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3│ Ecotourism in the Islands
Ecotourism Sites & Activities
Bantayan Island, the Camotes Group of Islands and President Carlos P. Garcia Island
have a diverse range of high quality natural and man-made attractions, which are ideal for
ecotourism development. Its attractions include an extensive system of protected areas such as
coral reefs, marine parks and mangrove forests; fine white sand beaches; coves; caves;
waterfalls, and; historical sites that could easily be packaged into viable tourism products. At
present, tourism activities are limited to the following: rest & relaxation, nature tours, trekking,
biking, homestay, and festival celebration.
Natural Resource Base
The islands' natural resource base comprises mostly of marine and coastal resources,
such as marine sanctuaries, coral reserves, beaches, seascapes, caves and mangrove areas.
Measures to protect some of the potential ecotourism sites such as the marine protected
areas are already in place. Local legislations such as the Municipal Fisheries and Coastal
Resource Management Code and the Clean and Green Ordinance are some of the local
initiatives taken to protect the coastal resources of the islands. A number of task forces have also
been created to ensure the protection of the marine sanctuaries.
There is a need though to strengthen some of the measures. Even with the presence of
the bodies, violations threaten these protected areas.
Marine Protected Areas. The islands boast of successfully-implemented and managed marine
protected areas. By virtue of enacted ordinances, the islands have established 56 marine
sanctuaries/protected areas, covering more than 1,000 hectares. Almost half (25) of the marine
protected areas are found in Bantayan Island. Another 22 are found in President C.P. Garcia
Island and 9 in Camotes Island (see Table 3).
The Marine Protected Areas are home to hundreds of marine flora and fauna species
including coral reserves. These sanctuaries are potential ecotourism sites for snorkelling, diving,
and fish feeding.
Although marine resource conservation was the primary reason for establishing the
marine protected areas (MPA), the tourism industry could benefit from the MPAs and put more
justification for their maintenance. If managed well, tourism could contribute to the economic
gains of the MPAs in the islands as well as boost their conservation.
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Table 3. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Camotes Group of Islands and President C.P. Garcia Island
MPA Location Covered Barangay/s Total Area
Camotes Group of Islands
1. Pilar Municipal Marine Park (PMMP) Pilar Lower Poblacion and
Villahermosa
179.2 hectares
2. Libertad Marine Sanctuary Poro Libertad 33 hectares
3. Esperanza Marine Protected Area Poro Esperanza 42 hectares
4. Santiago MPA San Francisco Santiago 18 hectares
5. San Isidro MPA San Francisco San Isidro 48 hectares
6. Esperanza MPA San Francisco Esperanza 12 hectares
7. Consuelo MPA San Francisco Consuelo 38.6 hectares
8. Puertobello MS Tudela Puertobello 39 hectares
9. Villahermosa MS Tudela Villahermosa 69 hectares
President Carlos P. Garcia Island
1. Aguining Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Aguining 51.14 hectares
2. Bonbonon Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Bonbonon 32.62 hectares
3. Campamanog Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Campamanog 9.77 hectares
4. Canmangao Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Canmangao 5.35 hectares
5. Kabangkalan Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Kabangkalan 2.99 hectares
6. Tilmobo Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Tilmobo 2.17 hectares
7. Tugas Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Tugas 10.35 hectares
8. Gaus III Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Gaus 9.59 hectares
9. Lipata Marine Protected Area II President C.P.Garcia Lipata 10 hectares
10. Bantigue Island Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Butan N/A
11. Bantigue-an Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Saguise N/A
12. Basiao Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Basiao N/A
13. Baud Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Baud N/A
14. Bogo Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Bogo N/A
15. Datag Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Popoo N/A
16. Gaus I Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Gaus N/A
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MPA Location Covered Barangay/s Total Area
17. Gaus II Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Gaus N/A
18. Pong-Gamay Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Lapinig N/A
19. Santo Rosario Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Santo Rosario N/A
20. Sidlakan Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Saguise N/A
21. Talisay Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Pitogo N/A
22. Villa Milagrosa Marine Sanctuary President C.P.Garcia Villa Milagrosa N/A
Sources: Local Government Units of Bantayan and Camotes Islands
Mangroves. Several areas in the islands have been dedicated to mangrove plantations. The
more important mangrove sites are those found in Bantayan Island. The mangrove sites in the
Municipality of Madridejos cover a total area of 38.56 hectares while that in the Municipality of
Bantayan cover 90 hectares. Potential activities in the area include kayaking, boating, and
fishing.
