The local government of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte is considering reducing the environmental users fee (EUF) collected from tourists and guests visiting the island.

Tourists are required to pay a P50 EUF upon arrival - but there have been complaints about the fee.

"Kuan lagi daw nganong nagapaningil mig EUF… ug what if daw sa Davao mag-implement pud daw sila og EUF didto… ginatubag lang namo nga tourist spot ang Samal kay syempre nagagamit man ta sa natural resources, kinahanglan nato’g maintenance,” Environmental Educator, Richie Susay, said.

Susay clarified that the EUF is only paid once.

"Naa mi ihatag nga ticket sa ilaha. Pag-abot sa resort, di na sila kinahanglan mobayad pa, ipakita nila ang ticket nga gina-issue namo. Pwede ireklamo nganong singlon pa sila didtoa nga naa naman silay ticket nga gipakita,” Susay added.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) explained that the EUF collection will be used in environmental programs and projects, including the purchase of equipment such as garbage compactors.

"Kining EUF nga ginacollect sa atong mga bisita sa Samal dako kaayo nig ikatabang sa implementation sa atong environmental programs and projects usa na niini ang garbage collection makita ninyo ang mga garbage compactors nga gipangpalit kining programa pud sa environmental protection,” Engr. Florante Enriquez of the City Environment and Natural Resources-IGACOS said.

The local government is looking into reducing the fee to P30 or P40. However, it will still undergo further study by a technical working group and public consultations before approval.

“Amo man pud nasabtan ang ilang sentemento nu, naay daghang mga suggestions nga naabot sa amoa amoa ng gitan-aw ang city government wala nagpakabuta bungol sa in-ana nga suggestion mao na nga amoa ng i-consider,” Enriquez added.

Under the Local Government Code, the city has the authority to implement fees like the EUF through a local ordinance. In Samal, EUF is mandated under City Ordinance No. 319.

The EUF is collected from tourists engaging in activities that utilize the island’s natural resources, such as swimming, island hopping, and diving.

Samal residents and property/business owners are exempted, while senior citizens receive a 20 percent discount and children 10 years old and below are free of charge.