By I. Inojales | 08:10 AM September22, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY – A lively exchange unfolded on social media between Lawyer Jordan Pizarras, known as “Tigpanalipod,” and Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado over the reported decline of tourist arrivals in the province.
In a Facebook post, Pizarras openly questioned Aumentado: “Nganong wala na may turista sa Bohol, Gob?” (Why are there no more tourists in Bohol, Governor?).
He rejected the governor’s earlier remark attributing the issue to tour operators, saying other factors were driving tourists away.
“What do tour operators have to do with expensive fish, pork, fuel, electricity, increased terminal fees, and the entry of foreign divers? Even whale shark watching has stopped in favor of Oslob. That’s why Bohol has become too costly, almost ‘dollar rates.’ Tourists are avoiding us. Sorry Bohol – if our leaders don’t address this, this is what will happen,” Pizarras wrote.
On Monday, Aumentado responded through an open letter on Facebook, recognizing Pizarras’ right to raise concerns while laying out the provincial government’s efforts.
The governor admitted that tour operators were not the sole reason for the slowdown and cited multiple factors affecting tourism. He explained that the provincial government had tried to bring down food costs through a “fish buy-back program” and by importing fish from Mindanao, though prices remained unstable. He added that the province is now investing in fish cages, fishing boats, and inland fish production to improve supply.
On electricity, fuel, and commodity prices, Aumentado stressed these were market-driven or regulated by national agencies.
As for the increase in airport terminal fees, he said it was tied to a privatization deal with a private operator meant to improve facilities. “Perhaps we were wrong to assume that privatization would immediately translate into better services, but let us give them time to prove their capability,” Aumentado noted.
The governor also addressed the suspension of whale shark watching, saying the Sustainable Wildlife Tourism Advisory Board was finalizing stricter guidelines to ensure ecological protection before reopening. He assured that any resumption would uphold a strict “no feeding” policy for whale sharks.
On the perception that “Bohol is dollar-priced,” Aumentado urged tourism providers to keep prices reasonable.
“To achieve sustainable tourism, government alone cannot do it. We need cooperation from all stakeholders. I appeal to our tourism service providers not to overprice transport, food, room rates, and other services so that tourists will return,” he said.
The exchange drew attention online, reflecting growing public debate over the future of Bohol’s tourism industry amid rising costs and sustainability concerns.
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