The people of Lila celebrated the annual town fiesta Oct. 7, 2025 with cultural presentations and band performances despite weather challenges, Lila, Bohol Mayor Arturo “Jed” Piollo said.
Piollo told Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta over DYTR that the festivities featured Lila students’ cultural shows and performances by invited bands.
“The performances of bands were superb and definitely delighted the crowd,” Piollo said, adding that activities were completed despite weather difficulties.
Religious celebrations marked the fiesta day. A food bazaar ran from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5.
Earthquake aftermath
The mayor said Lila felt effects from an earthquake centered in northern Cebu, prompting him to suspend classes the following day while officials inspected buildings for safety.
Piollo led inspections with personnel from the municipal engineering office, the disaster risk reduction and management office and other government authorities.
He ordered several buildings closed after detecting safety issues.
Whale shark tourism
Whale shark watching in Lila remains closed and may take time to resume as amendments to the ordinance governing marine life in Bohol are still in process, Piollo said.
“It takes time for an ordinance to be amended,” he said, adding he was discouraged but accepted the need for proper procedures.
Lila has developed other tourist attractions to replace whale watching, which closed early this year.
Gov. Aris Aumentado issued an executive order shutting down whale watching operations in Lila, Albur and Dauis, citing violations of a provincial ordinance prohibiting marine life feeding.