MANDAUE CITY, Cebu, (Philippines): Whale shark watching will soon be allowed again in the Province of Bohol.
This time, however, strict regulations will govern the tourism activity under the recently approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-004, or the Enhanced Marine Wildlife Interaction Ordinance.
“The ordinance seeks to regulate the reopening of whale shark watching in the province of Bohol, with stronger and stricter rules to ensure the protection of our marine wildlife,” Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado said in an advisory.
In February 2025, Aumentado issued an Executive Order mandating the immediate cessation of whale shark feeding and other interaction activities in the province.
The suspension remained in effect while the provincial government consulted with national government agencies and stakeholders on how to address illegal feeding activities reported in the towns of Lila, Albuquerque, and Dawis.
With the provincial ordinance now in place, Aumentado said the province is set to reopen whale shark watching activities soon.
“The exact date of reopening will be announced soon, once everything is in place and the ordinance has been signed,” the governor said.
Prohibition
With the resumption of whale shark watching activities, Aumentado said certain prohibitions will be enforced, including a ban on feeding whale sharks.
He added that a “no approach, no interaction” standard will be strictly implemented.
Moreover, the province will adopt science-based regulations and other measures to ensure responsible interaction and the protection of its marine resources.
“This is an important step toward more responsible and sustainable tourism that balances environmental protection and the development of the tourism sector,” Aumentado said. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
