By Helen Castaño | 12:14 PM October 09, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The provincial government is preparing for a possible stronger El Niño while implementing measures to revive tourism amid declining visitor arrivals, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday.
Aumentado said the province had prepared its response to the possible weather phenomenon to protect farms, communities and water supplies, including readiness to conduct cloud seeding when necessary.
“We have prepared our response to protect our farms, communities, and water supply. We are also ready for cloud seeding when it is needed,” Aumentado said during his address at the Bohol Cultural Center.
The governor emphasized the need for early preparation and timely intervention to safeguard agriculture and fisheries, which support the livelihoods of thousands of Boholanos.
Bohol achieved 94.9% rice self-sufficiency in 2025, producing 235,000 metric tons of rice, according to Aumentado. The province supported about 23,000 rice farmers across 45 local government units through the provision of seeds and fertilizers.
The possible stronger El Niño poses another challenge to the province’s agricultural sector, which must also contend with rising production costs and the need to maintain food security.
Aumentado said the provincial government would continue strengthening climate-smart agriculture and fisheries while improving water security and supporting local producers.
Tourism recovery
Meanwhile, Aumentado acknowledged the decline in tourism arrivals in 2026, saying Bohol was experiencing the same challenges affecting destinations nationwide and globally.
The province welcomed 1.49 million tourist arrivals in 2025, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels, while tourism generated ₱26 billion in receipts, a 12% increase from the previous year.
South Korea remained Bohol’s leading foreign market, accounting for 44% of international visitors. Spain recorded the highest growth in arrivals at 74%, followed by Australia at 57%.
Despite the tourism slowdown, the province has expanded its accommodation capacity to about 1,000 establishments with more than 13,000 rooms, representing 30% growth, Aumentado said.
The governor said the provincial government was implementing a Tourism Recovery Plan focused on improving air connectivity, expanding target markets and addressing concerns about affordability, service quality and visitor experience.
“We will not let a few complaints about unfair pricing define Bohol. We listened, took action, and addressed the concerns they raised, so we can continue to promote quality tourism, fair prices, good service, and sustainable growth,” he said.
The province is promoting the Bohol Fair Value Tourism Program to encourage fair pricing, protect visitors and restore confidence in the destination.
Aumentado also cited efforts to expand international connectivity, including direct chartered flights from Japan and Bali, Indonesia, and additional wide-body flights from Manila operated by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific starting in October.
Another chartered flight from Japan is expected to arrive in December, he said.
The province is also preparing to reopen whale shark watching in November under rules for safe and responsible wildlife encounters. Feeding whale sharks will remain prohibited, Aumentado stressed.
Virgin Island in Panglao, which was temporarily closed in September 2024, reopened in February this year under a stricter tourism management framework.
The provincial government is also working with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to improve tourism infrastructure and shoreline development at Alona Beach in Panglao, while strengthening visitor safety.
Protecting Bohol’s natural assets
Aumentado said sustainable tourism must go hand in hand with environmental protection, noting that the province’s natural resources sustain livelihoods and help maintain its competitiveness as a destination.
Bohol, the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, is developing climate adaptation plans for Balicasag Island and the Loboc River, two important tourism areas.
The initiatives aim to protect natural resources and local livelihoods while developing approaches that can be applied to other tourism systems in the province.
The governor also cited sports tourism events, including the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon Bohol, the Sandugo sa Bohol Pickleball National Open Tournament and the Bohol International Marathon, as ways to generate business for hotels, restaurants, transport providers and local enterprises.
Tourism stakeholders generated ₱6 million in sales during the Sandugo Tourism and Travel Expo in July and another ₱14 million during the three-day Philippine Travel Mart, Aumentado said.
He added that tourism development should benefit not only hotels and resorts but also farmers, artisans, transport workers, micro, small and medium enterprises, and local communities.
Economic growth amid challenges
Beyond tourism, Aumentado reported that Bohol’s economy grew by 3.9% in 2025, making it the second-fastest-growing economy in the SugBohol region, behind Cebu City.
The province also recorded a poverty incidence among families of 11% in 2025, down from 50.2% in 2000, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data cited in his speech.
From October 2025 to May 2026, Bohol generated ₱12.6 billion in investments across renewable energy, tourism, commercial and mixed-use development, infrastructure and services.
However, the governor acknowledged that the province continued to face challenges, including the tourism slowdown and the need to protect its agricultural sector against climate risks.
Aumentado said the administration would continue working with local governments, national agencies and private-sector partners to sustain economic growth and improve public services.
His 2026 SOPA carried the theme “Nagkadaiya Apan Nagkahiusa: Abante Bohol sa Pagpalambo ug Pag-uswag,” underscoring unity amid the province’s challenges.
