A technical working group at the Bohol Capitol will review the implementing rules and regulations of the province’s whale shark watching ordinance in the midst of fears that conflicts in the IRR are delaying the reopening of the attraction.
Acting Bohol Gov. Nick Besas said the TWG will work to resolve issues causing the delay, noting that the ordinance itself never mentioned open and closed seasons — a provision that appears only in the IRR.
Lila Mayor Arturo Jed Piollo earlier raised the concern, saying operators in his town have yet to restart operations despite complying with requirements.
He said the open and closed season provision is hurting businesses and workers dependent on the activity.
Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay said marine experts will be part of the TWG, adding that the seasonal restrictions are based on expert recommendations on marine mammal behavior and are not arbitrary.
He said the TWG is open to revisions to strike a balance between marine ecosystem protection and the economic needs of eco-tourism communities.
LILA OPERATORS
A whale shark watching operator in Lila is pushing back against the open and closed season provision in the implementing rules and regulations of the province’s whale shark watching ordinance.
Tata Olandria of Island Wonders and Nature Park Corp. said operators may petition Gov. Aris Aumentado to amend the IRR and remove the seasonal restriction, which he said is not found in the ordinance itself.
Olandria warned the provision could damage the tourism industry, noting that June to August is peak season for Korean and Chinese tourists who visit specifically to watch whale sharks.
He said the previous closure — stemming from feeding violations — already cost the industry millions of pesos and displaced workers.
He said operators are willing to comply with the ordinance’s prohibition on feeding and are prepared to resume operations once they finish meeting all requirements.
On the other hand, the Department of Tourism Region VII conducted a site visit and assessment at the Tagbilaran City Central Public Market on Tuesday as part of a plan to develop it into a day-to-night cultural and tourism destination.
The assessment, led by DOT-7 alongside tourism and development stakeholders, aims to showcase the city’s culture, local products, food, and community life.
Representatives from the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office, City Government of Tagbilaran, City Tourism Technical Working Group, City Economic Enterprise Office, Tugas Tour Guides, iTag Tourism Alliance, tourism stakeholders, and the Bohol Association of Travel and Tour Operators attended.
The move seeks to strengthen Tagbilaran’s tourism industry, improve visitor experience, and create additional economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Officials also recognized Mayor Jane Yap for her continued support of programs promoting tourism and the city’s local economy.