Happy TravellerWelcome to Loboc, a picturesque 4th class municipality located in the province of Bohol, Philippines. With a population of 17,418 people, Loboc is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Loboc has something for everyone.
One of the main attractions in Loboc is the scenic and winding Loboc River, where tourists can enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise. The Loboc Children’s Choir, who perform in different floating stations located at the river’s end, has won numerous competitions both domestic and international. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, which is native to the area.
Until the 2013 earthquake, portions of the Loboc Church complex were amongst the oldest standing religious structures in the island of Bohol. The Loboc Church is currently in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension). A proposal has been suggested by scholars to make a separate UNESCO inclusion for the Old Centre of Loboc which includes the Loboc Church. The same would be made for other churches listed in UNESCO’s tentative sites, where each town plaza and surrounding heritage buildings would be added.
Loboc has a rich history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It is said to be the domain of Sigala, another chief of Bohol, whose contemporary, Sikatuna, made the famous Blood Compact with Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565. In 1596, the Jesuit priest Fr. Juan de Torres, SJ came to Loboc from Baclayon to found the second Christian settlement on the island. By 1602, Loboc became a parish, making it the oldest on the island. Today, the Loboc Church is one of the most beautiful in the entire province, with a fine example of the Jesuit colonial architecture of the 18th century.
Loboc comprises 28 barangays, each with its own unique charm and character. The local economy is driven by agriculture, with produce from the sea being bartered for the agricultural goods of the upland regions. Loboc is also known for its musical acumen, with a Seminario-Colegio or boarding school for native boys established by the Jesuits around 1604 laying the foundation of the town’s musical culture.
Come and experience the beauty and charm of Loboc for yourself. Whether you’re exploring the Loboc River, admiring the Loboc Church, or simply soaking up the local culture, Loboc is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
