San Remigio regulates fees in tourist sites

CEBU, Philippines — San Remigio town in northern Cebu will regulate the collection of fees in its tourist spots.

This after the Sangguniang Bayan approved en masse an ordinance prescribing fees for the “rental tourism properties, place equipment, costume, tourist spots entrance fee and other tourism user’s fees.”

 “The primary goal of this ordinance is to enhance the tourism industry of this municipality and generate sources of funds for the sustainability and management of Municipal Tourism Office,” read the Ordinance Number 3-2019.

Covered by the ordinance are all public tourism properties, including the equipment for the stand-up paddle, scuba diving, Bahay Kubo (nipa hut), Larsian stalls and other tourism properties and places.

Stand-up paddle will be rented out for P500 per hour; nipa hut is P350 per hour from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. or P500 per night; Kayak boat is P300 and P400 per hour for single and double use, respectively.

The stall rental is set at P1,200 per month, including water and power expenses.

The ordinance also stipulates penalties and charges and requirements for dive shop operations, among others.

Those planning to put up dive shop are required to employ a lifeguard accredited by the Philippine Red Cross and a certified Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certificate holder.

Violators will face a fine ranging from P500 to P2,500 or imprisonment up to 30 days. — KBQ (FREEMAN)