best in the world.
The pristine beauty and bounty of the town’s terrestrial, estuarine and marine resources are complemented by imposing centuries-old structures, rich cultural traditions and warm-hearted people.
For being blessed with all these whose potential for tourism has not been tapped to the fullest, Loon has been aptly called the emerging giant of Bohol’s eco-cultural tourism industry. Some of these attractions are listed below.
Heritage, historical places and other sites
Church of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz. Established by the Jesuits in 1753, the Our Lady of Light Parish was ceded in 1768 to the Recollects who built the first stone church in the 1780s. The churches built in 1815, 1850 and 1853-54 were devoured by fire. The present façade is believed to have survived the last one. This "Crowning Glory of Recollect Architecture" and "Queen of All Heritage Churches in Bohol" was constructed when Fr. Jose Garcia was parish priest from 1854 to 1890. Domingo de Escondrillas, director of public works in Cebu, drew the plans. The extremely elegant Baroque facade of this biggest church edifice in the Visayas is the finest in Bohol. Consolidating the Moorish tendencies are the bas relief carving, wooden balusters guarding the bell tower windows, and the pointed roofs. The sophisticated architectural styles of the Baroque, the Moorish and the Plateresque are evident in the Corinthian columns and fine details of the lace-like capitals. The painted ceiling of the interior, done by Ray Francia in 1938, is perfectly in step with the tiled (now GI sheet) roof and the main "retablo" embellished with roundels in bas relief depicting scenes from the life of Mary. The faux dome depicts popular saints venerated by Catholics. Beside the church is the old convento, now Sacred Heart Academy, which was built during the term of Fr. Pedro Polo (1844–46).Inang-angan. Made of coral stone blocks, this grand stairway of four flights and 174 steps was constructed under the direction of Fr. Antonio Yus, parish priest from 1847 to 1849, to improve contact between Napo (downtown) and Moto (uptown). A fifth flight of 38 steps leads to the convent (now Sacred Heart Academy) at the back of the Our Lady of Light church. The promenade concludes in the old wharf popularly called Tulay where a visitor gets a majestic view of the sea, the mangrove areas and the mountains of Loon and Cebu across the Cebu Strait.
Spanish-Era Mortuary Chapel. This hexagonal two-storey stone structure located across the Our Lady of Light Church is made of coral stone blocks or "tinableya" put together with a mixture of sand, lime and water. In olden times, mass was not celebrated for the remains of a dead person. Instead, they were brought here for final blessing by the parish priest before they would be buried. Originally tile-roofed, it is now used as an office and occasional showroom for special events.
Spanish Colonial Cemetery (1800-1860s). The circular layout of this structure is unique in Bohol. The stone walls called "cota" or "kuta" are built of coral blocks or "tinableya" put together with mortar, a mixture of sand, lime and water. Like those of big churches in the province, the internal layout of the chapel, which has six burial chambers, is cruciform with a transept or pair of arms across the nave. Graves of persons of low status were unmarked in historic times, otherwise wooden ones may have been used, thus nothing remains to identify each grave within the circular perimeter wall.
Sombria Bridge. This stone bridge in Cogon Norte on the national highway has been identified by the Sites and Monuments Division of the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council as one of the most imposing and having the highest elevation among colonial bridges in the province.
Napo Ruins. For many years, Loonanons believed that the image of the Birhen sa Kasilak was enthroned on this site in 1610. Reported to have been originally enthroned in Butuan, Agusan del Norte on September 8, 1597, the image was brought to Cebu by concerned Butuanons led by Fr. Pedro Lopez, a Jesuit friar, at the time when Moro bandits were attacking the coastal villages of Mindanao. Allegedly, they eventually dropped anchor near Sandingan Island and brought the image here. On the other hand, recent research proves that the veneration of the Our Lady of Light started in Europe only in the 18th century. The site, however, looks like remnants of a watchtower.
Ferandos House. Owned by the family of the late Pio Ferandos, former Loon mayor and Cebu RTC judge, this fine example of a chalet built during the American period served as a secret meeting place of the Filipino guerrilla leaders during the Second World War. Behind the ancestral house is a vertical cave that has potential for development into an environmental showcase.
Gabaldon Buildings. The main building of Loon South Central Elementary School was completed in 1915. It features an H layout with three rooms in the middle and four rooms on each side. Between the two corner rooms on each side of the facade is a wide stairway that leads to a foyer marked by columns and a high ceiling. All rooms have floors made of wooden planks. Ventilation is provided by the open space below the floors and several holes on the transom-like span above the doors and walls. The rear court, which used to be a garden bounded by the two rooms on each wing, has been transformed into a multipurpose hall, thereby concealing the two stairs that each led to the porch outside these rooms. The steel-pipe railing on the porch has been retained. Toilets have recently been added to all the classrooms. The original GI sheet roof has been replaced with tile-designed GI sheet. The original capiz-panel windows have also been replaced with glass jalousies. Both stairway and foyer have recently been tiled. The other Gabaldon buildings are located in Catagbacan Sur (1914) and Tontonan.
