The quiet charm of Bien Unido

CEBU, Philippines - It might not be as popular as the islands of Panglao or Pamilacan, or the towns of Sagbayan or Carmen where the famed Chocolate Hills are spread across, but for would-be visitors, it would be difficult to ignore the quiet charm of the municipality of Bien Unido in the northeastern part of Bohol province. 

Bien Unido’s local government unit is currently working on its tourism portfolio, building a mini-hotel set for launching come December during its Hagwa Festival. Prepping up the accommodations makes a good invitation to future tourists, particularly diving enthusiasts, because unknown to many, Bien Unido’s central come-on is the Danajon Double Barrier Reef. The Danajon Reef is the only documented double barrier reef in the Philippines and reportedly, one of only six in the entire world.

Just recently, the Fisheries for Improved Sustainable Harvest (FISH) project, a USAID funded technical assistance group, together with the Sea Knights, an environment-oriented group of divers (whose founding members are priests), visited Bien Unido and its outlying islands to help mobilize locals in pursuing environmental conservation so as to help safeguard its Danajon Reef. The main activity of the visit was the bringing of the image of the Sto. Nino from the Basilica to the townsfolk of Bien Unido. The Sea Knights also went for a ceremonial dive with its priests blessing the waters.   

According to Fr. Tito Soquiño, OSA, founder of Sea Knights, what makes Danajon unique is the cave-like formations of its coral reefs—an irresistible sight especially for advanced level divers. Some exotic species were also spotted; however, Danajon—which has been a target implementation area of the Fish Project—is in an alarming state because of “extremely high fishing pressure, rapid population growth in coastal towns surrounding it, and inefficient coastal resource management program and policies.” 

Bien Unido Mayor Nino Rey Boniel said that this was what moved the municipality to partner with the Fish Project as they start work to have the Danajon Reef declared as a protected reserve. And with environmental conservation in mind as the town began laying the groundwork of plans to become one of Bohol’s top travel destinations in the soonest possible, sustainable tourism should not be far behind.

Other attractions? There is yet very little to do in Bien Unido, but it could work as a good jump-off point to long-standing attractions in Bohol. Since I’m a big fan of noise-proof places or natural recreation areas, my personal favourites are the Makaina sandbar where we spent an entire afternoon lounging, swimming and snorkeling; the panoramic view of the sunset in Bilang-Bilangan island which is made more pronounced during low tide; and the breathtaking evening of stargazing in any of its islands. Somehow, it left us pondering on why we have to go to sophisticated (not to mention expensive) lengths to de-stress when all we have to do is simply commune with nature.