Beaches. The islands' coastal areas are characterized by either strips of white sand beaches or
limestone crags. Both offer good sites for swimming and seascape scenery. The islands have
also several islets that
have potential for island
hopping activities.
Bantayan Island
where tourism is already
an emerging industry is
particularly popular
among domestic and
foreign visitors for its
white and sandy beaches
and clear seawaters. The
Municipality of Santa Fe
boasts of a 17.5
kilometer stretch of
pristine sandy beaches.
Hence, the municipality
is host to numerous
beach resorts in the
island.
Caves. The islands have
a good number of caves that are ideal for adventure tours such as spelunking.
Waterfalls. Waterfalls is another attraction found in Camotes Island. The Municipality of Tudela
have two waterfalls and the Municipality of Poro has a waterfall.
Beach resort in Bantayan Island, Cebu
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Lakes. Lake Danao in the Municipality of San Francisco, Camotes Island is one of the most
scenic lakes in the Philippines. It is the only freshwater lake in Cebu and the second cleanest
lake in the country. Given its relatively large area (approximately 500 hectares) and the fact that
no fish cage has been constructed within the lake, it could be a very good place for fishing and
cruising. Lake Danao, which is home to a variety of wildlife species, is also ideal for picnics.
Cultural Resources
Cultural resources include historical sites, festivals, and traditional practices.
Historical Sites. The Islands of Bantayan, Camotes and President C.P. Garcia are not only home
to many natural attractions but also host a number of historical sites. An assessment of these
sites, however, needs to be conducted to determine the extent of their potential as ecotourism
products.
Festivals. Festivals are
common attractions in the
Philippines that showcase the
cultural heritage of the locals.
As these festivals were able to
attract tourists in many areas,
they could also be used in the
case of the islands to promote
tourism.
Cultural Practices. Some
handicraft industries are unique
to the islands that could be
developed to become the
islands' niche market in cultural
tourism. Such type of tourism
product, which could be
developed further to allow
tourists to personally experience
the actual production, is gaining
popularity in the global tourism
scene.
Soli-soli Festival of San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
(Photo by Enrico Dee)
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Ecotourism Facilities & Services
Accommodation. Considering that the tourism industry in the islands (except Bantayan Island) is
still in its early stage of development, facilities to support the industry are limited in terms of
capacity and type. Most of the ecotourism sites are still largely without accommodation facilities.
In President C.P. Garcia Island, which is the least developed among the 3 island groups,
there are only two beach resorts that provide accommodation. These resorts are quite small,
capable of hosting a total of 22 guests.
In Camotes Island where tourism is slowly being developed, only about 100 rooms are
available in the entire island. Homestays, however, have been organized in some municipalities
to address the lack of accommodation facilities in the area.
In Bantayan Island where tourism is already an emerging industry, accommodation
facilities are available for tourists in all the three municipalities. Most of the hotels, resorts and
restaurants, however, are concentrated in the Municipality of Santa Fe where the best beaches
are found. Among the tourist accommodation facilities in Santa Fe are six (6) class A resorts,
eight (8) class B and C resorts, and 18 rest houses or cottages built along the shoreline.
Accommodation is not the only facility that needs to be put up if the islands are to be
developed into world-class ecotourism destinations. Adequate auxiliary facilities and services
such as rescue and medical facilities & services, banks, tour and transport services, restaurants
and entertainment facilities, reception/information centers, and public restrooms must also be
provided.
Dining. Among the three groups of islands, Bantayan Island has the most number of dining
places and entertainment facilities for tourists. Many of these are located within the premises of
the resorts/ hotels. Camotes Island, for its part, has limited choices of restaurants and
entertainment facilities. President C.P. Garcia has no such facilities for tourists.
