Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, chair of the city’s finance committee, presented a legislative update during the Tourism Dialogue held at Shangri-La Mactan Resort on July 11, 2024. Her presentation highlighted the city’s ongoing environmental efforts and the need for additional funding.
Cuizon emphasized the importance of securing a total of ₱53,036,000 to sustain current environmental maintenance and protection programs. This funding gap exists despite a ₱120 million allocation to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) within the city’s ₱3 billion annual budget.
Environmental Fee Funding Projects
Cuizon outlined various environmental projects planned or underway, funded by the recently implemented environmental fee. These projects include:
- Increased waste management: Additional garbage bins, hauling of garbage from transfer stations to landfills, additional garbage trucks, and hiring of more drivers and collectors.
- Sanitation improvements: Portable septic tanks and desludging of washrooms at Angasil and Maribago ports.
- Marine conservation: Coral rehabilitation efforts and a motor banca for Bantay Dagat (environmental protection force).
- Infrastructure improvements: Renovation of Angasil port and perimeter fencing for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
Revenue from Environmental Fees
City Treasurer Claire Cabalda reported a total collection of ₱4,234,925 from the environmental fee between May and June 2024. This revenue originated from various ports and resorts in the city, including Angasil, Hilton, Maribago, Marigondon, Buyong, Bantay Dagat, and Shangri-La.
Justification for the Fee
Cuizon addressed concerns regarding the environmental fee. She explained that Lapu-Lapu City’s growing popularity as a tourist destination, boasting 53 diving sites and diverse marine life, necessitates dedicated efforts to preserve its natural beauty.
“We have a million sardines in Maribago, turtles, dolphins, and whales,” Cuizon stated. “But to maintain these natural treasures, we have to protect them.”
The environmental fee serves as a crucial source of funding to bridge the gap between existing budget allocations and the expanding needs of Lapu-Lapu City’s environmental programs.
comments are temporarily disabled.
