:DOY2007

The Loboc River is one of the obtainable assets of transportation since the modest town (Loboc) was discovered. The first in Bohol history was known as the Charming River, has been repetitively devastated by flood in the history of Loboc. The town's general population is getting improved, and a good number of those residents live in the river banks.

Today, the Loboc River natural balance is being preoccupied for recreation, tourism, utility transportation and human daily consumption. More years to come it would simply tainted all the way through owing lacking of sustainable environmental protection.

The evolution of climate change has permitted insidious plants to move into prolific river banks, that in the early days everyplace was blessed with healthy vegetation. Due to the increasing population and high utilization of the waterway, someday the environmental quality of Loboc River will be agitated by pollution entering the waterways from different sources. Occasionally the river bionetwork endure spoil waters flowing from industrial equipment, rice-field drainage, household and commercial waste, which do not meet their selected use.

 I would agree the idea of protecting the river ecosystem by creating inflexible management, an endeavor that a Loboc River Environmental Protection will be summarize with the single purpose in pursuit a support that would improve and protect the natural resources within the rivulet. A diverse key projects, critical to preserving the long-term capacity of the Loboc River should be implemented. 

The (River) storm water flood wall should be put up strategically and the improvements to the existing one (if any), and the restoration of the river bank due to erosion should be reinforce. The resourcefulness of the urban populace and river users will be crucial. And everyone is the beneficiary in all the hard work aim to the long-term existence of the Loboc River.

It is anticipated that the impetus to restore this valuable resources and our determination should continue as we, 

ARE BLESSED WITH AN AWESOME RIVER..

Rhapsodize by:  Keeper Of The Stream. 

 armando"doy" sarigumba caralos

Taking into account the growth trend, socioeconomic parameters and the physical characteristics of our municipality, the recognized development approach preeminent for Loboc is a merge of agro-industrialization and tourism evolution.  This development strategy is glued on enhancing the natural benefit of the municipality in terms of agriculture and tourism. On the tourism side, our LGU is moving in the true path however can still execute unsurpassed. 

Comprehensive development  in agriculture, trade and industry shall be among the priorities of our LGU as it form part and embedded in Loboc’s  Vision and Mission statements. The approach shall be interweaving of production and market centers, making available of processing centers near the production area and delivering of infrastructure support facilities and services. The municipality, based on the land used data and land use capability map shall determine the land area suitable for agricultural use. Out of this area, a comprehensive agricultural development program shall be implemented for sustainable agricultural production.

The agricultural sector shall have a comprehensive and sustainable agricultural growth strategy implemented to ascertain food adequacy and expand farming profitability. Scientific and environmentally friendly farming method be put into practice to warrant sustained productivity of identified agricultural lands.  Further, Agri-based industries should be endorsed to augment agricultural commodities value-added potential for barangays not blessed with farmable lands.  The existing rainfed ricelands no longer productive and idle for years should be supplied with adequate irrigation and scientific and environmentally-friendly technologies. For sloping agricultural lands, the Slopping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) can be adopted to keep under control erosion of top soil. 

Subsequently are promising funnels to help us to get better the delivery of services to our peers inline with our Vision and Mission statements, precisely to food security and agro-industrialization.    

A. AMBITION SETTING. 

1) Development of the agricultural sector as the economic base in order to achieve food adequacy,  make available raw materials for emerging agro-industries.

2) Stimulate business by developing agro-industrial opportunities. 

B. AIM . 

1) Boost agricultural production and make available food requirements for the population.

2) Utilize and support the implementation of sustainable farming method.

3) Develop new and rehabilitate the existing agro-industrial crops.  

4) Generate business opportunities for income augmentation of the household

5) Promote investment opportunities by developing small-medium scale light industries (furniture, basket, etc)  utilizing local raw materials    

C. APPROACH  

1) Identification of additional agricultural areas.

2) Make available of Pre and Post harvest facilities, i.e. warehouse, to serve the farmers so they do not have to dispose their products even when the buying price is low.

3) Devise a comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development programs.

4) Introduction of suitable farm technologies like water irrigation, slopping agricultural technology (SALT), multiple cropping, crop-livestock integration.

5) Make available of adequate infrastructure support facilities such as functional access roads connecting the  outlying barangays to the municipality’s urban centers, transportation networks and facilities, stable power and water supply and improvement of communication system.  

