PANGLAO, Bohol — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Bohol Provincial Office rolled out its “Bumbero: Kapanalig Mo sa Turismo” program on July 29, 2026 at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort, strengthening emergency preparedness across the province’s busiest tourism hub. The initiative ensures that visitors and residents alike are protected by a coordinated safety network.
A Partnership for Visitor Safety
The launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the BFP and the Municipality of Panglao. The pact formalizes joint efforts in disaster preparedness, emergency response, rescue operations, resource sharing, and capacity development. It also designates the BFP Panglao Fire Station as the municipality’s alternate Emergency Operations Center, guaranteeing uninterrupted command during crises.
Vice Governor Nick Besas delivered a message on behalf of Governor Aris Aumentado, emphasizing that safety and security are essential pillars of Bohol’s tourism industry. He noted that tourist confidence depends on visible, reliable emergency systems. The governor’s message reinforced the province’s commitment to protecting both its people and its visitors.
Panglao as the Epicenter of Action
Panglao was chosen as the launch site for clear reasons. The island houses the Bohol‑Panglao International Airport and the densest concentration of resorts, hotels, and restaurants in the province. Thousands of domestic and international tourists pass through daily, making fire safety and emergency readiness non‑negotiable priorities.
Under the MOA, BFP personnel will conduct regular fire safety inspections, evacuation drills, and water search‑and‑rescue orientations tailored for resort and hotel staff. The program also merges the operational efforts of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, local police, and BFP units. This integrated approach ensures a seamless response when seconds count.
A UNESCO Geopark Protected
Bohol’s status as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark adds urgency to the program. The province must meet high standards of environmental and visitor protection. Advanced disaster management safeguards not only human lives but also the natural geological sites and heritage infrastructure that draw global travelers.
The “Bumbero” program aligns with the Provincial Government’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, which prioritizes disaster resilience, public safety, and sustainable eco‑tourism. By embedding safety protocols directly into the tourism ecosystem, the province addresses risks before they become emergencies. Tour operators and resort owners welcomed the initiative as a boost to their own operational standards.
Building Capacity Across the Industry
Beyond the signing ceremony, the program outlines a calendar of capacity‑building activities. Resort staff will receive emergency medical training, while local responders will upgrade their rescue capabilities through joint drills. Shared equipment and resources will reduce duplication and ensure that every barangay in Panglao is covered.
The alternate Emergency Operations Center at the Panglao Fire Station means that even if primary government facilities are compromised, incident command remains functional. This redundancy is critical during typhoons or large‑scale events that can overwhelm local infrastructure. Tourists can take comfort knowing that behind the island’s beauty stands a well‑prepared safety apparatus.
A Model for Other Destinations
The “Bumbero: Kapanalig Mo sa Turismo” program sets a precedent that other tourism‑dependent towns in Bohol and beyond can replicate. By weaving fire safety, disaster response, and tourism management into a single framework, the province has created a blueprint for resilient destinations. The July 29 launch marks the beginning of a safer chapter for Panglao and for every traveler who visits its shores.
