The Municipality of Loon gathered this morning at the Municipal Center Ground for the Regular Flag-Raising Ceremony No. FR-19-2026, formally led by returning Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D., together with Vice Mayor Pedro M. Literatus, Jr. and the members of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan. The ceremony was attended by municipal employees, department heads, and partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), including the DILG, COMELEC, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police, reaffirming the Municipality’s continued commitment to discipline, patriotism, and quality public service.
Hosted by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the ceremony carried a deeper significance as it marked the formal return of Mayor Lopez to active leadership after several months away from office. The atmosphere was filled with reflection, gratitude, and renewed calls for unity and responsible governance for the people of Loon.
Vice Mayor Pedro M. Literatus, Jr. warmly greeted everyone and delivered a heartfelt message reflecting on his service as Acting Mayor for the past 244 days or nearly eight months. Addressing the employees, department heads, and the people of Loon, he expressed his deep gratitude for the trust, cooperation, and support extended to him during his temporary leadership of the municipality.
“Maayong buntag kanatong tanan. Mga kauban sa serbisyo publiko, mga department heads, empleyado sa LGU-Loon, ug sa tanang Loonanons—dakong dungog ug pribilehiyo alang kanako ang pagserbisyo isip Mayor sa atong lungsod sulod niining milabay nga 244 ka adlaw o hapit walo ka buwan,” Vice Mayor Literatus stated.
He acknowledged the many challenges and difficult decisions encountered during his tenure as Acting Mayor but emphasized that despite these, the Local Government Unit continued to uphold good governance, transparency, and honest public service. He sincerely thanked all employees and officials whose support enabled the municipality to sustain its programs and services for the people.
Vice Mayor Literatus further stressed the importance of unity, mutual respect, and placing the welfare of Loon above politics. He admitted that while his leadership may not have been perfect, he served with sincerity and dedication for the betterment of the municipality.
As he formally returned to his role as Vice Mayor, he reaffirmed the commitment of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan to continue working hand in hand with the executive department for the progress and development of Loon. With optimism and respect, he then welcomed back Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D., describing him as a leader with deep love and vision for the municipality.
“Mga higala ug kauban, palihug natong abi-abihon ang pagbalik sa atong Mayor, usa ka lider nga adunay dakong gugma ug panan-aw alang sa Madanihong Loon — Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D.,” he concluded, followed by applause from the gathered employees and officials.
Before proceeding with his main message, Mayor Lopez acknowledged the members of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan, former Vice Mayor Jorge “Dondon” Marapao, department heads, municipal employees, and all national government agencies present during the ceremony.
A proud moment during the program was the recognition of a nationally awarded Loonanon athlete through the initiative of SKMF Vice President Hon. Mariel Juntilla. Mayor Lopez proudly honored Ms. Maria Cataleya Lodripas of Basac, Loon, Bohol, for her outstanding achievements during the Philippine Aquatic Inc. Long Course National Championship 2026 held last May 1–3, 2026 at the New Clark City Aquatic Complex.
Among her remarkable accomplishments were:
Gold Medal – 100 Meters Butterfly Division A
Gold Medal – 200 Meters Freestyle Division A
Gold Medal – 200 Meters Individual Medley Division A
Silver Medal – 100 Meters Freestyle Division B
Silver Medal – 50 Meters Butterfly Division B
Mayor Lopez, together with members of the Sangguniang Bayan, personally congratulated Ms. Lodripas and joined her in a photo opportunity, recognizing her as one of Loon’s young pride and inspirations to the community—garbo sa mga Loonanon.
In his address, Mayor Lopez opened with the quote, “If a thing does not destroy you, it will make you stronger,” reflecting on his personal and political journey over the past months. He candidly spoke about the challenges he endured, particularly regarding the legal case that led to his temporary absence from office. Despite the hardship, he stressed that accountability and public service remain at the core of leadership.
The Mayor also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who extended sympathy and prayers following the passing of his 91-year-old mother during Mother’s Day. He informed the public that her remains are currently at Saint Peter’s Taloto and will later be brought home to Loon before her burial on Friday afternoon. “Thank you so much to all of you,” the Mayor sincerely stated.
Mayor Lopez then shared the deeper reason behind his decision to once again assume the position of Mayor. According to him, his advocacy has always been centered on ensuring that the Municipality of Loon continues to be governed by Loonanons themselves. He emphasized that while there are many capable individuals, leadership rooted in local identity and genuine understanding of the people remains essential. “Loon should be for Loonanons,” the Mayor stressed, calling on everyone to support this shared advocacy for local governance.
The Mayor admitted that after being away from office for eight months, he still needs time to reassess municipal operations and recharge leadership functions. However, he openly expressed concern regarding the financial challenges faced by the Local Finance Committee, particularly in sustaining salary increases and funding municipal obligations.
Drawing from his academic background in Hospital Management, Mayor Lopez discussed at length the importance of conducting thorough feasibility studies before entering into capital-intensive projects. Using the ongoing hemodialysis project at Cong. Natalio P. Castillo Hospital as an example, he explained the critical elements of a good feasibility study: technical feasibility, financial feasibility, market feasibility, operational feasibility, legal feasibility, and time schedule feasibility.
According to the Mayor, every project must undergo careful assessment to determine whether it is sustainable, practical, legally compliant, and beneficial to the Municipality. He emphasized that the LGU must prioritize essential programs and practice responsible fiscal management to ensure that Loon remains financially stable as a first-class municipality.
Mayor Lopez also emotionally addressed the criticisms and accusations directed against him and his family during the period of his dismissal case. He appealed to the public not to immediately judge while motions for reconsideration remain active under legal process. He expressed gratitude that under the current Ombudsman leadership, their side was finally given fair recognition and reconsideration.
In an emotional recollection, Mayor Lopez narrated the four Ombudsman complaints he faced throughout his 33 years in public service—as Vice Mayor, Mayor, Provincial Board Member, Provincial Health Officer, and Executive Assistant. He detailed how previous cases involving personnel appointments, payroll concerns, and provincial procurement issues were eventually dismissed or resulted in acquittal, emphasizing that no corruption was proven against him.
Despite the pain and public criticism, the Mayor declared that justice eventually prevailed. “Please let us not add salt to the wound,” he said, while reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people of Loon with integrity and renewed strength.
In closing, Mayor Lopez called on all department heads, employees, and officials to cooperate with the Office of the Mayor in making sound decisions for the municipality. He reiterated that leadership carries accountability and that difficult decisions may sometimes be necessary to protect the welfare of the Municipality.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for unity, responsible governance, and stronger collaboration among all sectors of society as Loon continues its journey toward progress and development.
“Let us continue. Let’s make our Loon Madanihon rise and shine.”