The Protected Area Management Board of Lake Balinsasayao, in Sibulan, a town about six kilometers north of Dumaguete City, stood pat on its decision to collect a higher entrance fee from foreign tourists compared to their local counterparts.

The PAMB, during its meeting last week, reaffirmed its decision in the wake of complaints received by the Provincial Tourism Office from foreigners complaining about the disparity of entrance fees between Filipino and foreign tourists.

Myla Abellana, tourism officer of Oriental Negros, said that she received at least two complaints, so far, from foreigners, whom she did not identify asking why they are made to pay P100 as entrance fee at the Lake Balinsasayao, while Filipino visitors are required to pay only P20.

Lake Balinsasayao is one of the major tourist attractions in Oriental Negros.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Antonio Cabrido, co-chairperson of the PAMB, said if the foreigners want to enjoy in any tourist spot in our place, "they have to pay to what it is worth."

"The rate cannot be disturbed because it is approved by then Environment Secretary Mike Defensor. Besides, the PAMB had conducted a public hearing on the matter," Cabrido said.

Cabrido added that other countries are doing the same scheme, saying it is the prerogative of the place to prescribe the rate.

"It is being done in Singapore, Hongkong and other countries of world," Cabrido added.*RA

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