Virgin Island, Bohol reopens

The Bohol Provincial Government proudly announced the reopening of Virgin Island, more than a year after it was closed due to environmental abuses.

However, vendors will no longer be allowed to sell their wares on the sandbar while boat operations will be strictly monitored.

The island’s reopening is part of the efforsts of Governor Erico Aumentado to promotesustainable tourism while enforcing environmental protection in the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS), where Virgin Island, locally known as “Puntod Island,” is located.

According to a provincial government advisory – “As one of Bohol’s most iconic island destinations, Virgin Island is expected to generate renewed economic opportunities for boat operators, tour guides, and nearby communities. The reopening is anchored on strengthened environmental safeguards, regulated visitor management, and close inter-agency coordination to ensure safety, order, and ecological protection.”

In September 2024, Aumentado ordered Virgin Island closed for rehabilitation. Various concerns were raised then, including vandalism of corals, poor waste management, and presence of unscrupulous vendors who sell food and drinks at exorbitant prices.

Recently, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the PIPS granted clearance for the lifting of the temporary closure following the adoption of the PIPS Marine Tourism Guidelines and the completion of key protection enforcement and capacity-building interventions.

DENR-7 Director Laudemir Salac warned that the reopening of Virgin Island is strictly contingent to the adherence to the Marine Tourism Guidelines, “which provides a science-based framework for managing marine tourism activities, protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife, and ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism within the protected area.”

Under the newly released PIPS Marine Tourism Guidelines of DENR-7, vendor stalls will no longer be permitted on the sandbar.

Also, a single designated entry and exit point will be enforced on the island, along with strict controls on boat operations and visitor capacity to minimize environmental impact and prevent overcrowding.

DENR-Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jose Cleo Cary Colis said the reopening of the PIPS is a shared responsibility.

Colis is calling on tour operators, visitors and stakeholders to help protect, care for, and keep the island clean.

“Continuous monitoring and enforcement activities will be carried out to ensure compliance with eco-tourism standards and prevent environmental degradation, reaffirming that environmental protection remains a top priority,” the provincial government said.

DENR is urging stakeholders to strictly observe environmental rules, practice proper waste management, respect the carrying capacity limits, and support government initiatives to preserve Virgin Island as a sustainable eco-tourism destination for present and future generations.