CEBU, Philippines — The tourism industry in Bohol has now bounced back from the calamities, while the government also anticipates more tourist arrivals once the operation and maintenance of the Panglao airport goes into effect, said Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado.
“Well, dako na kaayo ug changes. Ni-bounce back na gyud ang among tourism karon. Daghan ng flights…direct flights from Korea and we have one from China,” Aumentado told The FREEMAN in an interview at the Bohol Provincial Capitol.
The governor is also anticipating for more tourists to visit Bohol, once the public-private partnership concerning the Bohol-Panglao International Airport takes effect.
Philstar earlier reported that the Aboitiz Group may clinch the original proponent status (OPS) to operate and maintain at least three regional airports, including Bohol, within the year, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Roberto Lim.
Lim said the government is on track to award the operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Bicol International Airport to the private sector by the end of the year.
According to the Public-Private Partnership Center, all of these projects are proposed by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group.
“Hoping me na mas modaghan pa gyud ni once mo-take over na ang Aboitiz sa Panglao, Bohol International Airport..nga sila ang mo-manage. Dako gyud kaayo ug kalahian kung ma-privatize na ang airport kay part of their management is to attract or invite flights from other countries,” said Aumentado.
Such a move will be a big advantage for Bohol as more flights and tourists would be an added boost to their economy and more jobs for the Bol-anons.
“This is an advantage for Bohol and happy pud ta tungod kay once there are more tourists, there are jobs for constituents here in Bohol,” Aumentado added.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism in Bohol suffered and only agriculture prospered.
“Ang agriculture na-sustain namo tungod kay ang mga tawo manananom man gyud labi nag walay laing panginabuhian,” Aumentado said.
Now, the Bohol government is doubling its time to help the agriculture and fisheries to ensure its food security especially as tourism in the island is back.
“We have to double time sa among agriculture. One million and 200 ang among population sa Bohol unya na pa gyud ang mga turista, so we have to double our harvest para ma-sustain namo ang food security sa Bohol,” added Aumentado.
The provincial government of Bohol also has a rice and fish-buyback program to help the farmers and fishermen.
“Among gisuportahan ang pagbaligya sa ilang mga goods. Naghimo tag rice buy-back, fish buyback aron naa gyuy saktong market for them,” said Aumentado. — (FREEMAN)