A decade has passed since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the province. In
commemoration, officials from Bohol and PHIVOLCS unveiled a marker at Our Lady
of Light Shrine Parish in Loon, Bohol.
The commemorative activity was led by DOST-PHIVOLCS Director Teresito
Bacolcol, Bohol First District Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, Bohol Vice-Governor Dionisio
Victor Balite, and Loon Mayor Elvi Peter Relampagos.
Chatto, who was governor at the time of the earthquake, said, “Boholanos never lost
faith in God; in fact, it was strengthened. Our faith in each other gave us the strength
to face adversities and faith in ourselves as a people.”
He expressed mixed feelings about both the struggle and journey to recovery that
opened many windows of opportunities.
“Many things are in place because of the earthquake,” he added.
He cited the reconstructed Loon church as a testament to how suffering became a
platform for strength.
Chatto also stated that the uplifted marine terrace, a geological wonder, was one of
the compelling reasons for UNESCO’s designation of the province as a Global
Geopark – the first in the country. This was aside from many infrastructure and
facilities that were built and rebuilt out of the unimaginable and massive destruction.
John Maraguinot, speaking on behalf of Gov. Aris Aumentado, commended Chatto’s
leadership during and after the earthquake.
Bacolcol recognized that the Loon Church is a testament to people’s ability to rise
again when they work together.
He was among members of the PHIVOLCS team that mapped the trace of the north
Bohol fault and the impacts of the earthquake.
Relampagos remembered lives lost and paid homage to those who stood by Loon’s
side during that critical time.
According to PHIVOLCS, unveiling of the marker serves as both a reminder of the
lessons from the earthquake to guide province’s planning and building, and a
warning of future earthquake-related hazards.
Also present during the unveiling ceremony were Parish Priest Rev. Desiderio
Magdoza of Our Lady of Light Shrine Parish, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Officer Anthony Damalerio, LGU employees, Provincial Information
and Media Office, and PHIVOLCS team.
A commemorative marker was also unveiled in Sagbayan, which was the epicenter
of the earthquake.