A complaint on social media risked Bohol's tourism industry when photos of alleged overpriced seafood meal circulated. The complainant said it was at Virgin Island in Panglao. The island, which is actually a sandbar attached to an islet, had stalls of seafood vendors offering on-the-spot cooking. However, as we know, a sandbar isn't stable at all. Its foundation is dependent on the amount of sand the current carries until it forms a body of land. Much worse, is that the area is also protected under environmental laws.
Somehow the local government failed to police the situation considering their being neophytes in being chief executives. Governor Aris Aumentado used to be congressman and Panglao's mayor is also new. At this point, it is hard to pinpoint whom to blame but all sectors are moving forward to come up with policies to fix the situation.
On a recent trip to the island with provincial stakeholders, I was enchanted at the beauty it offered now that it is cleared of stalls. The sand is pristine and the water is just so clear. It doesn't bother me at all that we didn't get to sit and eat at the sandbar, I could sit all afternoon at the motorbanca that brought me there. A few tourists complained that they wanted to experience what they have been seeing on social media, like eating at the sandbar. But if you ask the conservative in me, nothing is better.
I could vividly recall how Sumilon Island in Oslob was also ordered closed for a few days because the mayor wanted to clean it up. After the closure, it went back to the jewel it was. It attracted more tourists and at the same time fostered care for the environment. That being said, I guess what we lack as guests, is genuine care for the different attractions that we have. Of course, we should not also tolerate those who are taking advantage of the situation.
This refers to the vendors who are jacking up their prices. They are giving reasons that it is because the sandbar experience is premium since it is a unique experience. However, this should not be the case at all. We should always make our destinations local-friendly without sacrificing tourism standards.
I hope this hullabaloo about the overpriced seafood will now come to a close. Sometimes I wonder what the uploader was thinking after this caused so much uproar. Then again, everything happens for a reason and they are making things right. We are asking for accountability from the government.
Someday soon, I'll visit Virgin Island and retell the story of this viral post to the visitors with me. It is surely an unforgettable story not only for us who are patrons in Central Visayas, but also to government leaders who are governing for the first time.