Loon Public Plaza. Completed in 1929, it features an imposing monument dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and a big fountain that depicts the legend of the town. Of particular interest is a miniature Statue of Liberty atop the Rizal monument attesting to the era when it was constructed. Another structure at the plaza is a fountain that features four caryatids forming a column that supports a round structure the side of which is adorned by four gargoyles serving as water spouts. Atop the circular platform are two figures of women, one carrying an urn and the other drinking water from her scooped hand.
Christ the King Monument. This imposing structure on the church plaza features a figure of the Risen Christ atop a three-sided column at the center of an ornate and multi-layered circular base. It is maintained by the family of its designer, the late Zosimo “Iyo Zosing” P. Relampagos.
The Grotto. This other masterpiece of “Iyo Zosing” depicts the scene in Lourdes, France where Mary appeared to a girl named Bernadette. It is a favorite backdrop for the annual reenactment of the Last Supper and many other photo opportunities.
Hugosan. Another Relampagos masterpiece, this four-column platform across the Spanish-era mortuary chapel serves as main gate of the fortress-like church. It is the venue of the annual Easter Sunday rites observed by the local Catholic population
Big Cross. This pilgrimage site marked by a Big Cross on the slopes of Barangay Cabug offers a majestic view of the Cebu Strait. A road leading to the place features replicas of the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Moalong Cliff and River. The river and the bluff overlooking the wide expanse of mangrove are mute witnesses to the most successful ambush staged by the Boholano guerillas against the Japanese aggressors during the Second World War.
Tubig-Loon Spring. An abundant source of spring water north of the nucleus barangay of Napo after which the town’s name was taken. The spring and the nearby fish ponds and mangrove areas are frequented by quite a large number of birds.
Barangay Cantaongon. A major supply camp of the Boholano guerrillas during the Second World War.
Sister Milvida’s House of Prayer. This favorite retreat facility in the middle of a coconut grove in Barangay Moto Sur sits on a promontory overlooking the Lintuan Beach and the Cebu Strait. Also called the House of Peace by its owners, it has a main building, open-air conference room for small groups, duplex house, kitchen, dining area, chapel, gazebo and garden. It has hosted local and international retreats.
Virgen de la Paz Hermitage. This home of the Virgen de la Paz hermit nuns sits on a cliff that overlooks the mangroves and marine sanctuary in Barangay Tangnan and offers an unobstructed view of the sea and the blue mountains of Cebu.
Solar-powered Lighthouse. Located in Punta Baluarte in Barangay Pantudlan, Cabilao Island, this modern lighthouse is a donation of the Spanish government and stands beside the old one that has been retained for its historical value.
Mesina House. The only remaining house of such design. Loon used to have a lot of old houses of the same design. With some families experiencing early the economic boom brought about by success in the retail business, mostly in Leyte, Samar, Negros and Mindanao, and in the practice of their professions, all the other old houses have been replaced with concrete ones with modern designs.
Outstanding scenery and other natural attractions
Cabilao Island. This island prides itself of having one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Philippines where about 200 sightseers, mostly divers, arrive everyday during peak days of the summer months. Tourists avail of the amenities of at least three beach resorts and three dive shops. The hammerhead, its main attraction along with the coral gardens that form a wall below the tidal flat, has been complemented by the pygmy seahorse, a species endemic to Indonesia but first sighted in the Philippines in Cabilao.Cabilao Island Lake. Bohol’s only natural lake is found in the middle of the small island of Cabilao. Frequented by migratory birds, enclosed body of water is fringed with trees below slopes of solid rock on whose surfaces are embedded several fossils of marine organisms. Viewing decks have been constructed by an association of local fisherfolk.
Green Footprint Lagoon. A recent discovery, this smaller lake in Looc, locally known as "imbawan", also on Cabilao Island is shaped like a giant's footprint and a habitat of the "latu" seaweed (Caulerpa sp.) and an unidentified red shrimp species.
Cabacongan Fish Sanctuary. This protected area, that is also found on Cabilao Island, is a favorite learning site for fisherfolk associations of Bohol and other provinces. Aside from the rich marine fauna, it offers a majestic view of mainland Bohol across the Sawang Pass, an important navigation channel for boats and catamarans plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.
White Beaches and Sand Bars. Strips of white sand abound in Loon. The more frequented beaches are found in Napo, Basdacu, Basdio (Rock Island Cove), Mocpoc, Pantudlan, Looc and Cambaquiz. In Pantudlan, wave motion created by strong winds gradually transfers the sand bar on one side of Baluarte Point to the other.