6) Improvement of physical infrastructures facilities to facilitate the flow of harvest / goods between producers, consumers and other end-users

7) Make available of adequate agricultural facilities and support services and access to farming inputs.  

8) Improvement in the extension services rendered by our LGU’s extension personnel to enhance the process of technology dissemination and utilization.  These are  Agricultural  extension services to farmers provided by the LGU thru the office of the Municipal Agriculturist headed by the Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO), the Office of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) 

9) Promote backyard animal raising, contract growing schemes and animal dispersal to increase the local livestock and poultry production.

10) LGU  shall support institution building efforts at the grassroots aimed of promoting self-reliance, initiative and responsible participation in community affairs.

11) Capability enhancement programs shall be carried out targeting marginal farmers to enhance their ability and develop their own situation.

12) Endorsement of rural-based labour intensive small-medium scale industries.

13) Endorsement of income generating and livelihood projects to provide opportunities for self-employment.

14) Market and investment tie-ups to promote investment opportunities using available manpower and raw materials in our municipality.

15) Adequate infrastructure supports shall be given to encourage potential investors to visit Loboc and consider putting up their businesses.  

16) Formulation of legislative agenda for business and investment promotions.                     

D. PROPOSITION. 

1) The focal point of development, aside from tourism, in the agricultural sector is the realization of improve agro-production level to fend for the food needs of the population and boost the per capita income of the household engaged in agriculture. With this in mind, planning and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable agricultural development program shall be embarked on. The ecosystem methodology shall be espoused taking into account the important linkages between various agroecosystem.  The carrying capacity of land resources for agriculture development must be determined by our local officials to plan appropriate agricultural programs. The abovementioned approach for the attainment of the aims of the agricultural sector shall be prioritized to comprise a more effective and efficient extension services, access to financial facilities for production purposes, market tie-ups, promotion of agri-based industries and provision of adequate infrastructure support facilities like farm-to-market roads, irrigations, among others.

2) Agri-industialization development is also an appropriate perspective. This will make available agricultural productivity and investment in small and medium scale industries that will hasten creation of employment opportunities. There is a need to identify and cultivate satellite industries and development zones in strategic areas outside the current sites of business enterprise to service other barangays and promote the development of their own resource-base.  Corollary  to the abovementioned, it is important for the LGU to identify priority investments and business growth areas where it has a comparative advantage. All these business development and investment promotion initiatives shall be backed-up by a strong legislative commitment, support and vigorous promotion campaigns.       

I look forward that we can be more candid next time in our true self by not using second name. Its pleasant to come across and connect people you knew.       

My sincere apology for any shortcoming,  

Carlos            

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE in our governance was lifted from the dreams of most Lobocanons and summarized in the vision, mission, goals and comprehensive plans formulated years back for Loboc. We did not re-invent because we believe in their plans; we just vowed to give flesh to these dreams. Our local executive/legislative team started to put these dreams into reality through the 7 Point Agenda best described under the banner LIT HOPE. The priorities of this agenda are Livelihood, Infrastructure, Tourism, Health, Organizational Strengthening, Peace and Order and Education. With the teamwork we forged between the executive, legislative and people, we planted the seeds. From then on, we have slowly seen modest gains for the past 2 years.

On the conclusion of election season, supporters, volunteers, etc. are still needed to support elected officials and political party operations. Any help of an entire day can help keep everyone across the entire community stay connected and informed on party issues and legislative agenda.

An excellent source to stay connected are Local meetings, Fundraisers and organizing events must be listed on top to help Loboc citizenry stay informed.

Another exciting way of staying connected within your community and helping the Elected Party grow is to host a hometown party. Spread the word of goodwill to your friends, family, co- workers, political parties, former political adversaries, civic leaders and others in our community. 

We can celebrate the victory of this election peacefully, help spread the valued message to friends and family and share ideas about our local political future. The sincerity of good ideas, political brotherhood and contributions you submitted will help constituint keep growing and moving forward.

Relatives, brothers, sister, Friends, etc. whom we became adversaries during the election season must  put an end, a goodwill towards other people in the community and let the leaves of lasting peace vegetate in everyone's heart. After all we are all brothers and sisters as we are fondly known....As... 

" Lobocanon "... A lover of peace, inborn ingenuity, wholesome in nature, Music lover and God Fearing. 

