Panglao LGU officials clarified Thursday that the municipal government has no role in managing the recently reopened Virgin Island, despite the area falling under Panglao’s jurisdiction.

Abel Arbilo, the town’s municipal environment and natural resources officer, said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Protected Area Management Board oversee the island’s operations.

The local government’s only involvement is waste collection, Arbilo said, a responsibility municipalities hold for all areas within their boundaries.

Arbilo said minimal garbage was collected during the island’s first week of operation. 

He said he did not know whether tourists had visited diving or snorkeling sites at Virgin Island.

The island reopened to tourism while adhering to carrying capacity limits.

Ban on Whale Shark Tours

On the other hand, provincial officials said they will not reopen whale shark tourism activities if operators use feeding to attract the marine animals.

The provincial government closed whale shark operations in Dauis, Albur and Lila over allegations operators were feeding the animals, a practice banned by local ordinance.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan reviewed a committee report Feb. 10, 2026 on a proposed ordinance that would amend regulations passed in 2020. That ordinance prohibited feeding marine wildlife.

Board Member Lucille Lagunay, who sponsored the measure, said the proposal would allow whale shark viewing to resume but strictly prohibit feeding, luring or manipulating the animals to appear for tourists.

Viewing would be permitted only when whale sharks appear naturally, similar to dolphin watching in Baclayon.

Officials said they hope the reopening would boost tourism while protecting animal welfare.

Review Whale Watching Rules

Meanwhile, some provincial board members want additional time to study a proposed ordinance that could reopen whale shark watching activities.

Board Member Lucille Lagunay said Board Member Benjie Arcamo requested a delay in the measure’s second reading approval.

Officials decided against visiting Oslob, Cebu, where similar whale watching operations exist, for comparison.

The proposed ordinance would ban feeding marine animals to attract them, a practice whale shark operators in Dauis, Albur and Lila allegedly used.

The measure would tighten regulations on whale shark watching in Bohol before any operations resume.

PHOTO FROM: PANGLAO WEBSITE PAGE