TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — To protect Bohol’s tourism industry and to enforce the law against feeding the migratory marine mammals, the Provincial Government of Bohol has suspended the whale shark interaction activities in the province.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado signed Executive Order No. 10, series of 2025 on Feb. 3, ordering the indefinite stoppage of all whale shark interaction in the towns of Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis.
The order was issued based on the findings of an inter-agency team created by the governor, which found that the whale-shark interactions involve feeding them with krill to lure the marine animals to stay.
This is in violation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2020 issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG).
Based on the findings, the team found krill on the water’s surface, which caused a foul odor.
The report also said that the operators lacked permits from essential national agencies, including the DENR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
“Igo ra ko niprotekta ug nagpatuman (I just protect and implement),” Aumentado said, emphasizing that his decision aims to preserve Bohol’s natural resources and maintain fairness across all municipalities.
He explained that whale shark feeding disrupts their natural behavior, threatens ecological balance, and could harm the local tourism industry.
The unpleasant odors from these activities also raised concerns about their effect on Panglao and Balicasag Islands.
The governor clarified that Bohol is not opposed to the whale shark interaction activities with tourists, but insists that it must be sustainable and in line with the ordinance, national laws, and regulations.
“Proactive lang ta diring dapita. Ang provincial government uban ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), andam mohatag og financial assistance sa mga ma-displaced nga mga trabahante diha sa nag-operate sa whale shark sa tulo ka lungsod,” Aumentado said.
(We are just proactive. The Provincial Government with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is ready to provide financial assistance to displaced workers operating whale sharks in the three towns.)
Aumentado called on the municipal mayors concerned, Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), DENR, and the Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC) to enforce the order.
Job order workers have also been deployed to monitor the affected areas and prevent unauthorized activities.
Aumentado emphasized that Bohol offers many other sustainable tourism options beyond whale shark watching.
“Daghan pa tag og ika-offer (We have many more to offer),” he said.
Bohol island has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island, the first and only in the country.
While the governor’s EO is effective immediately, the operators are given until Feb. 7 to wind down their affairs.
The stoppage or suspension of the said activities shall remain enforced until all applicable requirements under their jurisdiction for these activities have been met following a comprehensive industry-wide consultation with stakeholders and conservation groups. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)
