INITIAL steps in placating the development of the Loboc River as a potential source of processed water for Bohol's thirsty towns tentatively shuffled as Mayor Leon Calipusan proposed the resource based project for endorsement. At the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council and three more Bohol key groups, Calipusan pushed for the endorsement of a project he called the Loboc Water Supply Development project. Citing the current need for potable water to enhance Bohol's tourism potential, Calipusan went on to say that the excess water in his town could actually be tapped for domestic, commercial or industrial purposes.

The Loboc river flows at a staggering rate of 56,355 cubic meters a day, the mayor said implying that aside from its being the channel for the famous river cruises, the river could also add up to the town's fiscal resources when used judiciously. He argued that developing the river resource would ensure sustainable bulk supply of processed water for Loboc and nearby towns as well as elevate the sanitation levels of the watershed areas. Loboc's successful endorsement for the project officially puts up the proposal on the showcase for interested organizations with a potable water supply in its investment portfolio.

While not necessarily saying that the LGU would own the project, the mayor of the tourism town made famous by its river cruises and singing groups, implied that interested groups can now start opening up their funding and development proposals for the river resource. Observers also said that Mayor Calipusan's projected project amount is appropriate as the project could operate on a funding somewhere in the vicinity of P800M. Installation of mainlines, reservoirs and a water processing plant would ensure that the operators would store adequate supply for distribution to its consumers. Asked as to the mode of the project implementation, Calipusan said his local government is presenting three options: LGU operated utility, an open–access mode where outside investors are invited to invest of any other option subject to the agreements entered into by the local government and the project proponents. (PIA-Bohol)

Joint councils endorse for North-east Bohol growth

OTHER than Panglao Airport Project, which was endorsed for continued support by the new Administration, majority of Bohol's next development would be gyrating off to the island's northeastern towns. And if the proposed projects get implemented, it would seem that the general region comprised of the cluster of towns from Clarin to Ubay would be the next economic growth center in the island. At the recent meeting of Bohol's key development councils including the Provincial Peace and Order, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, the joint council meeting endorsed the $3M Compact loan for the Ubay Airport Development project by Korean Official Development Assistance with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines as project proponent.

Also endorsed was the P38M Bohol Holistic Enterprise for Livestock based Livelihood Opportunities (Hello) for funding under the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KoICA), an integrated poverty alleviation intervention that would be implemented mostly in the region's poverty saddled towns. Head of project implementer, Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz said the project would benefit families in San Isidro, Danao, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Trinidad, Bien Unido, Sagbayan, Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Talibon, Ubay and President Garcia. Part of the endorsed projects which concentrates on the second district of Bohol is the three bridges proposed for the Tulay ng Pangulo which are all located in the Mabini-Ubay road namely Pasanan, Biabas and Ondol bridges, at an aggregate cost of P61M and following the Austrian Assisted Bridges Program.

Moreover, the councils also pushed for the inclusion of the Bohol Dairy Production and Meat processing the in the Korea-Philippine Multi-Industry Cluster Agreement. The centere was initially identified to be placed at the Ubay Stock Farm. Other than those, also resolved was the request for the Philippine Ports Authority to jumpstart soonest the Ubay Port Causeway to its highway access to avoid traffic jams and accidents in its present access. Meanwhile, the P500M Ubay Port development, a component of the Strong Republic Nautical Highways has just been completed and now effectively connects the town to the neighboring islands by ferry boats. Govenor Erico Aumenatdo however stressed that the proposed development would spur economic activity and would pluck the people from the harsh poverty situation in the region. (PIA-Bohol)