LOON, Bohol — The Local Government Unit of Loon once again gathered in unity and patriotism during the conduct of the Regular Flag Raising Ceremony No. FR-29-2026 held at the Municipal Grounds, bringing together municipal officials, department heads, LGU employees, partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), and members of the community in reaffirming their shared commitment to responsive governance, institutional excellence, and quality public service.
The ceremony was spearheaded by the 16th Sangguniang Bayan of Loon, led by Vice Mayor Pedro M. Literatus, Jr., together with the honorable members of the municipal council, in the presence of Mayor Cesar Tomas “Yul” M. Lopez, M.D., department heads, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other national government agencies.
In his opening message, Mayor Yul Lopez expressed his sincere appreciation to the Sangguniang Bayan, headed by Vice Mayor Pedro M. Literatus, Jr., for hosting the week’s flag ceremony and for their continued partnership in advancing the municipality’s development agenda.
“Ang kalamboan sa Lungsod sa Loon dili mahimo pinaagi lamang sa usa ka opisina. Kini usa ka paningkamot nga nagkinahanglan sa panaghiusa sa atong legislative ug executive branches, sa tanang empleyado, ug sa matag Loonanon,” the Mayor emphasized.
One of the most significant highlights of the ceremony was the formal recognition of an outstanding Loonanon who has brought international honor to the municipality.
Mayor Lopez proudly introduced Dr. Melanie J. Quimson, Miss World Universal 2025, whose remarkable achievements on the global stage have become a source of pride and inspiration not only for the Municipality of Loon but also for the Province of Bohol and the entire country.
In honoring Dr. Quimson, Mayor Lopez emphasized that recognizing the accomplishments of exceptional Loonanons serves as an inspiration for the younger generation.
“Our municipality believes in celebrating the success of our fellow Loonanons. Their achievements remind us that excellence knows no boundaries and that even from a small municipality, we can produce individuals capable of making a global impact. Making Loon Madanihon Rise and Shine from Local to Global is not merely a slogan—it is a reality demonstrated by people like Dr. Melanie Quimson.”
The municipal government presented a plaque of recognition to Dr. Quimson, who graciously accepted the honor before the officials, employees, and guests gathered during the ceremony.
Responding to the recognition, Dr. Melanie J. Quimson conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Loon, acknowledging the unwavering dedication of its officials and employees in serving the people.
She shared that the municipality’s vision—
“Making Loon Madanihon Rise and Shine from Local to Global”
—deeply resonates with her own personal journey, affirming that her accomplishments are proof that local excellence can truly achieve global recognition.
She likewise encouraged young Loonanons to continue pursuing their dreams through hard work, discipline, humility, and faith, reminding everyone that no dream is too big for those willing to persevere.
Mayor Lopez then proceeded to report several major accomplishments and ongoing initiatives of the municipal government.
Among the most notable was the successful distribution of the ₱200,000 Tulong sa Barangay Assistance to all 67 barangays of the Municipality of Loon.
According to the Mayor, the financial assistance is intended to strengthen barangay governance by supporting priority investments, including the acquisition of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, information technology equipment, and educational assistance programs for deserving college students who require financial support to complete their education.
The Mayor emphasized that empowering barangays ultimately strengthens the entire municipality.
“Kung lig-on ang barangay, lig-on usab ang atong lungsod. Mao nga padayon nato nga suportahan ang atong mga barangay pinaagi sa mga programa nga adunay long-term impact sa katawhan.”
The Mayor also reported the successful conduct of the Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC) Cluster II Update and Harmonization of Coastal Municipal Ordinances, where participating municipalities collectively agreed to harmonize policies governing marine law enforcement and penalties for coastal violations.
He stressed that this collaborative initiative will significantly strengthen environmental protection, fisheries management, and coastal resource conservation throughout western Bohol.
Likewise highlighted was the successful culmination of the MARINA Boat Captains and Motorboat Operators Training, where participating operators officially received their accreditation after completing the required safety and competency training.
Mayor Lopez noted that this milestone enhances maritime safety and professionalism among boat operators, ultimately benefiting both residents and tourists traveling within the municipality.
The Mayor also shared his recent participation in the Loon North District Education Summit, where outstanding learners, educators, and education stakeholders were recognized for their exemplary performance and contributions to the education sector.
During the summit, updates regarding current educational initiatives of the Department of Education (DepEd) were likewise presented.
Mayor Lopez also expressed his gratitude to the Municipality of Candijay for extending assistance that enabled five schools in Loon to receive Starlink internet connectivity, a significant development expected to improve digital learning opportunities for students and teachers.
Looking ahead, the Mayor announced that the municipality is set to conduct the third and fourth batches of the Enhanced Barangay Development Planning (EBDP).
Once completed, all 67 barangays will have undergone the planning process, ensuring that every Barangay Development Plan remains harmonized with the Municipality’s Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG) and aligned with its long-term development agenda.
Meanwhile, the Committees on Finance and Budget Appropriations and Economic Enterprises of the Sangguniang Bayan are scheduled to meet with the five barangays of Cabilao Island to initiate the consolidation of revenues generated by the island’s water service system.
Mayor Lopez explained that this initiative aims to establish a more accurate quantification of collections while laying the groundwork for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable management framework for Cabilao’s water services.
The Mayor likewise announced that the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will conduct a whole-day Postal ID registration and processing activity at the Municipal Activity Center next week, making government identification services more accessible and convenient for the residents of Loon.
Preparations are also now in full swing for the municipality’s much-anticipated annual town fiesta celebration, with organizers finalizing activities that include the Miss Loon Pageant, live musical performances, cultural presentations, and various community-centered events that will showcase the rich heritage, culture, and unity of the Loonanon people.
Mayor Lopez encouraged all municipal employees, barangay officials, stakeholders, and residents to actively participate in the upcoming festivities while continuing to embody the values of discipline, cooperation, and community spirit.
Concluding his message, Mayor Lopez extended his deepest appreciation to every municipal employee for their unwavering dedication and commitment to public service.
He urged everyone to remain steadfast in working together toward a stronger, more resilient, progressive, and empowered Municipality of Loon.
“Let us continue serving with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Ang atong kalampusan dili sukdon pinaagi sa atong mga titulo apan pinaagi sa kalidad sa serbisyo nga atong mahatag sa katawhan. Together, pinaagi sa panaghiusa ug padayon nga pagpaningkamot, we shall continue Making Loon Madanihon Rise and Shine—from Local to Global.”
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment among municipal officials and employees to sustain quality governance, strengthen community partnerships, and uphold the municipality’s vision of inclusive and people-centered development for every Loonanon.