Lila, Bohol Mayor Atty. Arturo “Jed” Piollo has expressed sadness over the closure of whale shark watching activities in his municipality, lamenting the severe impact on constituents’ livelihoods as authorities enforce environmental protection measures.
The closure resulted from Executive Order No. 10 signed in February 2025 by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, which indefinitely suspended whale shark interactions in Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis following findings that operators were illegally feeding the marine animals with krill.
Speaking during the DYTR radio program “Open Forum” with hosts Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta, Piollo voiced his sadness over the loss of a substantial income source for many residents.
The ban enforces Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008, which prohibits provisioning or using any method to attract marine wildlife, including baiting, luring, chumming and feeding.
“Livelihood is hard to come by, and it’s heartbreaking to see our people struggle,” Piollo said during the broadcast.
Whale shark watching had flourished in Lila since 2019, interrupted only by the pandemic, before the recent indefinite suspension.
The mayor acknowledged the wisdom behind the governor’s environmental protection decision but cited the need for balance between conservation and providing livelihood opportunities.
Bohol provincial government has allocated P5.3 million in aid to workers affected by the whale shark watching ban, though Piollo believes more sustainable solutions are needed.
The mayor cited enormous decreases in tourism arrivals and flights to Bohol province, arguing the closure has deeper economic implications for the province’s tourism industry.
Piollo also criticized plans to halt the Regional Cultural Hub project at Mount Banat-i, citing environmental concerns.
The project, which began under former Governor Arthur Yap with an estimated P1 billion cost and initial P200 million funding, held its groundbreaking ceremony in November 2021.
However, the project has faced opposition from environmental groups and local officials, with Provincial Board Member Lucille Lagunay calling for suspension due to environmental and social issues, and a stoppage order issued by city engineers in January 2024.
“The project is laudable and could attract more visitors and tourists to Bohol,” Piollo argued, suggesting environmental protection measures that don’t sacrifice economic opportunities.
The mayor revealed he is working with government agencies to revamp the whale shark attraction and expects the governor to implement measures that balance environmental protection with livelihood generation.
Environmental groups maintain that tourist feeding activities disrupt whale sharks’ hunting behavior, alter migration patterns, and put the marine animals in harm’s way.
Piollo hopes for a more balanced approach to environmental protection and economic development, ensuring both constituent welfare and the province’s economic vitality.
The whale shark tourism suspension affects three municipalities that previously relied on the activity as a dependable revenue source for the people of Bohol.