By I. Inojales | 09:07 PM November 12, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL —The Provincial Government of Bohol and the City Government of Tagbilaran have agreed to halt the continuation of the original Regional Cultural Hub project on Banat-i Hill amid environmental and funding concerns.
In a joint statement, both local governments reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, environmental protection, and inclusive cultural development. They assured the public that all ongoing and future developments in the area would undergo thorough review to ensure compliance with legal, environmental, and technical standards.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 confirmed that there is currently no available funding for the project. The proposed Regional Cultural Hub has no allocation in the 2026 National Expenditure Program or the House General Appropriations Bill.
Governor Aris Aumentado, 1st district Rep. Baba Yap, Mayor Jane Yap, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) reached a consensus that the original project design will no longer proceed. Congressman Yap did not include the project in his 2026 congressional budget, noting its potential environmental impact.
Since Phase 1 of the project has already been completed, the structure will be redesigned into a climate-responsive and environmentally adaptive Public Viewing and Cultural Deck or Open Theater featuring a panoramic view of Tagbilaran City, Dauis, and Panglao. The redesigned facility will be open and accessible to the public, subject to review and approval by concerned agencies.
Officials clarified that there was no irregularity in the project, which is located on a 5.1791-hectare property owned by the Provincial Government. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has classified the area as Alienable and Disposable since 1927 and issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
The City Government also plans to propose the declaration of Banat-i Hill in Barangay Bool and Elly Hill in Barangays Manga, Tiptip, and Ubujan as Urban Biodiversity Zones to ensure balanced and sustainable development.
Both the Province and the City reaffirmed their joint commitment to promote transparent, responsible, and sustainable growth for all Boholanos.
