By I. Inojales | 01:57 PM June 02, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol is pushing forward with sustainable tourism initiatives under the Bohol Island Geopark through the development of an updated ecotourism management plan for the Talibon Group of Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (TGIPLS).
Governor Aris Aumentado led a coordination meeting and courtesy visit with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-Penro) and key provincial officials on Monday, June 1 at the Governor’s Office to discuss the plan.
The meeting focused on the updated ecotourism development and management framework for TGIPLS, one of Bohol’s 16 protected areas and a key ecotourism destination located in the northwestern part of the province.
DENR-Penro Bohol presented the updated plan, which was originally prepared in 2017 and enhanced through a two-day planning workshop conducted in 2025. The proposal outlines priority programs, activities, infrastructure requirements, and a five-year action plan covering Mahaba Islet, Banbanon Island, and Bansaan Island.
The plan carries an estimated budget of P20.245 million for priority programs and infrastructure support aimed at ensuring sustainable tourism development in the protected landscape and seascape.
Responsible site management
Known for its white-sand beaches, extensive mangrove forests, rich marine biodiversity, migratory bird habitats, abundant seafood resources, and thriving wildlife populations, TGIPLS is considered one of Bohol’s promising sites for nature-based tourism.
Discussions during the meeting centered on balancing tourism development with environmental protection through proper zoning, responsible site management, and the preservation of the area’s ecological integrity.
Provincial officials stressed the need for tourism initiatives to generate meaningful benefits for local communities while safeguarding the natural resources that sustain their livelihoods.
Aumentado emphasized that sustainable ecotourism should create additional income opportunities for residents, particularly fisherfolk, while strengthening environmental conservation and community stewardship of natural resources.
Bohol Provincial Tourism Office head Joanne Pinat underscored the importance of policy support and clear guidelines governing ecotourism activities within protected areas.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte likewise highlighted the need to minimize infrastructure development in environmentally sensitive locations to preserve the islands’ natural character and ecological value.
The meeting also underscored the importance of stronger inter-agency collaboration and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of ecotourism programs.
Among the recommendations discussed was the issuance of an Executive Order creating a working committee that would oversee planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination among government agencies and stakeholders.
Officials said stronger cooperation between government agencies and local communities is essential to advancing sustainable tourism and environmental protection initiatives in the area.
