The Panglao Municipal Tourism Council had earlier recommended the immediate closure of Virgin Island to Arcay when the issue was tackled during their emergency meeting last Monday, August 2.
In a statement, Leucodio Trotin, chairman of PMTC, said the body recommended the closure of Virgin Island for food vendors and other tourism activities effective Wednesday, August 3.
The issue stemmed from the viral post on Facebook of a woman showing the prices of seafood that she and her group from Baybay, Leyte ordered.
Their total bill amounted to P26,100.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas have ordered an investigation into the matter.
“Further, the council recommends for the continuance of the island-hopping operations of boats provided that such activity shall be limited only for sightseeing,” Trotin said.
While planning for “a well-organized and long-term resolution,” the tourism council recommended that a “food street or night market” in Panglao should be put up in which displaced vendors will be prioritized.
“To be fair and just to the affected vendors as well, they shall be able to continuously sell out whatever perishable stock on hand,” Trotin said.
The council also recommended the creation of an accredited association of vendors to be invited as member of the council so they could take part in making policies and planning process.