The Bohol Island Geopark continues to advance sustainable tourism initiatives that promote environmental conservation, community empowerment, and responsible resource management through its protected areas.
This was after the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), convened a coordination meeting and courtesy visit with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) and key provincial officials on June 1, 2026, at the Governor’s Office.
The meeting focused on the updated ecotourism development and management plan for the Talibon Group of Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (TGIPLS), one of Bohol’s 16 protected areas and among the province’s unique ecotourism destinations located in the northwestern portion of Bohol.
The meeting was presided over by Governor Aris Aumentado and attended by Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Head Joanne Pinat, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) Officer-in-Charge Restituto Jr. Piollo, Executive Assistants to the Governor Nunila Pinat and Romeo Teruel, and Environmental Management Program (EMP) Focal Person Leonilo Lafuente.
Representing DENR-PENRO Bohol were Forester Wilson Henson, Officer-in-Charge of PENRO Bohol; Forester Jesus Abella, Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) of CENRO Talibon; Rochelle Fuentes, Land Management Officer III; Elena Bermoy, Environmental Management Specialist I; and Jennifer Inojales, Forest Technician II.
DENR-PENRO presented the updated plan, which was initially developed in 2017 and enhanced through a two-day planning workshop conducted in 2025. The presentation outlined proposed programs, activities, infrastructure requirements, and a five-year action plan for priority tourism sites within Mahaba Islet, Banbanon Island, and Bansaan Island.
The plan includes a five-year action framework with an estimated budget of ₱20,245,000, covering priority programs and infrastructure support for sustainable implementation in key island sites.
The TGIPLS is known for its pristine white sand beaches, extensive mangrove forests, rich marine biodiversity, diverse migratory bird species, abundant seafood resources, and thriving wildlife populations, making it a promising destination for sustainable nature-based tourism.
Discussions centered on balancing ecotourism development with environmental protection through proper zoning, responsible site management, and the preservation of the area’s ecological integrity.
Provincial officials emphasized the importance of ensuring that tourism initiatives generate tangible benefits for local communities while safeguarding the natural resources that support their livelihoods.
Governor Aumentado underscored that sustainable ecotourism development should provide tangible benefits to local communities, particularly fisherfolk who depend on the area’s natural resources for their livelihood.
He emphasized that the initiative has the potential to create additional income-generating opportunities for residents while promoting environmental conservation and strengthening community stewardship of the protected area’s natural resources.
BPTO Head Pinat highlighted the importance of policy support, including the establishment of clear guidelines governing ecotourism activities within protected areas.
Furthermore, Provincial Administrator Caberte likewise emphasized the need to minimize infrastructure interventions in environmentally sensitive locations to preserve the natural character and ecological value of the islands.
The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthened inter-agency collaboration and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of ecotourism programs within the protected landscape and seascape.
Among the recommendations discussed was the creation of an Executive Order establishing a Working Committee that will oversee planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination efforts among concerned agencies and stakeholders.
Officials likewise highlighted the need for strengthened cooperation among government agencies and local communities to support sustainable tourism development and environmental protection initiatives in the area.
Aligned with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, the initiative strengthens sustainable tourism development, biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment in Bohol, a UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MFM)
