Virgin Island is ‘temporarily closed’ after coral vandalism incident

MANILA, Philippines – The Provincial Government of Bohol has issued a temporary closure of Puntod Island, also known as Virgin Island, and its surrounding waters starting September 9 due to a coral vandalism incident, they announced in a statement.

“The recent coral vandalism incident at the Estaca Snorkeling Area in Puntod Island (Virgin Island) serves as a stark reminder for Boholanos and tourists alike to recognize the vital role our marine ecosystems play in our lives. Coral reefs are not just beautiful underwater landscapes — they are essential to life,” they stated on Tuesday, September 10.

Healthy coral reefs provide habitats, feeding grounds, spawning sites, and nurseries for over a million aquatic species, including many fish that sustain local economies. “For communities living near coral reefs, especially on small islands, these ecosystems are also a crucial source of food and livelihood,” they added.

They also said that “the bold decision to close Puntod Island to water activities is a necessary step for the reefs to rest, recover, and thrive again.”

“Under the leadership of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, the Provincial Government of Bohol fully supports strict environmental protection measures to ensure sustainability for generations to come,” they said, requesting the support of the public to safeguard Bohol’s marine treasures and raise awareness about the importance of conservation.

“We regret that there are still people who look down on and ignore our joint efforts to keep these corals beautiful,” Governor Aumentado wrote.

All water-based activities on the island are prohibited except gleaning, boat passage to Balicasag Island, and the fishcage operations of Danao United Fishermen’s Association (DUFA) operating within the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS). 

The Provincial Government of Bohol did not state a date for Virgin Island’s reopening.

Puntod Island lies between Balicasag and Panglao Islands, about a 20-minute boat ride away from Panglao. 

Since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Bohol as a Global Geopark in May 2023, Bohol’s development projects have focused on environmental protection and sustainability, aiming to be the country’s first regenerative island province. 

In a recent interview with Rappler during the 35th Philippine Travel Mart in Pasay City on September 6, the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office officer-in-charge Joanne Pinat said the island focuses on regenerating the ecosystem “due to the harmful impacts of daily human activities.”

“There [are a] lot of challenges kasi hindi naman lahat ng tao ganun yung pananaw. Hindi lahat ng tao sensitive sa damage [to the] ecosystems,” Pinat added, as Boholano people have a really high value for environmental protection.

As the Philippines’ first UNESCO global geopark, Bohol centers on regenerative island activities to protect its natural resources and regenerate the ecosystem. 

The 216th UNESCO Executive Board Session in Paris declared Bohol a Global Geopark in May 2023 for its 400 years of history, cultural traditions, unique geological treasures, and holistic management of the island’s protection and sustainable development. – Rev Dela Cruz/Rappler.com

Rev Dela Cruz is a Rappler intern studying AB Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.