by Ruel B. Francisco February 16, 2021 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - The local government of Ternate imposed a P20 Ecological Fee for touris...
February 16, 2021
TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - The local government of Ternate imposed a P20 Ecological Fee for tourists, motorists, and motorcycle riders who visit the town particularly the Kaybiang tunnel.
Collection of said fee last weekend, February 6 & 7 earned flak and criticisms from the motoring public and local tourists because of the unexpected and unannounced action from the local authorities.
Ternate Mayor Lamberto Bambao through his staff Bryan Novejas explained the collection of said fee is in accordance with Municipal Ordinance No. 5 s. 2014 authored by then Councilor Lorenz Khalil Soberano, Chair fo the Committee on Trade, Tourism, Culture, and Arts during the term of Former Mayor Herminio Lindo.
Also known as the "Ternate Tourism Ecological Fee Ordinance," it was passed to ensure the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the locality, judicious and wise utilization, protection and conservation and management on a sustainable basis of its natural resources with the necessity of maintaining sound ecological balance.
Novejas explained that "to generate funds as a source of revenue to finance the implementation of environmental and tourism plans and projects and to provide the necessary amenities and services out of the collected fee that goes to peace and order, beautification, livelihood, health assistance."
"This is the way we can meet the needs of the local government to provide for the cleaning of garbage left by riders and tourists on the road or in Kaybiang Tunnel and to be used for the mobility of police for peace and order, rescue by MDRRMO in times of accidents within the vicinity. Saan naman kame kukuha ng funding, we are only a 4th class municipality," added Novejas.
Kaybiang tunnel is a 300 meter long tunnel with 4.85 meter wide vertical clearance completed on July 1, 2013. The tunnel is considered the longest tunnel in the country which serves as an alternate route going to the municipality of Nasugbu. It has been frequented by local tourists, and motorcycle riders even cycling enthusiasts for souvenir photos and access to the beautiful beaches in Ternate and Nasugbu.
Meanwhile, Municipal Treasurer Brendalyn Olano pointed out the ecological fee will be collected on weekends and residents of Nasugbu are exempted upon presentation of proof of residency.
"Kaya po sa mga darating na weekend po, umasa po kayo na ang pamahalaang lokal ng Ternate ay muling maglalagay ng booth para sa nasabing Ecological Fee, ang mga residente ho ng Nasugbu na may kaukulang dokumento na nagpapatunay na sila ay residente dito ay hindi kasali sa fee," said Olano. (Ruel Francisco with reports from Dennis Abrina; Ternate One)
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