THE Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), convened its year-end Municipal Tourism Officers (MTOs) Forum on December 12, 2025, at the Sampaguita Hall, JJ\u2019s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BPTO Officer-in-Charge Joanne Pinat welcomed the MTOs with a message highlighting the resilience and continued growth of Bohol\u2019s tourism industry despite challenges throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pinat cited Bohol\u2019s recognition during the 36th Philippine Travel Mart, where the province received an award from the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) for outstanding sales performance through Ramyer Travel & Tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pinat encouraged the MTOs to reflect on their product development initiatives, capacity-building efforts \u2014 particularly in the creative sector \u2014 and tourism products that can be showcased in the coming year. She also urged them to share challenges openly, coping strategies, and best practices, stressing the importance of unity among tourism officers even after the realization of Sugbohol as two strong provinces in Central Visayas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMTOs are not only tourism officers; they are ambassadors of Bohol,\u201d Pinat said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou represent the province wherever you go and wherever you are,\u201d she added, saying that amid rising expectations in the tourism industry, Bohol is poised to embrace new opportunities, innovations, and a stronger commitment to sustainable tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the forum, MTOs were challenged to go beyond reports and lectures, focus on what their respective local government units (LGUs) can offer, strengthen collaboration within clusters, and prioritize on-the-ground implementation of tourism programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary Lou Regis, Social Media and Website Manager of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, also presented updates and accomplishments of the Geopark and discussed how MTOs can actively participate in its programs and initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First District Representative John Geesnell \u201cBaba\u201d Yap attended the forum to express his support for the MTOs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a member of the Committee on Tourism in the 20th Congress, Yap said he remains optimistic about crafting legislation that will further enhance Bohol\u2019s tourism industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKarong panahona, dili kinahanglan magtagsa-tagsa ta, kundili united ang atoang gusto, kay ang usa ka tourism attraction nga makadani sa daghan kaayong mga turista nga moanhi, ang kinatibuk-ang Probinsya sa Bohol man ang maka-benefit gyud niana,\u201d Yap said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that he is open to development proposals from the MTOs, particularly in the First District, and reaffirmed his support for the administration of Governor Erico Aristotle \u201cAris\u201d Aumentado in pursuing sustainable tourism development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the afternoon, the MTOs elected a new set of officers for their association. The LGU of Talibon was elected president of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Officers Association (BPTOA), while the LGU of Anda was chosen as vice president. Outstanding MTOs were also recognized, including those from Anda, Antequera, Buenavista, Candijay, Danao, Dauis, Loon, Mabini, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, Talibon, and Trinidad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Anthony Damalerio, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), shared updates on the office\u2019s collaboration with the tourism sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He reported that site inspections were conducted, safety recommendations were issued, and basic life support training was provided across LGUs, particularly for community guides, to ensure visitor safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event concluded with a year-end Christmas party of the MTOs. Under the leadership of Governor Aumentado, tourism remains a key pillar of Bohol\u2019s development agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The provincial government continues to promote tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, community livelihood, and environmental stewardship\u2014especially as Bohol advances its role as the country\u2019s first UNESCO Global Geopark, where sustainable tourism directly benefits local communities while protecting the island\u2019s natural and cultural heritage. (RTB)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), convened its year-end Municipal Tourism Officers (MTOs) Forum on December 12, 2025, at the Sampaguita Hall, JJ\u2019s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City. BPTO Officer-in-Charge Joanne Pinat welcomed the MTOs with a message highlighting the resilience and continued growth of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8450,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-balitang-bol-anon","category-news",""],"yoast_head":"\n