Bohol gov bullish on province’s growth potential

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado expressed confidence that the province would return to a sustained growth path in the coming years, citing its strong economic fundamentals.

During his State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Friday, Aumentado noted that the provincial economy grew by 3.9% in 2025, making it the second-fastest-growing economy in Central Visayas.

Aumentado said Bohol ranked second among the region’s five economies, comprising two provinces and three highly urbanized cities, behind Cebu City but ahead of Cebu province.

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READ: Bohol poverty incidence down 39.2 points in 25 years

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The 2025 performance marked a slowdown from the province’s exceptional 9% economic growth in 2024, when it was the fastest-growing economy in Central Visayas.

“Despite these issues, Bohol performed better than expected,” Aumentado said, referring to the challenges the province faced last year.

Despite the nationwide economic slowdown, Bohol’s growth remained above the regional average in 2025, he added.

The three major economic sectors posted positive growth last year, with services expanding by 4.2%, agriculture, forestry and fisheries by 3.2%, and industry by 3.1%.

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The province’s information and communications technology industry currently provides 7,000 full-time jobs, 95% of which are held by Boholanos. The provincial government aims to increase the number of jobs to 10,000 by the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, Bohol generated P12.6 billion in investments from October 2025 to May 2026 in renewable energy, tourism, commercial and mixed-use developments, infrastructure and services.

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Among the new businesses and developments cited by Aumentado were Sagility Philippines’ Global Delivery Center, the operations of Regus and Clear Insights, and the opening of ICM Cybercity.

The governor said the Sikatuna Solar Power Plant, which is nearing commercial operations, would add 45 megawatts of renewable energy to the province’s power supply.

He noted that Panglao ranked fourth nationwide in new hotel development in Leechiu Property Consultants’ 2026 Philippine Accommodation Pipeline Report, reflecting investor interest in the island’s accessibility through its international gateway and airport.

Aumentado said bank deposits in Bohol rose from P63 billion in 2022 to P92 billion in 2025, reflecting growing economic activity and confidence in the province.

Despite recent challenges in tourism, he said the province would address concerns over affordability, service quality and visitor experience while strengthening Bohol’s cultural heritage, natural attractions and designation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark.

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“We will continue to strengthen our comparative advantages and ensure that tourism remains sustainable, competitive, and beneficial to our communities,” Aumentado said. /das