Supporting Bohol’s Local Business: Empowering Small Businesses in the Philippines

Engaging with local businesses in Bohol is more than an economic transaction, it’s a pillar of sustainable tourism and community empowerment. This engagement helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism, supports the preservation of Boholano culture, and contributes to the community’s overall prosperity. In the wake of challenges such as the 2020 pandemic, choosing local has become a critical pathway to help the island bounce back, ensuring a brighter future for its residents. Making local purchases in the province of Bohol not only boosts the local economy but also promotes a return to traditional, environmentally sustainable practices.

Why Support Local Businesses in Bohol

Economic Impact

• Job Creation and Income: Local businesses are vital for job creation in Bohol, offering diverse opportunities from retail to services. These jobs are crucial for the community, providing stable income sources for many families and contributing to the province’s overall employment rate. The act of purchasing locally made products and services helps to raise the standard of living for many residents, creating a cycle of prosperity that benefits the entire island.
• Economic Circulation: Money spent at local businesses stays within the community, multiplying its impact through the local economy. This circulation helps build a resilient economic foundation for the island. Engaging in local trade and activities not only serves the immediate needs of travelers and residents but also ensures the longevity of Bohol’s unique marketplaces and stores.

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainability Practices: Many local businesses in Bohol adopt eco-friendly practices, from sourcing ingredients locally to minimizing waste. These efforts contribute to the island’s sustainability and help protect its natural beauty. For example, food processing businesses in Bohol often use freshly sourced ingredients, demonstrating excellent management of environmental resources and boosting the appeal of local cuisine.
• Support for Local Agriculture: Restaurants and food businesses that prioritize local produce support sustainable agriculture, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supporting local farmers. This practice not only serves freshly prepared dishes but also strengthens the livelihood of the agricultural community in Bohol.

Community and Cultural Identity

• Preservation of Local Culture: Bohol’s local businesses play a crucial role in keeping the island’s cultural heritage alive. From traditional crafts to local festivals, these businesses help maintain and celebrate Bohol’s unique identity. The province of Bohol is renowned for its combination of historical and modern attractions, including the production of traditional crafts such as shell and stone carving, which have been a source of livelihood for countless locals over the years.
• Community Pride and Unity: Supporting local businesses fosters a sense of pride and belonging among residents. It strengthens community ties and promotes a collective effort towards the island’s prosperity. The friendly and welcoming nature of Boholanos, evident in places like Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital, has been instrumental in creating an ideal environment for both locals and travelers to engage in community activities and support local enterprises.

Spotlight on Homegrown Brands in Bohol

Bohol is home to inspiring success stories of local brands that have made their mark both locally and beyond. Examples include artisanal chocolate producers who have turned local cacao into globally recognized delicacies, showcasing the high quality and innovation of Bohol’s entrepreneurs. These success stories not only serve as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the island but also boost the province’s reputation as a place where local businesses can thrive and compete on a larger scale. The renowned success of such enterprises highlights the positive impact of local purchases and the significant role these businesses play in promoting Bohol as an ideal destination for sustainable tourism.

Product Highlights

• Artisanal Chocolates: Bohol’s chocolatiers use locally sourced cacao to create exquisite chocolates, celebrated for their quality and uniqueness. This is a prime example of how local businesses in Bohol operate with a commitment to quality and sustainability, utilizing the island’s rich agricultural resources to produce goods that appeal to both locals and travelers.
• Eco-friendly Products: Innovative local businesses offer a range of sustainable goods, from bamboo straws to handwoven bags, reflecting Bohol’s commitment to environmental responsibility. These products, often sold in local stores and supermarkets, are not only eco-friendly but also embody the creativity and resourcefulness of Boholanos. By choosing these products, visitors can contribute to a culture of sustainability while taking home a piece of Bohol’s natural beauty.

These businesses not only enrich the local market with their unique products but also contribute significantly to the island’s economy and cultural landscape. The success of homegrown brands in Bohol is a clear indicator of the potential for local enterprises to flourish, creating employment opportunities and fostering a strong sense of community pride.

Challenges Faced by Local Businesses in Bohol

Economic Challenges

• Pandemic Recovery: Many businesses are still grappling with the economic fallout of the 2020 pandemic, facing decreased tourist numbers and local spending. The strict health protocols and travel restrictions have severely impacted the livelihood of those who depend on tourism and local trade, making it evident that the road to recovery will require sustained support from both the government and the community.
• Competition: Local enterprises must contend with competition from larger corporations and cheaper imported goods, challenging their survival and growth. This competition has been particularly tough on small businesses that operate in tourist-heavy areas, such as hotels and restaurants, where the demand for local experiences and products faces stiff competition from international brands.

