Bohol’s provincial government has ordered an immediate stop to whale shark–watching activities in three towns — Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis. This decision comes after an inter-agency team found that some operators were feeding the whale sharks, a practice that violates environmental tourism regulations.
Under Executive Order No. 10, Governor Erico “Aris” Aumentado mandated the suspension, citing harmful impacts on marine life and tourism sustainability. The same review found that operators lacked key permits from national agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The ban will remain in effect until all regulatory requirements are met and verified by the appropriate agencies. Meanwhile, more than 500 workers affected by the suspension have already received ₱5.3 million in assistance from the provincial government.
Why It Matters:
- The suspension highlights growing concerns over unregulated marine tourism and its environmental impact.
- It puts pressure on tourism operators to comply with environmental and tax regulations.
- Balancing tourism and ecological preservation is central to protecting Bohol’s reputation and long-term sustainability.