Following the reopening of Virgin Island, the Provincial Government of Bohol underscored the importance of balancing tourism development with environmental sustainability within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS).
Governor Erico Aris Aumentado expressed gratitude to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII, led by Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac, for providing technical expertise and assistance in formulating updated marine tourism guidelines for Panglao.
“We are delighted that Virgin Island is ready to welcome visitors again,” Aumentado said. “As we enjoy the beauty of nature, let us not our responsibility to nurture and protect it.”
Salac said new guidelines have been put in place for tour operators and visitors to Virgin Island, covering not only the sandbar but the entire PIPS area.
“These measures aim to protect marine ecosystems while allowing responsible tourism activities.”
“These measures aim to protect marine ecosystems while allowing responsible tourism activities,” he stressed.
Salac also thanked all stakeholders, particularly the Provincial Government, for their cooperation in ensuring a proper balance between tourism growth and environmental protection as Virgin Island reopens to the public.
The iconic Virgin Island, also known as Puntod Island, Panglao, Bohol officially reopened to the public on February 2, alongside the implementation of stricter regulations under the “One-Entry, One-Exit System.”
The measure aims to effectively manage tourist movement, control waste, and prevent further environmental degradation on the island.
Under the new system, all tourist boats are required to dock at Puntod Island as the designated entry and exit point, where visitors must undergo registration, pay entrance fees, and attend a mandatory environmental briefing before engaging in any marine activities such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
The Protected Area Management Office of the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PAMO-PIPS) announced that visitor numbers will now be capped to avoid overcrowding.
The sandbar will accommodate a maximum of 250 visitors every two hours, while snorkeling and diving activities are limited to a maximum interaction time of two hours.
The sandbar will accommodate a maximum of 250 visitors every two hours, while snorkeling and diving activities are limited to a maximum interaction time of two hours.
A “3-minute rule” per group has also been imposed for photo-taking to give others a fair chance, with pre-arrangement required for commercial photography.
Island operations will run from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Authorities will also strictly enforce the “Pack In, Pack Out” policy, which includes pre-entry and final inspections of waste on all tourist boats to ensure that no trash particularly plastics and non reef safe sunscreen is left behind on the island.
To ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations, all activities must be accompanied by accredited Department of Tourism (DOT) guides and supervised by PAMO-PIPS.
Authorities are urging the public to cooperate with these measures to help sustain responsible and environmentally sound tourism at Virgin Island.
“I hope those stakeholders will help those who manage the island, especially the local government unit and DENR to sustain tourism and for your livelihood to continue,” Aumentado concluded.
