Eco-Tourism: Key to Bohol's Progress

The Island of Bohol has been truly a piece of paradise on earth. Known for the its famous Chocolate Hills and Philippine Tarsiers, Bohol has been a favorite tourist spot in the Philippines because of its cozy white sand beaches with the relaxing nature backdrop. Nonetheless, this little piece of paradise is also subject and is being challenged by progress-a change that could mean harm to the place’s natural beauty and a movement that could give its locals a higher notch of lifestyle. In order to set balance to these possibilities, Eco-Tourism should be the Bohol’s top priority. To understand how the concept of Eco-tourism would work at Bohol, having knowledge of its people, culture and island’s economic stance should be taken into consideration

The Boholanos

Boholanos or the natives of this island had been known for its resiliency since the first settlement. Accounts from oral traditions to written history, Boholanos are assertive in terms of protecting their own paradise-they will stand up for their rights to the point of even giving up their own lives. The natives of Bohol, are certainly peace-loving individuals as they welcome visitors and tourists alike taking pride of the 'Sandugo' (Blood Compact) that took place in this island as they accepted their first 'tourists'.

The Culture

The mixture of influences throughout the history shaped the Boholanos culture. Prestige of the old Christian churches and the spread of the Catholic faith, signify the Spanish era's legacy. The old churches, on all major towns of the island of Bohol are dedicated to saints and during their patrons' feast day, the locals celebrate it with food, drinks and wonderful parade of colorful presentations. These lovely and enjoyable 'fiestas' (feast) had been a tradition of thanksgiving for locals-a recognition for an abundant harvest.

Business in Bohol

The island’s position serves as one of its business advantages. Located in the central part of the Philippines, accessibility on all major metropolises is never a problem. All major air and sea ports are also available for investors and all business related gathering in the island. Man power is another asset of this island in terms of investment. Boholanos hospitality, self-reliability and dedication are their unique traits. The native can also speak English-universal language for business transaction. Lower rate in terms of labor cost is another thing to consider in doing business at Bohol.

Investment, culture and Boholanos in Eco-Tourism

The local government of Bohol tries to make ends meet for its locals to have better way of life. They do this by animating public and private sectors to boost its natural resources. Developing real estates in terms of putting up world-class resorts and hotel will provide jobs and a way of living for the natives and at the same time a chance for visitors, tourists and investors to experience the bounty of staying at this blessed island of Bohol. The locals of Bohol would definitely shift their ways to preserving Mother Nature and sharing its wonders rather than exploiting natural resources and keeping it as a plunder for themselves.

Eco-Tourism could be a paradigm shift in how things see and do business. Bohol and its natural wonders is a special training ground in which others may try to realize that wealth is more than money that is earned but rather, wealth is a priceless asset that should be preserved and shared with others-like the beauty of Mother Nature that can be experience only at Bohol.

Eco-Tourism is another part of economic progress for Bohol. Eco-Tourism's drive is to preserve and share the beauty of nature than to exploit and rape natural resources and only the few could enjoy to the point of exhausting it.