Mangrove Gardens. Sandingan, Loon’s other island, can be reached through a man–made causeway that runs through a breathtaking panorama of mangroves on the Tajang Pass which offers an alternative site for boating and swimming as there are at least two picnic huts owned and rented out by nearby Calayugan Norte. In Canigaan, also on Sandingan, a leisure islet for picnic groups has been established by the community beside awe–inspiring mangrove gardens. From the seaside corner of Sandingan High School a visitor to the island also gets a beautiful view of the mangroves and the lofty mountains of Loon. In the other coastal barangays, the mangrove forests also offer livelihood opportunities for the local residents. In September 2005 in Napo, an area where exceedingly tall mangrove species grow on white sand became a location for the ABS-CBN television series "Panday". It is worth knowing that the mangrove areas of Cantumocad and Pondol are inhabited by monkeys.
Caves. Loon is a spelunker’s paradise. Caves of karst origin are found in both highway and island barangays. Recently reported are more than 30 caves in Cantam-is Baslay alone.
Mount Canmanoc. This prominent geological landmark of Loon is a potential tourist destination as it offers a commanding view of the sea, town center and neighboring mountains. On its slopes grow native trees, including the endangered molave, on whose branches birds of different species feed on its fruits and build their nests.
Mount Tan-awan. A visitor to this highest point of Loon gets to see Bohol at all angles as well as nearby Cebu. Most of the major telecommunication companies have installed their transmission towers and cellular sites here.
Moalong River and Antaeg Spring & Lagoon. The sylvan banks of this meandering body of water serve as home to myriad birds and monkeys. Upstream, the river reveals some aspects of the Loonanon culture and showcases how the local government unit was able to tap the abundant water resource for household consumption. Visitors can indulge in the soothing coolness of spring water cascading between rocks and boulders or trapped in lagoons. Some private groups have already visited Moalong and were amazed to see such a pristine environment in this secluded part of Bohol. Student organizations, too, have expressed interest in conducting ecology cruises on the turquoise river and have requested the office of the mayor for tour-guiding assistance.
Waterfalls and Springs. Local sightseers enjoy the hidden Piong Falls located between Cantaongon and Canmaag. In some upland barangays, water flows from springs that have encouraged the local folks to develop their own bathing and washing areas. Recently discovered are quite a number of majestic waterfalls that flow into the open sea though the Moalong River. One of these is Nagtuang's Kabantian Falls that seems like a water stairway as it drops six times before reaching a lagoon.
Danicop Hidden Valley and Springs. Accessible from the national highway in Basac, this sylvan paradise and nature spa located in Ticugan is cleverly protected by trees growing on cliffs and mountain slopes. Its main features are the rock formations on cliffs, the onrushing waters the locals call "Lungkajab", and springs that flow from the mountainside.
Hanging Gardens. On the shorelines of Napo and Lintuan endemic plants and natural bonsais grow on rocky overhangs that also protect picnickers and shell gleaners from the heat of the sun or a heavy rain.
Endemic Animals. In addition to the hammerhead shark, pygmy seahorse, monkeys and exotic birds mentioned earlier, other animals like the “mamag” (tarsier), “kagwang” (a lemur-like species), “tinggawong” (bearcat) and “tambaloslos” (although believed to be legendary) have been sighted in Loon.
Indigenous culture and crafts
- Processing of “binago”, grated and dried cassava steamed over a perforated coconut half-shell fitted onto the mouth of an earthen pot half-filled with water; common in the barangays on Sandingan and Cabilao islands and in Ubayon.
- Production of “tuba” or toddy from coconut in Cantaongon and other upland barangays.
- “Drama” or community theater in Napo, a fervently sustained local tradition that originated during the Spanish period. Local residents get involved as actors, singers, directors, stage managers and playwrights.
- Weaving of mats from romblon palm in Cabilao; production of nypa shingles near Moalong River; and weaving of baskets and other handicrafts from bamboo, rattan, baliw, nito, sig-id, sagisi and other materials in some upland barangays
- Production of corn and cassava on the rocky slopes of Basdio. The "farm-on-the-rocks" is itself a tourist attraction because from below, the crops seem to grow not on soil but on black rocks and boulders.
- Christmas caroling: "Daygon", "Pastores" and "Igi-igi"
- Good Friday dawn pilgrimage to Big Cross
- Good Friday procession and Easter “Sugat/Hugos” rites in the town center
- September “Festival of Lights” or “SidlaKasilak” in honor of the town’s patroness
- Town fiesta on September 8 and barangay fiestas throughout the year
Municipal Officials
- Mayor: Hon. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez M.D.
- Vice Mayor: Hon. Edwin R. Ladeza
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
- Councilor Titus Clark Uy Miranda
- Councilor Timoteo Lafuente Legitimas
- Councilor Manuel Roferos Veloso
- Councilor Ignacio Mataflorida Castil Jr.
- Councilor Josephat Barbarona Palma
- Councilor Ricky Uy Masamayor
- Councilor Priscilla Ciano Branzuela
- Councilor Damaso Calatrava Pasilbas
- Councilor Cesar R. Pedrigal Ex-Officio Member/LnB President
- Councilor Eva Mikee Reigh L. Tampos Ex-Officio Member/SKMF President