In what seemed to be a decision made on a whim, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu made his rounds in the Island of Panglao, Bohol, last Tuesday. Every resort manager was put to the test as the secretary questioned them on how they handled their waste water. Measuring tapes were laid out to check if all the establishments were able to follow the 20-meter easement rule. Others contested, saying that they built their property according to how it was correctly measured back in the day. But the secretary was firm and said that it was time for them to move back, or else they will be facing the possibility of closing down. Initially, in the side of the island where he went around there were 37 that were to be issued violation notices.
I love Panglao as it is today. It is one of the many places in Central Visayas that I could say is truly beautiful, even breathtaking. The waters are clear, the sand is white, and the atmosphere with the friendly locals can just take one away into paradise. In fact, Secretary Cimatu labeled it "better" than Boracay Island and with lesser chances of closing down. I'd have to agree as well, Panglao isn't as crowded as other areas. There isn't much of a party at night, and visitors come to enjoy what nature has to offer.
With the input of the secretary, I'd have to agree that the establishments in the area should follow the environmental laws. With the recent crackdown in Boracay, there is a possible diversion of visitors to Central Visayas. Will it benefit us? Yes I'd like to think so but it will also pose a big challenge. It will test the tourism industry on how ready they are for a surge of visitors and if they can keep up with the standards set. It might also go against movements for development. For sure, it will benefit the tourism industry. That might even spill over to other provinces that offer better waters, such as Siquijor.
It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. With a lot of people coming in, garbage and waste will increase. Visitors who regularly see on social media the beauty of our place will have high expectations. We will need a set of individuals in the government who will not slack off in keeping the place clean as it is now.
For this coming Holy Week holidays, it will be expected that a lot of people will be hanging out in Panglao as well as other areas in the region to unwind and reflect. I hope we can keep the status this way that we have, if not the best, better waters than the rest. I hope that other islands with great beaches will also self-regulate themselves. After all, environmental laws were made to be followed, not just to be implemented after the error has been done and attention has been called out.