Preparing for a Possible Return of Whale Shark Viewing
BOHOL - Bohol is preparing for the possible reopening of its whale shark viewing experience, with November identified as the target period for the return of the marine wildlife activity. The preparations were discussed during a meeting between the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) on September 21, 2026, at the Governor’s Office.
Planning the Requirements and Wildlife Interaction Guidelines
The meeting focused on important considerations for the planned reopening, including requirements, the accreditation process, the potential viewing season, and appropriate management of interactions between visitors and marine wildlife. Participants included PENRO Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Wilson Henson, PENRO Information Officer Rochelyn Fuentes, CENRO Tagbilaran City Forester Edgar Ricafort, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office OIC Restituto Piollo Jr., and Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Head Joanne Pinat. These discussions are intended to help establish the necessary framework before the activity can resume.
Balancing Tourism With Marine Resource Protection
The possible reopening reflects an approach that connects tourism opportunities with the protection of Bohol’s marine resources. By coordinating with environmental and tourism offices, the province is preparing to manage the activity with attention to responsible marine wildlife interactions. The initiative is aligned with the Provincial Government’s Strategic Governance Roadmap and its broader vision for a smart, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Bohol, which is recognized as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark.
