The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region VII, in collaboration with the provincial government of Bohol, the local government unit of Panglao, and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), has reopened Puntod Island nestled within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape.
The move was taken Feb. 2 following the approval of PAMB Resolution No. 03 lifting the temporary closure order handed down in 2024 due to unabated destruction of corals at the Estaca snorkeling site.
The re-opening of Puntod, also called the Virgin Island, was contingent on adherence to strict DENR ecotourism guidelines, marine tourism rules, and existing environmental laws on sustainable and responsive ecotourism.
“The regulated reopening serves as a testament to our commitment to environmental protection,” said Laudemir Salac, said DENR regional executive director and concurrent PAMB chairman.
