The municipality of Loboc traces backs its historical root as the second oldest town in the Province of Bohol. Then name “LOBOC” came from the local dialect “ga loboc” meaning “pounding palay”. When Jesuit missionaries landed at the village, they chance into a family “pounding palay”. Thinking that he was being asked what he was doing, head of the family said “ga loboc” but then the friars was asking what’s the name of the place, thus the name Loboc.

Loboc was founded in the year 1602 by a Jesuit Father de Torres. The Jesuit missionaries built a church convent and a huge bell tower that still stands as an important historical feature of the town. Loboc has continually maintained peace and order even at the height of the Philippines revolution up to the establishment of the civil government. Sometimes in World War II, Loboc became the provincial capital as well as the headquarter of the Boholano guerella until it was transferred to Carmen.

The municipality has experienced some of the worst floods that occurred in the province. The first major flood occurred in 1876 leaving great loss to lives and property. The latest major flood was in 1964 that is almost the same losses incurred in 1876. Minor floods occur from time to time when the river overflows.

Way back during the period between 1956-1970, the town can recall the following salient events that happened. The hydro-electric plants started to operate giving electric power to the municipality as well as to its neighboring towns including Tagbilaran City. During the next fifteen years period, 1970 to 1985, Loboc witnessed the introduction of quality native baskets, nipa shingles, and other handicrafts, furniture making and reforestation projects. The town also witnessed the construction of “Krus Dako” as pilgrimage and tourist site, improvement of irrigation system, the construction of jumbo bridge that has remained unfinished up to now and which cannot be completed as it would precariously threaten the historical church edifice, It is just staying there idele and referred to by the people as a “monument of stupidity”. Politically, it was during the period that political rivalries heightened. In the last fifteen years, the following could be considered as positive development of the town. More barangay roads were opened, some of which provided access to other towns that shared common boundaries with Loboc. More mini buses plying the Tagbilaran – Loboc route and the popular “habal-habal” became available providing faster and easier means of transportation to commuters both within and outside the municipality. Improvements to some of its natural beauty spots made accessible through a “river cruise”. Construction of Barangay High School, construction of Joventino A. Digal Memorial Complex. In addition, commercial production of poultry and other livestock were also introduced providing needed income for the town. Culturally, Loboc found itself in the limelight when it was given national and international recognition and became Himig National Champion in a row for its “Loboc Children’s Choir”.

Loboc is also noted for its many fiestas and patron saints. The town celebrates two town fiestas in a year. Countervailing the positive development during the last 15 years, 1985 to the present, the town has experienced a continuos outmigration of its residents. It has also observed a depression of its agricultural products as many of its people were drawn to basket making and handicrafts instead due to the preference for immediate cash. Because of this, the town is not anymore self-sufficient in rice as it import fro a big trader based from Tagbilaran City.

Source: History of Loboc

Source: Loboc Tourism