Here is a summary of recent events and announcements from across Bohol Island.
1. Fatal New Year’s Eve Motorcycle Accident Reported in Antequera
A 22-year-old man died after his motorcycle collided with a concrete barrier along a provincial road in Antequera in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police preliminary reports suggest speed was a factor, and an investigation is ongoing to determine if any mechanical failure was involved.
2. Governor Aumentado Leads New Year’s Day Commitment Ceremony for Provincial Employees
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led a flag-raising and commitment ceremony at the Capitol grounds, urging provincial government employees to dedicate themselves to transparency, efficiency, and continued development for Bohol in the new year.
3. Tagbilaran City Records Highest Ever Single-Day Tourist Arrivals on December 31st
Preliminary data from the Tagbilaran City Tourism Office indicates a record number of domestic tourists arrived on December 31st, 2025, surpassing previous years. The influx is attributed to holiday travel and numerous New Year’s Eve events hosted across the city and Panglao Island.
4. BFAR Lifts Red Tide Ban in Jao, Declares Shellfish Safe for Consumption
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7 has officially lifted the shellfish ban for the coastal waters of Jao. Two consecutive laboratory tests confirmed toxin levels have fallen below the regulatory limit, allowing fisherfolk to resume harvesting and sales.
5. DPWH Announces January Start for Slope Protection Project in Landslide-Prone Area of Alicia
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bohol 3rd District Engineering Office confirmed that a long-planned slope protection and ground improvement project in a critical area of Barangay Cayacay, Alicia, will commence construction in mid-January to mitigate landslide risks.
6. PAGASA Issues La Niña Advisory, Warns of Continued Rains for Bohol in January
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its latest seasonal forecast, indicating that the moderate La Niña conditions will likely bring above-average rainfall to the Visayas, including Bohol, throughout January. The PDRRMO advises continued preparedness.
7. Bohol Provincial Police Office Reports Generally Peaceful New Year’s Eve Celebration
The BPPO reported a significant decrease in firework-related injuries and noise complaints compared to previous years. The generally peaceful celebration is credited to extensive public information campaigns on responsible revelry and the use of community fireworks displays.
8. New Year’s Day Charity Run in Tagbilaran Raises Funds for Children’s Nutrition Program
Over 500 runners participated in the “Takbo Para sa Kabataan” early morning charity run organized by a coalition of local civic groups. Preliminary estimates indicate the event raised over ₱300,000 for a province-wide supplemental feeding program for undernourished children.
9. Restoration of Landmark Punta Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc Enters Final Phase
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) reported that the structural stabilization and repair of the 18th-century Punta Cruz Watchtower are complete. The final phase, involving site landscaping and visitor pathway improvements, is scheduled for completion by the end of Q1 2026.
10. Traditional “First Swim” and “First Mass” Rituals Draw Crowds to Beaches and Churches
A longstanding cultural tradition, the “First Swim” (Unang Karigo) for good health and the “First Mass” (Unang Misa) for blessings, drew large, festive crowds to beaches like Alona and Dauis, as well as to churches across the province, marking a hopeful start to the new year.