Reception/ information centers are not available within the tourism sites.
Medical Services. In Camotes Island, there is only one 25-bed capacity hospital based in the
Municipality of San Francisco. Likewise, in President C.P. Garcia Island, there is a 10-bed capacity
hospital. All of the municipalities in the 3 island groups, however, have rural health units (RHU)
that are staffed with a doctor, nurses, and midwives.
The health care services offered in the RHUs are limited to general consultations. For
extreme medical cases, patients are usually brought to hospitals in mainland Cebu or Bohol,
which are better equipped to handle more complicated medical cases.
Organized professional and volunteer rescue services within the islands are non-existent.
The local government units through their Barangay and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Councils (B/MDRRMC) spearhead rescue operations during emergencies and
calamities. While the barangay volunteers have undergone short trainings on rescue and
disaster risk reduction, there is a need to hone their capabilities further to conduct rescue
operations. Providing support to the barangay volunteers and civilians is the Philippine National
Police.
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Banking. Banking services, which are among the basic services expected in tourist destinations,
are wanting in Camotes and President C.P. Garcia Island. There is only one bank in Camotes
Island situated in the Municipality of Poro. The bank, however, provides automatic teller machine
(ATM) services; hence, certain bank transactions may be availed even beyond banking hours.
In Bantayan Island, banking services are more plentiful compared to that in the other
islands. Allied Bank, Aspac, and the Bantayan Rural Bank have branches in the island. Financial
services are also available through the Western Union, Palawan Pawnshop, and several money
changer outlets.
Transportation. Tour and transport services in the islands are very much lacking. The Island of
President C.P. Garcia where tourism is still undeveloped has no such service for tourists. In
Camotes Island, there is no locally-based tour operator to service the needs of tourists visiting
the islands. The developing tourism industry in Camotes Island relies on tour operators based in
mainland Cebu to service the tourists who visit the island.
Inland transportation in the Islands of Camotes and President C.P. Garcia are limited and
uncomfortable. The public utility motorcycle, known locally as “habal-habal”, is the main mode of
transportation within the islands. Although the habal-habal can carry only two to three adult
passengers, it can reach any point in the islands. A few public utility jeepneys also ply certain
routes in Camotes Island especially those routes that cut across municipalities. The trips however
are not regular and are far in-between. In contrast, Bantayan Island has a fairly developed
transportation system. Public utility jeepneys, for-hire vehicles, tricyles, habal-habal and trisikads
are plentiful to service the transportation needs of the populace.
In the case of inter-island travel particularly between the islands and mainland Cebu or
Bohol, sea transport is the main if not sole mode of transportation. Although an airstrip, which
can accommodate small airplanes is present in Camotes Island (Municipality of San Francisco)
and Bantayan Island (Municipality of Santa Fe), only chartered flights are serviced by the
airstrips. Travel time from Mactan, Cebu to Bantayan Island is approximately 30 minutes.
Motorized bancas, ferryboats and fast crafts are available daily to transport passengers
and cargo by sea to and from the islands to mainland Cebu or Bohol. Travel time from Camotes
Island to Danao (Cebu), Mandaue or Cebu City is approximately 3 to 4 hours in the case of
motorized bancas or ferryboats, and 2 hours in the case of fast crafts (Cebu City to Camotes
Island). There are also boats plying the Ormoc (Leyte) – Tudela (Camotes Island) route.
Bantayan Island, for its part, can be reached through an overnight sea trip by ferryboat
from Cebu City. The traveler has also an option to take the 3-hour bus ride from Cebu City to the
north of Cebu, to the Municipality of San Remegio and from there catch the ferryboat for the one
hour trip to the island. Boat trips are also available between Bantayan Island and Masbate. In the
case of the Island of President C.P. Garcia, motorized bancas ply daily the President C.P. Garcia -
Ubay (Bohol) route, President C.P. Garcia - Lo-oc, Mandaue City (Cebu) route, and President C.P.
Garcia – Bato (Leyte) route.
