Concurrent to the recent observance of World Wetlands Day last February 2, Bohol continues to advance sustainability on water sources as a UNESCO Global Geopark in a three-day planning workshop for the Loboc River Tourism System.
This was after the Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, partnered with the Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience (Gov-CDR) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International.
From February 4 to 6, 2026, the workshop focused on Consequence, Risk Ranking, and Adaptation for the Loboc River Tourism System at the Metro Centre Hotel in Bohol.
The activity brought together representatives from provincial and municipal governments, national government agencies, the private sector, non-government organizations, and other key stakeholders who share responsibility for the river and its surrounding landscape.
Through structured and participatory sessions, stakeholders collectively assessed climate and disaster risks, ranked priority hazards based on their consequences and likelihood, and identified practical and inclusive adaptation options.
The discussions emphasized that proactive planning is both an environmental and economic imperative, as protecting communities and natural systems also helps secure long-term tourism and livelihood opportunities.
Moreover, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office OIC Joanne Pinat highlighted the importance of aligning tourism development with ecosystem protection.
She emphasized the shared aspiration to regenerate ecosystems for future generations, noting that the kind of tourism Bohol seeks to develop is sustainable and restorative, one that allows the environment to improve rather than degrade because of tourism activities.
The workshop featured resource speakers who provided scientific, technical, and social perspectives on climate resilience. These included Deanna Liao, a Canadian risk specialist who discussed motivations for climate adaptation; Aurelio Salgados Jr., who presented an overview of the selected system and sub-elements; and Engr. Jefferson Vallente Jr., who explained natural hazards and climate change projections for the Loboc River tourism system.
Rudolph Elmo Dela Cruz guided participants through the risk scoring process, while Gemma Borreros, who highlighted the importance of gender equity, diversity, and social inclusion in climate adaptation planning.
In context, the Loboc River has long been one of Bohol’s most cherished natural assets, flowing from the uplands to the low-lying communities, sustaining ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods while serving as a major driver of river tourism.
However, the river is facing increasing pressure as climate change alters rainfall patterns, intensifies extreme weather events, and places greater strain on the watershed that feeds the river.
As a tourism-driven province and the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol continues to pursue province-wide initiatives that promote climate-responsive planning as envisioned with PGBh’s Strategic Governance Roadmap.
Through partnerships with the Gov-CDR Project, the province strengthens collective action to protect watersheds, sustain tourism systems, and build resilient communities, ensuring that the Loboc River continues to support lives, livelihoods, and local pride for generations to come. (PIMO/MAPI)
