By Helen Castaño | 03:56 PM February 03, 2026
PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol— Foreign tourists were among the first to visit Puntod Island, popularly known as Virgin Island, as it reopened to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after more than a year of closure for environmental rehabilitation.
One of the visitors, Jia Choi, a Korean national, toured the island with her family on her first visit and expressed admiration for the destination.
“I love this island so much,” she said.
New chapter
The reopening was marked by a ceremonial program, followed by a ribbon-cutting and blessing of the island, symbolizing a new chapter in Virgin Island’s management and development.
The ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to its protection, responsible use, and continued contribution to Bohol’s tourism industry and local economy.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the official reopening, describing it as a renewed effort to revive local livelihoods while ensuring that environmental integrity remains a top priority.
He said the reopening reflects the provincial government’s vision of transforming tourism destinations into models of sustainability, accountability, and long-term environmental stewardship.
In his message, Aumentado thanked key stakeholders, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and stressed that tourism cannot be sustained if environmental protection is neglected.
“We know that livelihood is an important component that provides income to our people. But we cannot afford to neglect our environment,” the governor said, emphasizing the need to balance economic activity with ecological preservation.
Aumentado also called on stakeholders and local communities to unite in safeguarding Bohol’s natural resources, underscoring the importance of responsible management to ensure that Virgin Island remains a well-protected and viable tourism asset.
DENR Region VII Director Laudemir Salac said the reopening of Virgin Island is governed by clear terms and conditions, including a new management system, defined visitor guidelines, and strengthened environmental safeguards.
“What happened before will not be repeated. We want this reopening to be sustainable. Inter-agency support plays a bigger role—we cannot do this with the DENR alone,” Salac said.
Economic growth
He added that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand through the strict enforcement of environmental laws and responsible tourism policies, noting that the primary goal is to promote sustainable tourism while preserving the island’s ecological integrity.
The event was attended by Executive Assistant Romeo Teruel; officer-in-charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Joanne Pinat; City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Glicerita Racho; Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jose Cleo Cary Colis; officials of the Panglao local government led by Mayor Edgardo Arcay; and representatives from the Department of Agriculture—demonstrating strong inter-agency collaboration and shared accountability in managing the island sustainably.
As Virgin Island reopens to visitors, the provincial government called on tourists, local communities, and partner agencies to actively participate in protecting the environment while supporting sustainable economic activities.
The initiative aligns with the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly its focus on sustainable tourism, reinforcing Bohol’s commitment to responsible, resilient, and future-ready tourism development.
Virgin Island was temporarily closed on Sept. 9, 2024, after authorities reported severe damage at the Estaca snorkeling site, including coral vandalism. Photos of corals marked and defaced with tourists’ names circulated widely on social media, with allegations that some dive guides were involved.
Authorities also cited reports of illegal fee collection from tourists and the absence of a proper boat anchoring system, which resulted in boats damaging corals and other marine resources.
Officials said the more than one-year closure allowed the area to recover and undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), with new regulations now in place to promote responsible tourism and protect Virgin Island’s fragile marine ecosystem. With a report from PIMO
