Gelyka Dumaraos
Loay Watchtower in Bohol
(Tagbilaran City, Bohol) The National Museum has officially turned over the newly-restored Loay Watchtower to the local government as part of the reconstruction and restoration of Bohol’s heritage sites.
Bamboo footbridge leading to the Spanish Watchtower in Laoay Bohol
According to National Museum Assistant Director Angel P. Bautista, who spearheaded the turnover at Villalimpia, the local government unit of Loay has cooperated and given full support in the completion of the restoration of the watchtower. He added that the National Museum will continue to support the preservation of heritage sites in Loay.
National Museum turned over the newly-restored watchtower to Mayor Rochelle Brigitte Imboy-Abutazil. For her part, Abutazil said that this would further strengthen the town’s cultural identity.
In 2011, the Loay Watchtower was declared a National Cultural Treasure, along with other historical towers in Bohol located in Maribojoc, Dauis, Panglao, Pamilican, and Balilihan.
However, Loay Watchtower was among the heritage sites damaged during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013.
The century-old Spanish watchtower was erected in 1796 and is made up of brick tiles and coral stones.
It served as a lookout area against Muslim intruders who used to attack the coastal towns of Bohol. People are warned to hide in fortresses built within Loay whenever Muslims attack the area.
Since the tower does not have an entrance, it has been said that early settlers may have placed a ladder or attached a rope to the tower.
The watchtowers in other neighboring towns were also built against Muslim invaders.
Aside from the Loay watchtower restoration, a 700-meter bamboo boardwalk was also installed to access the tower. It gives a breathtaking view of the surrounding mangrove forest and the sea.
The turnover was held a day after the inauguration of the National Museum in Bohol.
Meanwhile, Loay’s Holy Trinity Church in Loay was restored last year by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
How to get there
AirAsia flies daily from Manila to Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
Looking for Best Hotels in Bohol? Visit Agoda to save time and money on your hotel selection with millions of reviews and options to choose from.
Also Read:
- Bohol DIY Travel Guide
- Amorita Bohol: Why I love Green Resorts
- Try these new, seldom visited destinations in Bohol this New Year
- Travel Guide: Top 10 things to do while in Bohol
- Food Trip: The 3-Day Gastronomic Adventure in Bohol
- The National Museum Bohol
