A weekly roundup of travel, development, and lifestyle news from across the “Jewel of the Philippines.”
1. Panglao International Airport Reports Record-Breaking Arrivals for March
The Panglao International Airport recorded its highest single-month passenger volume since reopening post-pandemic, with officials citing a surge in direct international flights from South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. The March influx signals a strong start to the peak summer season, with local resorts reporting near-full occupancy through April.
2. New Digital Nomad Co-Working Hub Opens in Dauis with 1Gbps Fiber
A state-of-the-art co-working facility officially opened in Dauis this week, offering dedicated desks, private phone booths, and the island’s first publicly available 1-gigabit fiber connection. The hub, designed with remote professionals in mind, has already attracted a growing community of digital nomads and tech workers seeking a productive base in paradise.
3. Loboc Riverwatch: “Firefly Population Shows Remarkable Recovery”
Local conservationists reported a significant increase in firefly counts along the Loboc River during this week’s quarterly monitoring. The rebound is attributed to stricter enforcement of single-use plastic bans and reduced chemical runoff from upstream farms. Evening river cruises are now offering special firefly-watching tours that have quickly become a top attraction.
4. LGU Panglao Approves New Zoning Ordinance to Limit High-Rise Development
The Panglao local government unit passed a new zoning ordinance imposing stricter height and density limits on new commercial developments. The measure aims to preserve the island’s low-rise, eco-friendly character and prevent overdevelopment. Property developers are already adjusting plans to comply with the new guidelines.
5. Alona Beach Night Market Expands with Weekend Food Festival
The popular Alona Beach night market has expanded its hours and vendor count, launching a new weekend food festival featuring local delicacies, fresh seafood grills, and live acoustic performances. The market is now operating Thursday through Sunday, drawing both tourists and locals for evening strolls and dining.
6. “Bike for Bohol” Charity Ride Raises Over ₱1.2M for Island Schools
Over 300 cyclists participated in the annual “Bike for Bohol” charity ride, traversing a scenic 80-kilometer route from Tagbilaran City to Anda. The event raised more than ₱1.2 million to fund classroom repairs and school supplies for remote barangay elementary schools across the province.
7. New Dive Center Opens in Anda with Focus on Marine Conservation
A newly opened dive center in Anda is gaining attention for its conservation-first model, requiring guests to participate in a brief marine ecology briefing before any dive. The center has already adopted an artificial reef site and offers free “dive against debris” excursions to engage visitors in reef preservation.
8. Provincial Tourism Office Launches “Bohol Heritage Pass” for Historic Sites
The Bohol Provincial Tourism Office unveiled a new “Bohol Heritage Pass” offering discounted admission to a network of historic churches, watchtowers, and museums across the province. The digital pass is available through a mobile app and includes suggested heritage tour itineraries for self-guided exploration.
9. Taiwanese and Korean Airlines Add Seasonal Summer Flights to Panglao
Two major international carriers announced additional seasonal flight routes to Panglao International Airport for the summer months, including increased frequencies from Incheon, Seoul, and Taipei. Tourism officials expect the added capacity to further boost arrivals from key Northeast Asian markets through August.
10. Anda White Sand Restoration Project Receives National Environmental Award
The ongoing white sand restoration project in Anda was recognized this week with a national environmental award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The project, a partnership between local government and community volunteers, has successfully rehabilitated several eroded beachfront areas using sustainable methods.
Stay tuned for next week’s headlines. For real estate, investment, and relocation opportunities in Bohol, contact Lerma at 915-846-0937.