Bohol ramps up investments in tourism infrastructure

CEBU, Philippines — Bohol is stepping up investments in tourism infrastructure and visitor safety as Panglao seeks to reinforce its position as one of the Philippines’ leading beach and dive destinations.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairperson Mark Lapid inspected several TIEZA-funded projects in Panglao on Aug. 18, assessing their implementation and identifying additional measures to improve tourist safety and the visitor experience.

Among the projects reviewed were the Alona Shoreline Rehabilitation and Slope Protection, the floating dock at Alona Beach, the Panglao Tourism Information Center and Green Comfort Room, and the Hyperbaric Chamber Center.

Aumentado emphasized the importance of the shoreline protection project in safeguarding Alona Beach while protecting nearby establishments and tourists from strong waves.

Lapid said the project is designed to prevent waves from directly reaching the shoreline and nearby resorts, helping improve safety while preserving the area’s tourism assets.

The floating dock is also expected to address safety concerns involving tourists joining scuba-diving and island-hopping activities. Previously, boats and other watercraft had to move directly toward the shoreline to pick up and drop off passengers.

Lapid said TIEZA is coordinating with the provincial government on additional safeguards, including barriers or ropes along portions of the seawall to reduce the risk of tourists falling.

Hyperbaric chamber

The officials also pushed for the immediate operation of the Hyperbaric Chamber Center, with trained and qualified personnel to manage the facility.

The chamber is seen as a critical addition to Panglao’s tourism infrastructure given Bohol’s established position in the international scuba-diving market.

Lapid said the facility would help bring Panglao closer to international safety standards, where access to hyperbaric treatment is an important consideration for major diving destinations.

Beyond diving-related emergencies, the facility could also support certain medical and wellness applications, subject to proper medical assessment and supervision.

The inspection also opened discussions on expanding Bohol’s waste-management infrastructure, including a possible additional TIEZA-managed landfill in northern Bohol.

TIEZA currently manages a landfill facility in Albuquerque in the southern part of the province, which is undergoing repairs and improvements. A second facility could help address rising waste-management requirements as tourism activity expands.

Aumentado said, however, that any new landfill must be carefully studied and planned, particularly given Bohol’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The governor stressed the need to balance tourism growth with environmental protection, reflecting the broader challenge facing destinations experiencing rising visitor traffic.

The inspection strengthens the continuing partnership between the provincial government and TIEZA as Bohol seeks to expand tourism infrastructure while raising standards for safety, environmental management and visitor services.