The future of the Balicasag dive spot determines the future of the tourism industry in Bohol. This was the reaction of tourism industry watchers to the fears aired by stakeholders in Panglao. “If Balicasag goes down, the tourism industry will definitely suffer a hit,” declared a resort owner who was asked to react on a story that came out in the papers last week. The resort owner declined to be quoted saying he does not want to court trouble with fellow resort owners. “The dangers identified by the divers and the tour guides are real. It is sad that most of the resort owners refuse to do their share to prevent the total deterioration of Balicasag,” he said. The source also lamented that many resort owners never bother to observe the correct environmental practices much less install the necessary facilities and equipment for this.

“If we really care for Balicasag and the dive spot that is largely responsible for our business, let us do what is expected from us,” the resort owner declared. The source said he finds the outcry of many resort owners against the proposed rehabilitation project's threat to the environment as “hypocritical”. “I suspect that this is more about resistance to a potential business rival than concern for the environment,” he added. According to the source, only those who have a proven record of compliance to environmental laws have a right to raise concerns for the environment. “A violator should be the last person to lecture us about violations. They are merely deflecting the issue,” the source added. He said he is not bothered about the proposed reclamation project for two reasons.

“First, there are laws governing reclamation projects. For as long as the laws are complied with, then there is no basis for our complaints,” he stressed. The source pointed out that there are reclamation projects in countries that are far more environmentally-conscious than the Philippines. If these reclamation projects passed approval there, there is no reason why it should not be allowed here. “Second, we all have the opportunity to take part in the process of approval,” he added. The source said that instead of making noise and raising hell at this point, opponents of the project should do so at the proper forum when the project is submitted for approval.

As things stand, the source said the complaining resort owners are trying to make it appear that they should be the ones to decide who will invest in Panglao and what the nature of investment should be. “Again, before they do that, they should first look at themselves if they qualify as environmental protectors because most of them look like polluters of the environment,” he added. The source also seconded the call of other stakeholders for the government to evaluate the existing resorts to determine if they comply with the environmental procedures. “Those found violating the law should be required to make the necessary rectifications. If they continue to disregard the law, then penal sanctions should be imposed to deliver the message that no one is above the law,” the source added.