By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 06:45 PM September 15, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY— Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado has called for fair pricing, better service and sustainable tourism as the province faces renewed scrutiny over the cost of food and other tourism-related services.
Aumentado issued the statement following the viral post about a ₱1,650 pompano dish served at a resort in Panglao, which triggered an online debate over whether Bohol has become too expensive for tourists.
The governor said the responsibility of the provincial government was not simply to bring in more visitors, but to ensure that tourism translates into opportunities, jobs and livelihood for Boholanos.
“We do not want Bohol to be known only because of a viral story,” Aumentado said in his statement. He added that complaints that could help the province identify areas that need improvement should not be ignored.
He outlined the province’s direction as “quality tourism, fair pricing, good service, and sustainable development.”
Aumentado also stressed that tourism opportunities should reach not only large tourism establishments but also local businesses, farmers, fishermen, drivers, tour guides, artisans and families in communities.
He said the provincial government could not do this alone, emphasizing the need for cooperation among tourism industry stakeholders, local government units, national agencies such as the Department of Tourism and Department of Trade and Industry, and Boholanos themselves.
“To our tourism operators and businesses: our appeal is to welcome tourists with warmth,” Aumentado said, urging them to offer fair prices, good service and hospitality to visitors.
The governor said the true measure of tourism success was not simply an increase in the number of visitors.
“The true success is when more visitors come to Bohol and more Boholanos benefit from it,” he said.
The ₱1,650 pompano controversy has become part of a broader discussion about the cost of traveling to Bohol, with some visitors complaining about prices of food, accommodations, transportation and tours.
Data cited in recent reports also showed that Bohol recorded 170,016 tourist arrivals from January to March 2026, down from 417,142 during the same period in 2025, although tourism officials and observers have pointed out that several factors may have contributed to the decline and that it cannot be attributed solely to food prices.
Aumentado’s statement comes as the province seeks to balance tourism growth with affordability, service quality and the need to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more broadly among Bohol’s communities.
