The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, through the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), continues to strengthen environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, coastal resource management, pollution control, and renewable energy initiatives in support of a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Bohol.
This was highlighted during the flag ceremony held on June 1, 2026, at the New Provincial Capitol.
The report was presented by Forester Restituto Jr. Piollo, Officer-in-Charge of the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO).
The report underscored BPEMO’s commitment to achieving the Ridge-to-Reef goals and objectives of the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda through programs focused on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and natural resource conservation.
Under its Forestry and Biodiversity Program, the office facilitated the planting of 36,963 assorted seedlings across 29.2 hectares of upland and mangrove areas with the participation of 5,388 volunteers during major environmental activities.
It also maintained an endemic nursery in Bilar containing 58,591 native tree seedlings and distributed 33,246 seedlings to various stakeholders for restoration initiatives.
Through the SAFE Bohol Project, BPEMO delivered 67,500 assorted seedlings and successfully planted 41,659 seedlings across different municipalities in the province.
The office likewise validated 94 proposed century and heritage trees, confirming 65 trees to be more than 100 years old.
In support of ecological solid waste management, BPEMO organized the province’s first Junk Buyers and Upcycling Industry Workshop and conducted capacity-development activities to assist local government units in updating their 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003.
The office also spearheaded the Search for Best Practices in Ecological Solid Waste Management, recognizing outstanding municipalities and barangays for exemplary implementation of solid waste management programs and environmental compliance initiatives.
Under its Pollution Control Program, BPEMO conducted environmental laws awareness activities, assisted Pollution Control Officer accreditation efforts, and ensured the continuous operation of the Capitol Sewage Treatment Plant, which treated 11,906 cubic meters of wastewater while maintaining full compliance with environmental permits.
Meanwhile, its Water Resources Management Program carried out watershed conservation, wetland identification, river and lake assessments, and water quality monitoring activities.
Data collection covering surface and groundwater sources across 34 local government units was also completed to support mapping and databanking initiatives and the formulation of the province’s 10-Year Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.
The Coastal Resource Management Division strengthened coastal governance by providing technical assistance to eight coastal local government units for Participatory Coastal Resource Assessments and conducting annual underwater monitoring in marine protected areas.
Enforcement capabilities were enhanced through the training of 779 fish wardens and coastal law enforcers and the provision of logistical support to coastal enforcement clusters.
Mangrove rehabilitation efforts were further expanded through province-wide training activities, the establishment of seven mangrove nurseries, and the formulation of a Coastal Greenbelt Management Action Plan.
The revitalized Bohol Giant Clam Hatchery currently maintains more than 16,483 giant clams and continues to serve as a center for environmental education and marine biodiversity conservation.
BPEMO also advanced policy reforms by implementing measures regulating whale shark interactions, creating a Marine Wildlife Advisory Board, and strengthening partnerships to support marine mammal conservation efforts in the Bohol Sea.
In support of the province’s clean energy transition, the Bohol Renewable Energy Board finalized and approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Clean and Renewable Energy Code of Bohol and operationalized the Renewable Energy Investment Assessment Framework.
Renewable energy projects endorsed for consideration include solar, wind, and battery energy storage developments in various municipalities across the province.
As Secretariat of the Provincial Government’s Environmental Management System, BPEMO continued preparations toward ISO 14001 compliance through management reviews, internal audits, environmental monitoring activities, and the development of a digital environmental reporting system.
The office continued to serve as a training ground for future environmental professionals, accommodating 67 on-the-job trainees in 2025 and currently hosting 61 trainees from Holy Name University and various campuses of Bohol Island State University.
Aligned with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, BPEMO remains committed to advancing environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, renewable energy development, and sustainable resource management, further strengthening Bohol’s position as the Philippines’ only UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island. (PIMO/MFM)
