Baguio studying ordinance to collect fees from tourists for environmental programs

January 23, 2020

BAGUIO CITY -- Baguio City is studying whether to impose fees on tourists to fund the country's Summer Capital waste management and environmental programs. 

An ordinance proposed by councilors Maria Mylen Yaranon and Joel Alangsab concerns  an “Environmental User’s Fee (EUF) System” setting fees for the use of the city’s environment and natural resources.

“The increase of tourism and economic activities within the City of Baguio has intensified the risk of environmental degradation, destruction of our ecosystem, and an increase in land, air, and water pollution,” the proposed ordinance said.

Yaranon and Alangsab added that the proposed EUF will regulate use of  city resources and reduce pollution in many areas.

The ordinance, once approved, will require tourists in the city to pay P75 each for their stay in tourist destinations to be collected by authorized personnel.

The city treasurer will be principal collecting officer assisted by a collecting agent who will be appointed by the mayor.

The collected fees will go to the city’s general funds. The Commission on Audit will undertake an annual audit “to ensure efficiency and transparency.”

Baguio residents will be exempted by the ordinance. DMS