An environmental fee collected at eco-tourism sites in Barangay Conel, General Santos City has drawn mixed reactions from netizens.

The environmental fee is set at P20 for adults and children seven years old and above, and P15 for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students.

A video showing personnel collecting the fee at an eco-tourism site gained thousands of views and sparked numerous comments.

Some netizens questioned whether the collection complied with legal, procedural, and social standards to ensure that it was valid, effective, and accepted by the community.

COMPLIANT WITH RULES

Barangay officials explained the environmental fee is in accordance with Barangay Ordinance 2025-02.

“Dili man na basta-basta, sir, i-implement namo walay pamaagi nga proseso. Dapat naay proseso. Nag-una mi ana sir, nag-public consultative meeting… paghuman, gipasa didto sa city ang proposal nga ordinansa… na-approve na sa city, sir, dugay-dugay na na na-approve. Pag na-approve na, didto na namu gi-implement,” Barangay Conel Chairwoman Tesie Agbayani said.

Other netizens asked about the purpose of the fee and where the money goes.

The barangay said that the funds collected are earmarked for a trust fund to maintain cleanliness in the area.

“Daghan kaayo mga basura sir, uy… nagkaproblema ang akong mga utility diri… mga botilya ipanglabay, ibilin dito ilabi na sa sapa. Murag trust fund ba namo sir ba… siyempre, kung naay collection, i-remit namo sa city treasurer. Siyempre, ibutang pud sa maong trust fund,” Agbayani added.

Agbayani also dismissed allegations of corruption.

“Dili namo i-korakot sir, dili namo mabulsa. Unsaon man namo ibulsa nga naa may ticket,” Agbayani said.

The barangay also clarified that local residents are exempt from the fee.