DENR secures green sea turtle nesting 

site in Alona Beach, monitors 227 eggs

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 7 (DENR-7) is calling on the public to help protect a confirmed green sea turtle nesting site discovered April 25 along the shores of Panglao, Bohol.

The nesting site, located in front of Henann Resort in Alona Beach, is part of a known turtle nesting corridor in the area.

Personnel from the Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS), the Panglao Island Restoration and Rehabilitation Program (PIRRP), and the Philippine Coast Guard verified the report and immediately secured the site.

A total of 227 eggs are expected to hatch within 45 to 70 days.

DENR and partner agencies have set up protective measures and will conduct regular monitoring.

“Every wildlife that builds a nest is a sign of hope, but also a call to action. Saving sea turtles is not only the government’s work but communities and partners working together. With continued protection and good coastal management, we can give these species a fighting chance to survive and thrive,” Salac said.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Wilson Henson said the nesting event confirms that Bohol’s coastal ecosystems continue to support marine biodiversity.

“We’re asking every resident, visitor and coastal stakeholder to help us keep this nest safe until the hatchlings make it to the sea,” Henson said.

In a separate statement, Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the eggs were moved to a safer location to protect them from rising water levels or wave action along the Henann Premier Coast shoreline.

He added that personnel from the DENR-CENRO Tagbilaran City Conservation and Development Section and resort staff are monitoring the eggs.

“Nanghinaot kita nga pinaagi sa maong mga lakang, mas mapalambo pa nato ang tibuok Probinsya sa Bohol isip usa ka environmentally-conscious UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island,” Aumentado said.

(We are hopeful that with these steps, we can further strengthen Bohol Province’s standing as an environmentally-conscious UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island.)

DENR urged the public to avoid disturbing the nesting area and limit the use of bright lights near the site. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Green sea turtle eggs lie in the sand at Henann Premier Coast in Alona, Panglao, on April 25. All 227 eggs were later relocated to a safer area near the nesting site after DENR personnel determined they were at risk from rising sea levels and wave action. (DENR)

Bohol logs first Tokyo charter flight, eyes 

regular Japan service via Panglao airport

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — A chartered direct flight from Tokyo to Bohol is scheduled for May 2, marking a concrete step toward regular international air service between Japan and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado announced the flight in an official statement, saying it is operated by Cebu Pacific in coordination with tourism stakeholders from Bohol and Japan, as well as the Department of Tourism.

Cebu Pacific Flight 5J8811 is expected to arrive from Narita, Japan, at 3:35 p.m. on May 2. The group departs May 6 via Flight 5J8812.

Aumentado traced the development to a business and tourism mission the province conducted in Japan in September 2025.

“Bunga kini sa atong gipahigayon nga business and tourism mission didto sa Japan niadtong Setyembre 2025, diin atong gihingusgan ang atong strategic efforts aron mapalig-on ang atong global tourism partnerships ug mapalapdan ang atong market reach,” he said.

(This is a result of our business and tourism mission to Japan in September 2025, where we worked to strengthen our global tourism partnerships and expand our market reach.)

The governor described the charter flight as a step toward making direct Japan-Bohol flights a regular service through BPIA.

“Usa kini ka importanteng lakang aron mapalig-on nato ang atong plano nga mahimo nang regular ang direct flights gikan sa Japan padulong sa Bohol Panglao International Airport. Pinaagi niini, mas mapalawom pa nato ang koneksyon sa international market ug mapakita sa kalibutan ang katahum sa Bohol,” Aumentado said.

(This is an important step toward having regular direct flights from Japan to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Through this, we will deepen our connection to the international market and showcase the beauty of Bohol to the world.)

Panglao Municipal Tourism Officer Leonides Senica said the direct flight removes a longstanding barrier for Japanese visitors.

“By removing the barrier of connecting flights, we are opening a seamless gateway for Japanese travelers to experience our world-class marine biodiversity and cultural heritage,” Senica said.

He said the service is expected to drive high-value tourism, boost resort occupancy, and create economic opportunities across transport, dining and tour sectors.

He added that Japan’s strong culture of environmental stewardship aligns well with Panglao’s sustainable tourism goals. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)

Beach chairs and umbrellas line the shore at a Panglao Island resort. A chartered direct flight from Tokyo is set to bring Japanese tourists to Bohol on May 2, with officials eyeing the service as a step toward regular Japan-Bohol air connections through the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)