By  Dandan A. Bantugan Tagbilaran City – Bohol is still one of the country’s top tourist destinations, according to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo. Teo, who visited Bohol recently, said the province is among the top preferences of both local and foreign tourists together wih Boracay, Palawan and Cebu. “Yes, Bohol is always considered by tourists as their top destination. They want to come here and visit the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier,” Teo said. She said the white sand beaches in Panglao and the man-made forest in Bilar are also popular among vacationers. Teo said the tourist influx in Bohol is expected to further grow once the international airport in Panglao is completed and direct routes between the province and Europe are introduced. The new airport in Panglao is set for completion in July and commercial operations are expected to begin in August. Teo was here as guest of honor during the groundbreaking of the R1.5-billion water treatment facility in Barangay Patrocinio, Cortes town, the first bulk water supply project in the province under the auspices of Richli Corp. headed by businessman Richard Lim. She was accompanied by Presidential Assistant Michael Dino and DOT regional director ShamaniTamano. Teo is positive the water treatment project will boost tourism because it is intended to supply water to Dauis and the resort town of Panglao. “This is definitely part of the build, build, build policy of the Duterte administration involving the private sector participation,” Teo added.