Tourism stood still for a while after the 7.2 magnitude monster earthquake that struck Bohol last October 15. With its banner attraction mostly affected, tourists who had previously made reservations suddenly cancelled their bookings. It was understandable for tourists to cancel. After all, quite a number of the chocolate hills were defaced. The earthquake that killed more than 200 Boholanos and scared to their wits everyone who was in the province that day has exposed the ugly “innards” of the chocolate hills. The centuries -old churches that attracted culture-inclined tourists have mostly been brought to ground zero. Even adventure tourism activities that challenged the iron-hearted ones had to be stopped to ensure that everyone who tries it is safe. So what was there left to show so that tourism could pick up once more and keep Bohol's niche in the world tourism map? There are still the white powdery beaches and pristine waters of the Bohol seas that could keep Bohol anchored among the best in the world.

Bohol's beaches are among the best in the world and could be the saving grace for the province. Sadly however, some tourism players don't recognize this or are aware of the importance the beaches play in the recovery of Bohol to its prime position in the industry. I went around Panglao Island last week to personally see and experience the allure of its beaches. I am sorry to express my disappointment. The once very beautiful beaches have become parade ground for stray dogs that meet and scare every visitor to the beach. This is very true in the Brgy. Libaong area where some of the resorts in Panglao are located. Wilted seagrass leaves and seaweeds litter the stretches of the beach shore as if they have never been cleaned for weeks. The inedible seaweeds are those that usually grow in dirty waters. The same waters could teem with ecoli. The whole Southern parts of Panglao where most of the beautiful white sand beaches are seen are filled with dive boats and bancas making the whole panorama an eyesore. The public beaches have sand that are either littered with garbage or stench of urine and tepid wash water.

In some areas, notwithstanding the law on easement and salvage zone of at least 20 meters from the highest tide, new concrete structures continue to encroach on prohibited areas of the beach. We challenge the Provincial Tourism Council and the municipal government of Panglao and Dauis to do something about this dismal phenomenon not next year but now. Panglao must lead the recovery program in tourism not only because it is the least affected by the earthquake but also because by its natural endowment, it is in the best position to do so. It will take time to overturn the ruins of the earthquake into interesting pieces for people to come and see in Bohol. But Panglao Island can provide the best and most effective fulcrum to keep the tourists coming and contribute to the enlivening of the economy of the province once more.