MAYOR RAYMOND JALA
By DAVE CHARLES RESPONTE
Loboc, Bohol Mayor Raymond Jala has vehemently denied the accusation that he opposed the multi-billion-peso flood control project along the Loboc river banks, which is being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH III).
“I never questioned the project,” Mayor Jala said in a media interview.
“Wa jud mahitabo ni-question ‘ta sa project.”
The mayor’s statement was a response to a report by Tagbilaran Baywatch, which claimed that he had doubts about the project.
The report was based on a conversation between Mayor Jala and Atty. Gertrude Biliran, a representative of Tagbilaran Baywatch, days before the publication.
However, Mayor Jala said that the report did not reflect his true sentiments, and that he was surprised by the way it was written.
He then called for a press conference at his office to clarify his position.
He revealed that none of the seven barangays where the project passes through had any complaints about the riprapping project, which aims to protect the river banks from erosion and collapse.
On the contrary, he said, some barangay officials even expressed their support and eagerness for the project to start.
He cited the example of barangay Valladolid, whose leader Pedro Acuna visited his office and asked him when the project would begin in their area, as their barangay road was already near the river banks.
He also mentioned that the roads of barangays Ugpong and Canlasig had already fallen into the river due to the erosion of the banks, and that they needed urgent intervention to ensure the safety and convenience of the residents.
The other barangays that are covered by the project are Agape, Gotozon, Jimilian, and Bagumbayan, in addition to the three previously mentioned.
The mayor said that he welcomed the project, which cost about P1.2 billion when it was bid out, and that he was very much concerned about the welfare of the barangay folks.
Jala said that the project would not only prevent the river banks from collapsing and mitigate erosion, but also enhance the beauty and tourism potential of the Loboc river, which is famous for its floating restaurants and scenic views.
He said that he had visited some of the areas where the project was ongoing, such as barangays Jimilian and Bagumbayan, and that he was impressed by the progress and quality of the work.
He thanked the DPWH III for implementing the project, and assured them of his full cooperation and support.
He also appealed to the public to disregard the false reports that he was against the project, and to trust his leadership and vision for the development of Loboc.
Jala said that he was always open to dialogue and feedback from his constituents, and that he would always work for their best interests.