Since sea travel is the only means for common travelers to reach the islands, accessibility
is a major issue in the efforts of the local governments to develop the islands' ecotourism
industry. Sea travel is affected by seasonal weather conditions. The Amihan (northeasterly
winds) which occurs from October to February usually brings high sea waves that could make sea
travel uncomfortable to passengers.
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Ecotourism Stakeholders
The ecotourism industry has a wide variety of stakeholders. They include the national
government, local governments, non-government organizations, and private enterprise operators.
The following are the roles performed by the major stakeholders.
National Government. On 17 June 1999, the national government passed Executive Order No.
111 declaring as a policy the development of ecotourism in the Philippines. Following this
declaration, the national government through the various government agencies coordinated the
preparation of tourism development plans and the conduct of tourism promotional activities.
The National Ecotourism Strategy for the Philippines (July 2002) and the Sustainable
Tourism Management Plan for the Central Philippines (December 2007) have identified a
number of sites in Bantayan Island and the Camotes Group of Islands as potential key
ecotourism sites in the country and batted for their development. The recognition of Camotes
Island as an emerging important tourist destination in the country was especially reaffirmed by
the national government when it named the island as the “new iconic product” in Central
Visayas. With the inclusion of Bantayan and Camotes Islands in the national government's plans
for ecotourism development, marketing them as major ecotourism destinations should not be as
much a problem. In the case of President C.P. Garcia Island in Bohol, while the island
municipality is not specifically mentioned as a key ecotourism site in the country's tourism plans,
the whole province of Bohol is recognized as an important ecotourism destination which can also
benefit President C.P. Garcia Island.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is coordinating the development and government
marketing of the ecotourism sites and products of the Philippines, the Central Visayas Islands
included. DOT is also involved in standard setting for the industry.
Aside from policy setting and promoting the ecotourism sites, the national government is
in the forefront of protecting the natural and cultural resources of the country. In particular, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) together with the Protected Area
Management Boards (PAMBs) oversee the development and management of the protected areas
of which the small islands are critical components. As protected areas, no development is
allowed to be undertaken in these areas unless approved by DENR and the PAMBs.
Among the more recent initiatives of the national government to develop and promote
ecotourism in the small islands of Central Visayas was the implementation of the Philippine
Environmental Governance Project or eGov Project. The eGov Project, a technical assistance
project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), facilitated the
formulation of the Destination Development Plan for the Camotes Sea. The plan provides a broad
framework for the development of the Camotes Group of Islands as an ecotourism destination.
The assistance of the national government especially DOT and DENR in developing the
islands' ecotourism industry continues to be needed particularly in the following areas: capacity-
building for the local government units on ecotourism planning, product development, standards
setting, monitoring and administration of ecotourism activities; and enforcement of laws, rules
and regulations that have bearing on ecotourism.
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Local Government. The policy of the national government to promote ecotourism spurred the
local government units of Bantayan and Camotes Islands to assess potential ecotourism
destinations within their respective localities and to take the lead in developing and marketing
some of these ecotourism sites. Thus far, Bantayan Island has the most developed tourism
industry among the three island groups. In contrast, the municipal government of President C.P.
Garcia has yet to take an active role in developing the ecotourism industry of the island. These
include the identification of potential ecotourism destinations/sites, the preparation of plans,
product development, marketing, infrastructure development and social and community
mobilization.
The municipal governments were assisted in marketing the ecotourism products of the
islands by the provincial government and the private sector. The Suroy-Suroy Sugbu tours of the
Cebu Provincial Government in particular had been providing the venue for Bantayan and
Camotes Islands to showcase their potential as important ecotourism destinations. This tourism
project involves 3-day visits to a number of towns to experience the lifestyle and culture of the
area. Part of the program includes visits to cultural heritages like old churches, cultural
presentations/shows, food fairs of local delicacies, exhibits of crafts and other products, and
visits to natural attractions. A fee is charged from participants to cover accommodation and other
travelling costs. Thus far, the tours were successfully in attracting a number of tourists that
included balikbayans, domestic and foreign tourists, and businessmen. The Cebu Provincial
Government has been receiving inquiries on future Suroy-Suroy Sugbu tours, an indication of its
increasing popularity, which could benefit Bantayan and Camotes Islands.
