The Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Governor Aris Aumentado, announced the reopening of Puntod Island—popularly known as Virgin Island—on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking a major step in reviving sustainable tourism while reinforcing environmental protection in the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS).
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the PIPS, in coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII, has granted clearance for the lifting of the temporary closure following the adoption of the PIPS Marine Tourism Guidelines and the completion of key protection enforcement and capacity-building interventions.
DENR Region VII Regional Director Laudemir Salac emphasized that the reopening is strictly contingent upon adherence to the Marine Tourism Guidelines, which provide a science-based framework for managing marine tourism activities, protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife, and ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism within the protected area.
𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆. The January 30, 2026 episode of weekly The Capitol Reports presented the reopening of Puntod Island or known as Virgin Island, which will open on February 3, 2026, marking a major step in reviving sustainable tourism while reinforcing environmental protection in the Panglao Island Protected Seascape. 𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗢/𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗
As one of Bohol’s most iconic island destinations, Virgin Island is expected to generate renewed economic opportunities for boat operators, tour guides, and nearby communities. The reopening is anchored on strengthened environmental safeguards, regulated visitor management, and close inter-agency coordination to ensure safety, order, and ecological protection.
Under the newly released Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) Marine Tourism Guidelines of DENR Region VII, vendor stalls will no longer be permitted on the sandbar. The policy also enforces a single designated entry and exit point to the island, along with strict controls on boat operations and visitor capacity to minimize environmental impact and prevent overcrowding.
DENR-Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jose Cleo Cary Colis stressed that the reopening of PIPS is a shared responsibility, calling on tour operators, visitors, and stakeholders to help protect, care for, and keep the area clean. Continuous monitoring and enforcement activities will be carried out to ensure compliance with eco-tourism standards and prevent environmental degradation, reaffirming that environmental protection remains a top priority.
The DENR further urged all stakeholders to strictly observe environmental rules, practice proper waste management, respect carrying capacity limits, and support government efforts to preserve the Virgin Island as a sustainable eco-tourism destination for present and future generations.
The regulated reopening of the Virgin Island aligns with the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly under the focus area of Sustainable Tourism, as the Capitol continues to balance economic growth with environmental protection while strengthening Bohol’s global identity as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark.(PIMO/JFP)
