Bohol back on its feet after destructive quake

MANILA, Philippines - Bohol is back on its feet.

Seven months after a powerful earthquake hit the province, Bohol’s tourism industry has returned to normal as foreigners flocked to the different resorts on the island during the Holy Week, Gov. Edgar Chatto said yesterday.

“In our local tourism here, especially during the Holy Week season, I think we hit as much as 80 percent (occupancy); some resorts even reported 100 percent. So our tourists are now coming back,” Chatto said. 

President Aquino, who launched the Fabrication Laboratory at the Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City yesterday, gave the microphone to Chatto when asked about developments in the province after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October.

Chatto cited the “three pillars” where Bohol’s improvements are now emerging: tourism, with foreign tourists now coming back; agriculture where economic activity is strong; and information technology which is booming.

Chatto expressed hope though that the local agriculture industry will not be affected by the El Niño phenomenon, which is forecast this year.

Meanwhile, Aquino said “permanent bridges” in Bohol will be completed in October as Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson has given priority to the infrastructure aspect of the province’s rehabilitation.

Aquino also reported that the National Housing Authority has given housing materials to 38,800 families in nine quake-hit Bohol towns.