Sogod
Carmen
Liloan
Borbon
Catmon
Medellin
Bogo Tabogon
San Remigio Bantayan
Danao City Compostela
Argao Naga
Barili Dumanjug
Alcoy Boljoon
Badian
Ronda
Alegria
Malabuyoc
Carcar
Oslob
Ginatilan
Samboan Santa Fe Madridejos
Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Program of Cebu Province
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The local government especially the municipal government is also deeply involved in
environment protection. The numerous marine protected areas and marine sanctuaries, for one,
were created by the local government units through local legislation. Aside from passing local
ordinances, the local governments created councils, task forces and similar bodies (e.g., Coastal
Law Enforcement Council, Task Force Kalikupan, Bantay Dagat) to oversee the management and
development of the natural resources of the islands and the implementation of measures,
regulations and standards set by the national and local governments.
The local government units partnered with the private sector and the non-government
organizations in many of the tourism-related activities of the LGUs. The Expanded-Green
Wholesome Environment that Nurtures or e-GWEN program of the Provincial Government of
Cebu, for instance, is being implemented in cooperation with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
(RAFI). The e-GWEN program assists the local government units in Cebu practice good
governance, environmental protection, and sustainable ecotourism development and promotion.
The LGUs are expected to continue to provide direction for ecotourism at the local level
and to ensure that ecotourism in the local area contributes to the protection of the natural and
cultural resources of the area.
Protected Area Management Board. Since Bantayan Island, the Camotes Group of Islands, and
the Island of President C.P. Garcia are declared protected areas (as many of the small islands of
Central Visayas are), the Protected Area Management Boards (PAMBs) composed of
representatives of national agencies, local government units and non-government organizations
are responsible for planning and overseeing the development and management of the islands.
As protected areas, no development is allowed to be undertaken in these areas unless approved
by the PAMBs.
The PAMBs of the three island groups have been organized and are involved in the
following: policy formulation, settlements regulation, issuance of occupancy rights, collection and
management of user's fees, royalty fees and other fees, and issuance of clearances in
shorelines.
Non-Government Organizations. There are non-government organizations or NGOs implementing
ecotourism-related projects in the islands. Most of the projects involve natural resource
preservation and management. Livelihood assistance is also being provided by some NGOs. The
beneficiaries of the projects of NGOs include small-scale fishermen and farmers, and women.
Tourism Enterprises. Tourism enterprises pertain to facilities, services and attractions involved
in tourism (Republic Act 9593, 2009). They include the following: travel and tour services, tourist
transport service, accommodation establishments, convention and exhibition organizers, tourism
estate management services, restaurants, shops/stores, recreational centers, spas, museums/
galleries, theme parks, and convention centers.
Among the three island groups, Bantayan Island has the most number and variety of
tourism enterprises. Camotes Island's tourism enterprises, which are few, consist mainly of
accommodation facilities and eateries. The Island of President C.P. Garcia has only two beach
resort establishments and no other tourism enterprise.
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The tourism enterprises in the three islands are not organized. That is, each
establishment work individually to advance its interests or business. This fragmented action of
tourism enterprises makes it difficult to raise awareness and generate action on common issues
and concerns plaguing the tourism enterprises in the islands.
The lack of properly trained and educated manpower to work in the islands' tourism
enterprises as well as lack of knowledge on product development are also major challenges.
Thus, capability building programs and skills trainings are some of the priority activities that need
to be implemented in the short-term for the tourism enterprises for a sustainable ecotourism.
Visitors. Visitors seeking ecotourism experiences are the very reason why there is an ecotourism
market. At present, only a small segment of this growing market has been tapped by the three
island groups mainly because of limited products that the islands could offer for the moment.
With their natural resources and cultural assets, the islands have the potential to attract
the following types of market: adventure travellers, sedentary travellers, families, scuba divers,
independent travellers or backpackers, resort-centric travellers, students, and study tours. The
islands have also potentials as sites for film-making, art tours, and photography.
