By PR | 08:26 AM June 24, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY – A total of ₱5.32 million in financial assistance was turned over to 532 workers affected by the suspension of whale shark watching activities in Alburquerque, Dauis, and Lila.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the distribution on June 16 at the Capitol. Each beneficiary received ₱10,000 in aid through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, on top of earlier support from DOLE’s “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.
Aumentado clarified that while he supports tourism, feeding whale sharks violates environmental laws and disrupts marine balance. He said operations may resume once operators comply with DENR rules.
“Nakasabot kita sa inyong gibati, pagpahunong sa whale shark feeding. Apan dili nato mahimong supakon ang balaod, kay aduna usab kita’y gipanumpaan nga katungdanan, isip piniyalan sa atong kalikopan. Bisan pa man niana, naningkamot kita nga masolusyonan kining maong sitwasyon,” Aumentado said.
The province also formed a Wildlife Conservation Task Force and partnered with Balyena.Org to strengthen marine protection. These efforts align with Bohol’s push for sustainable tourism and its status as the country’s first Unesco Global Geopark.
