In a unified and unprecedented move, top Bohol leaders have agreed to halt the continuation of the controversial Banat-i Hill development project, opting instead for a climate-resilient redesign that safeguards the city’s natural landscape.
During a meeting with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7, it was confirmed that there is currently no available funding for the continuation of the Regional Cultural Hub Project at Mt. Banat-i in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City.
The project, initially estimated at ₱2.3 billion, has already completed Phase 1 costing ₱134.9 million, funded through the DPWH Region 7 under the previous administration.
“The original plan will not proceed due to its potential environmental impact.”
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, Congressman Baba Yap, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), and other concerned agencies have reached a unified position that the original plan will not proceed due to its potential environmental impact.
Mayor Jane Yap clarified that while the project was legally implemented—with the Provincial Government of Bohol as the landowner and with all necessary permits and an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR—the moral responsibility to protect residents from disaster risks must take precedence.
The existing structure, built under JA Achacoso Enterprise & General Services, will be redesigned into a “Public Viewing & Cultural Deck / Open Theater”, envisioned as an open, inclusive, and environmentally adaptive space offering panoramic views of Tagbilaran, Dauis, and Panglao.
Aside from the Regional Cultural Hub, the lady mayor also disclosed that other developments have been proposed within the Banat-i Hill vicinity, including:
Hall of Justice (Provincial Government) – No approved building permit; relocation under discussion
Rose Ligason Subdivision (Private developer) – No approved permit
Diocese of Tagbilaran structure – Approved building permit (Dec. 2024–Dec. 2025), 404 sqm lot.
“We will formally propose the declaration of Banat-i Hill in Barangay Bool and Elly Hill in Barangay Manga as Protected Geoparks.”
Mayor Yap also announced plans to formally propose the declaration of Banat-i Hill in Barangay Bool and Elly Hill in Barangay Manga as Protected Geoparks, through local and national legislation led by the City Council and Congressman Baba Yap.
The Provincial Government of Bohol, the City of Tagbilaran, and DPWH have pledged to collaborate on the redesign and environmental protection framework moving forward.
