I’m from Bantayan Island. I’m currently living back in Santa Fe, although I still spend weeks with family in the city.
I have to disagree with the 0/10 rating. Apart from the fact that she missed Virgin Island, Baigad Lagoon Beach, Kota Park in Madridejos, the sunset bay in Bantayan Proper—not to mention the seafood and delicacies that are way cheaper compared to many other island tourist destinations in the Philippines. I love our island for being laid-back, quiet, and simple. The locals are hospitable and kind.
And as someone who grew up here, I would rather approach her post as constructive criticism—an eye-opener and maybe even a challenge for us.
Don’t get me wrong. I am NOT defending her lol 😂 I saw her post, and I actually think it’s ragebait. Her photos even say otherwise.
But here comes the challenge:
WHAT CAN WE IMPROVE AS BANTAYANONS?
We want to keep Bantayan as it is. We don’t want it to become overly commercialized and lose the charm that makes people fall in love with it in the first place. But at the same time, we have to recognize that our island thrives on tourism and that the world is continually evolving.
Those who survive are those who learn to adapt without losing who they are.
I’ve already stayed here for about a month this year, and I’ve decided to stay longer in Santa Fe while I homeschool my kids. Sadly, I see many restaurants closing, arcades sitting empty, and infrastructure—including some resorts—looking worn out.
Santa Fe Road, especially along CouCou Bar, floods even with just a normal rainfall. My kids and I sometimes have to tiptoe along the side of the road and walk quickly because we’re afraid a passing vehicle might splash us.
WHAT ELSE CAN WE IMPROVE?
We need to talk seriously about proper drainage, wastewater discharge, and water systems. Development isn’t just about adding attractions. Before inviting more tourists and investors, we also need infrastructure that can support both visitors and the growing needs of our own communities. Flooding, drainage, sewage, waste management, and a reliable water supply should be part of any long-term tourism and development plan.
And tourism shouldn’t be the only industry we strengthen.
Bantayan has a strong agricultural and fishing heritage. Why not invest more in sustainable agriculture, local farming, fisheries, and food production? We could support farm-to-table businesses, community gardens, sustainable poultry and livestock projects, organic farming, mangrove and coastal rehabilitation, and programs that connect local farmers and fishermen directly with resorts and restaurants.
Imagine tourists eating at a restaurant and knowing that the vegetables, eggs, seafood, and other ingredients on their plates came from Bantayan farmers and fishermen. Tourism should create opportunities throughout the island—not only along the beachfront.
What can we add to Omagieca and The Ruins to improve the experience? We cannot present the Camp Sawi movie to tourists forever. 😅 Can we develop cultural, historical, ecological, or interactive experiences around these places?
Can we have better terminals and cleaner, more accessible public toilets? Can we implement better and more consistent standards for resorts and tourism establishments?
I appreciate that the wharf has been repaired and that something is being done about the sand erosion, especially around the Talisay area. But while the project is still ongoing, I also see tourists walking in the rain carrying their luggage, with children and even babies with them.
What temporary solutions can the LGU provide while the project is being completed? Covered walkways? Better transport coordination? Designated loading and unloading areas? Shuttle services during bad weather? Small improvements can make a huge difference in a visitor’s first and last impression of the island.
And then there’s another important question:
What can we offer during the off-season?
What can the Department of Tourism and our LGUs develop beyond what we already have?
BECAUSE BANTAYAN ISLAND CAN OFFER SO MUCH MORE.
Imagine a proper Bantayan Island museum telling the story of our island, our towns, our churches, our communities, and generations of Bantayanons.
Imagine a fishing, marine, and shell gallery showcasing the livelihood, biodiversity, boats, fishing traditions, and culture of our people.
Imagine better food strips and restaurants highlighting Bantayan seafood and local delicacies, while providing affordable spaces and opportunities for small entrepreneurs.
Imagine more activities during the off-season—cultural events, food festivals, fishing experiences, cycling routes, sports events, agricultural tours, art markets, heritage walks, environmental activities, and community-based tourism.
Imagine better public spaces, parks, sidewalks, transportation facilities, drainage systems, public toilets, waste management, reliable water infrastructure, and greener communities.
And we also need to create an environment that encourages responsible investment.
More businesses mean more jobs and opportunities for Bantayanons. But investment should be well-planned. We should welcome investors who respect our environment, culture, communities, and the character of the island—not development that simply replaces everything that makes Bantayan special.
Perhaps the LGUs can make it easier for responsible businesses to invest through clearer processes, proper zoning, infrastructure planning, incentives for sustainable developments, and stronger partnerships with local entrepreneurs.
Development does not always mean building bigger resorts or more concrete structures.
Sometimes development means better roads, proper drainage, clean water, sustainable agriculture, protected coastlines, reliable transportation, thriving local businesses, and more opportunities for our people.
We can aim to be world-class while still maintaining Bantayan’s laid-back, quiet, and sedate vibe.
Those two things don’t have to contradict each other.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
So maybe the best thing to do is ignore that post, because she is obviously getting the attention she wants. 😂 But we can also choose to look at it from another perspective.
Instead of fighting over whether Bantayan deserves a 0/10 or a 10/10, maybe we can ask ourselves:
What can we do to make our island better?
Not just better for tourists. Better for Bantayanons.
Because if our roads, drainage, water systems, livelihoods, agriculture, businesses, public spaces, and environment improve for the people who actually live here, tourists will naturally experience a better Bantayan too.
I am a proud Bantayanon. I love our hometown so much. And maybe that’s exactly why it pains me to see that we are not moving forward and upward as much as I know we can.
Bantayan Island doesn’t need to become another Boracay, Siargao, or any other tourist island.
BANTAYAN ISLAND JUST NEEDS TO BECOME A BETTER VERSION OF BANTAYAN ISLAND.