Iloilo town imposes ₱300 permit, multiple fees up to ₱3,000 for agri-ecotourism activities

Stricter guidelines and new policies imposed in the small town of Tubungan, Iloilo.

A new tourism policy in Tubungan, Iloilo has sparked discussion online after local authorities introduced a permit system and multiple fees for hiking, camping, and agri-ecotourism activities—with total costs potentially reaching thousands of pesos.

Under the municipality’s tourism regulations, organizers are required to secure a permit and pay a ₱300 fee before conducting such activities. They must also submit a Letter of Intent to the Office of the Municipal Mayor at least one month before the scheduled event. The policy aims to improve coordination, ensure visitor safety, and enforce compliance with local tourism guidelines.

Beyond the permit fee, additional charges apply depending on the activity. These include a tourist registration or entrance fee of ₱10 per attraction visited, with Tubungan residents exempted.

Environmental fees range from ₱15 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ₱20 for individuals aged eight years and above. Overnight campers are charged ₱50 per person, while tour guide fees vary depending on assigned rates.

The ordinance also imposes higher fees for commercial activities, including ₱3,000 for advertising and filming projects and ₱1,000 for photoshoots conducted within designated tourism areas.

The set of fees has divided social media users.

Some questioned the mounting costs and sought clarification on how the permit fee and other charges would be utilized. “You’ve turned God’s creation into a business,” a user said.

Others supported the regulation as a way to manage tourism activities and protect natural sites.

“Before we criticize the fees, let’s also consider their purpose. Sustainable tourism is not just about attracting visitors. It is also about protecting destinations, ensuring visitor safety, maintaining trails, and creating benefits for local communities,” a user said. “If managed transparently, these fees can be an investment in preserving Tubungan’s natural beauty for future generations.”

As of posting, the tourism advisory does not specify where proceeds from the fees will be allocated. Further details may be outlined in Municipal Ordinance No. 2020-07 or through clarification from the Municipal Tourism Office.

The municipality has reiterated its policy through the slogan: “No Permit, No Hike. No Permit, No Camp. No Permit, No Agri-Eco Tourism Activity.”

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