The  Protected  Area  Management Board will  be collecting  users  fees from public  conveyances, infrastructure  and  development facilities, tourism, leisure  and  recreation activities for  the Tañon Strait Protected  Seascape  and  Landscape  in Negros  Oriental.

This was disclosed yesterday by Protected Area Superintendent Chamberlain Babiera of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7.

Babiera said he recently met with the mayors whose local governments from Sibulan to Vallehermoso are covered by the protected seascape of Tañon Strait, and in the presence of Gov. Emilio Macias II.

Macias  said he agreed  on the  imposition of  the  users  fee, as  long  as  it   will not  incur  additional  budget  from  the  coffers of LGUs.

Babiera  explained  that  under  the  law,  city  or  municipal  mayors  in areas  covered   by  PAMB are  automatically members   of  the  board. The Tañon Strait Protected Seascape Resources user fee system will serve as an implementing guide for the PAMB members, he said.

Under  the  system, at least  one percent  of  the  total  development  cost  will be  collected  from  shipping companies, resort  owners  and  other business operations   providing  access  to  use of  resources  at the Tañon Strait, Babiera said.

On the other hand, Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia  said  the  TSPS  Users Fee  might  scare investors away. 

Despite his concern, however, Renacia said his local government cannot do otherwise but follow the national law.*MA

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