Tourism Ecological Fee Implementation Progresses,

Receives Various Feedbacks from Local Tourists

Upon its implementation on September 1, 2023, tourism establishments within the municipality of Manolo Fortich continued the collection the PHP 25.00 Tourism Ecological Fee (TEF).

Through Ordinance No. 2023-1872, the fruition of the amendment of the mandate was pursued. From the Php 5.00 TEF, it is now raised to Php 25.00 to fund ongoing conservation efforts and maintenance for the surroundings of the tourist spots in the municipality. The proceeds of the said fee will fund more trash bins and additional Green Enforcers.

Tourists from the Municipality of Sumilao who visited the Mangima Spring Resort and Bike Park to conduct the year-end evaluation of their organization in the resort. Renerey Gabitano, the organizer of the trip said that they were surprised upon hearing about the Tourism Ecological Fee but reading the IEC stipulated in the vicinity, Renery was enlightened. “Para sa akoa nga anaa sa katungdanan, okay raman gihapon kay para raman ni sa atong kinaiyahan. Pero ang sa uban lage makaangal sad sila kay naa may mga tao nga dili makasabot sa pamalaod sa atong pang-gobyerno. Makasabot sad ko sa ilaha kay basin wala pa sila napasabot og ayo.”

According to one of the receptionists in the resort, Analie Brigole, there were several clients, especially local tourists who preferred to back out upon knowing about the additional fee. “Kadtong mga mubisita nga gikan pa sa layo mudayon ra jud sila pero naa poy uban labi na tong mga taga dire ra nga regular muanhi dinhi, maka back-out jud sila.” she said in an interview.

The Tourism Committee Chairperson, Councilor Rina E. Quiño, understood the hesitancy of the people in the early stages of the amendment. In an interview she stated that the additional fee is intended for a reinforced funding for the tourism and cleanliness of the municipality. “We understand nga ang mga tao sa Manolo Fortich manibag-o jud especially nga gi-ammend atong ordinance nga ang atong ecological fee nga gikan sa 5 pesos mamahimo nang 25 pesos. But the good side of this is para ra gihapon ni sa atong lungsod isip suporta sa atong tourism and environment. Daghan kay tag damgo para sa atong turismo ug kinaiyahan ug dili ni makab-ot if magpabilin ra sa 5 pesos atoang ecological fee.”

She further explained the dangers of not being able to control the garbage disposal due to the number of tourists in the municipality especially in Barangay Dahilayan where most of the tourists go. “Most of our tourist go to Dahilayan kaya dapat we have to improve the garbage disposal didto. Mudaghan atong visitors, mas mudaghan jud atong basura didto mao nang angay lang jud nato patas-an ang fee kay what is 5 pesos these days. It’s not enough jud.”

As stated in the ordinance, the ecological fee is valid for three days. There are five important projects aimed by the proceeds of the fee which includes Enhanced Waste Disposal, More Green Enforcers, Increase Trash cans, Promotion of Local Tourism, and Environmental Awareness Program. Given with these priorities, the ordinance is in accordance with Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño’s 10 Point agenda which includes Sustainable Tourism and Environment.