In a swift move to protect marine wildlife and preserve Bohol’s tourism industry, Governor Aris Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10 on February 3, 2025, mandating the immediate suspension of all whale shark interaction activities in the municipalities of Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis.
The order, set to take effect on February 7, 2025, comes after months of investigation into alleged illegal feeding practices and regulatory violations.
The shutdown affects three emerging whale shark tourism sites that have recently gained popularity among visitors to the province.
These operations, which began in Lila before expanding to Alburquerque and Dauis, have drawn increasing scrutiny from environmental watchdogs and local stakeholders, including the Tagbilaran Baywatch and the Provincial Tourism Council.
An inter-agency investigation team, established by the Governor’s Office on November 22, 2023, uncovered multiple violations of provincial ordinances and national regulations.
The most serious infractions involved the unauthorized feeding of krill to whale sharks, a practice explicitly prohibited under Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 and Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2020.
“The feeding of whale sharks severely disrupts their natural behavior patterns,” Aumentado explained during a press conference with Bohol media.
“This practice not only threatens the ecological balance of our waters but has also led to environmental degradation, with foul odors being reported in the seawaters near Panglao Island’s beaches and surrounding areas,” he said.
The investigation revealed that operators had failed to secure necessary clearances from multiple government agencies, including the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
These permissions are mandatory under the comprehensive regulatory framework established by the Department of Tourism (DOT), DENR, Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The enforcement of the executive order will be carried out by a multi-agency task force comprising the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP MG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC). These agencies will ensure that no whale shark interaction activities continue in the affected municipalities after the February 7 deadline.
The timing of the implementation, scheduled for Friday, February 7, was specifically chosen to allow operators time to notify tourists and clients of the suspension.
“We understand the impact this may have on pre-booked tours, but the environmental concerns require immediate action,” the governor told media.
Bohol, designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, has built its reputation on sustainable tourism practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation.
The province has positioned itself as a model for responsible tourism in the Philippines, making the violations particularly concerning for LGU authorities.
The suspension is not necessarily permanent, according to Governor Aumentado.
Operators can resume activities once they meet all regulatory requirements and receive proper clearances from relevant government agencies.
However, the governor pointed out that no new municipalities will be permitted to start whale shark interaction activities during the suspension period.
“We will recognize the first operator who can fully comply with all requirements as Bohol’s official whale shark attraction,” Aumentado said.
“This approach ensures that we maintain high standards while preserving fair competition among operators,” he added.
Addressing the economic impact of the closure, the provincial government has coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide financial assistance to affected workers from Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis. The aid package aims to help employees transition during the suspension period.
The executive order outlines specific conditions for lifting the suspension, requiring confirmation from DENR, BIR, the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), and concerned Local Government Units that all applicable requirements have been met. This process will include comprehensive industry-wide consultations with stakeholders and conservation groups to ensure sustainable practices moving forward.
Local environmental groups have praised the governor’s decision, noting that proper whale shark interaction protocols are crucial for both wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. The violations not only posed risks to the whale sharks but also threatened to damage Bohol’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.
The executive order also references the National Integrated Protection Areas System (NIPAS) Law, which establishes the Alburquerque-Loay-Loboc Protected Landscape and Seascape and the Panglao Island Protected Seascape. These protected areas, where many of the whale shark interaction points are located, require special consideration and stricter environmental compliance.
Tourism industry representatives acknowledge the short-term economic impact but support the measure as necessary for long-term sustainability.
“While this may temporarily affect some operators, protecting our natural resources is crucial for Bohol’s future as a tourist destination,” said a member of the Provincial Tourism Council.