CHEERS!!  to the ELECTED Candidates.... 

By: Armando Sarigumba Caralos

Ang tunay na Pinoy.

Filipinos including the press, business people and  myself  tend to dwell too much on the negative side, and this affects the perception of foreigners, even the ones who have lived here for a while. The negative perception of the Philippines is way  disproportionate to reality when compared to countries like Columbia , Egypt , Middle East, Africa , etc.  
  
Let us all help our country and community by balancing the  negative with the positive especially when we talk  to foreigners, whether based here or abroad. Looking back and comparing the Philippines today and 1995 (the year I came back), I was struck by how much our country has progressed physically.  
 

Consider the following:  
1. The great telecom infrastructure that we have now  did not exist in 1995. 1995 was the year the telecom  industry was deregulated. Since then billions of dollars have been invested in both fixed line and  cellular networks producing a system with over 5,000 km. f fiber optic backbone at a world competitive  cost. From a fixed line capacity of about 900,000 in  1995 we now have over 7 million. Cellular phones  practically did not exist in 1995; now we have over 11 million line capacity.
  
2. The MRT, many of the EDSA flyovers (including the  Ayala Avenue flyover), the SKYWAY, Rockwell and  Glorietta 4, the Fort, NAIA terminal 2 and most of the new skyscrapers were not yet built in 1995.
  
3. If you drive to the provinces, you will notice  that national roads are now of good quality  (international quality asphalt roads). I just went  to Iba, Zambales last week and I was impressed that  even a not so frequently travelled road was of very good quality.
  
4.Philippine exports have increased by 600% over  the past eight years. There are many, many more  examples of progress over the last eight years. Philippine mangoes are now exported to the US and Europe .  
  
Additional tidbits to make our people prouder: 
1. INTEL has been in the Philippines for 28 years. The Philippines plant is where Intel's most advanced products are launched, including the Pentium IV. By the end of 2002, Philippine operations became Intel's biggest assembly and testing operations  worldwide.
  
2. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS has been operating in Baguio  for over 20 years. The Baguio plant is the largest  producer of DSP chips in the world. DSP chips are the brains behind cell-phones. TI's Baguio plant  produces the chip that powers 100% of all NOKIA  cell-phone and 80% of Erickson cell-phones in the world.
  
3. TOSHIBA laptops are produced in Santa Rosa’ Laguna.
  
4. If you drive a BENZ, BMW, or a VOLVO, there is a good chance that the ABS system in your car was made in the Philippines .
  
5. TREND-MICRO, makers of one of the top anti -virus  software PC-Cillin develops its "cures" for viruses right here in Eastwood Libis, Quezon City . When a virus breaks in any computer system in the world, they try to find a solution within 45 minutes of finding the virus.
  
6 . Today a majority of the top ten U.S. Call Center  firms in the U.S. have set up operations in the Philippines . This is one area in which I believe we are the best in the world in terms of value for money.
  
7. America Online (AOL) has 1,000 people in Clark  answering 90% of AOL's global e-mail inquiries.
  
8. PROCTOR & GAMBLE has over 400 people right here  in Makati (average age 23 years) doing back-up office work to their Asian operations including finance, accounting, Human Resources and payments processing.
  
 9. Among many other things it does for its regional  operations network in the Asia-Pacific region here in Manila , CITIBANK also does its global ATM programming locally.
  
10. This is the first year ever that the Philippines  will be exporting cars in quantity courtesy of FORD Philippines. (I have an idea this article was written between 2001 - 2002,so this operation should have been on-going for the last 3 years or so.)
  
11. The government is shedding off graft and corruption slowly but surely. This is the first time  in our history that a former president is in jail and facing charges of plunder. Despite all odds, we are still pursuing the ill-gotten wealth of Marcos now enjoyed by his unrepentant heirs.  
  
Next time you travel abroad and meet business associates tell them the good news. A big part of our problem is perception and one of the biggest battles can be won simply by believing and by making others believe. This message is shared by good citizens of the Philippines who persevere to hope and work for our community and country. 

Ang Pinoy...On the move!!

Below are 2004 facts provided by the office of Bohol Provincial Planning and Development  Re: Loboc's Poverty Profile

Let us ask our LGU to provide 2006 figures vis a vis presented by BPPD. These are few but good indicators to assess their  Performance.