A local hospitality group has raised structural and environmental concerns over the ₱3.5-billion Loboc River Protection Project, urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to adopt a more environmentally sustainable design before construction resumes.
The Loboc Association of Accommodation and Hospitality (LAHA) presented the findings of a joint field survey with the Loboc Municipal Engineering Office to DPWH Region VII on July 24, citing issues in six project sections located in the villages of Sawang, Gotozon, Ondol, Ugpong, Valladolid and Villaflor.
Sheryl Calipusan Ung, representing LAHA, said the survey found that the project’s metal sheet piles and concrete retaining walls lack weep holes, or drainage openings, which the group said could trap water behind the structures, increase pressure on the retaining walls and disrupt tidal water flow that supports nipa palms and other aquatic ecosystems.
The group also reported differences between the project’s proposed and actual structural heights. Inspectors documented tilting sheet piles in Sawang, erosion in Gotozon, undercutting in Ondol and damage to nipa palm roots in Ugpong.
In Villaflor, construction has been halted after the project’s contract was terminated. LAHA noted that one of the area’s healthiest nipa palm stands remains in that section.
The association called on DPWH to incorporate environmentally friendly features into the project before awarding a new contract or restarting construction. Its recommendations include preserving existing nipa vegetation, installing drainage openings and tidal culverts, and conducting a joint feasibility review with the local government and community stakeholders.
LAHA said it supports measures to reduce flooding and riverbank erosion but believes these efforts should be balanced with the protection of the Loboc River’s natural ecosystem.
The concerns follow a joint land-based inspection of the project conducted in July by representatives from DPWH, LAHA, the Loboc local government, the Loboc Peoples Council, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office and the Bohol Provincial Board.
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