Operational Costs

• Rising Expenses: The cost of running a business in Bohol, from rent to utilities, can be prohibitively high for small enterprises, impacting their profitability and sustainability. The challenge of managing these costs is further compounded by the need for specialized equipment and materials, which can be a significant barrier for businesses like food processing or printing services that rely heavily on these inputs to operate effectively.
• Access to Capital: Many local business owners struggle to access the financing needed to grow and innovate, limiting their ability to compete and thrive. This issue has been a longstanding obstacle for entrepreneurs in the province of Bohol, where access to financial resources and investment can be the difference between a business flourishing or suffering.

Competition Landscape

Bohol’s local businesses navigate a competitive environment that includes challenges from:

• Large Corporations: With more resources, these entities can dominate market share, making it hard for small businesses to compete. The presence of large supermarkets and hotel chains in Bohol has introduced a level of competition that requires local businesses to continually innovate and find their niche to attract and retain customers.
• Imported Goods: The influx of cheaper, mass-produced goods from abroad poses a significant challenge, often undercutting local products on price. This situation has prompted many local entrepreneurs to emphasize the quality, uniqueness, and environmental sustainability of their offerings as key differentiators, appealing to a growing segment of consumers interested in supporting local economies and reducing their environmental impact.

How Tourists and Locals Can Support Local Businesses

Making Conscious Choices

• Prefer Local: Choosing local businesses for dining, shopping, or services significantly impacts Bohol’s economy. Tourists and locals making a conscious decision to purchase locally made products or dine in family-run restaurants not only enjoy a more authentic Bohol experience but also contribute to sustaining the livelihood of the island’s residents.
• Explore Beyond Tourist Spots: Discovering hidden gems in less touristy areas of the island of Bohol encourages a more evenly distributed economic benefit. By venturing beyond the usual destinations and engaging in activities offered by local enterprises, visitors can help boost the income of businesses that might otherwise be overlooked.

Promotion and Advocacy

• Word of Mouth: Sharing experiences through social media, travel blogs, or word of mouth plays a crucial role in increasing visibility for small businesses. Positive recommendations can significantly influence where others choose to spend their money, directly benefiting the local economy.
• Engage Locally: Active participation in local events, workshops, and markets not only enhances the visitor experience but also directly supports the businesses involved. This engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for Bohol’s culture and community spirit, reinforcing the bond between the island and its guests.

Engaging with the Community

• Volunteer or Collaborate: Contributions of time or expertise to local projects or businesses can have a profound, lasting impact on the community. Such collaborations can lead to innovative practices that benefit Bohol’s economy and environment, marking a step towards more sustainable tourism and local development.
• Sustainable Practices: Adopting eco-friendly habits supports businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship. By choosing accommodations, tours, and products that align with sustainable practices, visitors and locals alike contribute to the preservation of Bohol’s natural resources and the promotion of a green economy.

The Role of Government and Non-profits in Supporting Local Enterprises

Policy Support

• Incentives for Local Businesses: The provincial government of Bohol can encourage entrepreneurship through tax breaks, grants, or subsidies, creating a more favorable environment for small businesses to grow. Such policies can help alleviate financial pressures, enabling local entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and expansion.
• Infrastructure and Training: Investments in infrastructure and the provision of training programs for small business owners and their employees can significantly enhance the competitiveness of local services and products. Improved roads, better internet connectivity, and access to modern facilities can make a world of difference in how businesses operate and serve their customers.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

• Access to Resources: Facilitating connections to financing, mentorship, and marketplaces is critical for empowering Bohol’s entrepreneurs. Government and non-profit initiatives can bridge these gaps, providing the tools and knowledge needed for businesses to scale and succeed.
• Community Projects: Supporting or initiating projects that benefit local businesses can stimulate economic growth and community development. Events that showcase Bohol’s products and services, such as local food fairs or tourism expos, can draw attention to the island’s offerings and attract investment.

Final Thoughts

The Bigger Picture

Supporting local businesses in Bohol goes beyond economic transactions, it’s about fostering a sustainable future, preserving cultural identity, and strengthening community resilience. The combined efforts of tourists, residents, the government, and non-profits can create a vibrant ecosystem where local enterprises not only survive but thrive.

Fostering a Local First Culture

Encouraging a culture that prioritizes local choices can revolutionize Bohol’s economic landscape, leading to a prosperous, self-sustaining community. Continued support and pride in local achievements will ensure that Bohol remains a beloved destination and a model for sustainable tourism and development.

Visit and Experience

Embrace the local culture and economy by supporting Bohol’s businesses during your stay. Whether you’re indulging in a staycation at a locally-operated hotel, enjoying the flavors of the sea at a renowned restaurant, or purchasing handcrafted souvenirs, your choices have a powerful impact.

Share Your Journey

Inspire others by sharing your journey and experiences with Bohol’s local businesses. Through blog posts, social media shares, or casual conversations, you can play a part in promoting a sustainable, community-focused approach to tourism in this beautiful island province.

By integrating these practices into our travel habits and daily lives, we contribute to a more resilient, vibrant, and sustainable Bohol, where the local economy flourishes alongside its natural and cultural treasures.