THE Virgin island, off premier tourist Panglao town, is making another wave of controversy. This time it is beneath it or beneath the waves.
The islet with its changing but enticing white sandbar, situated within the protected area (PA) called Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS), has been ordered shut down from any tourism-related activity, not only limited to snorkeling and diving, effective tomorrow, September 9, 2024.
This came after the vandalism of a number of corals within the protected area by unscrupulous perpetrators suspected to be foreigner in cahoots with the local tour dive guide.
Earlier, Gov. Aris Aumentado told a press briefing that he will recommend to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its closure indefinitely.
DENR, he said, will be the one to make the decision for its closure or ban from any activity thereat based on the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) governing the said protected area.
The said area is protected under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System.
The strong recommendation was seconded by provincial Board Member Atty. Jamie Villamor, environment committee chairperson, in separate interview.
True enough, the Provincial Government of Bohol, in its fb page announced last Friday, September 6 the following:
“For everyone’s information and guidance: Please be advised that Puntod Island, also known as Virgin Island, and its surrounding waters will be temporarily closed starting September 9 until further notice. All water-based activities are not allowed except: gleaning, boat passage to Balicasag Island, and Fishcage operations of Danao United Fishermen’s Association (DUFA) operating within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS). For strict implementation.”
The governor was apprised of what really happened a few days ago to the vandalized corals during the meeting held at his office yesterday attended by representatives of the DENR Bohol, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) and provincial administrator Aster Caberte and representatives of the Panglao Island Protected Seascapes team.
The recommendation for closure of the islet was said to be the unanimous decision of the said meeting.
Danilo Menoria, a dive instructor in Panglao town, said during the briefing that a table coral (acropora branching) about 11 meters in circumference and 3.7 meters in diameter “was identified of anthropogenic vandalism. The sad corals were marked with “Soyun,” “Kim,” “Mojak,” “Kago,” “haro,” “Le,” “Tom” and others.
And the lettering word of the vandals is about one meter thick, the report of the investigation showed.
While the islet is closed, the governor said that dive guides should undergo orientation or training. They, after the training, must adhere to the guidelines in the conduct of the snorkeling or dive.
Among the recommendations of the Panglao PIPS team include the ban of agencies without permits issued by the local government unit concerned and accreditation apparently from the Department of Tourism.
The issue at hand is expected to be presented to the PAMB for PIPS and information and education on the importance of the corals will be conducted.
It will recalled that the said Virgin islet was in the spotlight after a vendor charged a excessive price of its food offered to the guests. The incident went viral and the islet was closed temporarily by the LGU officials. (Ric Obedencio)
