Frustration is mounting among Boholanos as fears over stagnant economic progress and a struggling tourism industry take center stage.
A scathing open letter to Governor Aris Aumentado from a concerned resident, coupled with a detailed critique from anti-corruption advocate Willy Ramasola, has ignited renewed calls for leadership and accountability in the province.
Claire A., a Boholano who claims to have voted for Aumentado in both of Aris’ terms, voiced her disappointment in an open letter circulating widely on social media.
“Gov, I honestly did not get your point during your interview. Instead of giving us clear answers and concrete plans, murag nang-gaslight lang ka sa mga tawo,” she wrote, accusing the governor of deflecting blame rather than offering solutions.
“As Boholanos, we deserve straightforward explanations and real solutions, not shifting of blame or playing with words.”
The letter criticized the lack of visible initiatives to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and tourism, key pillars of Bohol’s economy.
While acknowledging the governor’s focus on sports activities like the Governor’s Cup, Claire argued that these efforts fall short of addressing deeper economic challenges.
“Duha ka terms ang gihatag sa imoha. Two chances to bring progress and real change to Bohol. Pero hangtod karon, wala man gyud mi nakabati ug dakong kausaban,” she said, reflecting a growing sentiment of distrust among residents.
Aumentado’s recent statement attributing declining tourism to overpricing by local businesses drew particular ire.
“Lisod kaayo namo dawaton kana,” Claire wrote. “Ikaw ang Gobernador sa Bohol, ikaw unta ang dapat mo initiate ug direction, mag-coordinate sa DTI, ug mag-set ug policies aron ma-protektahan ang mga konsumidor ug turista batok sa sobra nga presyo.”
Willy Ramasola, a Boholano anti-corruption crusader, echoed these thoughts in a detailed post outlining the province’s economic woes.
After visiting Bohol recently, Ramasola confirmed a palpable downturn in the tourism sector, warning of a “downward spiral effect” on real estate, transportation, and retail.
“If the poor performance of the tourism industry cannot improve soon, then this will have a devastating impact,” he said.
Ramasola proposed a series of short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to revive Bohol’s economy.
Immediate actions include reopening whale shark watching and the Virgin Islands with strict environmental protections, lowering travel-related fees, and regulating point-to-point tariffs to curb overpricing.
“Expensive travel to Bohol will discourage tourists from visiting the province and instead choose other destinations,” he noted.
For medium-term strategies, Ramasola pointed to Indonesia’s success in boosting domestic tourism, suggesting discounts and vouchers for Filipino residents and additional incentives for Boholanos.
Long-term, he urged diversification beyond tourism, advocating for growth in agribusiness and manufacturing to reduce reliance on remittances from overseas Filipino workers.
“Good governance is key to develop Bohol,” Ramasola noted. “As long as the corrupt political and business leaders are in control of the affairs of the province, then nothing much will happen.”
Aumentado’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.