Financial Aid for Displaced Whale Shark Workers in Bohol
TAGBILARAN CITY – At least 532 workers displaced by the suspension of whale shark watching operations in Bohol have received financial assistance from the local government. This aid comes about four months after they lost their jobs due to the ban.
These affected workers, some of whom have returned to fishing to survive, were granted a total of P5.32 million by the Bohol provincial government last June 16. Each beneficiary received P10,000 to help ease their financial burden.
Among the recipients was Mario, who previously ferried tourists eager to see whale sharks up close. He shared how the suspension of the whale shark tourism in Lila town on February 7, 2025, has made it difficult to support his family. “In most days, there’s no catch,” he said, choosing to keep his family name private.
Governor’s Response and Environmental Concerns
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the distribution of aid to displaced workers from Alburquerque (139), Dauis (142), and Lila (251). The Provincial Social Work and Development Office facilitated the assistance as part of the government’s response to the economic impact of halting whale shark watching activities.
The governor emphasized that he supports whale shark watching as a tourism activity but insists on strict compliance with environmental regulations, particularly the prohibition of feeding whale sharks. Feeding disrupts marine ecosystems and harms the species.
“We understand your hardship,” Aumentado told the affected workers in Cebuano. “But we cannot ignore our duty to uphold environmental laws. Still, we are committed to helping you through this challenge.”
He also noted that whale shark tourism may resume if all operators meet the requirements set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other national agencies.
Reasons Behind Suspension and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
The suspension followed an inter-agency investigation revealing violations such as illegal feeding of whale sharks with krill and the absence of necessary permits from agencies like DENR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. These breaches violated Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2020.
Consequently, Executive Order No. 10, Series of 2025, was issued to indefinitely halt whale shark interactions in the three towns.
Environmental groups have long condemned whale shark feeding as ecologically damaging and a form of “fake ecotourism.” In response, the provincial government has intensified efforts to promote sustainable marine tourism. This includes establishing a Task Force on Wildlife Conservation, partnering with marine protection organizations, and hosting seminars on responsible marine wildlife tourism.
These efforts align with Bohol’s vision as a UNESCO global geopark and regenerative island, highlighting its commitment to environmental preservation and community resilience.
For more news and updates on whale shark tourism and environmental conservation, visit Filipinokami.com.