The Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project is finally taking off with the allocation of P125 M for the acquisition of the land and the P3B that is being earmarked for its construction. The Provincial Tourism Master Plan has just been completed. The business forum last July 22 generated so much interest among investors to invest in Bohol . The steady march of Bohol to progress and development is now ensured.

The question is raised, however, whether our local government units are ready for this march in terms of their local development policies and plans. Are local legislations in place to support investments that are coming in without depriving locals of their own rights and privileges as residents? Already, some problems are showing up to tell us of future problems unless LGUs march in step with the pace of development that is shaping up. Let's take the case of one resort establishment in Panglao.

In response to the campaign of Gov. Erico B. Aumentado for investments to come in, a local businessman of no little means is putting up a big resort in 16 hectares of prime beach he has acquired in Panglao. He is in the process of securing an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the facilities he will construct. He has also applied for a foreshore lease agreement ( FLA ) so he could improve the quality of the beach fronting his resort in order to enhance its attractiveness to visitors. To his dismay, he could not get the endorsement of the Barangay Council that is needed by the Department of Tourism for its own endorsement of the project being required by DENR to process the FLA application.

The Barangay Council said it denied the requested resolution of endorsement because the fishermen residing in the barangay complained that they could no longer dock at the beach and the local residents are no longer given access to the sea or beach through the property of the resort where before they enjoyed unrestricted access. This is not an isolated deterrence to investment. This will become a common situation in the future as the rush of big business establishments particularly in Panglao and Dauis threatens local residents. Barangay local government units will be torn between the need for more revenues from businesses coming in and the responsibility to protect the welfare and the rights of their residents.

The concern of local residents being eventually deprived access to and enjoyment of the attractions of their homeland is genuine and cannot be brushed aside. Municipal local governments must therefore address it this early through appropriate legislations, policies and plans. It is high time the municipal governments not only designate areas along the shorelines but also construct fish ports where fishermen can dock their boat and unload their catch. When constructed these fish ports can also become tourist attractions. It is time to designate public beaches where those who do not have the means to pay entrance fees to beach resorts can still enjoy what God has given the Boholanos. It is time to pass zoning ordinances or amend them if such provisions are not included in existing ones. The success of Bohol 's development is not just in the increased economic activities but also in having the Boholanos - rich and poor - enjoy the gift of God and nature anytime they want to.