The municipality of Panglao in has witnessed a dramatic surge in its Environmental User’s Fee Collection, soaring from P5.1 million pesos in 2021 to a projected P71.2 million pesos by August 2024, according to a report released by the municipal treasurer.
The data, which spans from 2021 to 2024, reveals a consistent year-over-year increase in collections.
In 2021, the total collection stood at a modest P5,174,450 pesos.
This figure jumped significantly to P32,460,540 pesos in 2022, marking a 527% increase.
The upward trend continued in 2023, with collections reaching P58,492,960 pesos.
The most striking growth is observed in the partial 2024 data, which already shows a collection of P71,299,263.78 pesos by August.
This amount surpasses the full-year totals of all previous years, despite four months remaining in the fiscal year.
The addition of these upcoming months’ collections is expected to push the 2024 total even higher.
Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay attributed the remarkable financial turnaround to improved public service.
“When we serve the people genuinely, the difference and change become evident,” Arcay said in Bisaya.
The substantial increase in environmental user fees could be indicative of several factors, including enhanced collection efficiency, growth in tourism activities, or the implementation of new environmental policies.
However, specific reasons for the dramatic rise were not detailed in the treasurer’s report.
The financial boost comes at a crucial time for Panglao, which is currently aiming to elevate its status to a first-class municipality in the coming year.
The classification of municipalities in the Philippines is based on average annual income, with first-class municipalities requiring the highest income threshold.
The rapid growth in collections raises questions about the municipality’s plans for utilizing these funds.
Typically, environmental user fees are earmarked for conservation efforts, infrastructure improvements, and other initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
However, it remains to be seen how this influx of funds will translate into tangible improvements for Panglao’s residents and its environment.
Environmental Fees
In the Philippines, local government units (LGUs) have the authority to impose environmental fees on tourists visiting popular destinations within their jurisdictions.
These fees are crucial for funding environmental protection, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts in areas heavily impacted by tourism.
Legal Basis for Environmental Fee Collection
The legal basis for environmental fee collection in the country stems from several key laws and regulations:
1. Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160): This law grants LGUs the power to generate and maximize the use of resources and to apply their resources according to their priority needs and development plans.
2. Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9593): This act mandates the Department of Tourism and LGUs to promote sustainable tourism development by ensuring the protection and conservation of natural resources in tourist destinations.
3. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003): This law requires LGUs to establish an ecological solid waste management program that includes the collection of fees to support waste management activities.
4. Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275): This act empowers LGUs to impose fees to support water quality management efforts in their respective areas of jurisdiction.