As travellers become more discerning --- seeking quality experiences and willing to pay
well for them --- it is essential that tourism authorities strive to come up with quality ecotourism
products. Satisfied visitors could be very effective tourism marketing agents for the islands'
ecotourism destinations.
Local Communities. In order to maximise the benefits that ecotourism could bring to the
communities, the local populace must be involved in ecotourism planning processes and
activities. The sustainability of ecotourism depends largely on the support of the local
community. Local communities will be more inclined to support and champion the ecotourism
projects and activities if they are made part of the planning for these activities.
The success of the islands in their implementation of past community-based initiatives is
an indication that ecotourism, which is anchored on community-based tourism, could be a viable
long-term undertaking in the islands.
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Table 4. Major Stakeholders and their Roles in Ecotourism Development
Stakeholder Roles/Major Areas of Interest
National Government Agencies
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR)
Conservation of biodiversity, management of
protected areas under NIPAS, establishment &
management of critical habitats, hazard
mitigation, policies, plans & programs formulation
on environmental concerns, promulgation of
rules, regulations & guidelines, enforcement of
environmental laws
Department of Agriculture (DA) Well-being of fishermen, conservation & proper
utilization of fishery & aquatic resources, policy
formulation, conduct of training
Department of Interior and Local Government Conduct of training/capability building of LGUs
Department of Transportation and
Communication (DOTC)
Policy formulation and regulation of marine
transport and communication
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Ports development and management
Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH)
Public works/ infrastructure development (e.g.
roads)
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Trade, livelihood development and training
Department of Tourism (DOT) Tourism development, production of IEC
materials, promotions and marketing, policy
formulation
Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA)
Skills training
Local Government Units Enforcement of laws, legislation of local laws to
regulate natural resource utilization and
development, enactment of comprehensive land
use plans & zoning ordinances, preparation of
local tourism/destination plans, development and
promotion of ecotourism sites, funding and
implementation of programs & projects
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Management of protected areas
Non-government Organizations (NGOs) Conduct of skills training, livelihood development
and training, conservation of biodiversity
Tourism Enterprises Development and promotion of ecotourism sites
and products, provision of ecotourism services,
conservation of natural resources
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Stakeholder Roles/Major Areas of Interest
Visitors/ Tourists Promotion of ecotourism sites and products,
contribution to conservation of natural
environment
Local Communities Plans and programs formulation, development
and promotion of ecotourism sites, monitoring of
implementation of environmental laws
Support Infrastructure and Utilities
The presence of good infrastructure and reliable utility services are pre-conditions to a
successful and sustainable ecotourism industry. The following sections describe briefly the state
of the infrastructure and utilities in the three island groups.
Sea Ports. The existing seaports in the three island groups are used primarily by the ordinary
commuters in their trips to or out of the islands. The same seaports are used by the tourists who
visit the islands. Most of the trips going to or originating from the islands' seaports have
mainland Cebu (for Bantayan and Camotes Islands) and mainland Bohol (for President C.P.
Garcia) as their destinations. There are also trips going to other neighboring provinces such as
Leyte and Masbate (see Figure 2).
Camotes Group of Island. Camotes Island has port facilities in the Municipalities of Poro, San
Francisco, Tudela and Pilar. The ports cater mainly to small boats plying mainland Cebu and
Camotes, and Leyte and Camotes. There is also a fastcraft service plying the Cebu City to Poro
route. In the Port of Poro, there are plans to put up a shopping center inside the port to cater to
passengers as well as tourists.
President Carlos P. Garcia Island. The island municipality has one base port, the Port of Pitogo,
and 2 subsidiary feeder ports in Barangays Popoo and Aguining. The Port of Pitogo is the main
port of the island and the town’s gateway to Cebu and mainland Bohol. While the Port of Pitogo
is not designed for large seacrafts, large vessels can drop anchor in Pitogo Bay. The Port of
Pitogo, however, has no passenger terminal facilities but only a waiting shed that provides little
shelter to passengers.
