At exactly 8:00 o’clock in the morning of October 15, 2025, the Municipality of Loon, led by the Local Government Unit of Loon, gathered at the Municipal Center Grounds in solemn remembrance of the 12th Anniversary of the 2013 Bohol Earthquake—a tragedy that claimed 72 Loonanon lives yet became a cornerstone of the town’s story of resilience, unity, and renewal.
The event commenced with the wailing sound of a siren—symbolizing that fateful morning twelve years ago when the earth shook and changed countless lives forever. Present during the commemoration were LGU Employees, National Government Agencies including COMELEC, DILG, BFP, and PNP Loon, together with the members of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan of Loon headed by Hon. Vice Mayor Jorge J. Marapao, Jr.
As the siren faded into silence, Mr. Luigi Jacaban opened the program with a heartfelt balak that deeply resonated with the theme of the commemoration — “A Renewal of LGU-Loon’s Commitment to Disaster Preparedness and Response.” His words painted a vivid reflection of the past, reminding everyone of the suddenness of the earthquake and the lives that were forever altered:
“Gitay-og sa linog ang kinabuhi ta’g kalipay… Kay didto sa ilawom sa balay ta’ng nahisarasay, nalubong sa nangagupok ang damgo ta’g pangindahay.”
Through poetic lines, Jacaban moved the audience to remember not just the pain but the strength that emerged from it — a call to vigilance and unity, that should another calamity come, no Loonanon would ever again be caught unprepared.
Following the balak, Dr. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, Municipal Administrator, delivered a message in behalf of Mayor Pedro “Dodong” M. Literatus, Jr. He began by commending Mr. Jacaban’s moving piece and then addressed the gathered crowd with a reminder that preparedness is not only structural but also moral and spiritual:
“Ang linog dili nato matag-an kun kanus-a moabot… Mao nga karong adlawa, ang Local Government Unit sa Loon uban sa mga katawhang Loonanon magpadayag pag-usab sa atong commitment—mao ning gihimo nato ang atong renewal prior sa theme nato: ‘A renewal of LGU-Loon’s commitment to Disaster Preparedness and Response.’”
Dr. Lopez underscored the importance of foundation — whether in life, in service, or in governance — as the key to resilience:
“Kun lig-on ang pundasyon, dili kita matumba sa bisan unsang hagit sa kinabuhi.”
He also expressed gratitude to all LGU officials and employees, to the 16th Sangguniang Bayan under the leadership of Vice Mayor Jorge Marapao, and to the MDRRMO for continuously upholding the mission of disaster readiness.
In behalf of Vice Mayor Jorge Marapao, Jr., Hon. Emerson “Dondon” S. Relampagos delivered a message of remembrance and resolve, linking the day’s theme to the lessons of 2013. He reminded everyone that the pain of the past has become the guiding experience that shapes Loon’s future preparedness.
“Sa paghandum, atong mabati ang mga kasakit adtong mga panahona, mao nga ang atong pag-andam karon base na sa mga naagi-an. Nahitaboan na kita sa daghang katalagman, at least nga prepared na ta sa mga calamities nga mahitaboan sa lungsod.”
Hon. Relampagos acknowledged the presence and unwavering service of the members of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan — Konsehal Jeanette Vidal, Konsehal Hazel Saavedra, Konsehal Etel Palma Tecson, Konsehal Rain Merquita, LnB President Konsehal Laniba, and Konsehal Ruel Legitimas — as well as the SB Staff, Department Heads, and the responders from MDRRMO, BFP, and PNP Loon.
After his message, a moment of silent prayer was offered in solemn remembrance of the 72 souls of Loonanons who perished during the 2013 earthquake. The offering of flowers and wreaths, together with the lighting of candles, followed — a symbol of continued remembrance, gratitude, and renewed commitment to life.
The program concluded with photo opportunities among the officials, employees, responders, and participants — capturing not only faces but the collective spirit of resilience that defines Loon.
Today, as the earth stands still, the Municipality of Loon once again renews its vow to uphold the lessons of the past — to build safer communities, strengthen preparedness, and nurture the enduring hope that no matter how the ground may shake, the heart of the Loonanon will always rise stronger.
Making Loon Madanihon rise and shine… from Local to Global!