New tourist attraction in Bohol/ Loboc forest camp

[Rich]

NEW TOURIST ATTRACTION IN BOHOL: LOBOC FOREST CAMP
(THE BOHOL CHRONICLE, MARCH 7, 2010 ISSUE)
shared by: Fiel Angeli Espejo Araoarao-Gabin

"Philippine wildlife and culture with a touch of adventure" — these are the things we can observe and experience at the Loboc Forest Camp located at Upper Bonbon, Loboc, Bohol.

The big bamboo African camp-inspired gate was formally opened last February 28, 2010.

The blessing of the camp took place earlier at 11:30 in the morning officiated by Fr. Oliver Saligan and Fr. Roque Maguinsay, then a sumptuous lunch was served.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony formally started at 2:00 on the afternoon lead by Loboc Municipal mayor Leon Calipusan together with the new Department of Tourism (DOT) — 7 Regional Director Ma. Rica C. Bueno and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) — Regional Director Asteria C. Caberte, followed by a cultural presentation by the "Baybayon" Dance Troupe of Bohol Divers Resort composed of resort staff and talents from Loboc Forest Camp, together with the group members of "Grupong Laya", a percussion ban, the songs of which are compositions mostly about the preservation of the environment.

The daughter of Madame Paz M. Totin (the owner of the Loboc Forest Camp), Leucodia Trotin, delivered the welcome address in the program, while DTI-7 Regional Director was requested to do the opening remarks, then inspirational messages were given by Mayor Calipusan and DOT-7 Regional Director Bueno.

It is indeed, a one-stop camp where one could no longer ask for more from the flora and fauna, down to the Philippine customs and traditions, with adventure. The Philippine wildlife showcases different species from the wild such as the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius Syrichta), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur Indus), the Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus Philippensis), butterflies and many more. A flora haven — from the beautiful flowering orchids in the greenhouse, to the garden of medicinal herbs, down to the vegetables for fresh green salad. All is natural and organic in the camp. The plants are being fertilized using the wastes mixed with enzymes and some animals like the native chickens and the wild pigs are fed with saw dust and dessicated coconut mixed with enzymes. A demonstration on how to produce enzyme can also be observed inside the camp and eventually will be introduced to the community since this is one of the thrusts of the Leudocon Foundation, Inc., the sole benefactor of the Loboc Forest Camp.

The Leucodon Foundation, Inc. was established in 2007 and was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last June 28, 2007. The foundation intends to enhance clean and green in Panglao and Bohol Island, providing educational assistance, funding and programs that will motivate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle; create and assist in proper waste disposal; provide parks with children's playground for public use; maximize resources through community partnerships; encourage and educate the people on tree planting and backyard gardening; promote the proper use of the island's marine resources; create a team/office to assist foreign investors and local and foreign tourists.

The camp also features the Philippine culture and traditions by building up replicas of the "Atabay" (deep well) which was the source of water in the olden times, the "Palidan, (threshing house), and the "Landahan" (copra dryer) which were considered status symbols before, and the taditional "Bahay Kubo" (nipa hut), the basic shelter of every Filipino. Philippine mahogany trees teem the are where family, students or groups of friends can experience the real outdoor camping adventure without fear of being harmed by creatures of the wild.

Though the area was cleaned up, its natural landscape has never been tampered. Part of the adventure excitement is the 90-meter zipline that the guests can enjoy for as low as P175.00, but for those who wish to take the guided camp tour, one will pay a minimal entrance fee of P50.00. However, necessary discounts are applied to the following: senior citizens will only pay P40.00; children from ages 11 to 6 years old will pay P25.00, but children 5 years old downwards are free of charge. All guests of Bohol Divers Resort need not pay the entrance fee.

Visit Loboc Forest Camp now and avail of the "No Entrance Fee Promo" for the whole month of March.





















Leucodia "Uca" Trotin. Owner.