The 41st Regular Flag-Raising Ceremony of 2025 held on October 13, 2025, at the Municipality of Loon Activity Center became a meaningful convergence of solidarity, leadership, and community vigilance. The event was led by Municipal Mayor Pedro M. Literatus, Jr., together with Vice Mayor Jorge J. Marapao, the 16th Sangguniang Bayan, and attended by municipal employees, representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), and personnel from BFP-Loon and PNP-Loon. The ceremony was hosted by the Bureau of Fire Protection – Loon, under the leadership of Senior Fire Officer Lancamon, who was recognized for their coordination and contribution to the program.
Mayor Literatus warmly greeted everyone, expressing gratitude to BFP-Loon for hosting the flag ceremony and to all participating offices for their steadfast service. He extended acknowledgment to the members of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan, particularly Kagawad Tata Laniba (LnB President) and Kagawad Rain Merquita, as well as to the Municipal Administrator Dr. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez. The Mayor also commended the COMELEC, DILG, BFP, and PNP-Loon headed by Police Captain Cheung, recognizing their recent achievements in maintaining peace and order, particularly in Cabilao Island.
In his address, Mayor Literatus also discussed the early morning earthquake that startled residents and prompted immediate concerns regarding class suspensions. He emphasized that the decision to suspend classes was based not only on the seismic event but also on the prevailing weather forecast, prioritizing the safety of students and school personnel. This decisive action reflected the local government’s proactive stance on disaster response and preparedness.
Further in the program, Mayor Literatus announced the upcoming Commemoration Activities on October 15, 2025, which will be conducted in coordination with the Municipal Administrator and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). He then called on Dr. Lloyd Peter M. Lopez to share details regarding the said event.
Dr. Lopez began by reassuring everyone that the Municipal Activity Center, MDL, Loon Town Square, and Mayor’s Office buildings are constructed under modern structural standards, designed to withstand significant earthquake intensity levels. He lauded the Municipal Engineering Office, MPDC, and the LGU leadership for their efforts in ensuring that post-2013 infrastructure projects in Loon are disaster-resilient and compliant with updated safety standards.
He further detailed that, under the directive of Mayor Literatus and MDRRMO OIC Edna O. Lafuente, all municipal employees and officials within the municipal compound are encouraged to gather at the Municipal Center Grounds on October 15 at exactly 8:00 a.m., bringing flowers and wreaths to honor the 72 Loonanons who perished during the 2013 earthquake. The activity, he said, will not only serve as a memorial tribute but also as a symbol of Loon’s continuing commitment to disaster preparedness, response, and resilience.
Mayor Literatus also took the opportunity to express appreciation to Mr. Adam Saligumba and Mr. Norman Torremocha for their continued dedication in maintaining and updating the municipality’s telecommunication systems, which play a crucial role during emergency operations. He concluded his message by directing the MDRRMO and Municipal Engineering Office to conduct a post-disaster structural assessment of school buildings following reports of cracks to ensure the continued safety of students and personnel.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Loon’s unity, preparedness, and perseverance in the face of adversity. As the Philippine flag was raised, it symbolized not only patriotism but also the strength and resilience of every Loonanon — standing firm together, ever ready to respond and rebuild stronger than before.
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