Loboc-LGU answers raps on docking port complex

The local government unit in Loboc finally broke its silence when it answered yesterday point by point the allegations raised against the town's flagship project-- the docking port and terminal complex. Trying to be conciliatory in its reply instead of being confrontational, the LGU even thanked its critics “because the criticisms help the municipal government to be on its toes, remain transparent and the criticisms will raise the bar in the quality of public service.”

The LGU's conciliatory gesture in dealing with criticisms came at a time when tourist arrivals of the town hit an all time high. Statistics showed tourist arrivals practically doubled its daily volume of 200 to 400, this month, records said. According to Mayor Leon Calipusan, the increasing tourist volume was punctuated with the increase in yearly revenues from P60,000 per annum to P1.6M. He projected that this year the tourist revenues will hit the P2 million mark.

THE REJOINDER

In a two-page rejoinder which is published elsewhere in this issue, the LGU depicted a “before and after scenario” arising from allegations that the docking port and terminal complex did not enjoy the full support of the river cruise operators. In justifying the construction of the complex, the LGU said it makes tourists as well as Lobocanons enjoy the comfort of the terminal with modest amenities such as clean rest rooms, comfortable waiting sheds and souvenir shops.

This is in contrast to the individual docking port of the river cruises, where it poses hazard to tourists and a discomfort to them, who feel like packed sardines in a cramped and decrepit temporary shed with no decent comfort rooms and a damp waiting area. Saying that the construction of a modern terminal and berthing area had been the clamor of tourists, the LGU said it is an integrated tourist complex when completed. Among the amenities of the complex are an air conditioned comfort/rest rooms, an air conditioned terminal building and an open air lounge or those who want to savor the fresh air.

Part of the complex is the provision of parking areas. It will also provide a display area for souvenir items which the local artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs can display their wares from Loboc as well as Best Products from Bohol under the One Town One Project (OTOP) of the Department of Trade and Industry. The same terminal will also be the venue of a modest “Children's Palace” which will be the practice venue of the performing arts of Loboc such as Loboc Children's Choir, rondalla, children and adult bands, dance groups and other artists. It will also serve as concert venue to entertain tourists while waiting for their turn in the floating restaurants.

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