The feeder port in Barangay Popoo has RORO facilities. Motorized bancas however are
the main users of the port. These bancas are available anytime to transport passengers from the
island to Ubay in mainland Bohol and vise-versa for a fee with special night rates. Travel time is
only 10 minutes. As in the case of the Pitogo port, the Popoo feeder port has no passenger
terminal facilities but only a waiting shed.
The feeder port in Barangay Aguining is operational on Fridays only. Except for a concrete
quay, it has no other facilities. The Port of Aguining serves mainly as jump off point for the
transport of livestock bound for Maasin City in Southern Leyte.
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Figure 5. Seaport and Airport
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Airport/Airstrip. Bantayan Island has a feeder airport located in the Municipality of Santa Fe. A
feeder airport is one that serves towns with limited passenger traffic. The airport in Bantayan
Island, however, is not being used for commercial operation. Only chartered flights are presently
accommodated in the airport.
Camotes Island, for its part, has an airstrip located in the Municipality of San Francisco.
The airstrip can easily accommodate aircrafts with 15-50 passenger capacity. While the 1.2-
kilometer airstrip was improved by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) in
2005, it has remained unattended and thus needs rehabilitation and upgrading to accommodate
commercial flights that could bring in more tourists to Camotes Island.
The Island of President C.P. Garcia has no airport nor airstrip. The nearest airport is the
feeder airport located in the Municipality of Ubay in mainland Bohol.
Roads. The roads in Bantayan Island and the Camotes Group of Islands are generally in good
condition. Except for the roads in the remote barangays, the road network in the two island
groups are either asphalted or cemented. In the Island of President C.P. Garcia, meanwhile, only
6.23 percent of the 63.52 kilometers of road are concrete.
Roads leading to some of the ecotourism sites in all the three islands need to be
constructed or improved.
Power. Electricity is available in the three island groups. These are provided by the electric
cooperatives in the islands. Cost of power in the islands though is relatively high. Because of this,
while all barangays in the islands are served with electricity, not all households are connected.
Not all areas in the Islands of Bantayan and Camotes also have 24-hour power service.
Power service in many municipalities runs up to 10 to 18 hours only daily. Power fluctuation is
also common in various areas.
The Island of President C.P. Garcia has the most reliable and sustainable power supply.
This is because the Leyte-Bohol power interconnection link of the Visayas grid passes through the
Island of President C.P. Garcia.
Water. Potable water supply is a major concern in the islands. The water supply systems in the
islands are inadequate to provide safe and potable water to all residents. This is because being
small islands, the area do no have big rivers as sources of water. The volume of groundwater,
which is the main source of water in the islands, is also low due to limited land area. In some
municipalities, there are instances in the summer months that water is scarce as many of the
islands' main sources of water dry up.
Majority of the households in the islands with access to safe water get their water from
communal faucets (level II water supply system).
Communication. Cellular mobile phone is the primary mode of communication in the islands.
Cell phone service is provided by Smart, Globe and Sun Telecom. Still, communication service
remains unreliable due to intermittent weak signals and presence of dead spots.
Landline telephone service is available only in Bantayan Island. However, almost all
towns in the three island groups have public calling centers usually located in the urbanized area
of the towns. Some of the public calling centers though could not be accessed any time in the
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day. In one municipality in Camotes Island, for instance, a telephone connection could only be
made in the mornings.
The internet provides an alternative means of communication in the islands. There are
some internet cafes in the three island groups although not all municipalities have them. In
Camotes Island, the Municipalities of Poro and San Francisco have internet cafes. The island
municipality of President C.P. Garcia has also a few internet cafes, all located in Barangay Pitogo.
Solid Waste and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. A major challenge that all the three island
groups must address as they develop their respective ecotourism industry is the proper disposal
of wastes. At present, many of the municipalities in the three island groups do not have adequate
facilities and a system in place to address the anticipated rise in the volume of wastes that will
be generated by a growing tourism industry.
Open dumpsites are widely used in the islands in the disposal of garbage. Moreover,
tourism establishments in the islands do not have wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that
effluents that are disposed to the sea are clean.